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CASTROVILLE, CA - Ocean Mist Farms has formed a strategic alliance with Lakeside Organic Gardens to grow for one another and expand their respective organic product lines.
Marketed under its Ocean Mist Organic label, Ocean Mist’s organic product line will expand to include beets, broccoli, cauliflower, celery, cilantro, fennel, iceberg lettuce, kale, leeks, parsley, red leaf, green leaf, romaine, and spinach.
Lakeside Organic Gardens’ product line will now include organic artichokes.
The first products will ship in July from the Ocean Mist Farms cooler in Castroville, CA and the Lakeside Organic Gardens cooler in Watsonville, CA, according to a press release.
“The purpose of the strategic alliance between the two companies is to meet the increasing shopper demand for organic produce,” said Ocean Mist Farms CEO Ed Boutonnet. “It’s important to the future of our business that we respond to the changes in the marketplace and meet the needs of our end consumer; adding organic produce to our product list is part of meeting that need.”
Dick Peixoto, Lakeside Organic Gardens Grower Owner, similarly expressed his excitement for the expanded product line, noting, “We appreciate the commitment Ocean Mist has made to grow the best quality organic artichokes. This is a win for both companies because both of our customers will have immediate access to wider organic product lines.”
Both Ocean Mist Farms and Lakeside Organic Gardens are family-owned and operated.
Keep an eye out for these new products within the coming months.
IRVINE, CA - The California Avocado Commission (CAC) has unveiled its new Distinctly Californian consumer advertising campaign, linking classic California menu items with California Avocados. This new multimedia campaign focuses on Western states with national print advertising in epicurean publications.
Jan DeLyser, Vice President of Marketing for CAC, said, “Think about how many times you’ve seen a California Omelet on a menu, or a California Caesar Salad, or even the ubiquitous California Roll. What do those dishes have in common? Avocados. The Distinctly Californian campaign cements the bond between California dishes and California avocados.”
Advertising timing for California avocados varies by market, with the heaviest ad weight from May through July. Print, digital, and outdoor ads feature such classic dishes as a California Club Sandwich, California Roll, and a California Burger, noting that without authentic California avocados, the dish just wouldn’t be the same. In California, the outdoor ads also emphasize locally grown. Attention-getting local media vehicles are in the mix, according to a press release, including bus shelters near supermarkets, Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) ads, wallscapes and even a wrapped trolley in San Diego. CAC also uses geo-local ads informing consumers where they can find California avocados.
CAC’s online and social media activities complement the Distinctly Californian campaign with messaging highlighting recipes and recipe builds (visuals) suggesting how to “California-fy” the dishes with California avocados. The commission regularly updates its recipes and tips in response to strong demand to consumers. CAC also promotes Memorial Day and summer recipes through Facebook and other online ads.
“California is the only commercial source for domestically grown Hass Avocados, which makes California avocados the perfect choice for patriotic promotions such as Memorial Day and 4th of July,” said DeLyser.
Memorial Day is the first of traditional “American Summer Holidays” and CAC is supporting the event with retail promotions. The industry estimate for avocado consumption around Memorial Day is nearly 102 million pounds, surpassing Cinco do Mayo and making it the third-largest avocado consumption event of 2015. Customer-specific promotions such as sales and display contests, demos, display bins, point-of-sale material (POS) and in-store activity provide targeted California avocado support. An American Summer Holidays recipe booklet featuring 12 California avocado recipes perfect for barbecues and summer entertaining complements displays of California avocados.
IRVING, TX - This year, AndNowUKnow is proud to be the official media sponsor of the Tour de Fresh. The annual fundraising event coming up this October 19th to the 22nd is a 300-mile bike ride from Hickory, NC, arriving in Atlanta, GA, just prior to the opening of PMA’s Fresh Summit.
To learn more about last year's event, you can watch the video below:
Last year’s event was a raging success, raising over $142,000 and placing over 40 salads bars in communities in 11 states including California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Texas, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. For 2015, the goal of the 2015 Tour de Fresh and its participants is to privately finance more than 100 new salad bars in school districts across the country. Tour de Fresh will also increase its roster of riders from 40 to 55 to accommodate anyone who did not get to join in on the fun in 2014.
Interested in being a sponsor?
Tour de Fresh sponsorships offer fresh produce industry companies six months of marketing opportunities, media impressions, and exposure. Opportunities to join confirmed Premier Sponsors like California Giant Berry Farms, CHEP, Tanimura & Antle, Natural Delights, TSAMMA, and Oneonta Starr Ranch Growers are now available. Also, thanks to the overwhelming demand for sponsorships last year, new sponsorships are available including:
- Support Van Sponsors
- Breakfast Sponsors
- Lunch Sponsors
- Dinner Sponsors
- Finish Line Ceremony Sponsors
- Rider Sponsors
In addition to fresh produce companies, retailers have opportunities to join in to support Tour de Fresh too. Sponsorship opportunities being offered to retailers include:
- Retail Stop & Lunch Sponsors
- Finish Line Ceremony Sponsor
At last year’s event, Tour de Fresh rider Ed Purves and his wife Robin raised $15,000 riding together on their tandem bike, and have been hugely active with planning this year’s event as well. Purves and the rest of the Tour de Fresh team recently had the opportunity to participate in Salad Bar Recognition Day at a Bakersfield, California Middle School.
Purves had a wonderful experience at the school, and had this to say, “First and foremost, there is nothing like the up close and personal seeing of a first hand experience! If that does not sell you on the real benefits of a salad bar in schools then nothing will. The school we visited was a run of the mill middle to lower class type school, but the commitment and creativity from the working salad bar staff and the principal was clear.”
Responses from the children the group interviewed were also overwhelming positive. Having alternatives to meat and access to fresh fruit and vegetables made all the difference to them.
“I was surprised at how much they were being used honestly. I saw numerous items being consumed and having to be replenished,” said Brett Dixon, President of Top Brass. “It was truthfully rewarding to see what you have set in motion, Ed. I thought they were doing a great job and Brenda and Sarah (affiliates of the Bakersfield School District) seem to take great interest in constantly improving the possibilities. I appreciate you allowing us to be a part of the process!”
So are you interested in supporting a great cause and providing salad bars to schools around the country? Visit tourdefresh.com for all the information you’ll need.
MILWAUKEE, WI - Sendik’s Food Markets has welcomed veteran of the industry Dan Spain as its new Produce Director.
“Dan is someone we have done business with, and admired, for many years,” Family Co-Owner Patrick Balistreri said, according to a press release. “He shares our passion for produce and is well respected by growers and partners throughout the country. Because of his experience and industry connections, Dan makes our strong team even stronger.”
In his new role with the company, Spain will build grower relationships, set company strategies, as well as use his previous knowledge and experience to procure product, according to the release.
“I could not be more excited to be joining the Sendik's family,” Spain said. “I've had the pleasure of visiting retailers in nearly every state, and Sendik's has as fine a produce operation as I've seen. I look forward to building on their well-deserved reputation.”
He brings with him a repertoire of sales, retail, and strategic experience in produce. Spain began his industry career in retail with Von’s Grocery Company, working his way up through several positions such as produce and store manager, field merchandiser, and category manager. He has since worked with Sunkist Fresh as its Director of National Accounts, and most recently as Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Kingsburg Orchard.
Spain also reportedly has long-time associations with key produce groups such as:
- The Produce Marketing Association
- United Fresh Fruit Association
- Fresh Produce & Floral Council
- Southeast Produce Council
- Eastern Produce Council
- National Grocers Association
With this new position Spain returns to the roots of his produce career with the retail side of the industry, and the company looks forward to what he will add to its produce team.
PARSIPPANY, NJ - Kings Food Markets is bringing back its Just Picked Promise Program for the summertime season.
“Freshness equals time,” Paul Kneeland, Vice President of Produce, Meat, Seafood and Floral for Kings Food Markets, according to a press release. “That’s why we are so proud to bring back our 24 hour Just Picked Promise. Our growers are committed to bringing the freshest, highest quality local produce to our stores every delivery.”
Beginning Friday, May 22, customers for the retail market will have access to locally grown, farm-fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs within 24 hours of being picked.
“Each summer, we look forward to bringing the Just Picked Promise Program to our customers,” Judy Spires, President and CEO of Kings Food Markets, said in the release. “This exclusive program allows us to deliver the freshest produce available from our shoppers’ local community. As soon as customers see the Just Picked Promise seal, they know they are purchasing high quality products just like what they find at their local produce stand.”
Kings reportedly works with over 25 farmers in the region during the duration of the program, fresh, seasonal products are harvested in the morning delivered to the market for sale the next day through an expedited distribution process, according to the company. The program is the result of a partnership and collaboration with a non-profit organization called Red Tomato, which is Massachusetts-based and focuses on strengthening the connection from farmer to consumer.
Kings Food Markets' consumers will be able to find the fresh-picked produce under the 24 Hour Just Picked Promise seal in Kings stores. While the available items will vary on a daily basis, the release states that summer products such as arugula, basil, cilantro, lettuce, squash, mint, blueberries, cucumbers, kale and tomatoes can be expected.
The program will continue to run through Labor Day on Monday, September 7th.
BAKERSFIELD, CA - Sun World is in the midst of yet another excellent grape harvest out of Mexico and Coachella Valley this season. Despite an early start, color and taste for the company’s signature grapes are continuing to prove exceptional, and retailers are encouraged to start promoting now to get the most out of this season.
“Crops in Mexico and Coachella are coming off in a controlled steady fashion due to cooler weather in the areas,” said Jason Fuller, Sun World’s Sales Manager. “We’re continuing to watch for any unusual weather patterns as the crop continues to develop, but we anticipate a phenomenal season ahead.”
Sun World started harvesting Flame Seedless grapes on May 6 and has reported excellent color and eating quality, with over 20 brix recorded on the first day of harvest. Likewise, SUPERIOR SEEDLESS® green grapes, which started harvest earlier this month, are also showing outstanding sugar development. Volume, color, and overall quality are expected to remain consistent for the foreseeable future, barring any significant weather changes in Mexico or Coachella.
The atypical cooler weather patterns in Mexico and Coachella, however, could potentially slow down the harvest if these temperatures continue. That looks to change in both areas in the coming week, as temperatures are expected to climb into late next week.
“Both regions have been experiencing unusually cool temperatures that could easily slow both harvest and affect brix levels, yet will improve color development on red and black grapes,” Fuller continued. “Unseasonably warm temperatures may have contributed to a lighter set on the SUPERIOR SEEDLESS® variety out of Coachella, but in spite of that, taste has been exceptional. The Mexico region is experiencing similar volume reductions on SUPERIOR SEEDLESS®.”
In the coming days, Sun World will harvest its first crop of SABLE SEEDLESS® brand grapes out of Coachella, providing earlier than usual availability of the mid-season variety. Summer Royal grapes out of Mexico have started to cross with bigger volume, while Sun World’s premier black seedless grape, MIDNIGHT BEAUTY®, will begin harvest out of Coachella on May 15th and in early June out of Mexico.
Two of Sun World’s newest grapes, STARLETTA SEEDLESS®, an ultra-early black grape, and SONERA SEEDLESS®, an early through midseason red grape, are currently being assessed. More information on these latest grapes from Sun World will be coming shortly, so keep an eye out.
Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow as we continue to track the progress of Mexico and Coachella Valley’s grape season.
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL - Camposol’s first quarter for the 2015 fiscal year was released by the company yesterday.
"The Company expects to continue its diversification strategy by increasing the production in the F&V Segment (blueberries) and Seafood Segment (shrimp farming), as well as continue to reinforce our Trading Segment (direct sales to retailers), adding value to its clients through commercial, marketing and service initiatives which should result in higher margins,” Samuel Dyer Coriat, Executive Chairman of Camposol Holding Ltd., said in a press release. “Within the next 2 years, we will see an important growth in our volumes (blueberries, shrimp and avocados), without additional substantial CapEx."
While Camposol reported lower figures for the start of the fiscal year, it cited that this time is lower than the rest of the year due to one of its largest products, avocados, being produced mostly in its second and third quarters.
The company, however, reportedly sold 24,598 net metric tons (MT) during the first quarter of 2015, up 0.9% from Q1 2014, which it contributed mostly to an increase in volumes for blueberries, as well as shrimp and other seafood products.
Contributors and key factors included:
- Volume sold during Q1 2015 was $24,598 net MT, up 0.9% from Q1 2014 due to increased volumes of blueberries and seafood products, as well as lower volumes of asparagus and mangos.
- Average price was USD $2.92 per net KG, up 17.7% from the same period in 2014 due to increased prices of preserved white asparagus, blueberries, and fresh mangoes.
- Sales of USD $71.7 million, up 18.6% from Q1 2014 mainly due to increased peppers and seafood products volumes sold.
- Average cost of goods sold during Q1 2015 was USD $2.42 per net KG, up 37.5% from same period last year due to costs of asparagus, shrimp and peppers increasing to lower yields.
- EBITDA of USD $1.5 million, 79.7% lower than Q1 2014 due to lower fresh mangoes and preserved white asparagus volumes, plus increasing cost of goods sold of shrimp and preserved peppers. EBITDA margin for Q1 2015 decreased to 2.1%.
During this period, the company reportedly recorded an EBITDA of USD $1.5 million, 79.7% lower when compared to the same period 2014, and a loss for the period of USD 2.0 million, having experienced a profit of USD $1.1 million in 2014.
Looking forward, the company stated in the release that the long-term growth prospects for exotic fruits and vegetables markets are excellent. Avocados and blueberries consumption is reportedly growing, with headroom for increased per capita consumption in key markets. Overall, it expects good demand for all fresh produce in general, for avocados specifically, in both the United States and Europe.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - NatureSweet® is rekindling its partnership with Weber® Grills for a contest that endeavors to make the company’s Glorys® brand of Fresh Ingredient Tomatoes a grilling season necessity: The Glorys of Grilling Sweepstakes.
According to NatureSweet, money saving coupons, grilling ideas, and instructions on how to enter the seasonal sweepstakes can be found at the company’s Glorys of Grilling displays in participating retailers nationwide. Entering the sweepstakes gives consumers a chance to win weekly giveaways of Weber Q® 1200 Gas Grills™ or the Ultimate Weber® Grill Prize Package, valued at $3,000.
“Whether you are seeking out a back-to-basics approach to charcoal grilling or smoking, or want to simply improve your technique at the gas grill, NatureSweet’s summer combination of Glorys recipes and Weber® Grills is returning to participating retailers across the U.S. to get you fired up!” the company exclaimed in a press release.
The contest officially opened for entry on May 18th, and contestants can enter by submitting a photo or video with a description of their favorite grilled Glorys “masterpiece.” The company also encourages all entrants to showcase their entries on social media after submitting them for the contest.
The sweepstakes will close on July 5th, with judging of all photos and videos being based on:
- Relevance - aligning with the contest theme “Glorys of Grilling.”
- Creativity - how compelling the image and description are while portraying the theme
- Audience support - votes, views, reviews, and attention across the Internet.
For all the latest promotions and produce-related campaigns, keep checking in with AndNowUKnow.
Glorys of Grilling Sweepstakes
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The honey bee has a new ally these days: President Barack Obama. Responding to the continuing decline in honey bee populations, the Obama administration has just released a National Strategy to Promote the Health of Honey Bees and Other Pollinators.
This new strategy will reportedly make millions of acres of federal land more adaptable to bees, spend millions of dollars on research, and finding new ways to use fewer pesticides. The Environmental Protection Agency is also scheduled to re-evaluate a class of insecticides called neonicotinoids.
Some scientists believe that these strategies may help pollinators that are starving, because much of the American landscape has been converted to lawns and crops that don't provide foraging areas for bees.
"This is the first time I've seen addressed the issue that there's nothing for pollinators to eat," said University of Illinois Entomologist May Berenbaum, according to the Associated Press. "I think it's brilliant.”
The Obama administration says honeybee pollination adds more than $15 billion in value to agricultural crops each year, and over the past five years, winter losses of commercial honeybee colonies have averaged roughly 30 percent. According to the Washington Post, several universities and research laboratories announced last week that beekeepers lost 42.1 percent of their colonies over the past year, signaling an 8 percent spike from the previous year, and that the number of summer deaths exceeded winter deaths for the first time since the survey began in 2010.
The administration's strategy seeks to reduce honeybee colony losses during the winter to no more than 15 percent within 10 years, as well as increase the Eastern population of the monarch to 225 million butterflies occupying an area of approximately 15 acres in the insect's Mexico wintering grounds. Obama has set a goal of restoring or enhancing 7 million acres of land for pollinators over the next five years.