When it comes to which country eats the most produce, the answer might surprise you.
National Geographic has released a very cool interactive infographic that you must see. The graphic shows us not only how our diets compare to those of other countries, but also how much our diets have changed over the past 50 years.
Click here, hit play and watch before your eyes how diets have changed for the better in some cases, and much worse in cases like the United States.
According to the graphic, the most recent data ranks the United States 7th in the quantity of produce consumed by each person, and who’s first? None other than China.
The landscape of the Chinese diet has changed quite a bit over the past 50 years, increasing from 537g of fresh produce per person in 1961, to 1335g of produce per person, making them far and away the largest consumer of the category currently. The sugar and fat consumption is also shockingly low in the country, at only 60g per person.
In contrast, produce consumption in the United States has remained much more stagnant over the decades. In 1961, the U.S. consumed 613g of produce per person, and in 2011, that had only grown to 740g. Even more troublesome is how much sugar and fat consumption have increased, from 186g to 266g.
With diets trends across the globe rapidly changing to include more produce, the United States is not keeping up with its international counterparts.
Unfortunately our Canadian brothers aren't included in this ranking, which I believe is a huge mistake. Canada is known as a huge consumer of fresh produce and it would have been interesting to see included in the graphic.
Other countries that beat the United States in 2011 fresh produce consumption include:
- #2. Cuba - 1026g per person
- #3. Libya - 941 g per person
- #4. United Kingdom - 878g per person
- #5. South Korea - 840g per person
- #6. Russia - 793g per person
Near the bottom of the list were countries like Australia at 264g per person, Honk Kong at 251g per person, and Mexico at 168g per person.
Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow for continued updates on the worldwide landscape of produce consumption.
VERMONT - One short year after Vermont became the first state to proceed with Act 120, a statute mandating labels on all genetically modified (GMO) products, the matter has been heard and decided by a federal judge.
U.S. District Court Judge Christina Reiss determined that the statute on identifying GMO’s is constitutional and shall proceed.
The decision could provide a fundamental premise for several other states expected to vote on the matter next year. The labeling law was passed in Vermont in 2014, according to the Burlington Free Press, but has been a matter of heated debate as far as whether or not it is constitutional on the grounds of interference with business and possibilities of discrimination.
"Manufacturers are being harmed, and they are being harmed now," the Grocery Manufacturers Association said in a statement, according to the Burlington Free Press. "Act 120 is unconstitutional and imposes burdensome new speech requirements on food manufacturers and retailers."
The judge ruled, however, that because the law doesn’t impose burdens greater than what currently exists on companies outside of Vermont than those within the state, doesn’t require GMO labeling nationwide, and doesn’t conflict with laws in other states, it is not unconstitutional.
The determination allows the statute to go into effect as originally planned on July 1, 2016, however because Judge Reiss reportedly agreed with some points raised by opponents that are trying to block the statute, it is possible the matter could still be brought to trial.
AndNowUKnow will continue to keep you up to date as we follow this developing story.
HOUSTON, TX - Fiesta Mart has been acquired by an investment firm less than six months after the purchase of its parent company, Grocers Supply Co. Inc.
Acon Investments LLC, an investment firm based in Washington D.C. has purchased the 60-store chain that was not part of C&S Wholesale Grocers Inc.’s November acquistion.
"Acon's prior supermarket investing experience should prove beneficial to Fiesta, and we were fortunate to have been able to work through the complexities of the integrated businesses of Fiesta and Grocers Supply to arrive at a good solution," Andre Bhatia, Managing Partner of Acon, said in a press release.
Acon has hired Michael Byars as the new President and CEO of Fiesta, according to the Houston Business Journal, but C&S Wholesale will continue to supply the chain.
Byars reportedly brings several years of grocery and leadership experience, having served most recently as President and CEO of BI-LO, LLC. Byars was also President and CEO of Minyard Food Stores, Inc. and worked in several senior management positions during his 25 years with the Delhaize Group.
“We are excited to be partnering with Mike and the entire Fiesta team,” Ken Brotman, a Founding Partner of Acon, said in the release. “Fiesta has established itself as a leading international and Hispanic grocery operator in the United States, and we look forward to building value in a business that is very well positioned for continued growth.”
According to the Houston Business Journal report, the Food Partners LLC is serving as financial adviser, and Hogan Lovells US LLP as legal counsel to Acon, with Lazard serving as financial adviser and Vinson & Elkins LLP as legal counsel to Fiesta.
The financial details of the acquisition have not yet been disclosed. Acon reportedly commented that it does not currently have any plan to establish its own operations in Texas, nor did it say anything about changes to a management team, staff additions or reductions, or any store closures.
CHARLOTTE, NC - ALC Logistics was named by Inbound Logistics Magazine as one of its Top 100 Logistics IT Providers.
"From our humble beginning almost 40 years ago to being one of Inbound Logistics Top 100 Logistics IT Providers in North America; that has been the American dream built upon dedication and hard work," Kenny Lund, Vice President for ALC Logistics, said in a press release. "We are proud to be recognized for the services provided by all employees at the Allen Lund Company."
Mike Terry, Director of ALC Logistics, also commented how grateful the company is to be recognized for doing its best to give shippers and growers an IT logistics provider with a custom solution that addresses the most complicated integration needs, as well as increasing visibility throughout their supply chain. "Our software design and support teams strive to be both the best provider of IT logistics technology and to deliver state of the art solutions and unparalleled support to our customers. We are grateful for being recognized for those efforts and will continue our pursuit to be a leader in IT transportation logistics."
Inbound Logistics, founded in 1981, chose 100 technology providers out of more than 400 entries that it felt provided the most dynamic solutions to challenges that arise for supply chains.
SALINAS, CA - Mann Packing Co. Inc.’s Canadian National Manager Ben Alviano received the Mary FitzGerald Award at this year’s CPMA expo in Montreal, Canada.
The Mary FitzGerald Award is given to those under the age of 40 working in Canadian produce, and focuses on generosity, innovation, and the demonstration of a passion for produce.
“Alviano is an ambassador for produce in Canada for his company and the Canadian produce industry overall,” Les Mallard, Canada Zone Manager for Chiquita and presenter of the award, said, according to a press release. “He has an incredible work-life balance and a unique passion for produce with his innovative spirit and entrepreneurial vision.”
Alviano lives in Toronto with his wife and two children, volunteering with school activities, coaching hockey, and supervising skating lessons. On the work side, he reportedly mentors Mann Packing Canada’s newly-hired District Manager Michael Sousa, who participated in the 2015 CPMA Passion for Produce program.
Alviano is active in all produce association events, and this is not his first recognition, according to the company. Previously Alviano was presented with the Produce Business 40 Under 40 Award, and has been a participant in events including the Canadian Produce Marketing Association, the Ontario Produce Marketing Association, the United Fresh, and more.
OAKLAND, CA - AndNowUKnow is always looking for innovative companies in the fresh produce industry. One company that can definitely be categorized as innovative is Oakland-based Back to the Roots.
Known for their grow-at-home Organic Mushroom Farm and Water Garden, the Back to the Roots crew garnered a lot of attention at last year’s PMA Fresh Summit with their “Have you Met the Mushroom Men” t-shirts, and have been on our radars ever since. They have even been named one of Forbes' 25 Most Innovative Brands.
The company’s Organic Mushroom Farm allows you to grow Pearl Oyster mushrooms at home right out of the box in 10 days by just sprinkling water on them. Celebrities from Martha Stewart and the cast of ABC’s The Chew to Oprah have all endorsed the mushroom kits.
“Such a fun product — I love how it's connecting families to their food again,” Martha Stewart has said of the Mushroom Farm kits.
The catalyst for the company came from a Graduate class professor that Founders Nikhil Arora and Alejandro Velez shared. Inspired by hearing you can grow mushrooms from used coffee grounds, the guys began experimenting in Alejandro’s Fraternity kitchen of all places.
“We eventually decided to give up our corporate job offers to instead become full-time mushroom farmers,” said Founders Nikhil Arora and Alejandro Velez on their company’s website. “We're on a mission to make food personal again and inspire families to ask, ‘where does my food come from?’”
What started as curiosity about urban farming has turned into a passion for “undoing food” for Back to the Roots. By reconnecting families to their “roots” through fun, delicious, and sustainable “ready to grow” and “ready to eat” products, food loses its mystery and regains its joy.
With a company as young and innovative as Back to the Roots, we can’t wait to see what they think of next.
CINCINNATI, OH - Kroger has announced plans for a $464.6 million expansion, including 11 new stores and 22 store expansions or remodels, in central Indiana. The expansion is expected to bring 3,440 permanent jobs to the state.
“Kroger has remained very competitive in the marketplace because we recognize the critical importance of investing in stores with features appropriate to the 21st century marketplace and evolving customer expectations,” said Jeff Burt, President of Kroger's Central Division, according to The Star Tribune.
Kroger has been working on this four-year plan for a year so far, and has already built seven Kroger Marketplace stores in the Indianapolis area, according to The Star Tribune. “Kroger Marketplaces” are Kroger’s largest banners at about 125,000 square feet and include cafes and apparel shops. These seven stores alone are expected to cost $141 million and create 1,530 jobs.
Kroger also said it will expand its Simple Truth natural and organic food offerings.
Kroger’s expansion plans come at the same time that many of its competitors expand in the area as well. According to The Star Tribune, competitors in the same region include Fresh Thyme Farmers Market, Earth Fare, Meijer, Marsh, Aldi, Target, and Wal-Mart.
According to news source, The Indy Star, other highlights from Kroger’s expansion plan include:
- New Kroger Marketplace locations include 11700 Olio Road in Fishers; U.S. 31 and Mallory Parkway in Franklin; and 8850 S. Emerson Road and 5325 E. Thompson Road in Indianapolis. Other locations are yet to be announced.
- New Kroger Superstores locations include Ind. 135 and Smokey Row Road in Greenwood; 116th Street and Michigan Road in Zionsville; and Southport and Franklin roads in Indianapolis.
- $58 million store expansions include stores at 1217 South Range Line Road in Carmel; Independence Drive at U.S. 31 South in Greenwood; and 150 W. 161st St. in Westfield.
- Store remodel locations include stores in Indianapolis, Mooresville, Greenfield, and Franklin.
- Other remodels include 22 pharmacies, 16 new fuel centers, 24 Murrays Cheese locations, 27 Starbucks stores, and 14 Little Clinics.
Stay tuned for continued updates on Kroger’s developing expansion plans.
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has imposed sanctions on four PACA violators in Illinois, California, and Florida for failure to pay reparation awards, according to a USDA press release.
According to the release, the following businesses and individuals are currently restricted from operating in the produce industry:
- La Siembra Produce Inc., operating out of Chicago, Ill., for failing to pay a $5,920 award in favor of a Texas seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Eduardo Ornelas was listed as the officer, director, and major stockholder of the business.
- Sentinela Fresh Produce Inc., operating out of Chula Vista, Calif., for failing to pay an $8,364 award in favor of an Arizona seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Javier Medina was listed as an officer, director, and major stockholder of the business. Another principal of the business at the time of the order was Hector Lomeli, who has challenged his responsibly connected status.
- MD Food Market Inc., operating out of Tampa, Fla., for failing to pay a $24,960 award in favor of a Florida seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Maikel Duarte was listed as the officer, director, and major stockholder of the business.
- E Fresh Produce Inc., operating out of Los Angeles, Calif., for failing to pay a $5,831 award in favor of a California seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Juan Martinez was listed as the officer, director, and major stockholder of the business.
USDA is required to suspend the license or impose sanctions on an unlicensed business that fails to pay PACA reparations awarded against it as well as impose restrictions against those principles determined to be responsibly connected to the business when the order is issued. Those individuals, including sole proprietors, partners, members, managers, officers, directors, or major stockholders may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee without USDA-approval.
In the past three years, USDA resolved approximately 4,250 PACA claims involving more than $77 million. USDA experts have also assisted more than 7,000 callers with issues valued at approximately $110 million. Individuals, including sole proprietors, partners, members, managers, officers, directors, or major stockholders may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee without the approval of the USDA. The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), PACA Division, regulates fair trading practices of produce businesses operating subject to PACA.
BROOKS, OR - Blueberry seasons are getting earlier and earlier in recent years, and Curry & Company is one company that is enjoying the benefits.
This year’s Oregon blueberry season is expected to start harvesting 7-10 days earlier than usual, due to a mild winter and warmer-than-typical spring. Harvest will start in the Willamette Valley with the popular Duke variety as early as June 1st, and promotable volumes are expected to be available the 2nd week of June. Oregon blueberries from Curry & Company will be available from the start of the season until October, according to a press release.
“June and July will be great months for retailers to promote blueberries,” says Curry & Company President, Matt Curry. “We will have plenty of Oregon blueberries for 4th of July promotions, and even for Father’s Day promotions with this early start. We are already seeing nice size in late April and are excited for the season to begin.”
At the peak of the season, Curry & Company will be packing primarily in 6 oz., pints, 18 oz., and 2# clamshells. Larger size packages will be available from the first day of the season, until volumes start slowing down in late July. Then production will switch its focus to the 6oz. clamshell.
The state of Oregon is one of the largest blueberry producers in the U.S. and is the largest producing state on the West Coast. Other leading states include Michigan, New Jersey, Georgia, California, and Washington.
Curry & Company blueberries are packed and shipped from its warehouse in Brooks, OR, and from its Los Angeles, CA, warehouse.
BRAWLEY, CA - Legend Produce’s exclusive Origami cantaloupe harvest is under way for the earliest pick in three decades.
“This is the earliest we have harvested cantaloupe, both California and Arizona, in over 30 years,” Barry Zwillinger, Sales Manager for Legend Produce, said in a press release. “We have had ideal growing conditions producing our finest crop ever! Size, aroma and flavor are absolutely exceptional.”
According to the release, the average brix range for this year’s crop is expected to be around 12 to 14 percent, which Legend said will bring an excellent flavor profile to the melons that has reportedly surpassed expectations. In fact, the company says it increased its acreage with each harvest due to the Origami’s success over the last five years “with retailers, food service, and processor outlets alike," resulting in Legend dedicating a majority of its production to this variety.
Legend grows Origami cantaloupes in multiple locations to provide good availability all through the season. California harvest has just begun, with Yuma, Arizona listed to begin on May 5. They will be available throughout the summer months into early fall.