WASHINGTON, D.C. - The USDA announced that Fresh Produce Inc. satisfied a reparation order issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA).
The Dallas, Texas company has met its obligations and is now free to operate in the produce industry. Julio C. Nolasco was listed as the officer, director, and major stockholder of the business and may now be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee.
Fresh Produce Inc. was formerly restricted from operating in the produce industry in September 2014 for failing to pay a $15,396 award in favor of a Texas seller.
Once a reparation order is fully satisfied and it is confirmed that there are not any outstanding unpaid awards, USDA lifts the employment restrictions of the previously named, responsibly connected individuals. USDA also requires any unlicensed company that fully satisfies all unpaid reparation awards to obtain a license if it continues to operate in the industry.
In the past three years, USDA resolved approximately 4,250 claims filed under PACA involving more than $77 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.
DONNA, TX - This spring, Grow Farms Texas is planting a new addition in its Sales and Business Development Team with Gretchen Kreidler.
Grow Farms Texas is formally introducing Kreidler’s addition in preparation of the Viva Fresh Produce Expo, taking place in Austin later this week, where the company is a sponsor and exhibitor.
“Making the move to Grow Farms was easy because of the opportunity it presents and because of the wonderful people I get to work with,” says Kreidler. “My role is still being developed but I will be working directly with the Sales and Senior Management Teams at Grow Farms and sister companies on developing sales and customizing year-round shipping solutions for retail clients.”
Jackson Woodward, CEO of Horton Fruit and Partner at Grow Farms Texas adds, “Gretchen will be instrumental in helping us grow new markets and develop customer retention programs with key accounts. We are confident that her background in sales and marketing coupled with her positive and open demeanor will help us continue growing while supporting our vision of remaining a customer-focused and service-oriented company.”
Grow Farms Texas is based in the heart of the Rio Grande Valley in Donna, Texas and is a joint venture between The Horton Fruit Co. and Ciruli Brothers, LLC. At the Texas base, Kreidler will be working alongside Tommy Wilkins and represents the Horton and Ciruli family of companies, including Grow Farms, the Horton Fruit Company, Ciruli Brothers, and Sunnyside Packing Co.
“Gretchen understands the dynamics of the industry and how important it is that as we evolve, we do so in anticipation of the changing needs of the marketplace,” says Chief Executive Officer of Ciruli Bros and Grow Farms Partner Chuck Ciruli III. “Gretchen understands the dynamics of the industry and how important it is that as we evolve, we do so in anticipation of the changing needs of the marketplace,” says Chief Executive Officer of Ciruli Bros and Grow Farms Partner Chuck Ciruli III.
Ciruli continued that Gretchen will be an integral part of helping facilitate communication with the company’s customers to ensure sales programs are aligned with theirs.
ORLANDO, FL - Douglas Kling, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for Village Farms, shared what is on the horizon for the company’s tomato program at SEPC’s Southern Exposure.
Village Farms introduced some of its latest items at SEPC’s Southern Exposure, which Kling said were branded toward consumer demands, wants and needs. These items include Cherry No 9. Fall In Love Again, Cabernet Estate Reserve, True Rebel Mix, and Heavenly Villagio Marzano.
Speaking on the new Cherry No. 9 product, Kling told us, “What these cherries do is deliver the consumer wants and needs for exceptional quality, exceptional robust flavor, and an experience that’s enjoyable."
Check out the video above to see what's new from Village Farms!
UNITED KINGDOM - U.S. litigation firm Scott + Scott is calling on British shareholders to bring Tesco to court for billions of pounds lost to the company’s overstatement of profits last year.
These allegations come on the heels of Tesco’s admission last September of having artificially inflated profits for the first half of the year by £250 million (approximately $371 million U.S.), later corrected to £263 million (approximately $390 million U.S.). This was discovered to have been occurring at least two years by an internal investigation from the Deloitte accounting firm, according to The Guardian.
Scott + Scott is now funding the Tesco Shareholder Claims Limited (TSC), a group seeking to bring action against the company for causing “a permanent destruction of value to shareholders,” according to a statement made Tuesday.
“Tesco is one of the widest held stocks in the UK and this loss has hit pension funds and investors across the U.K. and beyond,” John Bradley, chairman of the TSC, said in the report. “We look forward to bringing this claim to court.”
The claim has already been filed, according to the Guardian, and Managing Partner David Scott said that the firm has also been asked to find a way to bring action against Tesco in the U.K. as well.
Though it is unlikely the claim will reach court until next year, the institutions in the U.S., U.K., and Europe are already discussing joining the claim with the TSC on a no-win, no-fee basis, according to the report.
UNITED STATES - A collection of consumer advocacy groups sent out numerous letters to fast food chains on Friday, March 20, asking fast food chains to commit to not purchasing and distributing genetically modified produce.
Despite the U.S. Agriculture Department (USDA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) having approved the products, finding that they are as safe and nutritious as conventional produce, the groups call the modification purely “cosmetic” and unnecessarily “risky” for consumers, according to a report by The Hill.
All changes are not cosmetic, however. One change made in the GMO process has been removing a cancer-causing chemical, Acrylamide, which develops naturally in some conventional produce.
The groups sent letters to Burger King, Wendy’s, Subway, and Dunkin' Donuts, and have stated that McDonald’s and Gerber already said they have no plans to sell the newly-approved genetically modified products.
“We anticipate that other leading companies will follow suit — particularly those that market apples to children, who are most vulnerable to possible health risks,” Lisa Archer, Technology Program Director for Friends of the Earth, said in a news release, according to The Hill.
The groups involved with the request to the fast food chains include:
- Friends of the Earth
- Consumers Union
- Center for Food Safety
- Environmental Working Group
- Food Democracy Now
- Food & Water Watch
- Green America
- GMO Inside
- Healthy Child Healthy World
- Organic Consumers Association
- Pesticide Action Network
- CREDO
To stay up to date on this developing story, keep checking in with AndNowUKnow.
EDINBURG, TX - Cold, wet weather is putting a serious damper on Texas’ billion dollar agricultural industry.
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service’s Brad Cowan says, “Our row crops are getting to the point where this weather is really going to cause our growers the loss of major dollars if it doesn’t turn around here pretty quickly.”
Some growers have a state-mandated September 1 deadline to plant their crops, but Cowan said he and others will appeal to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Risk Management Agency for an extension of the planting deadline. Onions, which prefer hot, dry weather, are especially vulnerable.
“We have been wet, wet, wet,” he said. “And what’s made it bad is that it’s been both wet and cold. Either, at the wrong time, is bad; but together, it’s serious business.”
According to a summary released by the National Weather Service in Brownsville, the four-county Lower Rio Grande Valley area has seen unusually high rainfall amounts and cooler than normal temperatures since September.
The report cites El Niño as having added to already notably moist conditions, ensuring no return to drought conditions in the near future.
“The expectation for the current weather pattern to continue through spring ensures that drought has no chance to become established through May, and ensures no spring wildfire season for the lower and mid-Valley and only minimal opportunity for the Rio Grande Plains of Starr, Jim Hogg, and Zapata counties,” the report continues.
The report also forecasts that El Niño's subtropical jet will cause lower-than-normal temperatures through late March and a continued threat for more showers and thunderstorms.
But the cool wet weather can also be cause for celebration, Cowan said. “Rain is always good for our soil conditions and helps avoid depletion of our reservoirs at Amistad and Falcon dams. But it’s also great news for beef cattle and growing pastures here in South Texas."
Continue to keep up with AndNowUKnow for the latest in weather affecting the produce industry.
I don’t know about you, but I’m always a sucker for any new “superfood.” Any way you can get a ton of vitamins without putting in a ton of effort is a dream come true to me! Luckily for us, after being stuck in the shadow of its fellow superfoods for too long, Broccoli Rabe has earned its way up into the spotlight.
Broccoli Rabe is rich in Vitamins A, B, C, K, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids; so why not find some unique ways to incorporate it into your diet? Don’t let the name fool you into thinking this unique vegetable is anything like broccoli. Broccoli Rabe has a unique and sophisticated taste, and as we’ve previously reported, you can get it already pre-washed and ready to use. What could be easier than that?! Sharp and flavorful, Broccoli Rabe is a perfect foil for other strong flavorings like citrus, sausage, and beef.
Here’s a few of my favorite ways to bring Broccoli Rabe to the table…
Broccoli Rabe and Citrus Salad
A bolder way of serving Broccoli Rabe is to take it back to its Sicilian roots while adding a fresh twist. This salad is simple to make, but will elicit a big response from those traditionalists accustomed to pairing their greens with sausages or pasta. The pungent buzz of Broccoli Rabe paired with cool slices of citrus is a really refreshing change, especially in the winter months. If you’re looking for a course to spark the appetite before a meal, or for a palate refresher between courses, definitely consider this uncommon coupling. The pleasantly sharp Broccoli Rabe and the astringent notes of the citrus will definitely call for some young pecorino shavings on top. As if you needed an excuse!
Pizza with Broccoli Rabe & Sausage
When I’m cooking at home, one of my go-to quick dishes to make is pizza. One topped with Broccoli Rabe and sausage is both unique enough to impress guests and substantial enough to satisfy those “meat and potato” type eaters, making it a real crowd pleaser. Using a quality store bought dough will make this a fast and easy recipe, but you can also customize it for some extra applause from your eaters. All you’ll need to do is toss sautéed sausage with the cooked greens and top the pie. The children will love the idea of having pizza for dinner, and you can feel good too knowing that they’ll be eating their veggies.
Beef and Broccoli Rabe Quick-Fry
A healthier way to eat beef and satisfy your takeout cravings at the same time is to fire up an Asian style quick-fry dish. Broccoli Rabe can be the perfect substitute for the greens that are traditionally used throughout Asia. This new, gingery take with a sweet-and-salty allure has less oil so you can save your calories for the cold beer you use to accompany your dish. Most of the effort is in the preparation of ingredients, but the actual cooking is quick and easy enough to do on a weeknight. Use the largest heavy skillet you have, at least twelve inches in diameter. Have a bowl of freshly-made white rice warm and ready to serve before you begin the actual cooking to speed up the process!
For information on the health benefits of Broccoli Rabe and even more recipes, visit D'Arrigo's Broccoli Rabe page.
The above video was drawn and designed by our own Kyle Frantz in dedication to Leonard Nimoy and the legacy he left behind.
Actor, film director, poet, author, singer, and song writer, Leonard Nimoy was an artist with a multitude of mediums that captivated his audiences. Immortalized in his role as Mr. Spock in the continually popular Star Trek, he knitted traditional and millennial audiences by appearing as his future self in the 2009 film Star Trek and the 2013 sequel Star Trek Into Darkness.
Gone but not forgotten, AndNowUKnow remembers and sends its condolences to the family, friends, and fans of Leonard Nimoy.
To learn more about Kyle Frantz, you can view his Meet the Artist from The Snack Magazine here.
SAN CLEMENTE, CA - Sambazon, a pioneer of açaí berries, has launched its new Sambazon 100 Juices. This is the first 100 percent juice line with 100 calories or less per bottle and 70 percent less sugar than other premium juices.
“Açaí has long been held as one of the most nutritionally dense superfoods on the planet and is sought after for its remarkable levels of antioxidants and healthy omega fats,” said Ryan Black, Founder and CEO of Sambazon. “But most people don’t know that açaí is one of the only fruits in the world with virtually zero naturally-occurring sugar. Starting with that pure, organic açaí juice and blending in fresh fruits and natural, organic sweeteners has allowed us to create an invigorating, delicious beverage with all the exceptional health benefits of 100 açaí berries, but fewer calories and sugar. Sambazon 100 gives our customers the most nutritious bang for their calorie buck.”
Packing the health benefits of 100 açaí berries in each bottle, this refreshing new line dishes out powerful antioxidants and healthy omegas with these three flavors:
Açaí Berry
With an exotic cocoa berry flavor, each bottle delivers the highest quality açaí and a boost of healthy antioxidants and omegas, with only 100 calories and 11 grams of sugar.
Strawberry + Lemon + Açaí Berry
With antioxidant-rich acerola cherry, also known as Amazon Cherry, this juice is supercharged with 200 percent of the Daily Value of Vitamin C. Each bottle has only 70 calories and 5 grams of sugar.
Pineapple + Coconut + Açaí Berry
Nutritious coconut and Amazon superfoods make for a healthy and refreshing tropical juice, which has only 60 calories and 6 grams of sugar per bottle.
These, like all Sambazon products, are Certified USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, vegan, and made with Fair Trade açaí. According to a press release, each flavor contains only 5-11 grams of sugar per bottle, achieved through an organic and Non-GMO Project Verified blend of zero glycemic stevia and organic erythritol, plus low-glycemic agave in the Açaí Berry variety. Sambazon 100 are available in natural health food stores and grocers nationwide beginning this month, in 10.5 ounce bottles with an SRP of $2.99.
EUROPE - Aldi has announced the intent of opening almost 60 new stores in the U.K., which will put its square-mile count for the year over that of competitors Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and Tesco combined.
With over one million square-feet being added in total, the expanding company’s plans for growth this year double that of any other competitor individually. Fellow discount-style retailer Lidl has announced the intention to add 340,000 square feet this year, still twice the amount of Tesco’s planned annual expansion, according to The Guardian.
The infamous “Big Four” 2015 addition plans include:
- Asda - 600,000 square feet.
- Sainsbury’s - 450,000 square feet.
- Morrisons - 220,000 square feet.
- Tesco- 170,000 square feet.
According to a report by City A.M., the drastic move to grow is also following studies reflecting a change in consumer preference for smaller store shopping over big name brands and supermarket experiences.
Aldi is also looking into online delivery to accommodate consumers’ growing desire for online shopping, according to The Guardian. The report stated that Head of the U.K. Investment for Colliers, James Watson, told the Sunday Telegraph that traditional supermarkets have been undermined by the desire for smaller basket-based purchases combined with the growth of online grocery shopping.
While Watson stated that delivery actually doesn’t cover its own costs in Germany, about 5 percent of grocery shopping in the U.K. is done online, where Aldi would most likely introduce the concept if it decided to pursue it.
It appears to be an interesting year of possibilities for the expanding retailer.