Wraparound
IDAHO FALLS, ID - Potandon Produce is on the brink of releasing its first ever potato line under Potandon Produce™. The company’s newest brand will be made available this week, exclusively for organic potatoes at this time.
“Growth in the organic sector has been double digits for over a decade with no real end in sight,” Ralph Schwartz, Vice President of Marketing, Sales and Innovation for Potandon, said in a press release. “We wanted to help our customers capitalize on that trend and drive their organic potato sales to new levels, with a fresh and bold new bag design that their consumers would immediately bond with.”
The company displayed mock-ups of the latest bags at PMA last October. The final design that will hit retailers in the near future was impacted directly by feedback received at that event.
“The Organic segment gives the brand the identity we were looking for and we’re excited to see just how far it grows,” Schwartz continued in the release.
Packed in three bags of red, russet, and yellow organic potatoes, Potandon Produce™ organics will be sent from Ohio, Wisconsin, Massachusetts, and Washington locations before the week is out. While the release made clear that the Potandon Produce trademark will market organic potatoes, the company also left room for possible future developments, so stay tuned.
IRVINE, CA and DENVER, CO - The Colorado Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (CFVGA) and Western Growers (WG) are joining forces. The two companies have announced a strategic collaboration between their trade associations.
The groups have signed a memorandum of understanding that allows them to work together on federal policy issues, food safety, and other issues of mutual interest. In addition, the two associations will seek to work together on other mutually beneficial programs and activities, including opportunities for online informational and learning webinars. The memorandum gives CFVGA access to WG association services, as well as expertise in trade and commodity services.
“For almost 90 years, Western Growers has represented members from California and Arizona in Washington, D.C. when advocating the needs and concerns of fresh produce growers, handlers and shippers to federal government agencies and to members of Congress,” said Western Growers President and CEO Tom Nassif. “Today, we can proudly say that the voices of growers in Colorado will join ours when we go before federal leaders to discuss our concerns and advocate for solutions to our problems.”
WG will provide membership to growers and allied members of the CFVGA throughout 2015 and 2016 years, as outlined in the agreement approved. WG will also provide access to its federal government affairs staff, resources, and Science and Technology staff.
“I have had the pleasure of getting to know Western Growers over the last few years having participated in fly-in visits to Washington D.C. and other meetings,” said Robert Sakata, President of the Colorado Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association. “I think the knowledge and expertise of the Western Growers Science and Technology staff, especially regarding food safety issues and regulations as well as from other staff on immigration reform and farm labor issues will be of great benefit to CFVGA members. Western Growers has been a great force on the national stage and we hope to add to their strength with our activities from Colorado as we share many of the same concerns. My hope is that this will be the first step in building many long lasting friendships to help our growers.”
The two associations have plans to promote and collaborate with one another through several marketing and communication tools and services.
NEW ZEALAND – Zespri Chief, Lain Jager, has said that the company has ended its relationship with Dalian Yidu, one of its four Chinese importers.
As we previously reported, staff members at Dalian Yidu were arrested by Chinese customs last month for allegedly importing prohibited fruit.
“Obviously we continue to monitor the situation with Yidu. Right now we have suspended our business relationship with them,” Jager told the New Zealand Herald.
He added, “We continue to believe that we don’t have any exposure from a kiwifruit perspective. Certainly there is no financial exposure and we do not think that we are implicated in any way.”
At the time, Dalian Yidu was Zespri’s sole importer for Northeast China, though it only dealt with 5% of the company’s total kiwifruit volume in China.
A Zespri spokesperson added in an interview with 3 News, “Zespri’s NZ supply season to our markets, including China, finished quite a while ago and Zespri has no financial exposure to Yidu.”
For now, Zespri is watching the situation and waiting to see what unfolds.
WASHINGTON - The USDA has restricted the operations of Duke City Produce Inc., a New Mexico-based company, for PACA violations.
Duke City Produce Inc. was allegedly cited for having failed to make payments to three produce sellers in the amount of $382,655 from August 2011 through November 2013., according to a USDA press release.
Duke City Produce Inc. will have an opportunity to request a hearing, however, should the USDA find that the company committed repeated and flagrant violations, it would be barred from the produce industry for two years. Duke City Produce Inc.’s principals could not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee for one year, and then only with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond.
In the past three years, the USDA resolved approximately 4,250 PACA claims 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.
SALINAS, CA - Chef Todd Fisher of Tarpy’s and Chef Tony Baker of Montrio went head to head in Salinas’ own take of the popular Food Network show Chopped, hosted by the town’s local Rotary group and featuring fresh D’Arrigo produce in two of the four required ingredients.
With 40 minutes on the clock, both chefs were tasked with making dishes that would impress the judges using chicken, bacon, Andy Boy’s broccoli rabe, and Andy Boy fennel. The panel consisted of three judges: Claudia Pizarro-Villalobos, Marketing and Culinary Manager for D’Arrigo, Chef Briana Sammut of Provence Bakery, and Chef Alessio Giannuzzi of Giorgio’s.
“It was an amazing culinary event with two outstanding chefs competing for the title of Rotary Chopped Champion,” Villalobos said. “As one of three judges, it was a culinary explosion of aromas in the Steinbeck Center as they cooked with the 4 secret ingredients.”
While the atmosphere was a competitive one, the two chefs shared in friendly banter as well as answering questions from the audience. Despite razzing one another, both men displayed sportsmanship as, according to The Californian, Baker did end up frying up Fisher’s bacon for him when he didn’t have a burner available.
“You wanted it really black, right?” Baker teased Fisher, according to the report.
The senses of humor and shared passion for cooking reportedly engaged the audience so far as to be “on the edge of their seats,” and laughing constantly.
True to the form of the show that inspired it all, both chefs plated their dishes just in time, but there could only be one winner.
“It was a tough decision, but in the end Chef Tony Baker was crowned the Rotary Chopped Champion,” Villalobos said.
The event acted as an exciting kick-off to the upcoming 5th Annual Pigs, Pinot and MORE event on Saturday night, February 28. Another event hosted by the Salinas Rotary Group, Pigs and Pinot is a fundraiser for local non-profits in the Salinas area.
PLANT CITY, FL - Star athletes and corporate leaders came together for Wish Farms’ 2nd Annual Bright House Networks Strawberry Picking Challenge. The event ultimately raised $76,000 for Redlands Christian Migrant Association (RCMA), a $2000 raise from last years’ picking event.
The fundraising event, held on Saturday, February 7, featured 20 corporate-sponsored teams who competed in relays to earn the title of “Best Harvest Crew.” Some of the crews represented included Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association, Monte Package Company, Patterson Companies, International Paper, Florida Strawberry Growers Association, and Farm Credit of Central Florida. Strawberry growers from around the state were well represented at the event, providing picking instructions and serving as team coaches.
The eventual winner of the challenge and the coveted 'Strawberry Joe’ trophy', was the Monte Package Company, coached by Jacob Hare of Berry Patches and accompanied by former MLB All-Star Fred McGriff.
Watch the video below for a deeper look into the day's events:
In addition to the strawberry picking fun, the day-long event emceed by InfoMas reporter Melissa Zayas Moreno, featured family-friendly events including strawberry picking for children, a balloon artist, face painter, games, and live music by Clemons Road Band. Special appearances at the event included the Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam, Florida Strawberry Festival Queen and Court, Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleaders, and Wish Farms’ Misty the Garden Pixie, according to a press release.
“This fun, family event was a great success,” said Gary Wishnatzki, Owner of Wish Farms. “We hope we succeeded in bringing awareness not only to the hard work of our farm workers but also to the outstanding contribution that RCMA makes.”
Proceeds from the Strawberry Picking Challenge will benefit RCMA, a non-profit organization that operates child-care centers and charter schools for Florida’s rural poor, particularly the children of farm workers. Throughout the state, RCMA operates 70 child-care centers and three charter schools. Wish Farms has been a long-time supporter of RCMA.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Target Corporation posted its best sales growth in almost three years in its Q4 2014 financial report.
“We’re pleased with our fourth quarter financial results, which were driven by better-than-expected sales,” said Brian Cornell, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Target Corporation.
The company reported 2014 sales of $21.8 billion this quarter, a 4.1% increase over $20.9 billion last year. That total reflects a 3.8% increase in comparable sales combined with sales from new stores.
Other highlights from the report include:
- EBITDA and EBIT margin rates of 9.9% and 7.4%, respectively, compared with 9.2% and 6.8 percent in 2013.
- 2014 Adjusted EPS of $1.50 was above the company’s most recent guidance of $1.43 to $1.47 per share
- Full-year 2014 comparable sales grew 1.3%
- Digital channel sales growth of more than 30% contributed 0.7 percentage points to 2014 comparable sales growth
“We’re seeing early momentum in our efforts to transform Target, and our team is entering the new fiscal year with a singular focus on continuing to differentiate our merchandise assortment and shopping experience while controlling costs by reducing complexity and simplifying the way we work,” Cornell added.
These better than expected results come after Target laid out a 3 step turnaround plan and announced the both closure of all of its Canadian stores and the expansion of the Target Express format in the United States.
Cornell added, “We’re confident that these efforts will allow us to grow our earnings while returning cash to our shareholders in 2015 and beyond, driving improvements in Target’s return on invested capital and creating long-term value for our shareholders.”
With the renewed push on smaller format stores, coupled with Target’s exit from Canada, 2015 could prove to be a pivotal year for this retailer.
Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow for the latest updates on the evolving retail landscape
So you’ve got your hotel reservation, flight tickets, and maybe a rental car lined up. Now all that’s left is to cram your clothes into a standard-size suitcase. If you’re a frequent traveler, packing is probably one of your least favorite parts of your trip – I know it’s definitely one of mine! With these four tips and some clever planning, you won’t need to wrestle your luggage shut any longer.
1) Bulky items first
Time to get packing. Shoes, purses, and other awkwardly shaped items, like toiletry bags, should be placed around the perimeter of your suitcase. You can also maximize space by putting smaller items like socks into your shoes.
Your next layer should consist of heavier items such as jeans or sweaters, and then lighter clothes like t-shirts.
2) Rolling your clothes
Consider rolling some of your clothes if you need more space. Organize them by type (t-shirts on top of t-shirts, underwear on top of underwear, etc.) and roll them up as tightly as possible. If your rolled items aren’t packed tightly, they may unroll and wrinkle while in your suitcase. Keep them as flat as possible and try to avoid rolling in any wrinkles.
Obviously don’t roll clothes that can wrinkle easily, such as shirts.
3) Fragile and miscellaneous items
Any fragile items that you’re not putting in a carry-on should be placed in the center of your luggage where they’ll be padded by the layers of clothing.
Miscellaneous items, like scarves, belts, or underwear can be stuffed in the nooks and crannies to fill up the rest of your suitcase. For example, you can use a belt to help keep your collar stiff.
4) Dress shirts
Last but not least, place folded dress shirts on top. This will make it easier for you to remove them and hang them up as soon as you get to your destination.
And you’re set! Surviving the airport, on the other hand, is another story altogether...
WENATCHEE, WA - Starring in this year’s produce category, for its performance in the Nominee Gift Bags, the Oscar goes to…Ambrosia Apples!
The media is still abuzz with the presence of this healthy snack in a consolation basket worth over $160,000 in prizes.
Referred to by New York Daily News as a “counter to all that sweet indulgence,” the fruit favors accounted for $75 of the total swag, and has been recognized for its appearance in the Academy Awards by several media sources including USA Today, Good Morning America, and CNBC.
“We were stunned and delighted to see Academy Award-related press coverage focusing on our Ambrosia,” Steve Lutz, Vice President of Marketing for Columbia Marketing International, said in a press release. “In a gift package worth many thousands of dollars, it was really gratifying to see a wonderful apple like Ambrosia recognized by the media.”
Anchors from a local Seattle TV news station broadcasted a sampling of Ambrosia Apples, raving about the flavor, while another station sent a crew directly to the new 445,000 sq. foot facility in Wenatchee. Overall, the event showcased the product for more than 20 million viewers to see, who can now seek to eat the same apples as their favorite celebrities.
“We’re just delighted that stars like Bradley Cooper, Steve Carell and Reese Witherspoon can enjoy Ambrosia apples to ease the pain of missing out on Oscar® gold,” Lutz said.
While some stars did not get to walk away with the Academy title, they did get to walk with the fruit of the gods in handmade antique apple boxes. Hopefully this made a small contribution to all nominees feeling like winners.