LEAMINGTON, ON – With the beginning of the Canadian greenhouse season on its way, Nature Fresh™ Farms is putting the final touches on its new brand packaging with the help of Sesame Workshop and PMA’s eat brighter!™ movement.
“We are very excited to take part in the ‘eat brighter!’ movement, it is an opportunity for Nature Fresh™ to assist in an industry-wide education initiative to help increase fruit & vegetable consumption,” said Ray Wowryk, Director of Business Development.
The company is using primary Sesame Street characters Big Bird, Cookie Monster and Elmo to transform all of its primary brand packaging to include the ‘eat brighter!’ brand and help increase awareness of the program in both the United States and Canada, according to a press release.
“In PMA’s initial program launch announcement, it was stated that the ‘eat brighter!’ tagline draws parallels between the characteristics of the Sesame Street brand and fresh produce – using adjectives like healthy, brilliant, alive – with a clear call-to-action that drives consumers toward a brighter, healthier future. We believe that increasing fresh consumption across all fruits & vegetables ensures a healthier future for everyone; we are getting behind this initiative 150%,” stated Wowryk.
Nature Fresh™ will be unveiling a variety of the company’s new ‘eat brighter!’ packaging at the upcoming SEPC’s Southern Exposure Conference & Tradeshow in Orlando, Florida, February 26-28 at the Caribe Royale Resort.
“Participating in the SEPC’s Southern Exposure event is a great opportunity for us to help kick off a new season and connect with key retail partners,” added Wowryk.
To see the new ‘eat brighter!’ packaging, make sure to visit the company at Booth #419 in the Grand Sierra Ballroom at Caribe Royale.
MORGAN HILL, CA - Sakata is doing its part this American Heart Month to promote the cardiovascular benefits of broccoli and how it helps fight heart disease.
As the leading cause of death for American adults, cardiovascular disease and heart health are forefront priorities in the industry, and Sakata wants to remind consumers that offense is the best defense.
Studies have shown that broccoli produces better blood flow, helps prevent damage when the heart is deprived of oxygen, as well as being a good source of Vitamins A, B6, C, and potassium.
“Sakata is proud to breed quality genetics for a laundry list of healthy fruits and vegetables, but there is one cardiovascular superfood for which they are most recognized – broccoli,” the company stated in a press release. The superfood is low in calories and sodium while being a strong source of nutrients for the heart and other organs as well.
The company provides over 20 different broccoli varieties, all helpful in being heart healthy as well as having been shown in studies to help improve vision, skin, and immune systems. Sakata emphasizes having seeds bred for easy harvest in most any climate, as well as the tools to aid growers.
Along with promoting healthy eating habits to combat heart disease, the company also made available several step to help spread knowledge on prevention including regular exercise, managing stress levels, and continuing to spread awareness.
JAPAN - Mater Fever is no longer restricted to Pixar fans, with more and more findings proving the health and benefits of tomato consumption. But for those who were not yet on the tomato wagon, the Japanese tomato-product manufacturer Kagome has provided you with a very good reason to hop on.
And you wear it as a backpack.
Sporting the first ever Tomatan, meet Shigenori Suzuki, who consumed seven medium-sized tomatoes as he ran the first leg of the Tokyo Marathon last weekend. And he didn’t use his hands to do it.
Tomatoes have proved to be a healthy source of potassium, which replenishes your electrolytes and helps to prevent cramping and ease soreness. So other runners may have been a little jealous as Suzuki passed with his stunning supply of fruit and no need to lose momentum by disrupting his arm-rhythm. He did, hopefully, do so in order to give a wave to anyone sporting a Smart Banana.
It doesn’t stop there either, oh no. Suzuki also ate 12 cherry tomatoes during the second leg of the marathon on Sunday via, you guessed it, Petit Tomaton! That’s right, this piggy-back bot comes with size options. And seeing as the 17.6 pound Tomaton was probably a bit heavy for the longer leg of the race, it’s understandable that he would decide to sport the smaller edition.
Unfortunately for Suzuki, the creation is purely promotional at this point. Hopefully he hasn't experienced any phantom limb after having to give the little bot back.
UNITED STATES - Southern California experienced flooding and heavy rains this morning, while elevations above 6,000 feet saw considerable snowfall as Winter Storm Quantum moved eastward and throughout the southern regions of t he U.S.
Flash flood warnings were initiated but did not occur, nor any evacuations, according to NewsOK. North of Los Angeles, the Interstate 5 highway did see several accidents attributed to the slick roads, causing heavy traffic. The rain is now letting up and the area hopes to lift the weather warnings by 4 p.m. today as it moves eastward through Texas, the Rockies and the Four Corners region.
Higher elevations in the Southern California area do anticipate several inches of snow today, as well as in Utah, Arizona, New Mexico and Colorado. As Quantum continues to move towards the southern regions through Tuesday it is bringing sleet and freezing rains to parts of northern Georgia, eastern Tennessee, as well as South Carolina and North Carolina. Light icing could reach as far south as Charleston, South Carolina, according to the Weather Channel.
While the storm should move out of the western regions by later this afternoon, it is expected to carry out through mid-week. The heaviest snowfall will be seen in the Rockies, with over 12 inches in some areas. The southern states from central Texas to northern/central Louisiana and central Mississippi are expected to continue to see freezing light rains through Tuesday night.
Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow to follow this storm as it develops.
CASHMERE, WA - Crunch Pak is the apple of the Oscar eye as the company’s fruit slices were served to the stars and production of the Academy Awards for the third year in a row. Crunch Pak is often the snack requested at such events, according to a press release.
“We receive these requests on a regular basis from just about every award show and we love to provide our products for the events,” Tony Freytag, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing, said.
Crunch Pak’s fruit slices has been requested at numerous high profile events including the People’s Choice Awards, Country Music Awards, and the Super Bowl. But according to the company, you don’t have to be Neil Patrick Harris or Lady Gaga to enjoy the forbidden fruit.
“It’s fun to watch the award shows and know our products are in the hands of the stars,” Freytag said. “Our products are ideal for how people eat today – even if you’re not a celebrity.”
The company initially shipped enough to feed more than 200 presenters and 20 production/executive staff, 12 boxes in fact, but were asked to send another because the product was so popular. Crunch Pak is currently in talks with the production company on additional award shows, including the upcoming iHeart Radio Music Awards on March 17.
BOISE, ID and PLEASANTON, CA - The recently merged Albertsons and Safeway organization has appointed Justin Dye as Chief Administrative Officer of the combined organization. Lee Wilson, who was the previous appointee for the position, has elected to stay in his current role as consultant instead of joining the organization.
In this new role, Dye will have responsibility over Information Technology, Real Estate and Corporate Development, and Supply Chain. He will also continue to oversee all aspects related to the integration of Safeway and Albertsons.
As a former executive with Cerberus Capital Management, Dye was integral in the acquisition and formation of Albertson’s LLC. He became the company’s Chief Strategy Officer in 2006, serving several functions including corporate development, strategic planning, real estate management, as well as mergers and acquisitions. In 2013, he was named Chief Operating Officer of New Albertson’s Inc. Prior to working for Cerberus, Dye served in leadership roles with GE, Commerx, Inc., and Arthur Andersen Consulting. He holds a BA with honors from DePauw University.
The company has also appointed Jim Perkins, ACME Markets Division President, to succeed Dye as Chief Operating Officer of the company’s East Region.
Perkins joined New Albertson’s, Inc. in 2013, after several years with Giant Food where he served as Regional Vice President. He began his career with Albertsons as a clerk in 1982 and worked his way through the retail ranks. During his time there, he served in roles of increasing responsibility, culminating in Vice President of Operations for Albertson’s Inc.. In 2006, Perkins joined Albertson’s LLC’s Southern division as Director of Operations. He became President of the ACME Markets Division in March 2013.
In turn, Dan Croce, Vice President of Marketing and Merchandising for ACME will become President of the company’s East Region.
Dan Croce has been with ACME for nine years, joining the company as a district manager in 2005 and promoted to Director of Operations in 2008. He was named Vice President of Operations in 2011, a role he retained through the NAI acquisition in 2013. In 2014, Croce was promoted to Vice President of Marketing & Merchandising. His grocery career began in1985 with SuperFresh/A&P Food Markets.
“All three individuals are well-suited to their increased responsibilities,” said President & CEO, Robert Edwards. “Justin’s pivotal role in the formation of Albertson’s LLC along with his demonstrated ability to lead a broad range of administrative and operational functions positions him well for this larger role in the combined organization.”
Likewise, Edwards continued that Perkins and Croce are both are “results-oriented retail veterans,” whose passion for delivering the best products and services to our customers will suit them well to their new roles.
WASHINGTON D.C. – Three PACA violators in Tennessee, Connecticut and California have been barred from operating in the produce industry, according to a USDA press release.
D. L. Barker Produce Co. Inc., doing business as Market Fresh Produce and operating out of Jackson, Tennessee, has been restricted for failing to pay a $24,435 award in favor of a Missouri seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Joann G. Patterson and William A. Patterson were listed as the officers, directors, and/or major stockholders of the business.
Ontario Produce LLC, operating out of Bethany, Connecticut has been restricted for failing to pay a $16,985 award in favor of a Florida seller. William Locantro and David M. Melina were listed as members of the business.
Alberto Zepeda Martinez, doing business as Top Line Specialty Produce, operating out of Los Angeles, California, was restricted for failing to pay a $2,422 award in favor of a California seller. Alberto Zepeda Martinez was listed as the sole proprietor of the business. This company is not associated with Westmoreland/TopLine Farms, operating out of Leamington, ON.
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.
KINGSVILLE, ON - Despite the winter weather, Mucci Farms' greenhouses are only days away from being in full swing production.
The company is seeing strong tomato crops that will soon be shipping alongside the mini cucumbers that Mucci Farms has been producing locally all year.
Along with the increasing production, Mucci is also releasing new eat brighter!™ packaging for its locally grown mini cucumbers as part of the PMA and Sesame Workshop collaboration.
Check out the new packaging that features a very familiar face:
In a press release, Mucci Farms voiced its excitement about being involved with the campaign as well as helping to spread the word about healthy snacking options for kids.
“Making a change is about more than just buying fruits and vegetables, it’s about exploring new options, changing habits and switching up routines,” says Emily Murracas, Marketing Director at Mucci Farms.
Mucci’s innovative snack-sized items make it easy to incorporate vegetables and fruits into children’s snack routine. The new packages are expected to hit store shelves in Canada next week, with more 'eat brighter!' packaging options coming soon.
UNITED STATES - The bitter West Coast port saga has reached its conclusion.
After nine months of negotiations, U.S. Labor Secretary Thomas Perez and federal mediator Scot Beckenbaugh have brokered a compromise between dockworkers and their employers.
The new five-year contract agreement will “create a new process for the selection of arbitrators” after dockworkers, represented by the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU), had asked for the removal of a previously designated arbitrator that they viewed as too pro-business, according to Politico.
Additional details of the contract have not yet been made clear by the union and management.
The tentative labor deal marks a huge victory for Perez after he was requested by President Obama to meet with negotiators from the ILWU and the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) in San Francisco. Without a doubt, the port deadlock has inflicted a great blow to California citrus farmers, whose export losses were estimated to be up to hundreds of millions of dollars per week. FEDEFRUTA and the Chilean Fruit Exporters Association (ASOEX) have also reported that the damages from the port slowdown have reached approximately $50 million, which is higher than previously anticipated.
The White House calls the agreement “great news” for the parties involved in the negotiation and a “huge relief” for the economy. The press statement also commends Perez for his “hard work bringing about a successful resolution” to the dispute. Had Perez not succeeded, a full-scale, extended shutdown of the ports would have cost the U.S. economy about $2 billion a day, according to Reuters.
According to a joint statement made by maritime association President James McKenna and union President Robert McEllrath, the ports can now resume full operations. Reuters reports that port officials estimate it would take approximately six to eight weeks before the immediate backlog of cargo containers would be cleared, and several months before freight traffic returns to its regular rhythm.
The deal has yet to be ratified by both parties, though Perez has expressed his confidence that the rank-and-file will approve the agreement.
Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow for more updates on the situation.
HOUSTON, TX – Sysco’s lawyers have spoken out against the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) decision to block the Sysco/US Foods merger.
As we previously reported, the FTC voted yesterday 3 to 2 to block the deal along with 11 Attorneys General from California, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and the District of Columbia.
According to the Chicago Tribune, Sysco lawyers took issue with the FTC’s claim that combined Sysco-US Foods would have a 75% share of the U.S. market for distributing food products with frequent and flexible delivery.
During a news conference, Richard Parker, an attorney representing Sysco from O’Melveny & Myers said, “If you’re in Chicago and you need food delivered, you can look at the broadline suppliers, you can look at local suppliers – there are a lot of them. There is no national market. It is pure mythology.”
Parker went on to say that there are local companies in every market that constrain price and provide options and alternatives. He added, “In challenging the merger of Sysco and US Foods, the Commission simply got it wrong… This transaction is pro-competitive. It’s good for customers, it’s good for the United States and we proceed to court with confidence.”
Sysco attorney Damian Didden of Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, also spoke out about the lawsuit. According to the Tribune, he posed the question that if the merger really would create 75% market share, how could two of the five commissioners fail to find reason to believe it was anti-competitive?
The lawyers also noted that Sysco would voluntarily divest 11 distribution centers by selling them to competitor Performance Food Group to ensure competition.
The FTC is planning to try the merger case through its own administrative litigation system and set a trial date of July 21, according to the Wall Street Journal. The commission is also planning on asking a Washington, D.C. federal court to issue a preliminary injunction to block the deal while the case proceeds.
Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow as we continue to follow this developing story.