NEW YORK, NY – As the clock struck midnight on Monday, January 5th in New York City, Cutrale/Safra's tender offer expired.
As AndNowUKnow previously reported, the companies had offered to purchase all outstanding shares of Chiquita common stock for $14.50 per share, net to the seller in cash, without interest and subject to any required withholding taxes. Computershare Trust Company, N.A., the depositary for the tender offer, has reported that 39,791,364 shares of Chiquita common stock were successfully tendered by the January 5th deadline. According to a press release, this represents roughly 84.46% of all outstanding Chiquita common stock shares. In addition, another 3.71% can also be accounted for through Notices of Guaranteed Delivery.
Going forward, Cutrale-Safra will be working to complete a “short-form” merger. Once this step is completed, all non-tendered shares of Chiquita stock will be canceled and converted into the right to receive $14.50 per share in cash, without interest, subject to any required withholding of taxes and Chiquita shares will cease to be traded on the New York Stock Exchange.
Congratulations on reaching on completing this important acquisition, Cutrale/Safra and Chiquita!
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – Boldly going where no produce has gone before, lettuce may very well be the first thing grown on Mars.
Students from the University of Southampton Spaceflight Society are aiming to grow lettuce on the red planet. If successful, this would be the first thing ever grown there. It would not, however, be the first veggie grown in space. Interestingly enough, lettuce is currently being grown on the ISS as part of the NASA VEGGIE project.
In July, MarsOne, a not-for-profit foundation that hopes to establish a permanent human settlement on Mars by 2026, kicked off a competition for a payload space on the MarsOne lander that will be launched in 2018.
The students submitted their proposal for #LettuceOnMars and are now in the final round of 10. The winner will be named by popular vote.
The team says that they chose lettuce because it has already been successfully grown in closed environments on Earth and in orbit. It is also edible, uses space efficiently and can be transported to Mars as a durable seed that only takes a month to grow to full size.
On the #LettuceOnMars website, the team lays out its mission, saying, “Our objective is to demonstrate the ability to grow small plants with gases obtained from the Martian atmosphere, with a minimum of material imported from Earth. Proving that plant life can thrive in the controlled greenhouse environment and that the resources within can be appropriately managed is an important step towards demonstrating that a human colony will also be able to survive.”
Here is the sequence of events for growing the lettuce as laid out by the team:
- Cruise: During cruise the payload will be powered down and inactive. The lettuce seeds will be frozen. The journey will take around 7 months.
- Landing: When it has landed, heaters surrounding the growth chamber will maintain a temperature of 21-24°C. Mars has a temperature of -63ºC and pressure one hundredth of Earth's.
- Setup: Carbon Dioxide will be heated and pressurised from the Martian atmosphere. Oxygen will be produced by electrolysis of water brought from Earth. Some water with dissolved nutrients will be vaporised in the growth chamber.
- Lettuce Growth: These conditions will start seed germination. Light from both the sun and LEDs in the top of the greenhouse will enable photosynthesis. Throughout their growth sensors will transmit regular telemetry back to Earth. In addition, photographs taken by the camera located inside the growth chamber will be used to provide a visual record of the growing lettuce.
- Mission Success: The lettuces will take approximately 4 weeks to grow to full size. Photographs taken by the camera inside the growth chamber will be transmitted back every day along with sensor data.
- Termination: Upon completion of the mission and following a pre-determined signal, the heaters will be activated at higher power to exterminate all life in the payload, preventing any possible contamination risk.
I was initially confused why the team would kill the lettuce at the end of the trial. The team clarifies this on their website saying that they intend to destroy the life at the end of the experiment as a precautionary measure to prevent the possibility of any release of biological materials on Mars.
The external structure of the greenhouse itself will be made of aluminum, and the transparent sections will be made of polycarbonate. The team chose the aluminum because of its strength and lightweight quality and the polycarbonate for its durability and optical properties.
The MarsOne 2018 lander will land on the northern plains of Mars, between 40 and 50 degrees latitude in what is believed to have been an ocean in the distant past. The color relief map indicated possible landing positions outlined in yellow, and dots indicate US lander sites.
You can learn much more about the proposal and vote for it at the #LettuceOnMars website. I hope they win. It would be exciting to witness the first life on Mars.
IRVINE, CA - The California Avocado Commission (CAC) is greeting the new year with gusto.
With nearly 5,000 Californian growers working all year long to raise the flavorful avocados the Golden State is known for, CAC is looking forward to a strong marketing season in which opportunities to increase menu usage for fresh avocados abound.
In addition to providing the latest avocado nutrition research, CAC works diligently on creating new and exciting ways to incorporate fresh produce into dishes. Recipes such as Chorizo Sliders with Cajun Guacamole, Grilled Romaine with Boquerones and California Avocado, and California Avocado Danish were big hits last year and avocado lovers can be sure more are on their way. According to a press release, CAC's full recipe collection can be found on the organization's website.
Visitors to the site can also read up on the latest usage: nutrition, selection, storage and handling information provided by the Commission, or they can order the popular The Magic of California Avocados recipe booklet.
Great work last year, California Avocado Commission.
FOLSOM, CA – The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council will be building on the success of its 2014 Little Changes campaign throughout 2015.
On January 1, 2015, the Council launched an initiative to take the Little Changes message to the next level by encouraging Americans who set New Year’s resolutions to commit to making little changes all year round instead.
“We know that consumers, particularly moms, are looking for encouragement and simple ways to improve their household’s food choices, and we want them to see blueberries as an ally in their effort,” said Mark Villata, Executive Director for the Blueberry Council.
He continued, “As our Little Changes initiatives continue to catch on, we’ll help those consumers solve a problem they’re faced with every day, which is ‘what am I going to do that will help me along the path to healthier lifestyle?’ We believe that by influencing those little choices on a daily basis, we can help Americans achieve big rewards in the long term."
According to a press release, major components of the Blueberry Council’s 2015 marketing campaign will be implemented in January-March, May-August and November-December, driving the demand for blueberries during periods of peak supply.
The campaign includes:
Swap New Year’s Resolutions for Little Changes
The Council is providing thousands of Americans encouragement and simple ideas for a healthier 2015 with the help of lifestyle influencer Alison Sweeney – actress, author and host of NBC’s The Biggest Loser. This campaign will also include digital marketing tactics, a consumer sweepstakes and a media blitz.
Little Changes Kitchen Challenges
This event will challenge top chefs and food influencers in the LA area to create innovative healthful dishes that feature various forms of blueberries as well as an invitational blueberry immersion program for 16 executives at the Culinary Institute of America.
Little Changes for Schools and Students
These youth marketing programs are expected to engage 100,000 students and 400 school lunch rooms across the country to make healthier choices with blueberries in May-June as well as an invitational immersion program for 16 school chefs at the Culinary Institute of America.
100 Years of Highbush Blueberries
This will feature national public relations efforts and Washington D.C.-based events to commemorate the 100th anniversary of blueberry cultivation throughout National Blueberry Month in July.
Little Changes for Better Nutrition
The Council will target registered dietitians, health professionals and retail dietitians through nutritional education efforts.
Little Changes to Lighten Up the Holidays
This will feature social and digital marketing programs that target 10,000 women ages 25-45 in November-December.
Last year, the campaign engaged more than 175,000 households to share recipes, images and tips for a healthier lifestyle.
BELLINGHAM & SEATTLE, WA - In the wake of its 146 store acquisition from Safeway and Albertsons, Haggen has named Charlie’s Produce the primary and preferred supplier for its new California, Nevada, Arizona, Oregon and Washington store locations. In agreeing to this partnership, Charlie's Produce joins Supervalu and Unified Grocers as Haggen's main partners.
“This is a very exciting time for Charlie’s as we expand our geographic footprint beyond the Pacific Northwest and into the Southwest,” said Charlie’s Produce Co-Founders Charlie Billow and Ray Bowen. “The partnership is a testament to the strength of our relationship with Haggen. We admire them for their ongoing commitment to source the freshest local produce available, and we’re proud to supply them with that produce.”
“This acquisition is an incredible opportunity to introduce Haggen to customers throughout the West Coast,” elaborated Bill Shaner, Haggen CEO, Pacific Southwest. “We are a brand that strives to offer guests the best of the region, each season and every day, and Charlie’s Produce shares that commitment. We’re thrilled that they will expand alongside us as we move into California, Nevada and Arizona.”
“This partnership is a win for Haggen, a win for Charlie’s Produce, and a win for regional farmers,” agreed John Clougher, Haggen CEO, Pacific Northwest. “Together, we look forward to offering our guests homegrown freshness while nurturing healthy and sustainable food systems in the regions we do business.”
Pending on FTC approval at the end of the month, Charlie's Produce will be opening a Southern Californian division to support the new Haggen stores. According to a press release, its Seattle distrubtion center will be responsible for supplying the 22 Washington locations, while the Portland distribution center will care for Haggen's Oregon stores.
Congratulations on this exciting partnership, Haggen and Charlie's Produce!
DELANO, CA - With a focus on family, sustainability and quality, Columbine Vineyards is starting the year off right.
Through its partnership with Community Action Partnership of Kern, Columbine is helping the organization to meet the nutritional needs of economically disadvantaged children, families and individuals in Kern County.
“Columbine Vineyards is making a positive impact by extending support in a program referred to as, ‘Farm to Food Bank to Family’,” said John Carter, Columbine Vineyards’ Facilities Director. “The work that the non-profits do in our community are invaluable, and we are pleased to be able to help them in their efforts.”
According to a press release, Columbine Vineyards also donated to the Bakersfield Golden Empire Gleaners and to the Porterville Gleaners during 2014. Both of these non-profit organizations work towards ending hunger in the local community, a cause near and dear to the hearts of the people at Columbine.
Great work towards this great cause, Columbine Vineyards!
WENATCHEE, WA – The second installment of Stemilt Grower's Stemilt-O-Graphic has been released through the company's FruitTracker program. This one page infographic compares the performance of the pear category during a four week period in November 2014 to the same period from last year. Check it out for yourself below:
As a result of a decrease in crop volume, category volume and sales were down slightly year-over-year.
“Pears are alternate bearing fruits and this is the 'off' crop year in the Northwest so it’s not surprising to see a dip in both category volume and dollars,” shared Marketing Director Roger Pepperl. “However, it also tells retailers that now is the time to promote the pear category in order to reverse this trend and capitalize on the great quality of fruit available during the remainder of the season.”
The data, gathered by Nielsen Perishables Group, reveals that Bartlett, d’Anjou, and Bosc were the strongest performing varieties, accounting for a combined 87% of category sales during the recorded period.
Going forward, Stemilt will be working on promotional campaigns to highlight the nutritional profile and origin story of its pears. The timing for this campaign seems appropriate with New Year's resolutions still heavy in the mind of American consumers.
“People want to know where their food came from and who grew it,” explained Pepperl. “Our Rushing Rivers pears come straight from the best pear locales in the world and have a great story to tell. From cartons and signage to videos, photography, and more, we have all the tools to help tell that story to their shoppers this winter and early spring.”
For more on Stemilt's Stemilt-O-Graphics be sure to check out our last story here.
Great work, Stemilt!
SALISBURY, NC – Bottom Dollar Food, which is operated by Delhaize America, is closing all 66 of its store locations in the greater Philadelphia and greater Pittsburgh markets.
The retailer announced that the stores will be closed by January 15, which will mark the retiring of the banner’s operations.
This closure will end the Delhaize Group’s participation in the U.S. discount retail sector, which is part of its overall strategy to focus on its core operations centered on traditional retail outlets.
“We want to thank our associates, customers and communities for their support over the past four years,” said Gene Faller, Vice President of Retail Operations for Bottom Dollar Food.
According to a press release, Bottom Dollar Food is offering every associate severance, and eligible associates will be offered career transition services.
As we previously reported, Aldi reached an agreement last November with the Delhaize Group to purchase the 66 Bottom Dollar Food stores for a total of $15 million.
This transition created an exciting opportunity for Aldi, which is currently working to expand its store base in order to add 650 new stores nationwide.
STOCKTON, CA – The New Year has already brought new changes for Grower Direct Marketing, LLC.
The Stockton, CA-based grower, shipper and packer has hired asparagus industry veteran, James Paul, to its asparagus sales team.
“We are excited to have James as part of the team. He brings a wealth of experience, is a true professional in his approach to the business and will prove to be a valuable piece of our rapidly expanding program,” said Jim Hanson, Managing Director of Grower Direct Marketing.
According to a press release, James, a graduate from Cal Poly – San Luis Obispo, developed his business skill with Boskovich Farms, Apio, Beachside Produce, Gloria Ann Sweet Corn, Altar Produce, and most recently, The Giumarra Companies.
“I am looking forward to working with great people here and helping to develop Grower Direct as a year-round asparagus supplier. GDM is in a position in which my history and passion for asparagus business has a great fit. At a young age, my father instilled a work ethic and passion for this business that has made me who I am today. I am very proud and grateful to have such a wonderful mentor,” said James.
Congratulations on this new opportunity, James!
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - Life's expensive, but even still there isn't much $210 million can't buy.
At least, that's what Instacart is hoping as it nears the end of its latest funding round with a sizable injection of fresh capital in the bank. According to the SEC, the company has raised almost $210 million through the course of a targeted $220 million funding round. Reuters reports that the primary investors behind this latest initiative were Andreessen Horowitz, Sequoia Capital, Khosla Ventures and Canaan Partners.
What Instacart will be doing with these new resources is a hotly debated topic. The company already has delivery partnerships with retailers like Whole Foods and Fresh & Easy. Could additional capital allow the delivery service startup to sign more retailers to its list? I wouldn't be surprised.
Others speculate that this new funding could allow Instacart to branch out its service into other cities. Currently the company operates in:
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Boston
- Boulder
- Chicago
- Denver
- Houston
- Los Angeles
- New York City
- Philadelphia
- Portland
- San Francisco Bay Area
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Washington D.C.
Instacart's website, however, hints strongly at future expansion plans. Perhaps Sacramento will be next on the company's list. I wouldn't mind produce coming to my door. Stay tuned.