KORTRIJK XPO, BELGIUM – TOMRA Sorting will be showcasing and demonstrating 6 sorting and peeling machines at its booth at the 17th INTERPOM | PRIMEURS in Kortrijk Xpo, Belgium from Novermer 23 – 25.
“INTERPOM | PRIMEURS remains the leading trade fair for the potato, fruit and vegetable sector in Europe and we are very glad to present here once again our different food sorting machines and peeling solutions. This year we are thrilled to present more than four new sorting solutions (Falcon, Halo, Blizzard and a new size grader for washed potatoes)! Next to that, we will highlight important improvements to existing and proven solutions in the potato and vegetable industry,” says Roel Molenaers, Product Manager at TOMRA Sorting Food.
According to a press release, TOMRA Sorting Solutions’ Falcon will be showcased first and foremost. “Through the Falcon we get rid of most defects at an early stage to ensure that the sorters further down the processing line can work at a higher efficiency rate and can assure a final product with an outstanding high quality,” adds Molenaers.
We previously covered this cost-effective pre-sorter for the fresh cut industry. For a more in depth look, click here for that article, and to see the Falcon in action, check out this video:
TOMRA is also giving visitors at INTERPOM a sneak preview of a new size grader for washed potatoes that was designed to sort washed potatoes by length, width or a combination of both, and its brand new revolutionary user interface of the Halo sorter.
“In the past we expected from our customers to train continuously on being able to operate the sorting machine. This was contradictory to our customer-oriented vision and that’s why we are now proud to offer our customers a revolutionary intuitive tough screen,” says Molenaers.
“No longer should an operator see two TOMRA sorting machines side by side with designs that seem polar opposites from one another. The new user interface provides operators with a confidence that if they can work with one TOMRA sorting machine they will be able to work them all! The customers are now really in charge of the sorter,” clarifies Molenaers.
TOMRA is also showcasing the Blizzard, a cost-effective optical sorting solution for the individually quick frozen vegetable and fruit market (IQF). The Blizzard offers a small footprint and comfortably replaces older generation sorters. It can be installed just after the IQF tunnels or prior to packing. Check out the Blizzard in action in this video:
The last offerings that TOMRA is displaying are its Field Potato Sorter (FPS) and its steam peeling solutions, both of which offer benefits to growers and packers.
“There is no doubt that the potato, fruit and vegetable industry will benefit from TOMRA’s sorting and peeling solutions. TOMRA shows once more to be the leading provider for the potato and vegetable industry. We are looking forward to meeting you at our stand place 110 to introduce you to our latest innovations and to discuss your specific food sorting challenge,” says Molenaers.
If you are at the event, make sure to stop by TOMRA at booth 110 and see all of these new innovations.
HOUSTON, TX - C&S Wholesale Grocers Inc. has entered into an agreement to acquire Grocers Supply. With the close of this latest transaction, C&S will merge its operations with that of Texas' largest wholesale grocery supplier, a company which generates roughly $3 billion in annual sales and supplies more than 900 independent grocers, according to the Houston Business Chronicle.
“The Grocers Supply Company has a century-long legacy of providing the highest level of service to its valued customers, which are primarily independent retailers and regional chains,” said Rick Cohen, C&S Chairman and CEO in the Herald Online. “We very much look forward to partnering with the Grocers Supply team to continue this tradition and to expand the services and offerings available to its customers through the strength and scale of C&S. C&S is excited to enter the Southwestern United States market and to have the opportunity to service this growing and vital region.”
"As the Levit Family planned for the next 100 years, with the goal of sustaining the Grocers Supply wholesale business, we determined that selling the wholesale business would be in the best interest of its stakeholders," agreed Max Levit, President of Grocers Supply, in a statement. "We carefully selected C&S Wholesale Grocers as the best choice for our employees and customers because of C&S's commitment to growth, operational excellence and service to independent grocers."
As the Houston Business Chronicle notes, this deal gives C&S a key presence in the southwestern United States, helping to expand and grow the business.
At this time, neither company has revealed specific financial terms regarding this transaction, however, reports have surfaced that the deal is expected to formally close before the end of the year.
Lazard Ltd. is working as financial adviser to Grocers Supply for this transaction, with Vinson & Elkins LLP operating as legal counsel. Sullivan and Cromwell LLP is legal counsel to C&S, according to the Herlad Online.
KINGSVILLE, ON - SUNSET® Kumato™ tomatoes have emerged as the best for men in the latest issue of Men’s Health Magazine, available now. In the publication’s top 100 Best Foods for Men, Kumato™ was praised for its sweet and tangy flavor, non-GMO verification, and because they can be enjoyed on their own or in a variety of dishes.
“Kumato™ is one of SUNSET’s best selling signature brands,” said CEO Paul Mastronardi. “We knew we had found an amazing product years ago because it was so unique looking and tasting. The Kumato™ is very balanced, not too acidic, with a mysterious and smoky flavor.”
SUNSET® debuted its Kumato™ brand tomatoes in 2010, and soon after, consumers were already raving about their unique color, perfect size, and well-balanced flavor, according to a press release.
“At SUNSET®, we search the world for flavor,” added Mastronardi. “We want to ensure that consumers enjoy our tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers as healthy foods that don’t need to be covered in dressings or dips; their flavor is best on its own. Being recognized by Men’s Health for that is a great honor.”
Movember, formerly known as November, is dedicating to raising awareness for men’s health. SUNSET’s website features a host of exciting, flavorful recipes to take advantage of the health benefits of tomatoes, which include a powerful antioxidant known as lycopene that can help prevent certain diseases, such as prostate cancer.
Congratulations on this latest recognition, SUNSET®!
BAKERSFIELD & LIVINGSTON, CA - This Thanksgiving season, an exceptionally strong market will be awaiting California's sweet potato growers when their crops are ready for market. While there are large volumes of America's sweet potato production east of the Mississippi, California's growers raise a key part of the U.S. crop, helping to bring a sizable quantity of premium quality potatoes to market each year.
Country Sweet Produce's Sales & Commodity Manager Cody Rose shared with me that prices are currently hovering around the $22-$24 dollar range for the grower's #1 sweet potatoes featured in its ads. Considering that the typical price point for these sweet potatoes comes in around the mid-to-high teens, the current market represents a significant premium for California growers.
“The market has been very favorable for Country Sweet so far this year,” Cody explained. “There's a lot of excitement built up around this year's sweet potato crop. The quality of our sweet potatoes, combined with the prices being offered in this year's market have set the foundation for one of Country Sweet's best seasons yet.”
Doreva Produce's Manager Aaron Silva agreed wholeheartedly with Cody's assessment of today's market. “Pricing has remained very steady,” he agreed. “It is probably the best in years. I would say that we are about 20% higher than last year.”
Harvesting operations for Country Sweet and Doreva's full line of premium, California-grown sweet potato varieties are already in full swing and quality and volume are looking excellent this year, according to reports out of the field.
“Volume and quality have both been outstanding this year,” Cody shared with me. “With the production we've gotten from our California farming operations, I'm confident that Country Sweet Produce will be able to meet demand for our full range of sizes with an excellent looking product worthy of being the centerpiece at Thanksgiving dinners everywhere.”
“We are working hard to get the sweet potatoes harvested to be ready for the holidays. California’s unique climate and weather makes for a beautiful looking potato with great eye-appeal that consumers are looking for,” Aaron agreed. “The demand is there! We have a slightly lower yield this year, but quality is great, and we have enough product to make it through this busy season.”
Even in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the Thanksgiving season, these growers are already thinking about the future, considering new avenues for category growth. For example, Country Sweet's microwavable bags have been a big hit with retailers, a trend which the grower plans to double down on as the market moves into the new year. Similarly, Doreva is working with dedication to grow California sweet potato consumption throughout the year, further establishing California's place as a market leader in the category. For now though, all eyes are on Thanksgiving, and based off today's reports, it's looking to be a great one.
Congratulations on an excellent start to the Thanksgiving season, Country Sweet Produce and Doreva Produce!
WENATCHEE, WA – Stemilt is offering a look at its renowned pear locales in a new video that showcases the company’s heritage and industry leading position growing and packing pears in Washington State’s Wenatchee and Entiat River Valleys.
“We know from research and our own engagement with consumers that people want to know where their food comes from and who grew it, so we focused this video on telling that story. The locales Rushing Rivers pears come from are to pears what the Napa Valley is to wine. We want consumers to experience these locales and visually sharing our farms and passion for quality with them in this video allows them to do just that,” said Roger Pepperl, Stemilt Marketing Director.
The video features high-def aerial footage that was shot by a drone helicopter during harvest. Throughout the video, Mike Taylor and Rudy Prey tell the story of where Stemilt’s Rushing Rivers pears come from and what makes the two river valleys great.
Check out the video here:
The video debuted at PMA Fresh Summit, and according to a press release, Stemilt has added it to its website, blog and social media channels to share with consumers.
“The video focuses on the unique features of the Wenatchee and Entiat River Valleys and how those features combine to create a perfect growing environment where pears thrive. It’s the story that our family growers in the area have known and told for so long, and the story that consumers hear first-hand in the Rushing Rivers pear video,” said Pepperl.
Stemilt and long-time pear partners, Preshastin Hi-Up Growers, have been growing pears in the river valleys for decades. The valleys run parallel to each other and are separated by the peaks of the Cascade Mountain range. Their location keeps the orchards cool during summer months and protects the delicate pears. The snowpack on the mountain provides pure and plentiful water each spring.
“The Rushing Rivers label and new carton is already proving to be a great merchandising vehicle for pears. Displays and signage around Rushing Rivers allow retailers to bring the beauty of where Stemilt pears come from and the passion that goes into growing each one, into their stores. Pears should be prominently displayed during the late fall and winter seasons and promoting Rushing Rivers pears is a perfect way to build category excitement and repeat purchases among shoppers,” said Pepperl.
In August, Stemilt introduced Rushing Rivers as its label for pears and began packing pears in a new carton featuring the Rushing Rivers logo and tagline “the best pear locales in the world.” That, along with the video, help to tell the story of where the pears came from and how they were grown.
NEWARK, DE - PMA has joined 118 organizations from diverse agriculture, food and manufacturing sectors in a letter to lawmakers. The signers of the letter are concerned over a variety of retaliatory tariffs that Canada and Mexico could apply to U.S. exports, including produce, over the ‘COOL’ rule.
According to PMA, a World Trade Organization (WTO) Compliance Panel report determined that existing U.S. mandatory Country of Origin Labeling, aka ‘COOL’ rule, for muscle cuts of meat violates obligations that the U.S. has undertaken as a member of the WTO in regards to Canada and Mexico. Even though the original WTO ruling is about meat, the signers are concerned that the retaliations would make their way to including fresh produce as a way to make a stronger point on the issue.
The letter states, “Canada has already issued a preliminary retaliation list targeting a broad spectrum of commodities and manufactured products that will affect every state in the country. Mexico has not yet announced a preliminary retaliation list, but has implemented retaliatory tariffs in the past which may be indicative of future tariff opportunities.”
The letter goes on to say that U.S. industries could lose billions in lost sales if retaliation is allowed. It also invites the recipients to review the state-by-state retaliatory analysis available here.
Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow for the latest on this developing story.
The following was copied verbatim from a press release:
San Jose, CA (November 3, 2014) The Mushroom Council announces today that Kathleen Preis has been promoted to Marketing Manager. In this new role, she will be taking on additional management responsibilities for key Mushroom Council program areas, while continuing to lead the school meals marketing initiative.
“In her two years with the Council, Katie has proven herself as a quick learner, adding tremendous value and a spark of enthusiasm to our mushroom marketing team,” said Bart Minor, president and chief executive officer of the Mushroom Council. “She has taken our initiative to introduce blended meat and mushroom products into the school lunch program from a simple concept to widespread adoption by school foodservice.”
Preis is a graduate of the internationally recognized Department of Food Marketing in the Haub School of Business at St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, PA. She recently completed the PMA Foundation’s Emerging Leaders Program.
“Katie has the ability to juggle many tasks, and we know she will continue to add value to the Council’s marketing programs by building demand for fresh mushroom consumption,” said Tony D’Amico, Mushroom Council chairman.
Mushroom blendability, the culinary technique of blending fresh, chopped mushrooms with ground meat entrees, is now the primary focus of the Council’s marketing efforts. Validated by the success in school meals, mushroom blendability opens up an entire new market for the industry by expanding the consumer experience opportunity of fresh mushrooms past the fresh produce section and into the deli, meat case and more.
KINGSVILLE, ONTARIO - Double Diamond Farms' new Gramato grape tomato has been a big hit in its first year, answering the demand of retailers looking for a healthy addition to the increasingly important snacking category.
“The rise in the importance of snack food in the fresh produce industry has been a trend which we've payed close attention to at Double Diamond Farms,” Jeremy Stockwell, Director of Procurement and Sales, shared with me. “Consumers want something healthy that they can grab by the handful and take on the road with them without having to sacrifice the sweet taste people traditionally look for in the snack aisle. Gramato tomatoes answer this consumer demand perfectly. With the reception they've already enjoyed, we're very excited about the growth potential of this variety.”
Gramato tomatoes are available year round in a variety of packaging options, including top seal, clamshell and easy carry bags, giving retailers options when designing displays.
The Gramato isn't just a on-the-go snack, however. The versatility of this variety allows for easy incorporation into a variety of dishes such as the Pita Pizza Pronto recipe featured on Double Diamond's website, which frankly looks good enough that I may have to try it out myself sometime soon. Jeremy shared with me that Gramato grape tomatoes also make wonderful additions to a wide range of salad or pasta dishes.
What's next for the Gramato? Double Diamond is look into capitalizing on the successes of the first year of this variety, improving Gramato and setting the foundation for an even stronger year next year.
Congratulations on the success of this new variety, Double Diamond Farms!
CALIFORNIA - UC Davis has sued the California Strawberry Commission in response to a lawsuit it filed against the UC just over a year ago.
The Sacramento Bee reports that both lawsuits revolve around the future of UC Davis’ plant-breeding program that has produced new kinds of strawberries for nurseries and farmers since the 1930s. This industry has been paying the university tens of millions of dollars in research grants and royalties in return for the new varieties.
As we previously reported, this longstanding relationship became tense when two leading UC strawberry experts planned to leave the university and start a private company for strawberry crop developments. They wanted to take a share of valuable UC inventory of strawberry specimens dating back to the 1930s.
The Strawberry Commission was alarmed and sued the University of California alleging it was endorsing privatization of an important part of the state’s agricultural heritage. That lawsuit also demanded that the university turn over its collection of 1,500 strawberry plants use in breeding, known as the ‘germplasm.’
According to the Bee, UC's counter lawsuit is asking for the university to be declared the sole owner of the germplasm and for the court to say that the Strawberry Commission isn’t entitled to a copy. The university is also asking for a declaration that it is the sole owner of patents on nine strawberry varieties developed over the years by the two departing scientists.
Before these lawsuits, the commission funded UC research by $350,000 annually. Strawberry nurseries throughout the state also get discounts on royalties they paid to grow and sell UC varieties.
There is a lot at stake in this fight. The Bee reports that plant varieties developed by UC Davis have produced major breakthroughs in flavor, durability and other qualities over the years and currently account for about half of the state’s $2 billion-a-year strawberry crop.
Both the growers and UC Davis have been saying they would like to settle the case, but with this counter lawsuit, that seems less likely now.
Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow for the latest developments in this saga.
HOUSTON, TX – Sysco released its Q1 2015 earnings report Monday, November 3rd, 2014, reporting a 6.2% increase in sales to $12.4 billion. Among the parts of report getting the biggest headlines, however, is Sysco's admission that its impending merger with US Foods will be delayed as a result of ongoing discussions with the FTC. Sysco now does not expect it to be completed before the first quarter of 2015.
Despite the setback, President and CEO Bill DeLaney struck a positive note in his comments, focusing on the company's strong fiscal performance during Q1.
“We are pleased with the solid operating performance we delivered in our first fiscal quarter in the midst of ongoing challenging market conditions," DeLaney shared in a company press release. "While we were challenged with expense management in certain aspects of our business, we generated 2% case volume growth and managed acute inflationary pressures very effectively. Our improved performance during the quarter was due in part to the benefits we realized from our portfolio of business transformation initiatives, especially category management.”
Some highlights from the report included:
- A 6.2% increase in sales to $12.4 billion, compared to $11.7 billion during Q1 2014.
- A 6.0% increase in gross profit to $2.2 billion.
- A 4 basis point reduction in gross margin to 17.59%.
- A 5.9% increase in adjusted operating income to $509 million, adjusted for certain items principally related related to merger and integration planning expenses.
- A 6.1% increase in adjusted diluted earnings per share to $0.52 (non-adjusted diluted earnings per share were $0.47, a 2.1% decrease compared to last year).
Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow for any future updates on Sysco, US Food, and the two companies' impending merger as they develop.