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.
SALINAS, CA - Mann Packing is giving its fresh cut organic vegetable packaging a makeover that's stylish AND functional.
“The revamped graphics, several months in creation, features a premium rich color palette, clean, natural fresh design and a large window and product viewing area,” said Kim St. George, Director of Marketing and Communication.
The line features the company’s steam-in-bag technology and encompasses top-selling products, including the vegetable medley, broccoli florets, broccoli coleslaw, and broccoli carrots.
According to Nielsen sales statistics for the 26 weeks ending Dec. 27, 2014, Mann branded organics are the leading branded items in the fresh-cut organic vegetable category.
“Growth of the organic segment outpaced conventional cut-veg and is driving overall category growth,” St. George continued. “Our organic vegetable tray sales are up three times what they were a year ago.”
According to a press release, the company is shipping the new packaging as of now and will showcase it at the Southeast Produce Council Expo this week in booth 927.
CHESHUNT, ENGLAND – Just weeks after being reinstated to his role, Sean McCurley, a Senior Buying Executive at Tesco, has left the company.
The circumstances of McCurley’s exit are unclear, but earlier this month, an internal memo announced McCurley’s return to his post and praised him for being “professional and co-operative throughout” the internal inquiry.
He was one of the nine top-level executives to be suspended as part of the fallout from Tesco’s recent £250 million overstatement scandal.
First, Tesco suspended five executives, including Commercial Director Kevin Grace and UK Managing Director Chris Bush. Then, the retailer suspended three more, including McCurley. In a final move, the company suspended one more, Finance Director Chris Robinson.
Of the nine suspended executives, at least four have now left Tesco, with the fate of at least two more left unclear, according to Sky News.
As for the ongoing investigation, the process could take years. Britain’s Serious Fraud Office could take months to sift through huge quantities of digital data and other evidence, while looking to identify and trace witnesses, according to Reuters. At the end of the process, the investigation could still find nothing criminally amiss.
Despite all of the challenges surrounding his office, CEO Dave Lewis is confident in Tesco's ability get back on track and regain the enviable position it used to enjoy in the British retail community.
Between closing underperforming stores and the launch of its new One Stop discount format, Lewis is firm in his belief that Tesco is heading in the right direction.
For now, only time will tell if Tesco’s turnaround plan is successful. Keep it tuned to AndNowUKnow for the latest on this embattled retailer.
WASHINGTON - The USDA has lifted PACA reparation sanctions on JD Rodriguez Produce Inc.
The Dallas, Texas-based company has met its obligations and is now free to operate in the produce industry, according to a USDA press release. Johnny D. Rodriguez, Valerie J. Rodriguez, and Esmeralda G. Rodriguez were listed as the officers, directors, and/or major stockholders of the business and may now be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee.
JD Rodriguez Produce Inc. was formerly restricted from operating in the produce industry in December 2014 after having failed to pay a $28,801 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.
CALIFORNIA – Cold weather at the beginning of the year, coupled with the recent above average temperatures, has impacted crops in both California and Arizona.
I spoke with Doug Classen, Sales Manager with The Nunes Company, the shipper of “Foxy” brand produce, about the effects that he is currently seeing and how the abnormal weather has impacted this year’s timetable.
“We are scheduled to start the last week of March in Huron for iceberg lettuce. Our crop appears to be tracking 7 to 10 days ahead of schedule due to the warmer than usual winter weather,” he said. “Most of our commodities may finish between 7 to 14 days ahead of schedule in Yuma.”
The company is currently harvesting a full line of conventional and organic western vegetables, which it is shipping from Yuma. It is also shipping celery from Oxnard, asparagus from Gonzales as well as broccoli and cauliflower from Salinas, which Doug says is about 2 weeks early.
Aside from the early transitions, the abnormal weather conditions have also had an impact on crop quality.
“For most of the season, temperatures have been near record high averages. We had some extreme cold weather at the end of December and beginning in January. We also experienced some significant desert rains, that combined with heat, caused mildew and disease in select fields,” he tells me.
The combination of these factors has challenged the available product and caused volatility in the market, which has been depressed for the past couple of weeks.
“With warm weather that has bunched up harvest volume, combined with the adverse weather in the East, demand has not kept up with supply. Being so far ahead of schedule on most crops, we see potential of some supply gaps in the coming weeks as we transition from Yuma back to the Central Coasts,” Doug said.
Those supply gaps could mean more market volatility until the transition is complete. Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow for the latest updates.