CORAL SPRINGS, FL – Dave’s Specialty Imports is expanding its program with Cape gooseberries from Colombia.
The Cape gooseberry is a smooth yellow berry that is about the size of a marble and resembles a miniature tomato, according to a press release. “It has a sweet and mildly tart flavor that makes it ideal for baking, but it's so versatile it can hold up to savory dishes, and it is fantastic to eat fresh as a snack,” said Leslie Simmons, Marketing Manager.
Dave’s has imported blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and strawberries from South and Central America for over two decades. The company is continuing to expand across all berry categories.
Mike Bowe, Vice President, says, “We are definitely increasing volumes across the board, but bringing in new specialty items like gooseberries gives us a chance to offer something unique to our customers. We’ve had great feedback from chefs but we also know this is something exciting for consumers at the retail level. We think it’s a great fit to our program.”
Dave’s is featuring the fruit and have samples available in their booth #1890 at Fresh Summit. “This will give people a chance to try the fresh fruit and get a sense of its possibilities,” added Simmons.
The gooseberries will be available in 3.5oz baskets under the Dave’s label.
Santa Clara, CA [October 14, 2014] – RedLine Solutions, the leader in produce traceability and inventory solutions, today announced the release of Produce Traceability For Dummies®, the essential guide to understanding produce traceability for grower-shippers.
“We worked with Wiley Publishing because of the accessible style of the Dummies books. This book is meant to be a quick read to gain an understanding of produce traceability requirements and how readers can implement them in their own companies,” said Todd Baggett, CEO of RedLine Solutions. “We all know FSMA regulations are coming. My hope is this book demystifies produce traceability and promotes adoption within our industry.”
Produce Traceability For Dummies® covers all aspects of fresh produce traceability from understanding the Produce Traceability Initiative (PTI) and the latest government regulations to an overview of how to choose a good traceability solution. The book even covers what to do in the event of a recall. Additionally, Produce Traceability For Dummies® shows how implementing a good traceability solution can actually save a company time and money. Produce Traceability For Dummies® provides all the information a grower-shippers needs in order to effectively trace their commodities through the supply chain ultimately keeping healthy produce in the stores and saving lives.
Produce Traceability for Dummies is available for download from the RedLine Solutions website. There will be a limited number of autographed books available at RedLine’s booth at PMA’s Fresh Summit in Anaheim October 18th and 19th.
This article was copied verbatim from a press release.
SALINAS, CA – Naturipe Farms is adding two new products to its Ready to Eat fresh fruit snack pack line, Mango & Blueberry blend and Grape & Blueberry blend.
The company has also redesigned the packaging to include more product visibility and clear messaging for the consumer, according to a press release.
“We are excited to continue to grow our value added line of products. The berry category and healthy snacking are two growing trends that we are very focused on,” said Brian Jenny, Sr. Director/GM – RTE.
With nearly $65 billion projected in snack sales this year, Naturipe is targeting the health conscious consumer with these new grab-and-go packs. Each new pack will contain 1.5 ounces of fresh fruit, and the original 100% blueberry pack contains 1.25 ounces.
The Mango & Blueberry and Grape & Blueberry snack packs will be available for distribution beginning this November.
Stop by the Naturipe booth #3148 at Fresh Summit to learn more.
CINCINNATI, OH - Kroger has appointed Alex Tosolini as the company’s new Senior Vice President of Business Development, effective November 3. He will report directly to Kroger CEO Rodney McMullen.
Tosolini, a 24-year employee with Procter & Gamble Co., spent a number of those years as Vice President of Global eCommerce (2010) and as Senior Vice President of Global eBusiness (2013). With Kroger ramping up its online retailing presence in recent months, can we expect to see further developments in that sector as Tosolini joins team?
According to a press release, Tosolini will be responsible for identifying, evaluating, and developing new opportunities that capitalize on Kroger’s powerful assets and contribute to the company’s continued growth and financial performance.
“Alex’s unique skills and insights, ranging from strategic planning to brand management to general management, will enhance our efforts to accelerate Kroger’s growth,” said McMullen. “Alex will be an outstanding addition to our leadership team.”
Last month, we reported that Kroger is testing online grocery shopping in Cincinnati. The program is currently only slated for employees at the Liberty Township Kroger Marketplace, and works similarly to Harris Teeter’s lucrative click-and-collect online ordering system.
Rachael Betzler, a spokeswoman for Kroger’s Cincinnati/Dayton Division, told the Cincinnati Business Courier that if the test is successful, the program could be expanded to other stores, and eventually other divisions.
The move to online grocery retailing also comes shortly after Kroger completed its $280 million purchase of Vitacost.com, an online vitamin retailer.
Despite Kroger’s increasing interest in eCommerce, the majority of our readers say that online grocery is not yet the way of the future, suggesting that there’s still a dedicated market for traditional brick-and-mortar shopping. 
With that said, it will be interesting to see how Tosolini's addition to Kroger’s executive team will pay off in terms of the retailer’s eCommerce business.
For more updates on Kroger’s entry into the online retail business, keep it here on AndNowUKnow.
ANAHEIM, CA - Autumn means citrus season at Sunkist Growers, and this company is looking to kick it off in style during PMA Fresh Summit weekend with a whole host of citrus themed initiatives.
“Leaves are turning and days are getting shorter, but with the winter comes Sunkist citrus – bringing a taste of California sunshine to the cold winter months,” said Sunkist Advertising & Public Relations Manager Joan Wickham. “We are looking forward to kicking off our 2014/15 growing season at this year’s Fresh Summit to showcase our new initiatives, packaging and point-of-sale materials for our trade partners.”
In order to help retailers take full advantage of the start of Navel orange season, which begins for Sunkist in mid-October, it is offering its partners use of its decorative holiday 10-pound cartons and a new 2015 “Year of the Sheep” Lunar New Year carton to build creative, eye-catching displays.
Together with PMA and Sesame Workshop’s “eat brighter!” movement, Sunkist is unveiling its new Sesame Street-themed packaging. The new packaging line consists of a newly designed 10-pound Navel orange carton and polybag as well as a Giro-bag for kid favorite mandarins, all featuring family favorite Sesame Street characters.
Sunkist will also be making its popular hockey promotional program, previously only offered in Canada, available throughout North America for the first time. Now retailers will be able to draw hockey fans in all season long with hockey-themed Navel orange packaging, including 10-pound cartons, variable weight Giro bags and 4-pound net bags, as well as optional account specific program overlays.
At Fresh Summit, Chef Jill Davie will be using Sunkist Navel oranges, limes, as well as Sunkist Lemon Shrimp, Bacon and Avocado Toasts to whip up a Sunkist Flatiron Steak with Citrus Spiked Butter Beans in order to demonstrate the versatility of lemons in cooking.
Sunkist's wide line of lemons, including conventional, organic, Meyer and seedless will be on display for Fresh Summit goers to enjoy. Grapefruit refreshments will be also be served at its booth to promote Sunkist’s “Not Your Mother’s Grapefruit” campaign, which works to increase grapefruit consumption among millennial consumers by putting a modern spin on this long time staple. Fresh Summit goers will be able to sample a cup of fresh squeezed grapefruit juice in the morning and a glass of Sunkist's Grapefruit IPA Twist cocktail in the afternoon.
While enjoying their drink, conference attendees can take a look at Sunkist's Lil Snappers® kid size fruit 3-pound re-sealable stand up pouch bags. Together with Stemilt, these growers offer over 20 citrus, apple and pear varieties in this fresh line. Sunkist's seasonal winter specialties, such as Cara Cara Navel oranges, Moro (blood) oranges and Minneola tangelos, will also be on display.
Sunkist will also be inviting attendees to learn more about its growers' multi-generational farmers through the Sunkist Family Stories campaign.
“Consumers are interested in where their produce comes from and how it is grown, providing an opportunity for retailers to educate consumers about the origins of their products,” said Sunkist Director of Retail Marketing Julie DeWolf. “As a cooperative of thousands of California and Arizona farmers, Sunkist has deep roots and many powerful stories to share about our growers. This season, we are excited to offer retailers customizable point-of-sale materials to bring these inspiring stories to life in-store and encourage purchase.”
To see all this and more, be sure to check Sunkist out at PMA Fresh Summit Booth #2038.
HALF MOON BAY, CA - The North American pumpkin industry has crowned a new king. John Hawkley's 2,058 pound giant took home top honors at the Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-off in Half Moon Bay. His massive pumpkin beat out Rob Globus' second place finisher by over 300 lbs.
It's hard to believe a pumpkin that big didn't break the world record, but according to the Silicon Valley Business Journey, John's offering fell just short. The record for the world's heaviest pumpkin is held by a 2,102 pound pumpkin, 44 pounds heavier than John's award winner.
John, a production manager for the Napa Valley Register, didn't let that near miss deter him from savoring his victory however.
"My feet aren't touching the ground," he told KTVU.
John says he was lucky that the 6.0 magnitude Napa Valley earthquake which struck last August didn't affect any of the six pumpkins he grew for the contest, two of which clocked in at over 2,000 lbs.
“We were worried about them bouncing around but after the earthquake we could see the vines were still attached to the pumpkins," he shared.
For his victory, John won over 13,000 in prize money, just around $15/pound.
Congratulations on this incredibly impressive victory, John! I'll be waiting to hear word of you breaking the North American record for biggest pumpkin pie any day now!
Our resident digital superhero, Kyle Frantz, created this look at the inner workings of ANUK. If you don’t get this joke, it may very well be your first PMA Fresh Summit. This is not for the faint of heart. ;)
EDEN PRAIRIE, MN – In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Robinson Fresh® has announced that its MelonUp!® Pink Ribbon Watermelon program has donated $1 million to breast cancer research organizations since its inception.
“Donations like those on behalf of the MelonUp!® Pink Ribbon Watermelon program play a critical role in the development of major advances in the fight against breast cancer,” said David Egan, Co-Executive Director at Susan G. Komen® Minnesota. “The contributions are used to increase early detection and effective treatment, fund additional research, and ultimately create a world with more breast cancer survivors.”
According to a press release, Robinson Fresh began the MelonUp!® Pink Ribbon Watermelon program in 2007 to educate consumers about the nutritious benefits of watermelon. The American Cancer Society says that watermelon is a significant source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant shown to reduce certain types of cancer.
Every October, Robinson Fresh presents its donations to breast cancer research organizations selected by the participating retailers. This year, the program will donate $173,000 on behalf of over 20 retailers.
“Thanks to the generous donations to Mills Breast Cancer Institute, I and many other breast cancer patients have benefitted from the cancer support groups,” said Renaé Strawbridge, a patient at Urbana, Illinois-based Mills Breast Cancer Institute. “As a 12-year survivor, my focus now is to give back by helping others have a successful journey through this disease and treatment process.”
With each watermelon purchase, a donation is made to breast cancer research, education and support initiatives. To find out more about the MelonUp!® Pink Ribbon Watermelon program please visit the program’s Tumblr, Instagram, and Facebook pages.
Congratulations on the great success of this program!
IRWINDALE, CA - Ready Pac Foods has promoted Tristan Simpson, Vice President of Corporate Communications, to Chief Communications Officer. Simpson will be responsible for leading all strategic initiatives within Corporate Communications, Creative, Marketing, and Research and Development, according to a press release.
“Tristan has demonstrated unparalleled leadership during her time at Ready Pac,” said Tony Sarsam, Ready Pac CEO. “With over 20 years of marketing and communications experience, combined with her breadth of knowledge of the fresh food industry, she will ensure that we are aligned and executing within all her areas of responsibility. Tristan is a relentless champion of the Ready Pac brand, and I am excited to see her grow in this role.”
Moving forward, Simpson will continue to serve as the company’s spokesperson. Since beginning her career at Ready Pac in 2011, she has been instrumental in launching many new product lines, as well as launching the re-designed company website and social media platform in March 2012.
Tristan’s 20 year history of experience in the industry includes working for brands such as Roll Corporation (Sunkist®), Nancy’s Specialty Foods, Frieda’s, Sun Pacific (Cuties® California Clementines), Pandol Bros, as well as extensive retail experience at Smart & Final.
Congrats on the promotion, Tristan!
Bakersfield, Calif.— Since the brand’s launch in 2010, Tasteful Selections has reinvented the potato category by taking traditional comfort food and reimagining it. Tasteful Selections potatoes are evenly sized for consistent cook times, have unique flavor and create a superior culinary experience. Tasteful Selections potatoes are all highly desired by consumers, especially the signature variety Honey Gold and fan favorite Ruby Sensation. In just five years’ time, the specialty potato brand from RPE has grown so much that it needed to expand from its original location to a bigger facility, also in Bakersfield, California.
The new Tasteful Selections facility is expected to open around the end of November, just in time to handle the holiday rush and increased volume. The 200,000 square foot facility is completely dedicated to grading and packaging Tasteful Selections specialty potatoes. Not only will the new facility increase production capacity from eight packaging lines to 12, but it will double the capacity for washing potatoes. Additionally, the facility will have more shipping docks and improved refrigeration and storage using European-style storage bins. Sensitive to sustainability and water conservation, simply increasing the washing capacity wasn’t enough; water processes have been redesigned so that all water used in the facility is reused either for washing more potatoes or is applied to nearby farmland. Overall, the new fully automated Tasteful Selections facility will improve workflow, as well as the overall quality and shelf life of our potatoes for customers and ultimately create a better experience for consumers.
Through collaborations with young rising culinary stars Chef Joey Elenterio and Chef Jack Witherspoon, Tasteful Selections has been developing new recipes to help consumers and foodservice alike realize the hidden potential of potatoes. Although the traditional combination of meat and potatoes still make a great meal, consumers want more variety in their meals throughout the week. Tasteful Selections potatoes are the versatile answer to that need and have been embraced by consumers nationwide.
“The amount of success we have experienced with Tasteful Selections is unprecedented,” explained Russell Wysocki, president and CEO of RPE Inc. “Because of the constantly increasing consumer demand, the new expanded facility in Bakersfield was needed to help us meet the needs and fill the orders of all our customers. Tasteful Selections has provided 50 percent incremental growth for our customers and we are committed to meeting their needs.”
The tremendous growth in consumer demand for specialty potatoes has made Tasteful Selections one of the top selling brands in the country, which is the reason for opening the new facility. The continual increase in demand for our specialty potatoes and the ever-changing needs of today’s consumer have led to expansions of the Tasteful Selections line. In fall of 2012, microwavable bags of Tasteful Selections potatoes were introduced for busy, convenience-minded consumers.
The newest addition to the Tasteful Selections line, organic baby potatoes, addresses the needs of consumers in a segment of the category that has grown year after year, up 44.2 percent in dollars and 35.3 percent in volume. The line will be officially unveiled in the New Product Showcase at PMA Fresh Summit Oct. 17-19. The new Bakersfield facility is designed to fit the needs of packaging both organic and conventional specialty potatoes.
“The brand new facility will help us give our customers and consumers the best possible experience with our potatoes,” said Wysocki. “With the added production area, we’re ready to help customers meet whatever consumer demand for specialty potatoes there is.”
This text was copied verbatim from a press release.