AVONDALE, PA - To-Jo Mushrooms has recently expanded its facilities to include an additional 200,000 sq. ft. of mushroom growing capacity, as well as an 8,000 sq. ft. expansion of its company headquarters in Avondale, PA.
“By continuously improving our facilities and increasing our production capacity for our customers we will ensure that only the freshest, highest quality products will be delivered out from our facilities on a daily basis,” said President Tony D’Amico. “These improvements will help keep To-Jo at the forefront of an ever expanding mushroom category.”
To-Jo is dedicating its new growing beds to White and Brown mushroom varieties. The increase in production will enable the company to harvest an additional 8 million pounds of product annually, according to a press release.
The latest additions to the company’s headquarters include a state-of-the-art fresh mushroom receiving area, additional cold storage capacity, and a new pre-cleaned mushroom processing area.
Congrats on the expansion, To-Jo!
WEST SACRAMENTO, CA - Raley's is looking to increase its sales numbers in the intensely competitive retail industry with a refocused push on natural and organic products. Produce is to lead the charge in this product mix refocusing, the Sacramento Business Journal reports.
"We have focused on providing an increased number of organic items in our produce departments," Raley's Spokeswoman Nicole Townsend explained. "We intend to move toward (offering) an increasing number of products that are made with natural and organic ingredients -- products that are purely made."
Raley's recognizes the importance of the organics category in the modern retail game, a distinction which has only become more prominent with each passing year. Last year for example, sales of organic products in the United States reached $35.1 billion, an 11.5% increase from 2012, according to the Sacramento Business Journal.
Raley's is also experimenting with minimal ingredient products, something that doubtlessly appeals to fans of clean-eating diets.
"Some are made with all natural ingredients, adhering to a strict ingredients guideline that the Raley's team has defined internally. Others are made with organic ingredients and others still are USDA-certified organic and GMO-free," she elaborated.
The key, however, will always come back to produce. Especially with respect to fresh produce, more consumers than ever are demanding increased selection in produce aisles every day. For example, a study of parents which AndNowUKnow reported on previously revealed that among respondents, 90% purchased organic products for their children at least “sometimes.” 25% of respondents reported that they “always” chose organic products.
Raley's recognizes that a sizable portion of the American population is now being raised on organic produce and food products. Before long, it will be these individuals making up the next generation of buyers to be wooed by retailers. Raley's wants to be ready.
BAKERSFIELD, CA - It’s been another successful year for Cotton Candy grapes, as Bakersfield, California-based Grapery wraps up the 2nd commercial season of the unique proprietary variety.
The company welcomed overwhelming consumer response as well as a host of media attention. Cotton Candy grapes were featured as an ingredient in the main dish for the Governor’s Ball at the Emmys, and were also covered by Ripley’s Believe it or Not, Good Morning America Online Edition, an LA Times article, and Epicurious, to name a few outlets.
“Quality was fantastic and continues to improve. It’s a new variety on the market and we’re learning more and more every season on how to enhance the Cotton Candy grape’s eating experience,” Jim Beagle, Grapery CEO, tells me.
Consistency of flavor is the most important factor in growing and harvesting the variety, and the company is becoming much more consistent each season in these early years of commercial production.
“Volume was up substantially from 2013 by more than 50% and we expect a similar percent increase in 2015,” Jim says.
Retailer interest on new and unique varieties like the Cotton Candy grape continues to grow dramatically. “Our growth is limited by how fast we can ramp up production in the field and maintain superior quality,” he tells me.
For the foreseeable future, Grapery plans to continue its commitment to partner and grow with retailers who want to execute and deliver that “WOW” eating experience to their consumers.
Jim suggests high quality store-level interactions with consumers to introduce the variety and answer the many, many questions consumers have. Also, creating great merchandising displays that highlight the uniqueness of the product and drive traffic and sales without sacrificing quality enhances the shopping experience. In-store sampling along with smart retail price points that optimize turnover and margin are great ways to maximum total profit for the retailer and build consumer loyalty, Jim notes.
“We work hard to support our retail partners by helping educate their QC and store level staff so there is smooth execution,” he states.
SEDRO-WOOLLEY, WA – After a successful trial last season, Viva Tierra Organic, Inc. is bringing organic Italian kiwi to U.S. consumers, with quantities now available.
Viva Tierra’s first shipments of organically grown green Hayward kiwi from Italy made it to the east coast at the end of last month, and availability is expected to continue until February, according to a press release.
Organic Golden kiwi, which has bright yellow flesh, is expected to arrive in late October and should be available until the end of the year.
Kiwifruit has been consistently growing in popularity with consumers in the past several years, and Viva Tierra is hoping to capitalize on the trend.
The kiwi are packed with PLU stickers in bulk 9kg “Viva Tierra Organic” boxes, according to a press release. The company also is planning a branded 1 lb. retail zipper bag in November, which will be exclusively available from Viva Tierra Organic.
CAMARILLO, CA - With the overwhelming popularity of Huy Fong Foods’ Sriracha Asian hot sauce continuing to grow, Underwood Ranches is experiencing the demand for increased volumes of the company’s California grown jalapeños peppers. Underwood Ranches, based in Camarillo, California, is the exclusive supplier of jalapeños for Huy Fong’s spicy sensation.
About 25 years ago, Owner Craig Underwood, called up Huy Fong’s CEO David Tran and asked him if he needed jalapeños peppers for his line of hot sauce recipes. And the rest is history.
With 58,000 tons of the popular pepper making its way to Huy Fong’s 650,000 sq. ft. Irwindale, California facility, Underwood Ranches is noting incredible growth for the company’s pepper operations.
“This year, in Kern County alone, we grew 17,000 tons of jalapeños peppers. 4 years ago that was our total volume grown at all of our farming operations,” Craig tells me.
How has this popular chili sauce experienced such growth over the past ten years? “Its really hard to say,” Craig tells me. “Foodies have really begun to gravitate toward the product. It’s versatile, flavorful and offers just enough heat to take a meal up a notch.”
He tells me, “Sometimes it takes a while for something to reach a critical mass. David has been using the same recipe since he started producing Sriracha and he has also never marketed it. David's recipe really encapsulates his business philosophy and goals with the product - freshness, quality, and low price.”
According to Quartz.com, as of January 2014, the US hot sauce market has grown by 150% since 2000. This growth is more than that of BBQ sauce, ketchup, mayonnaise and mustard—combined.
As ethnic populations continue to grow in North America and the demand for Sriracha's distinct and versatile flavor profile continues to catch fire, there appears to be no end in sight for Huy Fong and Underwood Ranches.
Underwood currently farms 2,000 acres of jalapeños in Ventura and Kern counties. Craig is the fourth generation Owner of the family-run business with COO Jim Roberts at his side, managing and enhancing the company’s technological innovations in sorting and picking the peppers.
“Every year, Jim is finding ways to perfect and streamline our processes and procedures,” Craig tells me. Underwood Ranches’ portfolio also includes produce items such as artichokes, Brussels sprouts, beets, carrots and baby veg.
With the Sriracha phenomenon spurring the rapid growth of Underwood’s jalapeños operations over the past few years, the company is now looking to stabilize its program over the next couple seasons. Underwood will wrap up harvest in the first part of November with replanting slated for mid-March to mid-June with the next harvest kicking off next July.
“I am a Sriracha lover myself,” Craig notes. “So, I am behind our partnership with David and Huy Fong 100%.”
When I ask him if he sees the Sriracha craze slowing, he smiles. I think I have my answer.
ORLANDO, FL – The National Mango Board (NMB) is hosting its annual Mango Industry Reception at PMA’s Fresh Summit.
The event will bring members of all levels of the mango supply chain from around the world to connect and network. This year’s reception will have a strong food safety focus with expert Dr. Sergio Nieto-Montenegro of Food Safety Consulting & Training Solutions, LLC, according to a press release.
Dr. Nieto-Montenegro will also share food safety training materials recommended for mango growing farms and packinghouses in the top six exporting countries, as well as mango warehouses and distribution centers in the U.S., with a Q&A session to follow.
One of the highlights of the event will be the announcement of the Mango Retailer of the Year, which is a retail program that honors retailers who offer strong and consistent support to the mango industry. The NMB has selected one finalist for each region in the U.S. They are:
- Chris Keetch, Ahold
- George Hurst, Roundy's
- Mark DeCosta and John Higgins, Costco
- Ricardo DiMarzio, Shoppers Food Warehouse
The reception will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2014, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Hilton Anaheim in Anaheim, CA, and sponsorship opportunities for this event are still available. For more information, contact Jennifer Grullón at [email protected]/407-629-7318 x. 103.
The Mango Industry Reception is free and open to all mango industry members with no reservation required.
LOS ANGELES, CA - Fresh-first is the new state-of-mind for 7-Eleven. In honor of this emphasis on healthy fare, this company is launching a test program in 104 of its Los Angeles-based stores. According to USA Today, these locations will begin selling a “nutritionally balanced” lineup, including fresh sandwiches, wraps, salads, and even cold-pressed juices under a banner headed by fitness expert Tony Horton.
"We can provide a convenient way for healthy and fitness-oriented consumers to fuel their daily lives," says Raja Doddala, Senior Director for Innovation at 7-Eleven.
There is already a foundation for this move in place. 7-Eleven sales of fresh products are up 30% compared to last year, explains Doddala. Not only that, but banana sales beat Snickers bar sales 7:1 in chains nationwide, prompting me to ask the question: could an expanded produce rollout follow on the heels of this trial, if it meets with success? CMI has already enjoyed impressive success with its Go-Go cherry pouches in convenience stores. I'd be interested in seeing just how far this market trend can continue.
7-Eleven does stress however that it is not doing away with its very popular lines of snack food, sodas, and other, so-called, “sin foods.” Consumers on the go and snack lovers, like yours truly, can still pick up a bag of Cheetos and a Coke to go with them. Instead, 7-Eleven is working to provide increasingly health-conscious customers with more options. As USA Today notes, the health and wellness industry is a $50 billion and growing category in the U.S. economy. 7-Eleven wants these customers to feel as comfortable shopping in its stores as a regular on a beer and cigarette run.
According to USA Today, the full new menu will include:
- Two new sandwiches, including a Grilled Chicken with blueberry mustard sandwich on a whole-grain sub.
- Two new salads, including a Spicy Quinoa Salad with Chimichurri dressing salad.
- Two new wraps, including a Spicy Black Bean Hummus & Vegetables wrap.
- Four new cold-pressed juices, including a juice featuring apple, celery, beet, ginger, parsley, spinach and lemon.
In terms of price, the sandwiches and wraps will run in between $4.75-$6.50, with the juices coming in a $4.99 each.
Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow for further updates on the future of the American retail market.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Two PACA violators in Florida and North Carolina have been restricted from operating in the produce industry, according to a USDA press release.
Nutri Service Company Inc., doing business as United Fruit and Vegetable, a Miami, Florida-based company, has failed to pay an $11,000 award in favor of a New York seller. Richard Vega was listed as the Officer, Director, and major stockholder of the business.
Seven Foods Inc., a Charlotte, North Carolina-based company, was barred for failing to pay a $13,456 award in favor of a New Jersey seller. Jeff Eckert and Christine Eckert were listed as the Officers, Directors, and/or major stockholders of the business.
In the past three years, the USDA resolved approximately 4,600 claims under the PACA involving more than $87 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.
HOUSTON, TX - Edible Software is launching a new product at PMA Fresh Summit. We will introduce Edible Pick at PMA Fresh Summit on October 18, 2014 at booth #2427. This module places Pick Tickets on an Android, or Windows mobile device with an improved user experience. To learn more about how Edible Pick can increase productivity and add to your Food Safety Practices in the warehouse, stop by booth 2427 (www.ediblesoftware.com).
Edible Pick is used for picking, allocating, and verifying inventory against a specific Sales Order. This module ensures that correct lots allocated to an order is pulled by warehouse pickers. Or, the system can allow pickers to allocate lots at the time of fulfilling the order.
In addition to providing a smooth user experience, Edible Software has made this available on the current generation of smartphones and tablets. This removes the need to purchase expensive, ruggedized PDA hardware and places the app on much more affordable mobile devices.
Charles Butler, Executive VP of Sales and marketing at Edible Software, commented on the new Edible Pick module, saying that: "We are excited to introduce Edible Pick at our 26th year of attending PMA. At Edible Software, we are constantly upgrading our software in order to stay in touch with evolving business practices and design standards so we can provide the best product to our clients. I am very confident that Edible Pick is a great solution for inventory management.” The product, along with other products from Edible Software, will be on display for demonstrations at booth #2427 at PMA Fresh Summit 2014.
This text was copied verbatim from a press release.
San Antonio (10/1/14) – To show support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, NatureSweet® Tomatoes is proud to announce its ongoing partnership with Susan G. Komen®and the fight to end breast cancer. NatureSweet will feature limited edition PINK packaging nationwide through October 31st and will donate $100,000 regardless of sales.
The in-store PINK packaging and promotional materials will be featured on NatureSweet SunBurstsTM product packages and product labels. Eating at least 2½ cups of fruit and vegetables every day helps promote overall health and may reduce the risk of breast cancer. By raising awareness with its timely PINK packaging, NatureSweet continues to support the mission to save lives and end breast cancer.
“It is very important to all of us at NatureSweet to continue our relationship with Susan G. Komen,” said Michael Joergensen, NatureSweet’s Marketing Director. “Many of our families have been affected by breast cancer, and it’s important to our company and our people to raise awareness and support research that is helping to find a cure.”
In its third year of partnering with Susan G. Komen, NatureSweet has donated a total of $255,000 to aid in the search for a cure. Susan G. Komen is the foremost entity in the fight against breast cancer with over 110 affiliates in cities across the United States and partnerships in more than 30 countries. Thanks to support from partners like NatureSweet, Susan G. Komen has invested over $2 billion in research and life-saving community programs since 1982.
“On both local and global scales, Susan G. Komen is innovatively leading the fight against this deadly disease,” Joergenson also said.” We are truly proud to partner with them to help find a cure.”
Show your support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month by finding NatureSweet SunBursts PINK packaging in your grocer or natural food store aisles today!
This text was copied verbatim from a press release.