Anthony Vineyards’ Cookie and Bobby Bianco have been featured in the latest edition of AndNowUKnow’s print publication, The Snack Magazine. These brothers talk the past, present, and future of the company as well as share how they have turned Anthony Vineyards into the more than 8,000 acre California grape powerhouse it is today.
Check out The Snack article by clicking here, or read the full text below:
BET ON YOURSELF
The Bianco boys did it the hard way. “We started with 160 acres, and not one of us took a salary or a bonus for 20 years. Not a dime,” Cookie Bianco tells me.
“We all found separate jobs and came together to buy the land. After that, we invested the profits back into the business,” Bobby Bianco says.
Four Bianco brothers bought land in Bakersfield, California more than 40 years ago and have now grown Anthony Vineyards into the more than 8,000 acres it is today. Today, the vertically-integrated company has a grape deal from May through December with a hand in dates, peppers, and citrus to round out the program.
That’s how they did it. Sheer will and determination–something their father taught them.
“Bet on yourself.” Cookie has said it before, and it always resonates with me. Since I was in high school during the late 80’s, this sentiment has been in my ear a long time. “It’s the only way anything gets done,” he says.
That’s what he tells his sales staff every day. “If you don’t believe in yourself, how will you convince anyone else?” he asks me. “That’s my philosophy.”
“Cookie and I have a great rapport because he’s an eternal optimist and I’m an eternal pessimist,” Bobby laughs. “We both have our separate knowledge that we bring to the table.”
Originally founded by four brothers, today Domenick "Cookie" and Robert "Bobby" Bianco stand at the helm of the ship and are deeply involved in the operation of Anthony Vineyards. Their father, Anthony A. Bianco, immigrated to the United States in the 1920s from his native Italy as an 18 year old and began working as a fruit peddler in New York City. Bianco made his way onto the New York Produce Market and became a commission merchant for wine grapes, selling them through the New York produce auction. With frequent visits to California where he sourced the fruit, their father decided to make the move to the West Coast in 1942 with his family in tow.
I ask Cookie how he got his name. “My older brother said ‘here comes cookie’ and it stuck,” Cookie laughs. The family left New York in 1942 when Cookie was 8 years old and Bobby was 9 months.
In 1967, their father Anthony Bianco passed away, and two years later the company went bankrupt because of the California grape boycott.
I find it hard to believe that you can keep a Bianco down. And as far as I know, you can’t. Enter the four Bianco sons a few years later, digging their heels into the earth in Bakersfield, California… and Anthony Vineyards was born.
“With your family you can reach a little higher, lift each other to the next rung on the ladder,” Cookie notes. “It’s taken a fire in my belly to get to where we are, but family was even more essential.”
When I ask Cookie and Bobby who their biggest mentors have been; who has influenced them the most, Bobby replies, “Our father had a 3rd grade education but was the smartest man I ever knew.” This is a response that speaks volumes towards the Bianco work ethic, the value of a man.
The company has continued to stay ahead of the curve. Eleven years ago, the two brothers took another leap of faith and turned their focus to expanding the business into organics.
"We put a toe in the water. A ranch came up for sale that was originally owned by a pioneer in the organic grape deal,” Cookie notes. "I said to our sales manager 'let’s give it a try for one year – if it doesn’t work – we can convert it back to conventional.'"
Once the company gained its organic foothold, Anthony Vineyards ramped up its grape expansion and now has a third of its grapes in the organic grape category. “We may increase our organic grape offerings to 50% in a couple years,” Bobby tells me. “This is another way that we have looked to diversify our business. It has been successful and as always, we’re here to please.”
“All these things were about developing and investing back into the business, both in our people and the ranches,” Cookie notes. “The company has become too big for the two of us to do everything the way we did 40 years ago and business is certainly now more complicated than the old days. We have a solid team of agricultural, sales, and administrative people, each with skill sets we don’t have. They operate the day to day activity of the business. They are all considered part of our extended family.”
“Investing in the ranches to improve efficiency and quality has kept us a player in the game,” Bobby tells me. “The new improved trellis systems installed this past decade cost about as much as the land when we bought it. Most of all the land has been converted to drip irrigation. Also, we invest significantly to replace old varieties and vineyards that are beyond their useful life and to meet the ever changing requirements of the consumer.”
The grape program is now more labor friendly, and the health of the fruit has improved substantially; quality is more consistent. Vines are trained branch-by-branch to follow the arch of a trellis, which allows workers easy access to their fruit.
Anthony Vineyards has two principal grape growing regions in California, beginning with the Coachella Valley in the first part of the season and the San Joaquin Valley in the latter. The family has been in both areas for more years than they can count, and Bobby will attest to the difficulties of farming in the desert.
“Everything is accelerated with less wiggle room and planning for incremental weather and drastic changes in temperature,” Bobby says, recalling challenges with dormancy during some seasons when there was not enough chill hours for the grapes. Dormancy is the important stage of the grape’s annual cycle when growth and development stop temporarily and the vine rests, allowing growers to prune the vine and set it up for the upcoming season.
“In the desert you have a matter of hours compared to the days you may have in the San Joaquin Valley to address an issue,” Bobby tells me.
Although the future is bright for the Bianco generations to come, they also know that there will be challenges ahead.
“We’ve built up a good, solid business. But labor could be an issue for our children. Something has to change. The agricultural workforce is diminishing. Moving forward, we have to find varieties that produce more with lower growing costs. Even if we create an environment where there is less demand for labor, you will always need people to care for and harvest the fruit. We need immigration reform and a workable guest worker program,” Bobby tells me. Thompson seedless was the big variety back when the Bianco’s got started, but many growers have replaced it with less labor-intensive grapes.
It’s been a long road since 1967. The two youngest Bianco boys now count some of their own sons and daughters as employees, with yet another generation entering the ranks. “I will be 80 this year,” Cookie says. “And I tell it the way it is. I get away with it at my age. But, I think my team will tell you that what I have to say is worth sharing.”
The brothers have been in business for more than 50 years together. At the end of the day they agree it always works, but not without getting your hands dirty. They wouldn’t have it any other way.
“Bet on yourself,” Cookie tells me again. And from the way things have come together for the Bianco brothers, I’d say it was a good bet to make.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The USDA has lifted PACA reparation sanctions on Pacific Coast Produce & Distributors Inc.
The Los Angeles, California-based company may now continue operating in the produce industry after applying for and receiving a PACA license. Chester J. Frangipani was listed as the sole officer, director, and major stockholder of the business and may now be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee, according to a press release.
Pacific Coast Produce & Distributors Inc., doing business as R & R Produce, was formerly restricted from operating in the produce industry in September 2013 for failing to pay a $26,210 award in favor of a Florida 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.
In the past three years, USDA resolved approximately 4,600 claims filed under 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.
YAKIMA, WA – Domex Superfresh Growers’ Chief Horticulturist, Dave Gleason, offers a look into the company’s 2014 apple harvest. Make sure to check out the video below.
Domex has begun its harvest of Gala apples and is seeing color improving and sugars advancing in each block. With no major weather incidents this year, the fruit is sizing up and finishing well.
A new technological development for this year’s harvest is the use of platforms to aid in harvesting. Domex has been working on the implementation of this new tech for the past few years. The company has already seen increases in worker safety, a reduction in fatigue and less bruising on the apples.
The platform has two working levels, which allow workers to pick both the top and bottom halves of the trees without the use of ladders. This creates a safer and more efficient working environment with workers not having to climb up and down. It also reduces the amount of walking they do while carrying heavy picking bags.
The harvest will continue for two months ending with Fuji and Pink Lady apples.
NOGALES, AZ - The Fresh Produce Association of the Americas (FPAA) has announced that it will be having two big name speakers at its 46th Produce Convention and Golf Tournament: Seald Sweet's Director of Global Affairs Bruce McEvoy and Arizona Congressman Jim Kolbe.
“We are really excited about this year’s event. In addition to Bruce McEvoy of Seald Sweet, we also have former Arizona Congressman Jim Kolbe to round out the educational component,” said FPAA President, Lance Jungmeyer. “Of course with our fantastic weather and our concentration of produce companies for people to network with, the FPAA Produce Convention has been a must on everyone’s calendar for many years.”
According to a press release, Bruce will be discussing market access issues that are a critical component of global sourcing. In addition he will be sharing his experience in turning Seald Sweet into a global company with $4 billion in annual sales, including its merger with Belgium-based UNIVEG Fruit and Vegetable Group. He will be sharing how his experience in this process can help inform the decisions of other produce executives going through the same phase with their own companies.
Jim will be speaking on the topic of trade with Mexico and his vision for how Arizona will succeed as this trade market moves into the future.
Located in the Plaza at the Tubac Golf Resort and Spa, the event's opening evening will provide guests a great opportunity to both enjoy the view as well as network with fellow influential produce leaders.
“We strive to give everyone a great backdrop as they interact with their clients, suppliers, and friends in the industry. The produce business is very much based on relationships, and this is the event to nurture those relationships,” says Jungmeyer.
Other highlights of the event include:
- A two day Golf Tournament starting Friday morning and hole-in-one contests in which golfers will have 4 opportunities to win a brand new car.
- Helicopter rides from the putting green at the Tubac Golf Resort and Spa, down produce row, to the border and back.
- The Gala Event and “Pillars of the FPAA” Award Ceremony which will be held on Friday, Oct. 31. The award recognizes excellence and service to the FPPA. Last year's winner was former FPAA Executive Director Bob Hathaway.
According to a press release, the Produce Convention & Golf Tournament will run from October 30th to November 1st in Tubac, Arizona.
In order to register for this event, interested parties can visit the convention website here.
Misionero’s customers now have the power of choice.
Customers can order Misionero’s Garden Life Washed and Trimmed Lettuce and Misionero Earth Greens Organic Salads with either the company's existing packaging or with its new peel and reseal film technology.
Garden Life® Washed & Trimmed Lettuce comes with the equivalent of one full head of lettuce in each package. The lettuce is triple washed, comes in 4 different varieties, and is 100% usable.
All 15 varieties of Earth Greens® Organic Salads are also triple washed and ready to use right out of the container.
With this new innovative lidding film, Misionero has reduced material used for this pack by 20%.
The new lidding film has a tamper evident seal and is easy to use. Consumers pull open the package, use what they need, and reclose the container. The packaging's flexible closure allows it to be resealed multiple times without loss of functionality so customers can simply use what they need and reapply the film without worrying about the produce aging too quickly or going to waste.
Retailers also love the new packaging because it makes more effective use of retail shelf space.
Now that's the power of choice!
CHARLOTTE, NC - Chiquita Brands International has announced the discovery of $20 million in additional synergies with Fyffes related to their proposed merger.
"...Chiquita and Fyffes have identified an additional $20 million of synergies that will allow ChiquitaFyffes to deliver even more value for our shareholders and result in a combined company with stronger earnings power,” said Ed Lonergan, Chiquita's Chief Executive Officer, and David McCann, Fyffes Executive Chairman, in a joint statement. “Chiquita and Fyffes remain committed to the transaction and are continuing to work together to complete the Combination as expeditiously as possible."
According to a press release, Chiquita and Fyffes believe that they will be able to realize roughly half of the $60 million in total synergies expected from the merger within the first year of the deal. The remaining $30 million is expected to be realized during year two of ChiquitaFyffes, according to the two executives.
Will this latest news be enough to put the Chiquita-Fyffes merger over the top with shareholders? Chiquita thinks so, and is urging its shareholders to vote "yes" on the anticipated merger.
“The combination with Fyffes accelerates Chiquita's 'Return to the Core' strategy and should enable Chiquita to achieve higher, more predictable cash flow and to immediately deleverage, further improving the Company's financial profile,” read a letter from Chiquita to its shareholders. “Under the new strategy, Chiquita's EBITDA is set to double from approximately $70 million in 2012 to $130 to $150 million in 2014.”
As AndNowUKnow has previously covered, Chiquita has also received an unsolicited merger offer from The Cutrale and Safra Groups. It has since rejected this offer, telling its shareholders that “...our Board unanimously determined that the Group's unsolicited offer is inadequate and not in the best interests of Chiquita shareholders.”
Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow for further updates on the Chiquita-Fyffes merger talks.
EDEN PRAIRIE, MN – Robinson Fresh® has added Green Giant™ Fresh asparagus to its lineup of consumer brands.
“Robinson Fresh® is proud to take part in bringing fresh, new asparagus options to our client base,” said Michael Castagnetto, Director of Global Sourcing at Robinson Fresh. “The Green Giant™ brand represents fresh, high-quality products that consumers can depend on.”
This addition is a result of the collaborative success of the introduction of Green Giant™ Fresh avocados in May of last year.
“Asparagus is one of the fastest growing fresh vegetable categories and is an essential part of our full line of Green Giant™ Fresh products,” said Jamie Strachan, CEO at Green Giant™ Fresh. “Robinson Fresh’s category leadership combined with our Green Giant retail support programs will put our customers in position to consistently outpace the rest of the market.”
Green Giant™ Fresh supports the asparagus category through value-added services like category management, brand support as well as comprehensive advertising and promotional campaigns, according to a press release.
Green Giant™ Fresh asparagus is offered in bulk packaging in club and retail boxes, as well as tags, wraps and poly bags to provide easy packaging options for convenience-driven consumers.
Like the Green Giant™ Fresh avocado program, the bagged asparagus options will also feature Box Tops for Education™ coupons. Green Giant™ Fresh is the only fresh produce brand to feature the nation’s #1 school fundraising program.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Two PACA violators in Alabama and South Carolina have been restricted from operating in the produce industry, according to a USDA press release.
Alejandro Alarcon Vega, operating as Alex Produce, a Birmingham, AL based company, failed to pay a $4,582 award in favor of a Georgia seller. Alejandro Alarcon Vega was listed as the sole proprietor of the business.
Fermin Arellano-Campuzano, operating as F&C Arellano, a West Columbia, SC based company, failed to pay a $20,413 award in favor of a Michigan seller. Fermin C. Arellano was listed as the sole proprietor 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 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.
KINGSVILLE, ONTARIO - Continuing to expand and enhance the company’s greenhouse operations, SUNSET® Produce recently wrapped up Phase II construction of its Coldwater Farms operations. The completed phase doubles the footprint of Coldwater Farms to 60 acres.
“The ability to grow fresh tomatoes in the middle of winter is something we are very proud of,” stated CEO Paul Mastronardi. “The location of Coldwater means we can pick, pack and ship the freshest possible tomatoes in the same day. This means we continue to deliver the highest flavor possible while also reducing food miles.”
With the new addition, Coldwater Farms will soon become a Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program-verified farm in recognition of SUNSET’s environmental initiatives.
The Coldwater operations grow SUNSET® TOV and grape tomatoes 365 days a year. Open since 2012, this state of the art greenhouse uses advanced technology including energy curtains and grow lights to provide fresh, innovative flavors all year round. SUNSET® recently planted TOV, beefsteak and Angel Sweet™ plants in Phase II, with the first harvest slated for October in about 7 weeks. The new addition also features a diffused glass ceiling, which evenly distributes sunlight throughout Coldwater Farms.
“The diffused glass is pretty incredible because it’s simple but so efficient. When sunlight hits it, it gets distributed at different angles to cover the greenhouse with more light,” Christopher Gill, Director of Greenhouse Operations, states. “This means that plants are more exposed to sunlight and take in more CO2, which contributes to increased growth and better quality fruit year round. Anywhere you stand in the greenhouse you’ll never see your shadow.”
Similar to Phase I, Phase II includes automated harvest carts for efficient and ergonomic harvesting, the use of recycled water and fertilizer, and a rainwater irrigation system, according to a press release. The Coldwater operation’s strategic location contributes to SUNSET’s Green Grass Project™ by decreasing the amount of food miles and delivering fresh and flavorful product to the U.S. Midwest all year round.
Look for Michigan grown tomatoes at retailers across the Midwest.
Congratulations, SUNSET® Produce, on your continued growth and evolution!
CINCINNATI, OH – Rumors are building that Kroger could be contemplating a Market Basket acquisition. Considering that Kroger doesn't yet have a New England presence despite being the largest supermarket chain in the United States, a Market Basket purchase could make a lot of sense for the retailer. Doing so would instantly establish a strong foothold for Kroger in the region, something which CEO Rodney McMullen might find highly appealing.
The question is would Kroger be willing to consider a deal of this magnitude so soon after finishing its biggest acquisition in the last decade in purchasing Harris Teeter last January. This $2.5 billion deal already added 227 stores to Kroger's ledger. Would McMullen want to add more so soon?
Steve Watkins, a reporter for the Cincinnati Business Courier had a chance to ask McMullen exactly this question at Kroger's annual business meeting last June. His answer revealed that Kroger wouldn't be opposed to the idea of another acquisition, at least in principle.
“If some merger opportunity came up, in all likelihood we’d look at it,” McMullen said. “We’re always looking to grow.”
As AndNowUKnow has previously covered, if Kroger did enter the fray, its biggest competition would come from Market Basket's former President and CEO Arthur T. Demoulas whose latest $1.5 billion offer currently enjoys frontrunner status in talks.
Many however, including myself, wonder if Kroger might step in and take that title from Demoulas.
Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow for further updates on the Market Basket situation as the news breaks.