SUMMERLAND, B.C. - As a kid snacking on apples sliced by my mom, nothing irked me more than seeing that vintage-brown tint growing darker by the minute. To my mom’s dismay, I also refused to eat pre-packaged apple slices because they never tasted fresh. I imagine chefs and foodservice providers face the same challenges, catching them in the crosshairs of quality and convenience. Thanks to Okanagan Specialty Fruits Inc. (OSF), foodservice providers can avoid those trivial annoyances with the new non-browning Arctic® apple fresh slices.
“For the first time, this year’s anticipated Arctic apple crop volume will support expanding into foodservice,” explains Neal Carter, President. “We’ve been extremely busy planting in the orchards. We expect to have an estimated 8 million pounds of Arctic apples for the 2019-2020 season and plan to continue to increase availability in coming years.”
OSF revealed its innovative apple creation at the Produce Marketing Association’s (PMA) recent Foodservice Show. According to a press release, Arctic apples fresh slices were developed through bioengineering to reduce food waste for chefs and foodservice professionals. The 28-day shelf life extends well beyond the industry average of 18-21 days. Gone are the days of biting into a pre-packaged apple slice with a grimace. These non-browning apples provide a crisp, juicy experience akin to eating apples fresh from the grove.
“It was exciting for us to exhibit at the PMA Foodservice show for the first time and to give attendees the opportunity to experience the orchard freshness of Arctic® Golden fresh slices,” said J.F. Gamelin, Director of Sales. “Arctic apples’ non-browning trait offers a key benefit to the foodservice industry—including less prep, less waste, and better taste.”
The OSF sliced Arctic apples will be available in 40 oz bags of both Arctic® Golden and Arctic® Granny varieties, along with a 100-count case of 2 oz packages.
AndNowUKnow is thrilled to see this concept come to life; check back with us for more updates from Okanagan Specialty Fruits Inc.
LOUISVILLE, KY - Kroger is taking its brick-and-mortar concept and putting it on wheels as a means of meeting the needs of all of its shoppers. This week, the retailer rolled out its new Zero Hunger Mobile Market format, a single-aisle grocery store literally on wheels. According to Kroger’s partner in this endeavor, Dare to Care, the Mobile Market is designed to serve neighborhoods with limited or no access to fresh fruits and vegetables.
“It does not have to be a brick-and-mortar store for us to provide access to healthy food for people,” said Erin Grant, Corporate Affairs Manager and Media Spokesperson for Kroger’s Louisville Division, according to the courier journal. “That might not always be the solution. There really are other ways.”
Despite being smaller in scale, the market touts a long list of fresh produce items, including avocados, lettuce, celery, cucumbers, bell peppers, bananas, mangos, onions, squash, potatoes, berries, watermelon, citrus, and more.
“You might not find 100 percent of what’s on your grocery list, but you sure are going to be able to make great, nutritious meals for your family,” added Annette Ball, Chief Programs Officer for Dare to Care.
A total of three employees run the market, which features an entire wall display of fresh produce; two refrigerated units housing fresh meat, dairy products, and eggs; and a row of shelves stocked with baking ingredients, pasta, cereal, and other pantry staples.
“We wanted [our shoppers] to still have a similar experience as our customers do when they shop a store,” Grant continued. “We wanted there to still be that warmth and newness and that brightness to it.”
The news source noted that the Mobile Market helps Kroger access more of its shoppers. Specifically, the competitive grocery market has made it incredibly difficult to open new stores, so the new concept is one strategy to not only help shoppers, but Kroger as well.
The market officially launched this month and is slated to make 35 stops at 29 locations in the Louisville market.
To keep biting into the freshest produce industry news, stay right here with AndNowUKnow.
LAKE RONKONKOMA, NY - King Kullen has announced the upcoming closure of its second store this year. According to Newsday, the Lake Ronkonkoma location is the oldest of the company’s stores, having opened in 1971, and reported as “underperforming.” And the closures won’t stop there; the company also plans to close its North Babylon store in late September.
“These stores were underperforming and the decision was made to close rather than renew leases that were coming due,” said Spokesperson of King Kullen, Lloyd Singer. The North Babylon location also faced the competition of incoming discount grocer Aldi, located a mere half mile away.
In January ANUK reported that the King Kullen chain will be acquired by Ahold Delhaize’s Stop & Shop banner. Although the two entities planned to finalize their deal in the first quarter of 2019, Stop & Shop reported that the recent closures have inhibited this process.
“The dates were estimations. Stop & Shop continues to work through customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals relative to its acquisition of King Kullen Grocery Co., and the transaction has not yet closed,” noted Stefanie Shuman, Manager, External Communications and Community Relations for Stop & Shop.
The majority of King Kullen employees will be transferred to other locations, although many part-timers will opt to resign rather than commute. The commercial workers agency, Local 1500, represents about 2,700 King Kullen and Wild by Nature employees. 52 of these individuals work at the Lake Ronkonkoma location.
We at AndNowUKnow extend a friendly farewell to the recently closed King Kullen locations, all of which have been around for over 30 years. Check back with us to follow Stop & Shop’s acquisition of the chain.
SALINAS, CA - I’ll admit almost too readily that I like to snack; sometimes my lunch consists of just snacks I throw into a bag. Now that I’m more aware of health requirements and how food is made, I try to find snacks that are both better for you while not tasting too blasé. And I do believe that Naturipe hit that nail right on the head: a new snack pack line was released that features fresh berries and fruit with protein-rich cheese and nuts for the berry lover’s perfect snack pack. You had me at berries.
“Our new Naturipe Snacks say, ‘We are here for you—morning, noon, and night,’” said CarrieAnn Arias, Vice President of Marketing. “Whether you need energy to power through the busiest times or you want to kick back with a tasty, healthful snack, we curated these Naturipe Snack combinations so that they feel like an indulgence.”
According to the press release, health, convenience, and snacking are three components that continue to grow rapidly in the produce business. Demand grows as consumers focus on healthier, convenient options. Naturipe developed the fruit snacks with health and portability in mind; the ready-to-eat packs contain the protein, fiber, vitamin C, and calcium consumers want in a variety of delicious combos:
- Classic & Sharp with Grapes and Blueberries, Roasted Sea Salt Almonds, and Sharp Cheddar Cheese
- Sweet & Zesty with Strawberries, Cracked Black Pepper Cashews, and Aged Swiss Cheese
- Bold & Spicy with Grapes, Chili Mango Cashews, and Pepper Jack Cheese
- Sweet & Crunchy with Strawberries and Blueberries, Cinnamon Almonds, and White Cheddar Cheese
“Providing the freshest berries is and has always been our priority, but we realize that consumers today are looking for more than just fruit. They want a balanced, nutrient-rich snack. That’s why we’ve added protein and dairy sources to this next generation of Naturipe Snacks,” said Steven Ware, Vice President and General Manager of Naturipe Snacks. “We are excited about this innovation at Naturipe, and we can’t wait for you to see what’s coming next.”
These trays expand the Naturipe Snacks line which also includes Naturipe Bites™ and Naturipe Snacks™ Fruit Cups, and are available at Giant-Eagle, H-E-B, and soon at Kroger.
For more innovative creations in the produce world, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
SALINAS, CA - I hope you all aren’t tired of me saying how much I love Brussels sprouts because your girl is back to declare her obsession once more! The green bulbs can be dressed up or down, tout numerous health benefits, and look gorgeous in every recipe. I spoke with Katie Harreld, Sales Manager/Brussels Sprout Commodity Manager, to learn about the state of the veggie’s season.
Currently harvesting in both Mexico and California, Ippolito International can boast of very nice quality from both growing regions. As Mexico’s production is starting to wind down, California’s is kicking off.
“Every year and season is different,” Katie explained, “and this year’s California crop is starting off like we haven’t seen the last few years. We had a record-setting winter market, and supplies have since increased.”
Katie also clued me in to how retailers can take note of the vegetable’s versatility when it comes to marketing Brussels sprouts.
“During the summer months, retailers can target those shopping for weekend BBQs. Brussels sprouts on skewers and grilled with a little olive oil are delicious. And fresh shaved Brussels sprout salads are always a popular favorite!” Katie added. “They have become a year-round staple due to their versatility. They can be shredded and used in salads, used whole on the BBQ, cut in half and roasted, or sautéed—even the leaves can be used as Brussels chips. The possibilities are endless and that makes them popular for any season!”
Stick with AndNowUKnow for the latest in all things veggie.
LOS GATOS, CA - Developing a start-up must require a ton of courage. Creators judge whether their passion for agriculture outweighs the need for their services or vice versa. That’s why SVG Ventures and Produce Marketing Association (PMA) believe in giving opportunities to these courageous industry purveyors. The two recently announced that they will join forces in a three-year strategic partnership to do just that.
“The innovations that are made possible by this partnership will be critical next steps to addressing the big questions of how we will feed our growing world,” said Vonnie Estes, Vice President of Technology at PMA. “Our industry will be central to implementing these solutions, and I’m thrilled that with this partnership with SVG Ventures, we are key to finding and developing those solutions as well.”
Focusing on AgriFood and AgTech, SVG Ventures will host panels at the upcoming PMA Fresh Summit Convention & Expo. The two organizations will also launch their THRIVE Fresh Summit Challenge live-pitch competition at the conference, according to a press release.
“Both SVG Ventures and PMA have been working closely with experts from Driscoll’s, Taylor Farms, and Sun World Innovations to deeply understand the specific industry challenges,” added John Hartnett, Founder/CEO SVG Ventures +THRIVE Agrifood. “This pitch competition serves as an opportunity to fast-track entrepreneurs who drive us toward a more efficient, sustainable, and secure agricultural future.”
The competition invites start-ups to present their technological creations in the produce and floral industries for a chance to earn a $100K investment. $50K of this can be attributed to joining the THRIVE VI Accelerator Program, which gives the recipient a chance to present at the Forbes AgTech Summit Salinas with the possibility of an additional $100K investment prize. Moreover, the winner will be featured as part of the PMA Center at the expo, gaining visibility and access to other relevant partners and investors.
Applications are now open to start-ups around the world with concepts focused on sustainability, digital solutions, food waste reduction, or food safety solutions, but will close submissions on the THRIVE website September 10th. Four applicants will be selected to participate in the live-pitch challenge scheduled October 17-19th. As if the cornucopia of awards isn’t enticing enough, the competition will be judged by a panel including Shark Tank powerhouse Robert Herjavec, based on the finalists’ ability to present clear business strategies and communicate their respective innovations.
The winner will be announced at the Fresh Summit Convention & Expo. ANUK wishes the best of luck to start-ups selected to participate in this opportunistic competition. Check back with us to find out who triumphs!
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - C.H. Robinson treks onward in the transportation logistics field, welcoming Mike Zechmeister as the company’s new Chief Financial Officer. Zechmeister brings with him nearly three decades of finance experience and will assume the position starting September 3rd.
“I am thrilled to join C.H. Robinson at this time of significant opportunity,” Zechmeister said. “Robinson is an industry leader with a strong financial position, great culture, and powerful platform for growth. I look forward to further developing the strong Finance organization and working with Bob and the leadership team to lead the company into its next phase of growth.”
AndNowUKnow reported earlier this week that Zechmeister left his role as Chief Financial Officer at United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI), where he led organization and capability enhancements as the company expanded significantly on both organic and acquisition fronts. Before UNFI, Zechmeister spent 25 years at General Mills in the roles of Vice President of Finance for the Pillsbury Division, Vice President of Finance for US Retail Sales, and Treasurer. In addition to his professional experience, Zechmeister serves on the Board of Overseers at his alma mater, the Carlson School of Management, as stated in a press release.
“Mike is a seasoned and strategic public company CFO. He brings tremendous finance acumen and experience strengthening financial planning and analysis capabilities and driving growth through effective business partnership,” said Bob Biesterfeld, Chief Executive Officer. “His strong background and leadership capabilities will be a valuable addition to Robinson as we continue to deliver industry-leading solutions to our customers and carriers and create value for our shareholders.”
Biesterfeld added: “I would also like to thank Scott Hagen for his leadership and continuity as Interim CFO in this important transition."
Afterwards, Hagen will continue with the company as Controller.
ANUK congratulates Mark Zechmeister on his transition from UNFI to C.H. Robinson. Check back with us for more reports on the company’s success.
MONTEREY, CA - With the national acceptance of marijuana in the legal system, hemp has also entered into much of the public's good graces as well. While hemp has always been used for functionality like in clothing, ropes, or carrier bags, the crop has also been used for body ailments and personal health care in the forms of CBD oil or hair care. The industrial usage of hemp is virtually boundless, and OGS wants to highlight that at the 2019 event slated for this December in Monterey, California.
“The legalization of hemp production via the 2018 Farm Bill provides new opportunities for farmers and processors. Hemp is a sustainable crop that has the potential to both change the agricultural landscape and boost the United States economy,” April Crittenden, Chief Certification Officer, California Certified Organic Farmers, and a panel moderator at this year's OGS stated.
According to the press release, “The Growing Hemp Market in the US” will explore the market for hemp and what lies ahead for producers and extractors of organic hemp. Panelists for the session include Chris Boucher, CEO of Farmtiva, and Ray Drysdale, Founder and CEO of PureCrop1. Crittenden will be the moderator for this panel.
The Hemp Business Journal estimates the U.S. hemp industry will grow to a $1.9 billion-dollar market by 2022. As of February, 41 states had approved cultivation of hemp, although only 24 states were growing it this year. In total, 78,176 acres of hemp were cultivated last year, compared to 25,713 in 2017.
Before the intriguing session takes place, the 2019 OGS will start off with an educational program, “Strategies to Reduce Risk through Organic Soil Health Practices,” that will be a two-and-half hour intensive education session on Wednesday, December 4. Panelists for the session include Phil Foster, Founder and Owner of Foster Ranch; Steve Pavich, Senior Plant Nutritionist at BioFlora; and Jared Zystro, Research and Education Assistant Director with The Organic Seed Alliance. The session will be moderated by Organic Farming Research Foundation’s Haley Baron, Education and Research Program Associate. Organic growing and production experts will discuss how to identify and implement effective soil health-based risk reduction practices as well as exploring different research topics such as seed and plant breeding, soil health, and weed and pest issues.
“Organic farmers are confronted with an array of production risks, including yield losses resulting from poor germination, extreme weather events, weeds, pests, and nutrient limitations. Growers can experience long-term declines in crop productivity related to soil erosion, compaction, and/or degradation. Building and maintaining healthy soil—rich in organic matter and beneficial organisms—is one of the best strategies growers can implement to mitigate these risks," said Baron.
Among other topics that will be addressed by organic industry leaders at OGS are the impact of technological advances in organic agriculture, a look at what lies ahead for plant health, and taking a proactive stance on sustainability reporting efforts.
Visit the site for more information on the third annual Organic Grower Summit and continue reading AndNowUKnow for more updates as it draws nearer.
ISSAQUAH, WA - In efforts to compete in this tight retail market, Costco has taken a bigger-is-better approach, setting its sights on expansion in the U.S. and abroad. Recently opening its largest Canadian store, and its first store in New Zealand, the retailer is targeting strategic markets throughout the U.S. as part of a larger growth plan.
According to The Food Institute, Costco is expecting to open 21-22 new warehouses each year, with 75 percent to be located in the U.S. and 25 percent located outside the country. The retailer expects this U.S. to international ratio will balance out to 50/50 as the domestic retail market becomes more saturated. The news source reports that Costco is eyeing markets in Asia and Western Europe—the retailer recently rolled out executive membership in South Korea, and has plans to do the same in Japan and Taiwan soon. Costco has also planned its first Chinese brick-and-mortar location to open in Shanghai in August of this year, and has a second Chinese location in the works as well.
Stateside, the retailer has expansion on the brain as well, with plans to open three new stores in Bradenton, FL; Bismarck, ND; and Plainfield, IL. The new Florida location is set to open on August 21, according to YourObserver.com. The news source reports that this store has been constructed in approximately three months, and about half its roughly 200 employees will be transfers from other stores.
The North Dakota store, Costco’s second in the state, is still in the planning stages, as the Bismarck City Commission has recently voted to continue a land annexation public hearing, KFYRTV reports. The twenty acres of land earmarked for the new store is still undeveloped, but according to the news source, annexation is the next step to secure the location’s anticipated opening in summer of 2020.
Plans for the Illinois store, however, are further along, as the Plainfield Village Board recently formally approved a number of measures for a new development that will include a Costco store, according to The Herald News. The approval included a $2.5 million sales tax rebate for the retailer.
The approval for the new store included several caveats, however. The new store is expected to generate approximately $400,000 to $500,000 in annual sales tax for Plainfield at the start, and then over $1 million in sales tax after the incentive is completed, the news source reports. This agreement is expected to be paid in full in five to six years, and Costco is required to open the new store by December 1, 2022, though the retailer expects the store to open by November of 2020.
Costco anticipates that the new store will “cannibalize” customers from neighboring stores in Naperville and Bolingbrook, so the retailer has agreed to the deal to “make sure their return on investment calculates out,” commented Jonathan Proulx, Director of Planning for the Plainfield Village Board.
Where will Costco set its sights next? AndNowUKnow will report.
MCALLEN, TX - It is with heavy hearts that AndNowUKnow announces the passing of Ken Martin, a well-respected industry leader who headed up one of the largest citrus and onion farming and packaging companies in Texas. He passed away on August 7, 2019, at the age of 77.
Martin was born in Southwest Missouri, where he grew up on his family’s dairy farm. After attending school in his home state, he met his wife, Sue. In 1970, the two were asked by Sue’s father to move to South Texas to care for his citrus orchards, which is where Martin learned the ropes of managing the groves, driving the tractors, and irrigating the soil. It was these orchards that also put Martin on his produce path, which ultimately led him to running his own citrus and onion farming and packaging operation 40 years later. He was also an early proponent of the famous Rio Star Grapefruit that many Texans have come to know and love. Throughout his career, he served on numerous industry committees and boards.
In 2012, Martin sold his citrus company and purchased a vineyard in Napa, California. Although Martin spent most of his life farming in Texas, he truly loved nothing more than enjoying wine with family in the beautiful Napa Valley, according to a press release. It was Napa where Martin spent his last days doing what he loved most: enjoying his time with his grandchildren, wine tasting in Napa, and preparing for another harvest season.
Martin will always be remembered as a beloved husband, kind father, and loving grandfather and great-grandfather who knew how to live his life to the absolute fullest. He is survived by his wife, Sue; his children, Mike and Jeanie; his grandchildren, Taylor, Mary, Kathryn, Wilson, Mikenley, Maisen, Harden, Gairsen, and Natalie; and a great-granddaughter, Aubrey. He will be deeply missed by his family, his friends, and all who had the opportunity to know him.
A memorial service is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on August 20 at the First United Methodist Church, 4200 North McColl Road in McAllen, TX. Please consider donating in Martin’s memory to Saving Hope Animal Rescue (www.saving-hope.org) or the American Heart Association (www.heart.org).
The ANUK team offers our deepest condolences to the Martin family and all affected during this time.