IRVINE, CA - Good morning, AndNowUKnow readers!
Today I am bringing you some of the category and weather news from around the industry. Check back twice weekly to see the latest around all growing regions.
TROPICAL STORM LORENA HEADED TOWARDS BAJA CALIFORNIA GROWING REGIONS
Over the past two days, Tropical Storm Lorena has been hugging the West Coast of Mexico along the states of Michoacán, Colima, and Jalisco, dropping several inches of rain during the process.
The storm has now left the coast, and per the National Hurricane Center, it is now headed towards the Baja peninsula. The storm is expected to scoot up the Pacific Coast, dropping rain throughout the weekend in the growing regions of La Paz, Cd. Constitución, Vizcaino, and possibly San Quintín. If it rains in San Quintín, it will happen on Monday.
Please check with shippers out of San Diego to see if any of their growing regions will be affected.
This same storm might bring rain to the Southern Arizona growing regions around Phoenix and Yuma, which should be close to kicking off their fall melon season.
MICHIGAN HEAT TO END SUNDAY WITH RAINS
Temperatures in Michigan have been warmer than normal over the last week with highs in the mid 80°s and lows in the 60°s. Saturday will be the hottest day of the week, peaking around 85°. Come Sunday, temperatures will fall 12° to 15° as a storm comes through with a 50 percent possibility of dropping up to 1.00” of rain across the state.
High temperatures next week will hover around 70° and low temperatures will be in the upper 50°s.
WARMER TEMPERATURES START TOMORROW IN CALIFORNIA
California and Baja California are still on track for warmer temperatures this weekend and will continue through next Wednesday.
Salinas will hit a high of 84° tomorrow and then will peak at 87° next Wednesday and Thursday.
Santa Maria will hit 84° tomorrow and a high of 85° next Wednesday and Thursday.
Ensenada, BC, Mexico, which is a large berry growing region, will hit a high of 87° on Sunday and will remain in the 80°s through Wednesday.
Even San Quintin, the main summer veg and tomato region in Baja California, which has seen highs in the 70°s this past week, will see high temperatures in the mid 80°s this weekend.
TROPICAL DEPRESSION IMELDA SHOULDN’T AFFECT TEXAS WATERMELONS
As bad as Imelda has been for the Houston area these past few days, it doesn’t appear it will bring rain to the watermelon growing regions of West Texas. Midland and Plains growing regions will stay dry. If you are familiar with other current growing regions that may be affected, please let us know.
HURRICANE JERRY IS SPINNING IN THE ATLANTIC BUT WILL NOT HIT THE U.S.
Jerry is out over the Atlantic heading Westward at the moment. By Sunday evening, Jerry is expected to make a hard right and head North making a beeline for Bermuda. We will update you on Tuesday.
Thank you as always! We will be back next week with another report.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI - SpartanNash has welcomed a strong addition to its produce leadership with Vic Savanello, who just joined the retailer as its new Regional Vice President of Produce and Floral Merchandising.
I had the opportunity to discuss this big next step with Vic, who shared a little insight on what’s to come.
“In SpartanNash, I saw an organization with a topflight reputation and multifaceted business model, which I felt gave me an incredible opportunity to utilize my diverse background and career experiences. I look forward to being truly challenged and enjoying immense success as a part of SpartanNash’s produce team,” he said of the decision to sign on.
As part of what Vic tells me is the “marketing and merchandising center of excellence,” he will be responsible for supporting SpartanNash’s more than 155 company-owned retail stores, establishing and maintaining customer and vendor relations and satisfaction levels, negotiating national vendor contracts, and leading the fresh distribution procurement team and their processes.
“Together with the produce team, I’m hoping to continue to establish SpartanNash stores as the go-to produce destination in each of our retail markets, leading the way through innovation, variety, and value,” Vic shares. “At the same time, we want to help our independent retail customers compete and excel in the ever-evolving competitive landscape!”
In this new role, he will report directly to the Vice President of Fresh Merchandising, Jerry Goldsmith.
“Vic joins SpartanNash with many years of produce experience in all facets of the business,” Jerry said when I reached out about Vic’s joining the team.” With produce being such a key strategic focus for SpartanNash, we felt Vic’s experience would continue to elevate the business to best in class. We look forward to his contributions to the success of the organization.”
That experience includes two New Jersey-based retail cooperatives and, most recently, Vice President of Produce for The Fresh Market.
“My background working for two New Jersey-based retail cooperatives gives me a lot of insight into what the independent supermarket owner wants and prioritizes as keys to their business’ success. The two different models gave me a view from a self-distributed and then a third-party distributed model. Working with SpartanNash’s independent retail customers will not be foreign in the least to me; in fact, I am really looking forward to it,” Vic said of how his background will complement this new position. “But, at the same time, my recent experience at The Fresh Market gave me great insights into building programs, together with our operations team, which are designed to succeed at the store level! It’s the best of all possible produce distribution worlds, and I’m right in the thick of it! It’s going to be a lot of fun!”
In Vic, SpartanNash has clearly amplified not only its years of produce experience, but passion and enthusiasm as well. A big congratulations to both sides on this exciting new chapter!
WASHINGTON, DC - The United Fresh Produce Association Washington Conference has officially wrapped, bringing a multitude of industry leaders from every sector of fresh produce to the table in DC. With important issues ranging from trade and immigration to water, transportation, and beyond, the impact of the annual event is sure to ripple through the remainder of 2019 and into the new year.
Let’s take a quick look at the event by the numbers—with thanks to the United Fresh team—which reveals the magnitude of the conference and the industry’s investment in their relationships with their elected officials:
- Participants marched on Capitol Hill for 216 visits with Congressmen and Senators.
- Attendees represented 40 states and six countries.
- 22 percent of attendees were first-time attendees to the Washington Conference.
- Attendance was up by 23 percent over 2018.
“Republicans and Democrats may not agree on much, but this week’s United Fresh Washington Conference demonstrated the power of a unified produce industry voice,” John Hollay, Senior Director, Government Relations, shared. “The bipartisan support for labor reforms for agriculture, trade, and the passage of USMCA, and further investments in our children’s future through our school nutrition programs is something that members of Congress from both sides of the aisle demonstrated they can agree on.”
Robert Guenther, Senior Vice President of Public Policy also expressed his thoughts on the successful conference.
“This week demonstrated the importance of meeting face to face with members of Congress and their staff as our elected officials determine which issues they must address in the next few months,” Guenther reflected. “The messages we, as an industry, delivered addressing our labor challenges, overcoming trade difficulties, and ensuring that children have access to fresh fruits and vegetables were almost unanimously well-received by Congress.”
Stefanie Katzman, President of S. Katzman Produce, also believes the event is truly worthwhile for everyone involved.
"Although it may be the convention that most people in the industry are the least aware of, it is really one of the most important. As we all know, there are certain things in the produce industry we have no control over, like the weather for example, but there are other key factors that affect our business, and it is important to make sure we are represented and have the opportunity to be heard," stated Katzman. "Those running our government and making these industry decisions on our behalf are in office to serve us, so it is our responsibility to let them know how they can best do that. United Fresh works year-round to represent us in Washington, and Robert does an amazing job for the industry, but he cannot do it alone, and the more support we can give, the better we will all benefit. Farm bills, trade laws, face-to-face meetings with congress, and educational sessions on what we can do and how we are affected are just some of the topics. And of course at like all conventions, it is another great opportunity to network."
Curious as to what more of our industry friends from Randy Giumarra to Lisa McNeece had to say? Check out the event in their words, here.
Thank you to all those who brought your voice to the Hill on behalf of the produce industry!
WASHINGTON, DC - This morning, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that it imposed sanctions on two produce businesses for failing to meet their contractual obligations to the produce sellers they purchased from and failing to pay reparation awards issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA). These sanctions include suspending the businesses’ PACA licenses and barring the principal operators of the businesses from engaging in PACA-licensed business or other activities without approval from USDA. By issuing these penalties, USDA continues to enforce the prompt and full payment for produce while protecting the rights of sellers and buyers in the marketplace.
Direct from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service:
The following businesses and individuals are currently restricted from operating in the produce industry:
- Harvest Soul LLC, operating out of Fairburn, Georgia, for failing to pay a $5,492 award in favor of a Florida seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Kevin Quirk was listed as a member of the business.
- Church Hill Farms and Logistics, operating out of York, Pennsylvania, for failing to pay a $1,063,529 award in favor of a California seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Vincenzo F. Giuffrida was listed as the Officer, Director, and Major Stockholder of the business.
PACA provides an administrative forum to handle disputes involving produce transactions; this may result in USDA’s issuance of a reparation order that requires damages to be paid by those not meeting their contractual obligations in buying and selling fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables. USDA is required to suspend the license or impose sanctions on an unlicensed business that fails to pay PACA reparations awarded against it as well as impose restrictions against those principals determined to be responsibly connected to the business when the order is issued. Those individuals, including sole proprietors, partners, members, managers, officers, directors, or major stockholders, may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee without USDA approval.
The PACA Division, which is in the Fair Trade Practices Program in the Agricultural Marketing Service, regulates fair trading practices of produce businesses that are operating subject to PACA, including buyers, sellers, commission merchants, dealers, and brokers within the fruit and vegetable industry.
In the past three years, USDA resolved approximately 3,350 PACA claims involving more than $63 million. PACA staff also assisted more than 8,000 callers with issues valued at approximately $156 million. These are just two examples of how USDA continues to support the fruit and vegetable industry.
For more information, contacts, and to read the full press release, please click here.
IRVINE, CA - This Southern California avocado advocate is welcoming the Produce Marketing Association’s (PMA) Fresh Summit event to its home territory this year. Taking place in Anaheim from October 16-19, the California Avocado Commission (CAC) will exhibit on the final two days of Fresh Summit and will focus on 2020’s favorable outlook.
“We’re wrapping up our season and the celebration of the Commission’s strong heritage of groundbreaking avocado marketing, supporting California avocado growers, and helping to grow avocado consumption,” said Jan DeLyser, Vice President of Marketing. “Now we are looking forward to the next 40 years of the Commission’s continuing innovation, creativity, and focused customer service.”
California avocado growers are anticipating a larger crop with promotable volume next year, so the CAC marketing team is working on programs that build shopper anticipation for seasonal availability. The marketing line-up includes innovative advertising and customer-specific programs. As it has in prior years, health and wellness communications will be integrated into the Commission’s plans as well.
“CAC is proud to be a sponsor of the Produce for Better Health Foundation Education 2Action Retail Dietitian Summit and welcomes those influential retail dietitians, as well produce retailers and industry stakeholders, to booth #3937,” said DeLyser. “We’ll have a double-decker booth again this year, which provides nice spaces for private meetings as well as casual conversations.”
CAC’s merchandising and marketing team will be available at the booth during Expo hours, including David Anderson, Carolyn Becker, Zac Benedict, David Cruz, Jan DeLyser, Angela Fraser, Marji Morrow, and Steven Muro. The latest category data will be available for retailers and other stakeholders. Be sure to stop by booth #3937 at this year’s Fresh Summit event!
PITTSBURGH, PA - As Giant Eagle has been trialing new technology, utilizing Grabango’s tech to pilot checkout-free shopping, it's also been shaking up its leadership team. Although no official announcement has yet been made, the retailer has a new President. This new executive, Beth Newlands Campbell, quietly swept onto the scene, with the only formal announcement coming in the form of a change to her LinkedIn.
According to her LinkedIn page, Campbell assumed this position in July. Prior to stepping in at Giant Eagle, the industry veteran was President of Rexall Drugstore. Throughout her career, Campbell has shown an aptitude for retail, gaining experience in a variety of roles that span across marketing departments to merchandising and planning. She has also previously worked at Ahold Delhaize banners, including Hannaford and Food Lion, both at which she served as President. As if this wasn’t enough, she was also President at Sobeys from 2012-2014.
As Giant Eagle continues to trial new formats in an ever-changing retail landscape, AndNowUKnow will report on how Campbell’s expertise lends a hand to its strategy.
SANTA BARBARA, CA - Whether you are a buyer, grower, or supplier, in our industry, if you want to succeed you need to be sustainable. For those looking for a seat at the sustainability table, your chair is waiting for you at the exclusive 2019 California Central Coast Sustainability Exchange (CCCSE) on October 15 and 16.
“Consumers are increasingly looking at purchases with an eye to sustainability, and so are our customers,” said John Carter, Limoneira’s Vice President of Global Sales. “We were part of the first Sustainability Exchange five years ago, and it was very successful. A lot has changed in sustainability over the past few years. With PMA Fresh Summit taking place in Anaheim this year, we all agreed it would be a great time to have retail and foodservice executives, industry leaders, and growers together here at Limoneira for another session.”
Everyone will have an opportunity to listen and share their experiences with sustainability at this intimate event at picturesque Limoneira Ranch in Ventura, California. There will be an opportunity to tour latest sustainability innovations at Limoneira and Calavo, enjoy a farm-to-table dinner, and network while being treated to specialty cocktails, entertainment, and more, courtesy of the sponsors.
"I am looking forward to meeting like-minded people in the industry and hearing what successful initiatives they have implemented. This industry learns well from each other. So, the more I can learn, the more PMA can help inspire others to be more sustainable," Ed Treacy, VP of Supply Chain and Sustainability for PMA, shared. "Part of our mission is to inspire industry members to adopt sustainable business practices that benefit the planet, and the people on the planet, profitably. Attending sustainability-related events like the CCCSE is a great way to see sustainability in action."
During the evening, attendees will hear representatives from across the supply chain about the benefits, challenges, and the growing demand to tell their sustainability story. This will include a range of voices from SCS Global and Dana Gunders to Produce Mom Lori Taylor and rPlanet Earth.
The following morning the event will wrap up with tours of some of the area's most sustainable local operations, including Duda Farm Fresh Foods and San Miguel Produce.
“We are so proud to have leaders in sustainability like Limoneira and Calavo partner with us as we return to Fresh Summit in Anaheim,” said Nikki Rodoni, Founder and CEO of Measure to Improve. “When we had the idea to revive the successful Sustainability Exchange, I couldn’t imagine a better host to lead by example in how sustainability is not just a good business practice, but good business overall. That is the message we are looking to spread as we invite key decision-makers to see sustainable operations in action with their own eyes.”
One of the influential minds of our industry that experienced the first Sustainability Exchange was Longo Brothers’ Director of Produce and Floral, Mimmo Franzone.
“The 2014 event was fantastic! The growers of Ventura County showed us first hand all the great things they were doing when it came to sustainability and innovation. Over the past five years, the produce landscape has changed dramatically and the need for more sustainable initiatives is definitely top of mind. I’m looking forward to this year’s event as I will be able to bring back a ton of insights to our teams at the store level, which will allow them to share with our guests all the great things our grower partners are doing to make the world—and its food—cleaner and safer,” Mimmo told me.
John agreed, also citing the innovations in sustainability that have taken place just in the few years since the inaugural exchange.
“There are many new and exciting practices and procedures being done region-wide and we want to shine a spotlight on them during the event. It’s going to be relevant, focused, and enjoyable. We’re looking forward to it!” he concluded.
It is not lost on me that, for many of us, this will be the busiest week of the fresh produce calendar. Every moment will likely be accounted for in the name of growing our respective businesses. So, while it may seem difficult to carve out time upfront, Nikki reminds us that the long-term pay-off will more than make-up for it.
“Sustainability is what everyone’s customers are asking for, so the value of seeing these initiatives for yourself is immeasurable. By working with suppliers such as Limoneira, Calavo, San Miguel, and many others seeking to achieve a completely sustainable operation, buyers will be able to confidently and credibly say they are sourcing their produce sustainably. An event like this brings an immediate return to a retailer or foodservice buyer who is in search of companies taking a proactive approach to telling their sustainability story,” Nikki explained.
One of the best parts of working in produce is the frequent intersection of bottom lines and better living, and increasing sustainable practices is the next step in strengthening those ties. Hope to see you at the table!
For more information about how you can get a seat at the table, contact Nikki Rodoni at [email protected]
LOS ANGELES, CA - The plant-based meat craze has been ramping up in several fast-food chains and restaurants in the past few months. The category’s top two brands are Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods, but only the former has actually been available to consumers for purchase. But as of tomorrow, Impossible Foods’ plant-based meat will be available at Gelson’s Markets locations in Southern California. 27 of the chain’s stores will launch the retail sale of Impossible Burgers, closing the competitive gap between it and the Beyond Meat brand, which is carried by over seven big-name grocers.
According to The Verge, Gelson’s will limit customers to the purchase of ten packages per visit in hopes of avoiding the widely-prevalent plant-based meat shortages. The company teased the release of its product for the past week on social media, tempting consumers to guess which location would be the first to launch it, but divulged on Tuesday that it will be the Gelson’s Markets location in Westfield Century City, Los Angeles.
Previously, the brand has been available at over 17,000 restaurants, meaning consumers couldn’t simply reach into their fridge to scratch the itch for an Impossible Burger. That will all change tomorrow when Gelson’s warmly welcomes the brand to the retail sector. Congratulations to Impossible Foods and Gelson’s Markets on their joint effort in this endeavor. Don’t forget to check back with us at AndNowUKnow while we continue to cover the latest news.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - Podcasts have become a part of everyday life, with consumers listening to them as they go about their daily lives. With this in mind, SweeTango® apples recently announced that it will be in the spotlight on top-ranked podcasts this fall, with an ad campaign that will reach listeners during the apple’s peak season between September and November.
“SweeTango is among the first produce items to conduct podcast advertising, and our 2018 campaign exceeded expectations,” stated Jennifer Parkhill, Executive Director of Next Big Thing, the over 50-member grower cooperative that grows SweeTango. “We reached 1.8 million downloads across seven different podcasts, which was 20 percent above the original 1.5 million forecasted. We found it to be a very effective way to drive sales by raising awareness about everyone’s favorite apple during its peak season of availability. We’re excited to build on the momentum we set last season.”
A press release noted that SweeTango apple growers have partnered with nine podcasts that have listener followings who fit the demographic profile of current SweeTango shoppers, including an emphasis on millennial and Gen Z listeners to develop those audiences as well. Podcast hosts will speak to the apple’s incredible crunch and flavor, which has hints of citrus, honey, and spice. Their personal endorsement of the apple will air both before and in the middle of episodes which topics will cover food and cooking, pop culture and entertainment, and interviews with public figures.
Podcasts featuring SweeTango ads in 2019 are listed as follows:
- Oprah’s Supersoul Conversations
- WTF with Marc Maron
- How Did This Get Made?
- The Rewatchables with Bill Simmons
- The Sporkful
- The Splendid Table
- Call Your Girlfriend
- Gastropod
- Spilled Milk
The 2019 SweeTango podcast campaign is projected to reach nearly 8 million downloads by increasing the number of podcasts and investing in programs with larger listening audiences with superstar hosts like Oprah Winfrey, actor and comedian Marc Maron, and sportswriter and analyst Bill Simmons.
Check back in with AndNowUKnow about the latest in how companies are standing out.
TEXAS - As if our friends in the South haven’t experienced enough weather-related tragedy, Eastern Texas was pounded by Tropical Depression Imelda overnight. The excessive rainfall brought on by the storm has resulted in major flash flooding East and North of Houston. Although the flooding prompted widespread evacuations, the storm shows no signs of slowing down.
According to npr, Texas Governor Greg Abbott said the severe weather "has caused widespread and severe property damage and threatens loss of life." Due to this, he declared a state of emergency in 13 counties this morning.
The city of Beaumont specifically faces extreme challenges, as most roads there are flooded according to CNN. Officials urge residents not to drive, meaning industry transportation is also at stake. Several counties in Texas have reported up to 30 inches of rain, and even more is expected to hit this evening.
CNN offered an image that depicts several distribution vehicles lined up on Interstate 10 between Houston and Beaumont, surrounded by cars on side streets that are almost entirely submerged in rainwater. As of now, we haven’t received updates on how this will affect crops throughout the region, but ANUK will keep you updated.