WOODRIDGE, IL - Much to the industry's delight, Produce Pro Software’s User Group 2019 kicked off today. This year, the event is taking place at the Sofitel Magnificent Mile in Chicago, Illinois, September 19-20. This is the eleventh installment of this conference at the national level, and with 175 participants, User Group 2019 breaks another record in the event’s attendance history.
With an emphasis on team building, this year’s User Group will provide attendees an opportunity for networking, connecting, and sharing knowledge about system experiences, checkout the latest product features, attend sessions led by industry experts, and learn more about the system and best practices.
“Our ultimate goal is to provide a forum where we educate the Produce Pro user community on the system, features, new ideas, and plans for the future. This allows them to get the most out of their investment,” said Kristen Santangelo, Marketing Manager. “When customers return to work they are armed with tips, ideas, and concepts that can be shared within their organizations.”
This year’s event theme revolves around Produce Pro Software’s content teams and how Produce Pro can address and manage the fast-paced progression of the industry. Topics for those part of its User Group include:
- Order Management
- Inventory
- Outbound
- General Systems and Accounting
- New Products
- Education and Consulting
Back by popular demand, attendees also have the opportunity to engage in DIY Tech Labs along with bonus round table discussions with Produce Pro Gurus. Both foster a more intimate and engaging experience for users.
“In the ever-changing world of produce, being able to stay ahead of the curve and having the flexibility to adapt and evolve within the organization is so important,” Kristen added.
Another highlight of this year’s event is the Keynote Speaker: Ben Whiting, Leadership Development professional. His speech will teach mind-reading strategies to help attendees connect with friends, colleagues, and customers. Attendees will also see a panel discussion with a mix of Produce Pro staff members and users of the system. And, President Dave Donat will talk about the Top 10 "Cool" features of the Produce Pro Software system, which is always a highlight.
At the end of our discussion Kristen added: “We are always looking to advance our system. So, once the conference ends, we review and evaluate customer feedback, which helps us continue to improve and enhance the system based on both the user’s changing needs and the needs of the industry.”
For more information about Produce Pro Software, go to producepro.com or call 630.395.9600. Stick with us at AndNowUKnow for more industry updates.
BAKERSFIELD, CA - There are many things in the fresh produce industry that we have little to no control over: seasons changing, Mother Nature’s dynamic disposition, traffic, etc. But one thing that each company can own a steady hand in, is building an amazing team that can elevate its game, drive innovation forward, and bring a better product to market. With these goals in mind, Country Sweet Produce (CSP) and its Bako Sweet® brand are welcoming a new face to the team with the hiring of industry veteran Bob Haarhues as the company’s Director of Sales and Marketing.
“I’m thrilled with the opportunity to be part of such a great company and work with such an impressive team. From growing practices to production—the dedication, commitment, collaboration, and work ethic from the entire team at CSP is remarkable,” Bob tells me, sharing his excitement and energy as he reflects on the company. “Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, my fresh produce career has been thorough encompassing retail operations, sales and marketing, and new product development. CSP is an exciting company for innovation, organic products, and the overall highest quality. Having the opportunity to contribute is truly an honor.”
There is no better time than now for Bob to join the CSP team as the company streamlines its business model and ramps up its go-to-market strategies and products to respond to retailers’ and foodservice operators' desire for higher-quality programs and better customer service. Speaking of the needs of the retailer, Bob comes with an impressive background from time at SuperValu in Corporate Produce for Store Formats to his time as the Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Crunch Pak. When it comes to anticipating the buyers’ needs, Bob has the insights needed from both seats at the table.
"This is such a tremendous addition to Country Sweet Produce. Bob's experience and leadership skills couldn't come at a better time for us at CSP with the growth of our new items and innovations to the sweet potato category. We are all too thrilled to have him here,” President Mike Valpredo shares. “Bob is hitting the ground running and jumping right into the mix as harvest on our 2019 crop gets underway.”
Congratulations, Bob and the Country Sweet Produce team, on the amazing growth and the road ahead!
BAKERSFIELD, CA - High-flavor California table grape varieties not only anchor the produce department from summer through the fall—and for some companies, even into December—but they change the way that the consumer perceives flavor and raises the bar on expectations throughout the produce department. Anthony Vineyards is one of those companies that not only promotes excellence in the category but promises consistent and quality programs that can continue, year after year, to uphold the retailer’ promise to its shoppers.
“There are so many new grape varieties flooding the market, but the true test of anything new is its staying power and a company’s ability to supply the demand that they have created,” John Harley, Vice President of Sales and Marketing shares with me. “At Anthony Vineyards, we bring our partners a vertically-integrated program of traditional and niche varieties that keeps them at the forefront of both grape offerings and marketing, by anticipating trends and transforming their category destinations.”
As a conventional and organic grape shipper and producer, the company brings newer high-flavor varieties like the Sweet Sapphire, Sweet Heart, Candy Heart, and Candy Dream as well as other varieties like Sweet Globe, Sweet Scarlet, and Timco to name a few. And Anthony Vineyards has more than a few varieties in its marketing and merchandising tool kit, with over 25 varieties to choose from at different times during the year.
“Currently, we have great promotable volumes across green and red organic and conventional varieties with good size, brix, and a great eating experience,” John tells me. “We work closely with our customers to truly partner on their needs and have even upped our organic production by 20 percent in the past couple years to further engage them in the ongoing conversation about the consumer’s changing buying behaviors.”
Anthony Vineyards offers clamshells and variety-specific pouch bags to address those needs and more. The season for the Bakersfield-based company runs through December to take you all the way to the end of the year.
New is great, but new and consistent is better. At least that is what I am hearing from growers across the board. Keep checking back with AndNowUKnow as we cover the innovations and vision of the California table grape industry.
SELAH, WA - Apples, pears, and...socks? Oh, my! Yes, you heard me right. Rainier Fruit has announced its second annual holiday marketing program, the Pears for Pairs campaign. Pears for Pairs aligns with the team's Wholesome to the Core company values of giving back to the community, and truly is a testament to Rainier's ability to balance business with a great cause. Rainier will contribute a portion of the proceeds of bulk pear and bag pear sales this holiday season to the tenth annual Hanes National Sock Drive.
“Last year’s Pears for Pairs campaign gave us an opportunity to share our #WholesometotheCore values across our entire supply chain,” said Rainier CEO Mark Zirkle. “From our staff that organized events that culminated in the donation of socks and towels to the Union Gospel Mission in Yakima, to the retailers that promoted the ‘Pears for Pairs’ campaign."
The tie in for retailers? The campaign also helped participating retailers drive high double-digit increases in year-over-year volume sales of pears. This campaign is open to all retailers and will run from September through December at retail locations across the U.S.
During the 2018 holiday season, Rainier, along with the growers at Matson Fruit Company and Blue Star Growers, donated over 20,000 pairs of socks to five charitable organizations across the United States.
“Based on our research, pears are an impulse buy, so we found pairing purchases with the opportunity for giving back drove consumer behavior and captured category sales,” said Andy Tudor, Rainier's Vice President of Business Development.
The Hanes National Sock Drive is part of Hanes for Good, HanesBrands’ corporate social responsibility program, according to a press release, which focuses on environmental stewardship, workplace quality, and community building.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Rainier Fruit Company again this year to expand the reach and impact of our Hanes National Sock Drive,” said Sidney Falken, Chief Branding Officer for HanesBrands.
We are excited to support the news of this launch and encourage others in our industry to find a cause that aligns with their values as well!
CINCINNATI, OH; SANTA BARBARA, CA - Apeel Sciences has lately been making bold moves to enhance its supplier network, bolstering its ability to provide high-quality, fresh produce year-round. Mega retailer Kroger, it seems, has taken notice, partnering with Apeel to distribute the company’s longer-lasting avocados in more than 1,100 Kroger stores in the U.S.
"Kroger is excited to offer more customers Apeel avocados and introduce longer-lasting limes and asparagus, marking another milestone on our journey to achieving our Zero Hunger | Zero Waste vision," said Frank Romero, Kroger's Vice President of Produce. "Apeel's innovative food-based solution has proven to extend the life of perishable produce, reducing food waste in transport, in our retail stores, and in our customers' homes."
Kroger also plans to introduce two new produce categories—Apeel limes and Apeel asparagus—through a pilot in the Cincinnati, Ohio, market this fall, according to a press release.
The expansion of Apeel’s avocados is the result of a successful pilot that Kroger launched a year ago in 109 of its Midwest stores. The pilot significantly reduced category food waste, which is a boon for both consumers and retailers. The company’s avocados, limes, and asparagus retain their just-harvested quality for longer than produce without Apeel technology. The company’s produce is also less reliant on refrigeration, extending consumers’ access to fresh fruits and vegetables and reducing food waste.
"Kroger is leading the way to alleviate the foodwaste crisis at every level, from its supply chain to its retail stores to the homes of over 11 million customers who shop at Kroger every day," said James Rogers, CEO of Apeel Sciences. "We're excited to expand our partnership with Kroger to further prevent food waste while simultaneously giving families more access and time to enjoy healthy fresh produce."
Kroger’s partnership with Apeel will potentially prevent millions of pieces of produce from ending up in a landfill each year, resulting in:
- Millions of avocados "rescued" from going to waste
- Dozens of acres of farmland preserved
- Emission reductions of thousands of metric tons in greenhouse gases
- Over a billion gallons of water use savings
- 100,000+ GJ of non-renewable energy reductions
The food-waste issues facing the U.S. are increasingly urgent—an estimated 40 percent of food produced is thrown away, while one in eight Americans struggle with hunger. If even one-third of this food is saved, it would impact consumers’ access to food tremendously. Reducing food waste is beneficial for the environment as well, since food waste comprises roughly eight percent of annual greenhouse gas emissions that cause harm to the Earth.
Keep reading AndNowUKnow for more news on produce partnerships.
PLANT CITY, FL - Wish Farms is constantly evolving both its program and its vision as it increases its presence in the fresh berry marketplace. With this in mind, the company recently debuted a new tagline, Generations of Sweetness.
“These three words perfectly meld our company’s tradition of family and mission to provide the best tasting berries,” Amber Maloney, Director of Marketing, stated. “Additionally, it resonates with consumers as parents and grandparents share the love of berries with their children and grandchildren.”
The new tagline will also provide a nice marketing tool and can be utilized in a variety of ways, as the company notes, that last word can be swapped out for almost anything to be highlighted, including flavor, quality, family, community, giving, etc.
“Along with my sister Elizabeth and our spouses, James Peterson and Stephen Cramer, we are proud to work for our family business and carry on its rich legacy,” said Nick Wishnatzki, Marketing Project Manager. “This is an exciting moment for everyone at Wish Farms; we are all looking forward to a bright future.”
Along with the new tagline unveiling, Wish Farms is also breaking ground on its new three-story, 24,000-square-foot office for its expanding operation, according to a press release. Scheduled for completion in January 2020, construction of the 130,000-square-foot warehouse and cooling facility is underway.
Featuring an indoor grove of trees, an adult-sized slide, a treehouse conference room, and employee gym, among many other amenities, the office is due to be occupied by staff in September 2020.
Third-generation owner Gary Wishnatzki started working as a dockhand for his father and uncle in 1974, and always enjoys taking in the enormous growth over the years.
“When my grandfather Harris arrived at Ellis Island from Russia in 1904, he could never have imagined what his American dream would become one-hundred-and-fifteen years later. It brings me great pride to know that my children and their families will continue carrying the torch,” Gary said.
Congratulations to Wish Farms on the evolution of its business and all the excitement yet to come!
WASHINGTON, DC - United Fresh Produce Association’s Washington Conference has been one for the books with industry leaders converging on The Hill to discuss the issues that are essential to our fresh produce industry, allowing us to thrive and evolve. California Fresh Fruit Association Chairman Randy Giumarra and President Ian LeMay, as well as many others, traveled back to Washington, DC, this week to meet with members of Congress and regulatory agencies to discuss the important issues of trade, immigration, and water to name a few of the key conversations.
On the topic of trade, Randy and Ian took the message to Congress that while the California fresh fruit industry appreciates and supports the efforts to improve the United States’ global standing on trade, the impacts of these trade disputes are being directly felt by our industry.
“Efforts, like the Market Facilitation Program, have helped to ease the pain, but California growers fear losing our position as an international supplier as other countries are now shipping grapes into China," Randy shares with me. “During our conversations, we encouraged members of Congress to quickly pass the pending USMCA agreement and to work with the administration to find a path forward for an agreement with China.”
Front of mind was the topic of immigration as well. Randy and Ian had successful meetings with the California Senate Delegation, as well as members of Congress on the issue of immigration.
“We are supportive of the negotiations currently taking place in the House Judiciary Committee and Senator Feinstein’s efforts in the senate. California agriculture is in need of a long-term solution that will give a path to legalization for members of the California workforce that may be improperly documented and that also allows for a future guest worker program to help sustain our industry’s labor needs,” Randy expresses.
Especially here in California, but of course across the U.S., water remains an important topic as it is essential to our industry.
“The association is deeply grateful to Governor Gavin Newsom for his decision to veto SB1. We are also grateful for the efforts of Senator Feinstein, Congressman Jim Costa, and others who weighed in with the Governor on this issue. Governor Newsom sided with new and better science and hopefully a more viable future for California water,” Ian tells us.
Here are more insights and reflections from a few of our industry friends!
Nelia Alamo, Vice President of Communications, Renaissance Food Group
“United Fresh’s Washington Conference is one of my favorite events of the year. It is really important to come together as an industry to talk about how issues like immigration are a serious threat to our industry. We help feed the world, and it’s great to share our stories with our representatives. There is power in numbers and we are the power of fresh!”
Kenny Lund, Vice President, ALC Logistics Division
“The conference gets better every year. It is critical to building relationships with elected representatives and friends in the industry and this is the best forum to accomplish that. I was able to voice support for the USMCA which, when enacted, will improve trade and allow us to help manage more freight to the benefit of U.S. consumers and workers.”
Lisa McNeece, Vice President of Foodservice and Industrial Sales, Grimmway Farms
“I look forward to this event every year. It never disappoints. The speakers this year have been amazing and sharing their stories. Our congressional visits have been productive, discussing international trade, immigration, and child nutrition and the need to increase 'fresh' fruit and vegetable consumption! This morning has had a great start, listening to Secretary of Ag Sonny Perdue.”
Alex Berkley, Director of Sales, Frieda's Specialty Produce
“The Washington Conference is one of a kind, giving the entire produce industry the opportunity to tell their stories and have their voice heard on our industry’s most vital issues. There is truly nothing like it. This year, the most important topic was immigration, as growers in our industry, rural and urban areas alike, are experiencing labor shortages that are threatening the existence of their business. It was time for our members of Congress to hear exactly how badly we need a modernized H2-A program and a viable path to citizenship for current undocumented workers. Closely behind immigration is trade. It was helpful to hear what is causing members of Congress to be hesitant to agree to the USMCA proposal. Although our industry has bipartisan issues, trade is showing truly how divided our country is. We hope our voices this week helped reduce the skepticism many members have and bring both sides closer to a yes.”
Rex Lawrence, President, Joe Produce Search
“I always enjoy this event. The people, city, and the opportunities to learn and be involved with our governmental process. This year, I actually heard something that gave me hope regarding our labor issues. Ben Goldeen, from Congressman Jim Costa's office, told us about an initiative to improve the Guest Worker Program outside of a Comprehensive Immigration Reform program. It's much needed, and hopefully both sides can put politics aside and do what's desperately needed to help us in ag. They feel like it is making positive strides.”
The time is now for our industry to bring a collective voice to the table, and from where I am sitting, we seem to be doing just that.
GREECE - Although authorities recently uncovered a massive amount of cocaine coming through the Greek port of Piraeus, they began investigating the case back in early August. The discovery was made last week when officials seized over 100 containers of bananas based on the ongoing investigation led by EL.AS, SDOE, and Customs. According to a Greek news site, four individuals have been arrested in relation to the crime thus far.
Greek authorities are finalizing the case that began over a month ago when they were met with information about an oversized load in Athens and Thessaloniki. An x-ray machine at the Thessaloniki Customs Office originally identified over 100 lbs of cocaine in a banana container, followed by another 50 lbs a few days later.
Shipped from Ecuador, 100 containers of the bananas were targeted in a controlled shipment expected by port officials, allowing them to gather data and identify suspects. While the investigation is supposedly in its final stages, it’s so involved that we have no way of telling where it ends.
We, at AndNowUKnow, are eager to see another case of illegal drugs put to rest. Follow along with us as we continue to cover drug busts around the world.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - The “Adopt a Potato Farmer” program is the latest initiative Side Delights® is using to generate awareness of the importance of each partner within Fresh Solutions Network. The program itself will utilize food bloggers and their audiences to shine a light on those farmers who bring delicious spuds to the consumer. Each food blogger was paired with a Network farmer to share their stories about growing Side Delight Potatoes. Questions asked included things like family farming history, reasons why potatoes grow so well in certain conditions, and why each farmer was passionate about growing for the Network.
“Busy shoppers are looking for healthy, convenient, and practical solutions to family meals. Meals create family memories which are elevated when the produce is grown where it matters,” said Kathleen Triou, President and CEO of Fresh Solutions Network. “These bloggers were able to experience first-hand how Side Delights potatoes go from farm to fork and are now sharing that knowledge with their audiences and grocery shoppers.”
According to a press release, each blogger then shared their own potato stories, highlighting their favorite potato recipes on various social media channels like Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Twitter. In total, this garnered over 2 million views in the past 60 days.
The stories from these interviews are published now on each of the blogger’s sites. Each post includes a signature recipe with photos using Side Delights potatoes.
Some examples of blogger stories include:
Kristy Still’s blog, Mommy Hates Cooking, featured the following post about her interview with fifth-generation farmer Kelly Grotte, from MG Farms, who farms for NoKota Packers in North Dakota.
On the Simple Parent blog, Mariah Moon posted a recipe “The Best Potato Salad,” which was shared with her during her interview with Kathy Michael-Sponheim, from Michael Family Farms. This recipe is especially meaningful as it is from Kathy’s mother’s family recipe library.
Amber Edwards at BusyCreatingMemories.com, who grew up on a farm herself, interviewed Jill Crapo-Cox, a fourth-generation Sun-Glo of Idaho farmer, and shared her brother’s recipe for the “Best Homemade French Fries: Cast Iron Skillet Fried Potatoes.”
The company noted that locally-grown produce helps ensure sustainable growing practices, increased freshness, and a smaller carbon footprint resulting from reduced shipping. As more shoppers are acquainted with the advantages of eating sustainably-grown produce, they continue to seek out quality products that locally grown.
Keep reading AndNowUKnow for the latest in all things produce.
VANCOUVER, CANADA - Another year is coming to a close, meaning another holiday season, and, of course, another Oppy-Ocean Spray® cranberry campaign. Oppy’s first shipment of the holiday delight is slotted for the first day of autumn, a-k-a September 23, a-k-a the best day of the year.
“The tradition is back!” said Tony Illiano, the Category Manager who leads Oppy’s exclusive annual Ocean Spray cranberry campaign. “We are excited to bring the essential berry of the season to our customers once again in this trusted brand. Ocean Spray is a farmer-owned cooperative, and grows cranberries in several North American regions, which have all experienced a good growing season, setting the stage for high quality cranberries on holiday tables this year.”
According to a press release, the cranberry is a perennial crop, meaning that a single vine can produce cranberries from generation to generation.
“Cranberries are one of only three native North American cultivated fruits,” said Eric Sinsigalli, Sales Director at Ocean Spray. “In essence, the way cranberries grow is naturally good for the environment because they are growing in a climate and region where they naturally occur. Due to this and other practices, every one acre of cranberry farm conserves over five acres of surrounding wetlands.”
Wisconsin growers expect to supply more of the new hybrid varieties of cranberries, known as HyReds and Scarlet Knights, which reach their peak color by mid-September. Recent favorable weather and agricultural conditions on the East Coast suggest that berry harvests in the region should be strong. Eastern Canadian berries are expected to have high quality and volume, based on warm, dry weather patterns. Following a record crop in 2018, fresh cranberry yields in the Pacific Northwest are forecast to be down this year. Finally, Ocean Spray’s organic cranberries are increasing in volumes now and can be expected to continue to increase going forward.
“We’ve developed a strategic relationship that our customers and their shoppers have responded to well,” said Brett Libke, Senior Vice President of Sales at Oppy. “Between produce and center store, Ocean Spray can have up to 52 facings at any given time. That’s a really powerful brand proposition, which we’ve grown together in produce, starting with cranberries over a decade and a half ago and adding a strong berry and citrus program.”
He noted that Ocean Spray’s presence in the produce department has risen significantly in the last two years, now that the brand extends beyond cranberries to include strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, and citrus through its partnership with Oppy.
This season, Ocean Spray cranberries will be displayed in newly-designed 12-oz bags on free-standing display units along with specs on how to bring fresh cranberries into favorite holiday dishes. Last season, retailers saw a 78 percent year-over-year sales lift when using the Ocean Spray bins, along with a 147 percent increase in dollar velocity.
“Ocean Spray is excited to launch new fresh cranberry packaging this season,” Sinsigalli said. “The new graphics will continue to drive awareness of Ocean Spray’s heritage as a farmer-owned cooperative since 1930 while also showcasing the versatility of usage occasions for fresh cranberries through recipes.”
Cranberry sauce may be a family favorite on the Thanksgiving dinner table, but Ocean Spray and Oppy contest that fresh berries and other products deserve to be at the forefront as well. I, for one, maintain at least one bag of Ocean Spray dried cranberries in my pantry year-round. Us ANUK produce heads never cease to find new horizons in the industry, so stay with us.