NORTH AMERICA - When I think of berries, I think of two things: one—summer, and two—my thieving, fruit-loving cats (because of the rolling capabilities my cats think of berries as both toys and treats). But let’s get back to one, because summer is here and we’re in prime berry season. With strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and more being harvested left and right, consumers have much to look forward to. But what exactly can buyers expect from this year’s harvest? For that answer, I went to the experts.
“Quality on all berries has been great this year,” commented Brian Vertrees, Director of Business Development for Naturipe Farms. “We’ve had some heat issues in California, but those have been short lived and overall the strawberries and blueberries weathered through the hot days fairly well.”
According to Brian, berry season is in full swing, with all berries currently in harvest and shipping. He broke it down berry by berry for me. Though strawberries are slightly past peak, there are still promotable volumes throughout summer, which is a real win, because quality has been great—despite the recent heat wave. Blueberries are in production on both coasts, in California, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, North Carolina, New Jersey, and, soon, Michigan. Brian encourages retailers to stock up on 18 oz and 2 lb clamshells this July, since multiple regions will be overlapping on production. Blackberries are being produced in Georgia, North Carolina, and California right now, with strong volumes out east, and West Coast production starting soon and peaking in August. Raspberries are top-quality this year, and buyers can expect steady volumes out of California all summer long.
Brian also clued me in to Naturipe’s growing organic program that will be augmenting conventional volumes.
“Organic berries are also in great supplies, both on organic blueberries and organic strawberries,” he told me. “Organic blueberries will be in peak supplies the month of July, and then will taper off August and onward. Our production, as always, will go through September, giving our retail partners steady domestic supplies until the import season begins. Organic blackberry production is past peak in Georgia, but we will start up shortly in California and are expecting another strong production season here, with peak in late August.”
I also spoke with Kevin Schooley, Executive Director of Berry Growers of Ontario, who expressed excitement for the quality of the current berry season.
“Our growers are optimistic that they will have a better than average crop,” he said. “We are hoping the weather cooperates and we can move slowly through the crop and maintain high quality.”
Right now, the primary variety for day neutral (everbearing) strawberries being harvested is Albion, though early June varieties include Wendy and Annapolis, and even some Jewels. Growers have been harvesting for a few weeks, and although volumes have been on the low side, the association is still expecting greater volume over last year. Most of the day neutral varieties have had row covers to bring the fruit to harvest faster. The cooler weather the region has experienced is ideal for strawberries, Kevin told me, ensuring the high quality berries that consumers expect.
For Kevin, we’re at peak summer strawberry season, and though the weather has heated up over the last few days, volume has been high.
“I would say that the market is not yet steady but should be there in about a weeks’ time, he concluded. “Price has recently dropped after holding at a high level for a few weeks. Demand remains high as volumes are increasing.”
With a plethora of berries hitting the shelves in the heart of summer, consumers can rest easy knowing that their favorite seasonal fruits will be theirs for the taking, while I will be duking it out with my cats so they keep their paws off my precious produce.
For more updates on the state of produce production, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
SPRINGFIELD, IL - Steve Kim, born in Seoul, South Korea, and raised in Salinas, California, has donned a variety of hats during his career—all pertaining to food. Kim served in the U.S. Air Force as a Foodservice Warehouse Manager and as a franchise owner for Quizno’s Sub Sandwich. Now, after nine years in the food world, Kim will join Seven Seas as an Account Manager for the Visalia, California, office.
“I look forward to contributing to the growth initiatives at Seven Seas and this dynamic industry,” Kim expressed in the press release.
Kim’s newest career will have him utilizing his perishable logistics knowledge and Asian market trading experience to further diversify Seven Seas’ hold internationally in the export realm.
“As we continue to grow our global presence, we know our team will be instrumental in our success. Steve possesses all the experience and qualities needed to thrive in his new role with Seven Seas, developing and growing our presence in Asia and the Middle East,” stated Brent Scattini, VP West Coast.
Congratulations to Steve Kim from all of us here at ANUK!
LEAMINGTON, ON - It’s always a good day when a new vegetable variety comes out to play. This week, NatureFresh™ Farms debuted its new cucumber product: Unveiled Mini Cucumbers, a unique mid-sized variety boasting an extra crunch that’s ideal for snacks, appetizers, and everything in between.
“Retailers are always looking for exciting innovations and new ways to drive categories, sales, and enhance the flavor offering for their consumers. Until now, most of the seed variety innovation has revolved around the tomato category. Our new Unveiled Mini Cucumber will help deliver some excitement for consumers and retailers alike!” explained Executive Retail Sales Account Manager Matt Quiring.
With a dedication to developing quality products that stand out in flavor, quality, and appearance, NatureFresh Farms is always trialing unique varieties in its greenhouses, including the Unveiled Mini Cucumbers.
“When our discovery team first saw the Unveiled Mini Cucumber, we were attracted to the unique complexion of the product, however after tasting it, we knew instantly that there was something more to it than just looks and wanted to take this variety to the next level and go to market,” Quiring continued.
NatureFresh Farms also expects the Unveiled Mini Cucumber to be a triumph for retailers in North America, on top of holding tremendous growth potential for the entire cucumber category, according to a press release.
“This is the crunchiest Cucumber you'll ever taste!” shared Registered Dietitian Taylor Bailey. “Cucumbers are high in water, and a source of fibre and antioxidants, which makes them ideal for healthy snacking while standing out with its seemingly invisible skin and delicious crunch. The Unveiled Cucumbers are definitely a dietitian-approved snack!”
In addition to new product innovations, NatureFresh Farms is also excited for its future as it continues to expand its team, make advancements in technology, and provide fresh produce all year round.
For more of the freshest produce news around, stick right here with AndNowUKnow.
LAKELAND, FL - You know a concept is working when it’s only been open to the public for nine months, and double-digits are already in sight. This is the case for Publix’s GreenWise Market, which is set to open its 11th store in the Channelside area of Tampa, Florida.
“We look forward to sharing our new-concept GreenWise Market with our Tampa customers,” said Publix President Kevin Murphy. “Once they discover the unique products, atmosphere, and prepared meals they can eat in the store or take with them as they enjoy the waterfront, they’ll see why we chose to go in a new direction with a brand they know and trust.”
According to the release announcing the latest store, the company is not making every new opening a GreenWise. The current Publix GreenWise Market located on West Azeele Street in Tampa’s Hyde Park neighborhood will be converted to a traditional Publix Super Market during its planned remodel, scheduled to begin next month. The Channelside district will also be home to a traditional Publix Super Market slated to open this August, while the GreenWise Market is expected to open in late 2021.
Publix stated that it continues to look for additional GreenWise Market locations throughout its operating area, bringing a format that touts a specialty, natural, and organic focus.
This is a decidedly hot market, with rival retailers such as Sprouts Farmers Market and Trader Joe’s sidling up to Publix on its home turf. AndNowUKnow will be here to report on the latest moves this new chain is making.
MIAMI, FL - Hazel Technologies is extending a helping hand to tropical fruit distributors with its latest USDA-funded post-harvest technology, Hazel®. In fact, a few distributors, including Frieda’s Specialty Produce, WP Produce, and Sweet Seasons, have already tested the technology and found that Hazel Technologies’ new solution helps extend shelf-life by five days, reduce shrink rates by up to 50 percent, and yield higher sales in leading categories, like “green-skin” avocado, dragon fruit, guava, passion fruit, and starfruit.
“Hazel Tech is fast and an easy-to-use solution for tropical fruit growers, packers, and retailers to maintain longer shelf life, reduce food waste, and increase category sales,” said Aidan Mouat, CEO of Hazel Technologies.
According to a press release, tropical fruits are especially challenging perishable items to maintain at peak quality, particularly when shipping the fruit long distances and cold-chain breaks are factored in. In order to prevent the decrease in sales and the higher amounts of food waste that often result because of these challenges, Hazel Technologies introduced Hazel, a quarter-sized biodegradable and food-safe packaging insert that is placed in fruit boxes during packing.
"Working with Hazel Tech´s easy-to-use solution allows us to consistently deliver high-quality tropicals,” said Allen DeMo, Director of Procurement and Sourcing at Frieda’s Specialty Produce, one of the largest distributors of tropical produce in the world.
Chris Gonzalez, Vice President at WP Produce, one of the largest tropical avocado distributors, added: “We’ve seen tremendous increases in the shelf life of our Desbry Tropical Avocados with Hazel’s active technology. We’ve received great feedback from retailers who appreciate the reduced shrink the additional 4-5 days of shelf life offers. This technology is especially useful in protecting our Tropical Avocados on longer transit times to Canada, the West Coast, and the Caribbean.”
Marina Bernal, Owner at Sweet Seasons Produce, one of the largest tropical fruit importers from Mexico to the U.S. and Canada, also added: “Sweet Seasons exports a large range of tropicals over long distances, and since we started working with Hazel, we have seen a 50 percent reduction in product shrink."
Researchers at universities like UC Davis and Cornell University have also validated the new Hazel technology.
To stay ahead of all incoming fresh produce news, keep following AndNowUKnow.
IMMOKALEE, FL - One of America’s largest field tomato grower will be unveiling its newest innovation at PMA’s Foodservice Conference & Expo on July 27 in Monterey, California. Lipman Family Farms, planting its first tomato back in the 1930s, will be showcasing its halved grape tomatoes ready to use and aimed particularly at foodservice customers.
“We focus on observing industry trends,” said Glenn Davis, Director of Processing for Lipman. “We study firsthand what’s going on in restaurant operations.”
According to the press release, tomatoes are a high-volume product, and the grape tomato halves, along with Lipman’s other fresh-cut tomatoes offerings, help customers avoid a time-consuming step.
“The demand for fresh-cut is growing at a rapid speed,” Davis said. “Foodservice operators are constantly looking for new ways to reduce production costs safely and efficiently.”
Lipman’s approach to halving tomatoes comes from the increasing demand for ready-to-eat solutions from foodservice and quick-service restaurant customers. The past five years have been given the utmost attention to bringing more efficiency and productivity to the line while also providing the freshest products possible.
“Our strong geographic footprint and national distribution set us apart,” Davis explained. With six processing facilities evenly spread across North America, Lipman has become a strong competitor within the fresh-cut segment.
Due to the evolving palates of today’s consumers, Lipman places ready-made pico de gallo and fajita blends in the hands of customers, along with fresh-cut cucumber and bell pepper selections. Catering to the changing eating habits of potential buyers is another way to keep Lipman relevant and ahead of the game.
“The taste profile from consumers is becoming more global, with increasing experimentation on exotic blends and spices,” Davis said. “We partner with our customers to provide products that compliment the ever-changing demand.”
Stop by PMA Foodservice booth #1317 to find out more on Lipman’s exciting new items. ANUK will keep you up to date with the latest juicy news.
WASHINGTON, DC - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that Spring Creek Produce LLC satisfied a reparation order issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA). This is an update to Press Release No: 074-019 issued on June 26, 2019.
Direct from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service:
Subsequent to the notification of the imposition of sanctions on June 26, 2019, USDA learned that the Greenfield, Tennessee, company had met its obligations. Spring Creek Produce LLC is now free to operate in the produce industry. Bobby Callins, Steven Willis, Jr., Phil Gordon, and Chris Gordon Davis are listed as members of the business and may now be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee.
PACA provides an administrative forum to handle disputes involving produce transactions. This may result in a reparation order being issued that requires damages to be paid by those that are not meeting their contractual obligations in buying and selling fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables. USDA is required to suspend the license of a 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.
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.
The PACA Division, which is part of USDA’s 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. Our 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 further information, contacts, and to read the press release in its entirety, please check out the link here.
HOUSTON, TX - Rich Dachman is again making waves in the produce industry with a recent move from his long-time position at Sysco, to the role of Chief Executive Officer at Brighter Bites. Dachman is set to bring a fresh mentality to the nonprofit organization and its mission to change behavior among children and families to achieve long-term health and prevent obesity.
“I have loved being a Brighter Bites board member, where I had the chance to work closely with the organization during a crucial phase of its growth. When Brighter Bites came to me with the idea of taking a leadership position, I thought it was a great opportunity to begin the next chapter of my career,” Dachman commented. “I look forward to assisting Brighter Bites expand the impact of a program that is increasing produce consumption by teaching families how to change their eating habits for improved health. In my new role, I will be able to continue working with my colleagues in the produce industry, but in a way that enriches underserved communities around the country. Who could ask for a better job?”
With more than 40 years of experience in the produce industry, 28 of which he spent at Sysco, the world’s largest broadline food distributor, Dachman brings a wealth of knowledge to his new role. Last month, he stepped down from his role as Vice President of Produce for Sysco before transitioning to his current role at Brighter Bites, where he had previously served on the Board of Directors for over three years.
Dachman began his produce career in his native home of Denver, where he worked for the family business. After the business sold, Dachman and his father opened a new foodservice operation for Kraft Foods in Denver, and soon after he joined Kraft’s corporate office in Chicago in 1987 as National Director of Produce, according to a press release.
He joined FreshPoint in 1992 and was President of FreshPoint Operating Companies in Atlanta, Houston, Denver, and the company’s central procurement office in Salinas, California. FreshPoint was acquired by Sysco in 2000, after which, Dachman was named Senior Vice President, Western Region. Later, in 2007, he was promoted to Vice President of Produce.
Dachman has a rich history in the industry, winning several awards including the Center for Growing Talent’s Jay Pack Cultivating Our Future Award, the Packer’s Foodservice Achievement Award, and Produce for Better Health’s Excellence Award. Additionally, he was Chairman of the Produce Marketing Association (PMA) in 2012, rounding out more than 10 years of leadership service for PMA.
“Rich has been an integral part of our organization for so long, and we could not be more pleased to have someone with his passion leading the way,” said Brighter Bites Founder and Board Chair Lisa Helfman. “Rich’s guidance will take Brighter Bites to a new level of impact. The Brighter Bites staff will benefit from Rich's authentic leadership style and mentorship, and the communities they serve will benefit from Rich’s relationships in the produce industry.”
Congratulations to Rich and Brighter Bites from ANUK!
MEXICO - While I’m busy crying over skyrocketing avocado prices, agricultural officials in Mexico have a bigger problem on their hands—the more than 12 tons of avocados stolen each day. That’s right, 12 tons of the precious fruit get nabbed every day as the avocados make their way from orchards to packing zones. Not content to watch thousands of pounds of this hot commodity “fall off the back of a truck” every day, the Association of Export Producers and Packers of Avocado from Mexico (APEAM), the Mexican Department of Agriculture and Agrarian Development (SADER), and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have teamed up to build a new $12 million facility, to help protect avocado shipments, according to benzinga.
"It's impossible to continue taking these losses. Failing to stop the theft of these lorries will have an irreparable impact on the avocado industry," APEAM commented.
Between 2017 and 2019, Mexico reported 440 avocado theft investigations, and because Mexican-grown avocados made up 78 percent of the U.S. market last year, this spells trouble Stateside as well. Producers lose an average of four truckloads of avocados per day because of organized crime intervention. The majority of Mexican avocados that make their way to the U.S. come from the state of Michoacan, in a city called Uruapan, which accounts for 92 percent of Mexico’s avocado production last year, benzinga reports.
"Uruapan has been very attractive to criminals for understandable reasons—but we will not rest until we have absolute control of the safety of the region producing avocados," said Silvano Aureoles, Governor of Michoacan, during the ground-breaking ceremony for Casa APEAM.
Avocado prices have been soaring recently (much to my chagrin), with a recent report revealing that the national price of Hass avocados has risen by 93 cents since last year.
Casa APEAM will take up 13,000 square feet over a 10-acre site, and is set to open in two years. The facility will include an experimental laboratory and field where the organization can research how to eradicate pests, diseases, and address safety problems. As part of the new initiative, APEAM will also be looking to plot new trucking routes and shipping ports, as well as install more security cameras and increase the surveillance of truck shipments.
Will the new plan successfully safeguard everyone’s favorite guac ingredient? Or will organized crime win out and send avocado prices even higher? AndNowUKnow will report.
WASHINGTON, DC - As part of its efforts to enforce the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) and ensure fair trading practices within the U.S. produce industry, the Department of Agriculture (USDA) has imposed sanctions on three produce businesses for failing to meet their contractual obligations to the sellers of produce they purchased, in addition to failing to pay reparation awards issued under the 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:
- NS&J World Trading Corp., operating out of Miami, Florida, for failing to pay a $155,441 award in favor of a Puerto Rico seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Silvia Penaranda was listed as the officer, director and major stockholder of the business.
- So Ono Food Products LLC, operating out of Honolulu, Hawaii, for failing to pay a $118,362 award in favor of a Washington seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Richard C. Wheeler, Fresh Foods Hawaii, Inc., and Uzor U. Nwoko were listed as members of the business.
- Agro Torres Produce LLC, operating out of McAllen, Texas, for failing to pay an $11,323 award in favor of a Massachusetts seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Osvelia Torres Chavez and Ricardo Martinez Moreno were listed as members 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, the 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 further information, contacts, and to read the press release in its entirety, please check out the link here.