MCALLEN, TX - Eco-friendly packaging solutions are in high demand right now to satiate the environmentally conscious shopper. Fox Packaging has picked up on this trend, concentrating on projects focused primarily on sustainability. As the company angles to keep it green, it is also prepping for the upcoming United Fresh expo, a place where Fox Packaging can show off its wares and make an exciting announcement.
“We are focusing on the recyclability and reusability of our products—we are sensitive to the issues of waste in the world and single-use packaging is not the answer,” Craig Fox, Executive Vice-President told me. “At Fox Packaging we continually strive to improve our product line through in-house research and development programs. In-house programs aim to ensure that our polymer is 100 percent recyclable and meets the evolving industry standards of sustainability.”
Fox Packaging has seen an excellent response to its Fox Fresh Mesh Combo® bag, as well as its Fox Stand-Up Combo® bag, which was nominated for the United Fresh Innovation Awards for Best New Packaging. Constantly invested in packaging innovation, Fox Packaging is proud to say that its entire product line is fully recyclable and reusable. The company’s reusable packaging benefits more than just the earth, but the quality of the produce itself—Fox Packaging’s Fox Fresh Mesh® can help extend shelf life and ensure quality. The company is currently revisiting its stand-up format, as it searches for ways to better meet the growing demand for green packaging.
“Trends are geared toward sustainability—it will be highly common that retailers who offer consumer goods requiring plastic packaging to adopt corporate social responsibility initiatives in favor of reducing or eliminating single-use packaging,” Business Development Manager Jasper Trujillo commented. “Big box retailers, such as Walmart, have already started to lead this change and you should expect to see others follow suit. The U.S. market is becoming green-conscious, similar to that of European countries.”
Attendees of United Fresh are in for a treat, as Fox Packaging will have a Pouch Bagger live and in action, demonstrating the company’s Fox Stand-Up Combo bag. Fox Packaging will also be making a special announcement on the first day of the expo. Though its representatives were tight-lipped about what that announcement would be, it is sure to be something great.
To learn about sustainable packaging breakthroughs, visit booth #6012 next week to chat with the fine folks with Fox Packaging.
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 where the rain is falling, the sun is shining, and everything in between.
HOT FOUR DAYS COMING TO CALIFORNIA AND ARIZONA
A heatwave is coming to the southwest this weekend into next week. The San Joaquin Valley of California will experience above average temperatures for four continuous days starting this Sunday. Look for high temperatures to be well above 100° up and down the valley. Bakersfield at the southern end will get to 106° on Monday while Modesto at the northern end will see a high of 105° on Monday.
The desert regions of California and Arizona will see maximum temperatures above the 110° mark from Sunday through Wednesday with Coachella peaking at 113° on Wednesday, June 12. These temperatures should really bring on the grape crop out of Coachella.
Salinas will also see above average temperatures, hitting a high of 87° on Sunday before cooling off a few degrees on Monday and Tuesday.
Look for this weather to help production on all items from these regions.
NORTHWEST CHERRY REGIONS EXPERIENCING COLD TEMPERATURES / HEAT WAVE COMING
Cold temperatures will continue through tomorrow in the growing regions of Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and British Columbia, Canada. Maximum temperatures are currently in the 50°s and 60°s with nightly lows in the low to mid 40°s throughout the region. The rain that was anticipated for Oregon and British Columbia, Canada, has been significantly downgraded over the last 48 hours. There is still a chance of a light shower but nothing like what we had discussed back in our Tuesday report.
Starting next Tuesday, June 11, these regions in the Northwest will experience their own heatwave with maximum daily temperatures getting in the mid to upper 90°s depending exact location. This heat will last at least through Saturday of next week. Look for berries and cherries production to be positively affected by the heat. Contact your shippers to see when production will begin.
DAILY THUNDERSTORMS CONTINUE IN THE SOUTHEAST
All southern states will see daily showers up to .75” per day from today through next Tuesday or Wednesday.
There is heavy rain and possible flash floods anticipated for Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Alabama. May affect tomatoes from these regions?
NEW JERSEY
Temperatures will cool off a few degrees next week dropping down into the mid 70°s for a high and in the low 60°s for a low. There is a 50-60% possibility of rain starting this Sunday and lasting through Wednesday of next week. Look for daily rain totals between .25” to .50”
Thanks again, and we'll be back next week with another weather report!
KINGSVILLE, ON - We have officially launched into the second half of 2019 and while many (including myself) may look back and wonder where the heck the year has gone, Mucci Farms is looking ahead as it builds momentum and a continued vision for fresh that will propel it through the summer and beyond.
“At United Fresh and for the foreseeable future, our efforts will be focused in two major areas that are dominating the fresh produce conversation: sustainability and snack foods," explains Vice President Joe Spano. "We’ll be introducing our new lineup of sustainable packaging to the US market called the Simple Snack series. SIMPLE is an acronym for Sustainable Innovation Made Purposely for our Living Environment and all of the packages are made of cardboard and sealed with fully recyclable lidding film."
And on the snack food side, Team Mucci is ramping up its push of CuteCumberTM Poppers, which won the coveted Best New Packaging Award at United Fresh 2018. This fresh produce concept features a one-bite mini cocktail cucumber presenting maximum flavor and convenience for differentiation at retail.
When I use vision and Mucci in the same sentence, you know I mean it.
"The vision behind everything we do centers around consumer demand. We emphasize research and development to gain as much information as we can from our retail partners along with direct engagement with consumers on our social media platforms and in-store demos to establish our priorities," says President Danny Mucci. "Our first hand research confirmed the consumer demand for reduced plastic and healthy snack food items, which led to our main areas of focus for United Fresh 2019."
Mucci Farms truly brings buyers and retail clients a full-scale vertically integrated one-stop shop for all their needs.
"We coined the term Partners in Produce because we truly partner with everyone we work with on all aspects from seed to retail,” remarks Director of Marketing Emily Murracas. "In addition to growing and packing product, we have our own logistics department with our own fleet of trucks as well as an in-house marketing team that functions like an agency. We have the ability to provide retailers with POS material in a timely manner, we do in-store demos to help promote products, and also use our social media channels for targeted marketing campaigns. Our ownership makes sizeable investments on a yearly basis in automation and robotics to improve efficiencies across the supply chain including an aggressive plan to install grow lights in 100 percent of our high-tech glass facilities."
These efforts allow Mucci Farms to maximize its local and regional production and reduce the company's need for foreign products through the winter months. And how does Mucci Farms accomplish all these things, you might ask? With a team deeply experienced, passionate, and committed to executing the greenhouse operator's vision.
"We foster a corporate culture that embraces internal growth and empowerment. We’ve been deliberate in our efforts to improve employee morale by implementing numerous programs and events that raise team spirit and recognition of those who’ve dedicated several years of service to Mucci Farms,” says Carol Bendo, Director of Human Resources.
United Fresh is just a hop, skip, and a jump away so mark down Mucci Farms booth #9024 and check out what the team will be bringing to the trade show floor.
UNITED STATES - Over the years, our industry has seen food movements swell and burst into being. Words like organic, sustainability, and locally-grown are as much a part of our vocabulary as tomatoes, squash, and cukes. Now, we may soon have another word to add to our roster: CBD.
Retailers are beginning to show massive interest in CBD-infused products, even though they aren’t yet selling them. CBD, the shortened version of cannabidiol, is an ingredient found in marijuana plants that does not get you high—it only relieves pain or stress. Chains like Walmart, Target, Albertsons, and Kroger, according to a report from the New York Post, have been meeting with makers of these CBD-infused products, as well as asking them for samples.
But what could this mean for the produce industry? Although many of these CBD products stand well outside the world of fruit and veg, our industry is still showing an interest in the potential of CBD products. Just last year, those who attended the Organic Grower Summit got an inside look at Monterey County’s booming organic cannabis industry, and saw firsthand what it could mean to be involved.
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The FDA made an announcement in December that spiking food and beverages with CBD or THC was illegal, as well as transporting said products over state lines. However, with certain states legalizing marijuana, such as California and Colorado, it’s interesting to ponder just where our industry may be headed in the years to come.
Will we see more retailers showing interest in such items? Will growers become involved in the organic cannabis industry? AndNowUKnow will be sure to report the latest.
RIVERSIDE, CA - With summer in full swing, avocado demand has picked up—consumers are downright clamoring for their favorite guac ingredient. Index Fresh is ready to satisfy that need with the upcoming Peruvian avocado season. Peak volumes will hit in July and August, but the season will run from the end of May to early September.
“Index Fresh has been working in Peru even before they had access to the U.S. market, and Peruvian fruit has played a key role in our summer marketing since the beginning. We’re excited for this season, and it looks like it’ll be a good summer for all growers from all countries,” said Giovanni Cavaletto, Vice President of Sourcing. “This is the tenth year of Index Fresh working with Peruvian avocados.”
As the significance of avocados in Peru steadily grows, it is projected that over the next five years of production, it will be close to a billion pounds, according to a press release, making them an important source of summer fruit.
“There will be a little less Peruvian volume than last year in the U.S. market because it’s a slightly off year for the country, as last year was an on year for growing,” Cavaletto said. “While working with Peru growers, Index Fresh puts focus on offering value-added programs including ripening, bagging, and RPC’s.”
The popularity of avocados is showing no sign of slowing down, making it essential that there are multiple growing regions ready to supply the summer staple.
“Peru is shipping out 165 million pounds [of avocado] to the US, that’s 20-25 percent of their crop. Europe remains their prime destination for avocados,” said Cavaletto. “On an annual basis, Peru represents around 8 percent of the avocados sold in the U.S. During peak Peru season, that number goes up to 25 percent making them an important supplier June-August."
For more ‘cado updates, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
MONTEREY, CA - For the second annual 2019 California Giant Chef Invitational, California Giant has invited six chefs to showcase their skills! At the exclusive Tehama Golf Club in Monterey, chefs and foodservice partners will participate in various meal events, field tours, a Foodie forum, and the final chef showdown.
According to a press release, these selected chefs will recreate a signature berry recipe in the first culinary cookoff of its kind. Guests at Tehama will try bite-sized samples from the chefs, and one competitor will be chosen as People's Choice. The judges will select one finalist as the winner of the 2019 Chef Invitational and award the Top California Giant Chef.
The California Giant Berry Farms 2019 Chef Invitational competition participants include:
- Travis G Peters, Chef, Shamrock/Markon
- Jonathan Merrick, Chef, Maines Paper & Foodservice/Markon
- Isreal Ortiz, Chef, Harrah’s/Fresh Concepts
- Adrian Day-Murchison, Chef, Renaissance Food Group
- Patty Long, Brands Chef, Renaissance Food Group
- Christian Kearns, Chef, Sysco
Judges:
- Chef Dave Parker, Tehama Golf Club (Carmel, CA)
- Chef/ Restauranteur Denis Boaro, Basil, Gusto (Seaside, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA)
- Ashley Walterhouse, Influencer, Fitmittenkitchen
- Jerome Viel, Chef and Owner of the Carmel Valley Market
Special Guest Emcee:
- Tony Baker, Chef/Owner, Montrio Bistro in Monterey and owner of Baker’s Bacon
The 2019 California Giant Chef Invitational will be held on Tuesday, June 25, 2019 from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Tehama Golf Club in Carmel-By-The-Sea, California.
This annual showdown will culminate with a final Top California Giant Chef being announced and attending the Chef Invitational event offers an opportunity to interview chefs, foodservice partners, and California Giant staff.
For updates on the 2019 California Giant Chef Invitational, keep checking back with AndNowUKnow.
SANTA PAULA, CA - After calling the produce industry home for the past two years, I know now that June is not just a dad-centric month, but a United Fresh-centric month, too! Limoneira, however, is making sure that both dads and United Fresh feel the love as we head closer toward both’s big days (June 16 and June 10-12, respectively). One way Limoneira is doing so is through its new Take a Healthy Stand™ campaign—a campaign that highlights the many ways that lemons can play a role in helping to alleviate serious health issues.
“Limoneira will be at United Fresh in Chicago talking about our new initiative Take A Healthy Stand,” John Chamberlain, Vice President of Marketing, said. “For those attending the show, we’d love to see you. We’ll be at booth #10030. Grocery and Foodservice Nutritionists are key influencers for shoppers and guests on making healthy choices, and they are on the front lines of the Functional Food movement. Healthy habits don’t have to sacrifice great taste and at Limoneira we can show you how.”
COO Alex Teague added: “There have been a number of research studies that support the role that lemons play in potentially alleviating Heart Disease and Strokes, Alzheimer’s, Type 2 Diabetes, and even Cancer. Basically, lemons are an important part of a Mediterranean Diet—a very healthy and delicious way of eating."
Limoneira’s latest campaign includes recipes that Megan Roosevelt, Registered Dietician of The Healthy Grocery Girl® and Limoneira spokesperson, developed with dads in mind, including the following:
Citrus Ginger Cold Brew – A perfect pairing with Dad’s Lemon Glazed Donuts
- 1 Limoneira Navel Orange
- ¼ inch fresh Ginger Root
- ¼ cup filtered water
- ¾ cup Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate
- 2 tbsp real Maple Syrup
Directions: Juice orange, add juice, water, maple syrup, and ginger root to a small saucepan. Bring to a boil and then lower heat, remove ginger root, and let cool for 30 minutes. Add cold brew to glasses with ice and add juice, water, and syrup to glass. Enjoy!
According to a press release, the Citrus Ginger Cold Brew pairs perfectly with the lemon glazed donuts (recipe on Limoneira’s Channel) for a delicious Father’s Day treat.
Limoneira’s website will also feature June recipes perfect for summer, like a Celebration Citrus Treats & Beverage Cart, Baked Citrus Chicken Wings, and Lemon Broccolini Pesto & Beans.
Looking for more recipes? Subscribe to Limoneira’s YouTube Channel for more recipes, tips, and tricks. Or looking for more fresh produce news, subscribe to AndNowUKnow’s twice-daily newsletters for more scrumptious content like this!
KEENE, NH - Retail veteran and longtime C&S Wholesale Grocers Executive VP and Chief Procurement Officer Bob Palmer has announced he is retiring this year.
“C&S Wholesale Grocers would like to wish Bob Palmer a happy and healthy retirement. Bob is an inspiring leader who has helped drive our success and he will forever be a part of the C&S Family!” the company announced on its social media.
Bob’s service with C&S Wholesale goes back over 30 years, and his time in our industry extends even further. Bob kickstarted his grocery career with Albertsons, working at its Southco Division from 1979 to 1981, before moving on to another business opportunity outside of the trade.
He returned to grocery in 1986, finding a home with the C&S Wholesale family where he has served ever since.
The company did not include a successor for Bob’s position, only its gratitude for his decades of commitment and contribution to its growth.
The AndNowUKnow team would like to congratulate Bob on this newest chapter, and on a long and successful career in our industry!
CASHMERE, WA - Pears are getting the special treatment, as Crunch Pak® recently announced its latest product line: value-added pears, which are available in 7 oz and 32 oz packages. Made from Anjou and Bartlett varieties, the value-added pears will make their debut at United Fresh in Chicago, IL, from June 10 -12 at booth 6040.
“Our head of business development, Ozgur Koc, has been working on value-added pears with us since 2002,” Tony Freytag, Executive Vice President and Co-Founder, explained. “There’s a tremendous amount of research put into it, on getting the peeling just right, on treating it, on how it travels, and then how it works at the consumer level. The key is getting the consistency that we believe the consumer wants.”
According to a press release, slicing pears was an original goal of Crunch Pak when the company began in 2000.
“We made a commitment to develop value-added pears many years ago to our growers and customers,” Tony said. “Our location, relative to where the majority of the country’s pears are grown, makes us literally neighbors with orchardists and their crops. The countless hours of research and development that was put into the project and the overall commitment of the company to creating this proprietary technology is to be heralded."
In addition, United Fresh announced Crunch Pak’s value-added pears as a finalist for the United Fresh Produce Association’s 2019 Innovation Awards in the best fruit category.
For the latest in fresh products, stick with us here at AndNowUKnow.
PLEASANT PRAIRIE, WI - A finalist for the 2019 United Fresh Innovation Awards for Best New Vegetable Product, Good Foods will also be debuting its recently launched line of plant-based dips in Chicago next week!
“We are thrilled that our hard work and dedication to creating this clean label, new line of dips has paid off,” said Danyel O’Connor, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “As the plant-based snacking sector continues to skyrocket, we’re honored to be forerunners in the space.”
According to a press release, the dips have had positive feedback from both consumers and retailers as the trend of plant-based diets has skyrocketed. At the trade show's Innovation Showcase, attendees will be able to vote for their favorite United Fresh Innovation Awards finalists in each category. On Wednesday, June 12, winners will be announced from the Main Stage on the trade show floor at 2:00 pm.
“Our product development team tested tirelessly until we were confident we were providing plant-powered dips that are not only better for you, but also superior in taste and full of flavor,” stated Mandy Bottomlee, Director of Marketing.
Good Foods’ has invested in product development and trial to ensure great flavor of its products. The plant-based dips are made from plant sources like cauliflower and cashews to fit the needs of many different eating styles and are available in five flavors:
- Queso
- Tzatziki
- Avocado Pesto
- Creamy Cilantro
- Buffalo Cauliflower
Between 30-50 calories, each dip contains three grams of carbs or less per serving for a flavor-filled snack.
Good Foods will also be showcasing additional products like the fan favorite Tableside Chunky Guacamole at booth #6029 on June 10-12. So stop by to meet O’Connor and Bottomlee and sample the plant-based dips.
For more news about Good Foods and updates on United Fresh, keep reading AndNowUKnow.