CALEXICO, CA - Altar Produce is expanding its sales team on both coasts as it continues to bolster its presence in the U.S. and Canada. Milton Johnson has been named Domestic Sales and will be joining the company’s new sales office in San Diego, California, while Andy Garcia is taking on the East Coast Sales Manager role and will be based out of Altar’s sales office in Miami, Florida.
“We are happy to welcome Milton and Andy to our sales team. They will help contribute to our growing success by gaining market share in the U.S. and Canada,” Chris Ramirez, President, shared with me. “With our 15 to 20 percent yearly growth rate with production out of Mexico in various commodities such as conventional and organic asparagus, green onions, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, blueberries, and more, Milton and Andy will be of great help.”
Milton brings with him to the Altar team over 20 years of purchasing experience from Peru, Chile, Mexico, and Argentina. He is well-versed in domestic and export sales, after working with GDM and CarbAmericas selling asparagus, berries, broccoli, grapes, citrus, and more.
“I am truly looking forward to being a part of this well-known, respected asparagus marketing company as well as becoming a valued contributor to Altar’s continued growth and expansion. Working for Altar is a dream come true,” Milton told me.
Andy has 31 years of experience. Prior to working with Altar Produce, he spent 12 years as Alpine Fresh’s Key Account Manager for USA/Canada Retail Accounts, in which he sold asparagus, blueberries, and other items, and 19 years with Ruskin Packaging and Lowell Distributors.
“I decided to join Altar because I felt like it would be a nice fit, and they showed confidence in me and my abilities,” Andy revealed to me. “My goals are to gain retail customer support and build relationships that I hope will generate sales.”
Altar Produce is one of the original Mexican asparagus grower-owned marketing companies established in the U.S., which Chris noted makes Altar unique because it means customers know they are talking to the grower.
“Our customers trust the Altar brand as the leader in the produce industry for asparagus. We market roughly 40 percent of Mexico’s asparagus production throughout the year and, as a result, we’ve seen continuous growth year after year,” Chris concluded.
Congratulations to Milton and Andy from the entire ANUK team!
PLANT CITY, FL - From demand to supply, it looks as if blackberries are booming. Wish Farms is hunkering down for a bountiful season, with more in the works to feed the growing hunger from consumers.
“From a demand perspective, we see no sign of the berry boom slowing down. Net growth for blackberries and raspberries has been higher compared to strawberries and blueberries because there is more room to grow,” shares Director of Blackberry and Raspberry Operations, Jose Saca.
Wish Farms moved into year-round shipping of the category in 2016. Now, the company grows and markets blackberries from Mexico and the Southeast United States, as well as Santa Maria, California.
“Berries are a major sales driver for retailers. Strawberries are the leader in consumer berry consumption, but now other berries are helping to expand the category. The popularity of strawberries and blueberries has helped propel the growth of the cane berry industry,” Amber Maloney, Director of Marketing, says.
It’s hard to believe that it’s only in the last decade that blackberries have been available at retail 52 weeks a year in our industry, but the Wish Farms team tells me it’s consumer demand that has helped drive production. When I ask about what’s next, Jose is excited to share about one variety in particular.
“Wish Farms is very excited about Primark 45, a primocane variety that produces flower and fruit on canes that grow in the same year allowing for a summer and fall crop. This variety was introduced by the University of Arkansas in 2009 by Dr. John Clark. The fruit has exceptional shipping quality, which is key for retail shelf-life,” he comments.
Primark 45, Jose explains, is consistently sweet, has good size and texture.
“Our Wish Farms blackberry program grows a combination of primocane and floricane varieties both domestically and abroad. We are growing Primark 45 at our company-owned farm in Santa Maria, California, and in the hills of Shelby, North Carolina,” he adds.
In 2018, Wish Farms completed a 7,500-square-foot cooler in Shelby, North Carolina, to manage its NC-Southeast blackberry program. Amber tells me that all Wish Farms blackberries in the region will ship from this facility after a thorough quality control inspection. Wish Farms will also ship from a facility in Homerville, GA, and its headquarters in Plant City, Florida.
“This new construction was essential for our operation as we continuously aim to provide premier products and customer service,” she concludes.
With a promising crop on the horizon, and plans in place for improved means to get them to market, AndNowUKnow will keep you up to date on this and other fresh produce developments.
U.S. & MEXICO - Negotiations continue between the Department of Commerce and Mexico tomato growers—the latter recently rejected the latest proposal from the former, stating that several of the demands from the Florida Tomato Exchange (FTE) are unlawful.
The Fresh Produce Association of the Americas (FPAA) said in a recent press release that it is no surprise to read that the FTE continues to ask for protections outside the scope of existing U.S. law, including asking for major changes that would effectively block imports of Mexican tomatoes by making it economically risky for U.S. buyers.
“The FPAA urges the Department of Commerce to continue to work with the Mexican growers of fresh tomatoes to create an updated Tomato Suspension Agreement that remains within the scope of the law. The FPAA acknowledges the difficult task of balancing an agreement that fairly addresses Florida concerns while not catering to Florida’s pressure to create an agreement that no U.S. supermarket could agree to, and which would effectively prevent supermarkets from purchasing Mexican tomatoes,” the association stated. It added that the livelihood of U.S. businesses across the supply chain hangs in the balance awaiting a return to a sensible, fair, stabilizing agreement.
FPAA members include U.S. importers and distributors of fresh tomatoes, which the association said continue to strive to bring the best tomatoes to the marketplace to meet the demands of consumers. While members work closely with retailers, foodservice companies, and other buyers to supply high-quality tomatoes that drive sales, it said hampered negotiations by “unlawful demands from a small group of politically connected Florida companies” leave U.S. consumers to continue to pay tomato taxes while U.S. companies face uncertainty in the marketplace.
In the interim, the Mexican growers have taken actions which they said seek to protect their legal rights in light of “several disappointing actions taken by the U.S. Commerce Department.”
The Mexican growers file for an injunction from a U.S. court
To stop Commerce's investigation from going forward and stop cash deposits from being imposed, the Mexican growers have taken legal action on the basis that Commerce's termination of the agreement was unlawful.
The Mexican growers shorten cash deposit period by 60 days
If the resumed investigation does go forward, the Department of Commerce must now conclude its dumping determination on July 21, per the press release, and the U.S. International Trade Commission must conclude its injury determination on September 4.
Will the two sides be able to strike a balance that all can walk away from feeling even better than previous Tomato Suspension Agreements? The Mexican growers said they remain committed to a new agreement, while the FPAA said it is confident that rational proposals from Commerce and the Mexican growers can result in an agreement that fairly addresses Florida concerns without unduly harming American shoppers and the entire U.S. tomato industry.
AndNowUKnow will report further as the matter develops.
CASTROVILLE, CA - Ocean Mist® Farms, provider of artichokes, Brussels sprouts, and more, recently announced the promotion of Joe Angelo from Organic Sales Manager to Sales Manager of both Ocean Mist Farms and Ocean Mist Organic brands. In his new role, Angelo will be focused on both daily sales activities and account management.
“Joe has proven himself to be a valuable member of the Ocean Mist Farms sales team,” said Rick Bravo, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, in a recent press release. “His appointment as Sales Manager over the Ocean Mist Farms and Ocean Mist Organic brands reflects his ability to lead teams and drive business growth.”
The press release noted that Angelo is a twelve-year veteran of the fresh produce industry. He joined Ocean Mist Farms in 2015, after prior experience as the District Sales and Commodity Manager for Dole Fresh Vegetables and Dole Berry Company. Over the last three years, Angelo has played an integral role in developing Ocean Mist Farms’ Organic Program, which has grown 300% since 2015. Part of the reason for this accomplishment stems from the company expanding both its organic customer base and product line, which now includes over 20 items.
Congratulations from all of us here at AndNowUKnow to Joe on his new role.
ONTARIO, CA - Cardenas Markets unveiled its new “Next Generation” concept at its new store in Las Vegas, which opened last week. This is the Hispanic grocer’s fifth store in that market and 56th overall. This store opening was the first of four new stores planned for 2019, each located in separate regions: Las Vegas, NV; Concord, CA; Tucson, AZ; and Victorville, CA.
The Next Generation concept, as outlined in a press release, will set the standard for all new stores moving forward. This new design intends to elevate the customer experience and increase its reach across all demographics.
“We are thrilled to introduce our new Keep Life Flavorful design to our customers across all of our existing markets, as well as new markets that we are considering,” said John Gomez, CEO.
The new design will transport customers to a familiar and welcoming place, accompanied by good music, friendly service, and a wide assortment of products ranging from national brands to authentic Mexican and Hispanic foods.
The press release also noted that, under the leadership of Bob Layne, SVP of Real Estate and Construction, Cardenas Markets is poised and prepared to deliver on its aggressive expansion plans.
Is this retailer poised to become the next big name in the game? AndNowUKnow will continue to report.
DEWITT, MI - As asparagus stalks shoot out of the ground like lilliputian trees, it’s clear that the dawn of the season for this popular veg is upon us. With spring quickly transitioning to summer, Michigan Asparagus is at the starting gate, ready for the pistol to go off. Asparagus season is brief—running from early May to the beginning of July—but lucrative, and as consumers clamor for local produce, the popularity of U.S.-grown asparagus only continues to, well, grow.
“Consumers today continue to show high affinity for locally grown products,” John Bakker, Executive Director for the Michigan Asparagus Advisory Board, explained. “This lucrative local foods market is expected to exceed $20 billion this year, according to market research firm Packaged Facts. According to Consumer Reports, nearly eight in ten American consumers would rather purchase products made in America than imported goods, and more than 60 percent of respondents say they would be willing to pay up to 10 percent more for domestic products.”
Only about two percent of U.S.-consumed asparagus is grown in the U.S., with Michigan and Washington as growing leaders, while California-grown asparagus has decreased as a market leader. In this changing growing landscape, Michigan Asparagus growers continue to fight for their place in the asparagus market, to answer the call for locally-grown produce.
Retailers love Michigan Asparagus because of the state’s central location, which ensures a high-quality product with longer shelf-life and less shrink. Asparagus harvested in Michigan is only two to three days old when it arrives at retail, making it fresher, with less food miles and a smaller environmental impact than imported asparagus. In contrast, imported asparagus delivered by boat or plane could be over 21 days old when it arrives in U.S. stores. Recognizing that water is a precious and limited resource, Michigan-grown asparagus is not irrigated in an effort to achieve sustainable farming practices and manage costs.
“Michigan asparagus is grown and shipped by over 100 farm families that make a difference in their local communities and generate an impact of more than 20,000 full- and part-time workers and over $30 million in farmgate dollars with more than $100 million in economic lift to Main Street USA,” said John. “We want to help retail and foodservice buyers understand the importance of buying local, U.S.-grown products when they are in season. Not only do their consumers want it, it’s better for the environment and local economies. We want to remind buyers that during the months of May and June Michigan asparagus is their best buy.”
With asparagus season on the horizon, retailers are encouraged to book their ads now and plan to run them from May 1 to June 30. Michigan Asparagus supports retailers with the “Straight to the Point” marketing campaign that is focused on delivering the facts about Michigan Asparagus—everything from seasonality and importance of locally-grown food, handling and storage, and, of course, cooking information. Retailers will also receive a weekly e-newsletter that details asparagus shipping and condition updates, along with a retail handling guide and social media toolkit for retail communication departments.
“Consumers and buyers tell us locally- and U.S.-grown is important, and we need to make sure they get the message,” John concluded. “We will have a series of consumer videos, heavy social media content, and even a consumer mat release expected to drive millions of print and online impressions.”
John concluded, “There is a place in the market for imported product, but it should never be when U.S. Grown products are fresh and available and make sense for the consumers we aim to please.”
For more fruit and veg news keep reading AndNowUKnow.
LYNDONVILLE, NY - United Apple Sales has been growing and marketing a new apple called Ruby Frost. As part of these efforts, the company has developed a comprehensive plan to extend the market for the new variety.
“Our commitment is to be a strategic supplier for our retail partners and plan for their needs to provide a sustainable advantage,” said Ward Dobbins, Owner and fourth-generation grower. “With our CA expertise, Ruby Frost’s flavor and quality holds extremely well into the summer season at a time when some varieties start losing their ‘pop.’ By offering bulk and bagged options with consistent quality, Ruby Frost has become a consumer favorite and sought-after variety from January into the summer with the United Apple retail programs.”
According to the company’s press release, since making its debut in 2014, Ruby Frost has gained a strong consumer following for its late season balance of sweet and tart flavor and its delicate but firm texture.
To give retail partners a distinct market advantage with Ruby Frost late in the season, United Apple Sales has developed a strategic approach to managing inventories and its Controlled Atmosphere (CA) program. Dobbins said it is easy to load the system with fruit and then quickly run through inventory in a short period but that doesn’t help retailers.
“It is perceived as a great American apple with its crunchy, fresh taste, large size and shiny red appearance,” said Brett Baker, International Accounts Manager. “We know how to handle the logistics with our export team, and the fruit arrives in great shape with the flavor that has made Ruby Frost a favorite in the States. Ruby Frost is a good door opener and introduces our expertise as a full line grower with new varieties under development.”
As stated in the press release, domestic success and recognition of Ruby Frost’s strong storage qualities has helped United Apple Sales leverage the crop with some of its export partners in the Middle East and Canada. These markets look to the U.S. as a leader in developing new varieties and providing consistent quality fruit. Ruby Frost fills that role very efficiently and is growing in popularity in export markets. Baker indicated that Ruby Frost has been well received by its partners.
“Now during the month of May, Ruby Frost is offering its best flavor profiles of this season,” stated Baker. “The tartness has mellowed and the Ruby Frost is really a sweet, crunchy, and refreshing spring treat! We hope to have our customers continuing to enjoy them into July and beyond.”
Baker also mentioned Ruby Frost is a strong asset to the spring and summer apple offerings with its long shelf life and great keeping ability.
For more updates on the Ruby Frost season, keep checking back with AndNowUKnow.
WATSONVILLE, CA - Boasting a family farming lineage that dates back to the 1800s and an all-organic assortment that began in the 1990s, Lakeside Organic Gardens has been a pioneer in the California organic growing scene. I recently had the opportunity to chat with the company’s Owner and Grower Dick Peixoto—about the company’s efforts to expand acreage and grow its already impressive assortment of organic offerings to include new and exciting categories that thrive on the California coast.
Because of its setup in the Pajaro Valley, along the state’s Central Coast, Dick noted, Lakeside Organic Gardens is able to hang its hat on a number of staples that grow extraordinarily well along the coastline.
“Our artichokes are a big part of our program. Because we’re able to grow along the coast, we can grow a variety that tastes more like the old artichokes used to, and I think we have some of the best artichokes right here along the coast for that reason,” Dick said. “Our sweet baby broccoli is kind of a signature item for us. We went to the breeders and told them what we wanted. All the breeding that went on was focused on the taste of the product as opposed to ease of production, and we’ve been working together with those breeders for over ten years to bring that to light. The variety that we have right now, we think, is probably the best in terms of taste.”
Additionally, Dick told me, the company is coming into season on several new items this late spring and early summer, items that will add to Lakeside Organic Garden's already comprehensive 45-plus assortment of organic offerings.
“Romanesco is another product that we’ve brought on in the last few years that’s really expanding. It’s a very unique item and has a unique texture. It grows really well along the coast here in the summertime. When it grows inland it tends to spread and just get this off-color to it. But on the coast it gets a nice green color; it’s a beautiful item,” Dick noted. “And another new item that we’re starting now that will come into production around July or August is the purple Brussels sprout, which is similar in color to a red cabbage.”
And the company is rolling out Nantes carrots as well.
“It’s a better eating, better tasting carrot. We’re going to come into production on that about a month from now, and that will be a good addition to our product line,” Dick concluded.
With a newly-remodeled 55,000-square-foot cooler, increased through-put, and the convenience of offering almost 45 different organic categories in a single loading location, Lakeside Organic is primed to take advantage of this spring and summer and help its partners do the same.
For more fresh produce news, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
WATSONVILLE, CA - I cannot believe this year marks six years for the Tour de Fresh, presented by The California Giant Foundation. What was once a relatively small band of produce professionals riding hundreds of miles over three to four days to benefit the Salad Bars to Schools initiative now no longer needs introduction.
This year, Tour de Fresh returns to its inaugural route and tradeshow: PMA’s Fresh Summit in Anaheim, California. To inspire other industry members to join the cause and commemorate the event, Tour de Fresh is recognizing three individuals who made an impact with the program, each with a compelling story behind why they contribute. As stated in a press release, they, like the many others behind Tour de Fresh, take ownership of the event for the cause.
“I love the produce industry,” said Charles Nelson, Senior Director of Research and Development at Mission Produce. “I admire and respect the people that work so hard to bring the best products to the marketplace. I want to help support making these great products accessible to children across the nation through the Salad Bars to Schools program.”
Charles has been cycling for 10 years, but it wasn’t until 2016 when he participated in Tour de Fresh that he realized he was involved in something bigger than just another philanthropy event. In the two years that Charles has participated in the ride, he raised more than $18,000 to provide the school district of his choice with salad bars.
“Tour de Fresh directly puts the equipment in place to make fresh, healthy produce available to all,” said Drew McDonald, Vice President of Quality and Food Safety at Taylor Farms. “On top of this, riding along other produce professionals who all support this amazing cause is special, indeed. The camaraderie and bonding that occurs during the ride is awesome and its own reward. It is long and hard, but worth the effort.”
Drew will ride in his fifth Tour de Fresh this year. Being a fresh produce professional and a father of three school-aged girls, he ensures that his daughters’ lunches are packed with fresh produce. But Drew also recognizes that is not the case for everyone else, giving him a special motivation during the ride.
Brock Nemecek, North American Marketing Manager at T&G Global, has similar motivations to return to the cause.
“My nieces and nephews are fortunate in that they have access to the freshest produce, not to mention an uncle and other family members who regularly encourage them to try the wide variety of fruits and vegetables that are available to them,” said Brock. “We sponsor the Tour de Fresh to deliver that same experience to students across the country who may not live in a household that is so passionate about produce.”
Similar to Drew, Brock acknowledges that not every child has the opportunity or access to healthier meal options. He is returning as a premier sponsor for the second time.
Sponsoring events like Tour de Fresh is key to ending this issue among students in America, and for that our peers and associates unite to ride more than 300 miles over four days.
Since the start of Tour de Fresh in 2014, the organization has provided more than 230 salad bars, which has provided approximately 120,000 kids access to fresh produce during school lunch, according to the release. This would not be possible without the support from the industry’s riders and sponsors.
Each year, Tour de Fresh participants have a goal to raise funds for 50 salad bars that will benefit a least 25,000 students across the nation. Premier sponsors have the opportunity to elevate their brands through logo placement on jerseys, consumer- and industry-focused mentions, and more.
You can also sponsor the finish line celebration in Anaheim (riders and their families love this!) or the “feed zone” nutrition stations at each stop.
Should you join the cause and take up this marketing opportunity leading up to Fresh Summit, you will join current sponsors like:
- Arctic Apples
- Americold
- AndNowUKnow
- Basil Seasonal Dining
- California Giant Berry Farms
- CHEP
- Church Brothers
- C&S Wholesale Grocers
- Coosemans
- Crunch Pak
- DMA Solutions
- Earthbound Farms
- EBX Logistics
- Emerson
- Famous Software
- Fight Like A Girl Foundation
- FreshPlaza
- Gold Coast
- Good Foods
- Gusto Handcrafted Pasta & Pizza
- iTrade Network
- JAZZ Apples
- Lipman Produce
- Misionero
- Mission Produce
- Ocean Mist Farms
- Paramount Export
- PRO*Act
- Procurant
- Produce Marketing Association
- Regal Marketing
- Renaissance Food Group
- Robinson Fresh
- Sakata
- Specialty Produce
- SunFed Produce
- Taylor Farms
- Total Quality Logistics (TQL)
- Western Precooling
Visit www.tourdefresh.com or contact the Tour de Fresh team directly at [email protected] to find out how you can be a part of this movement that is making a difference in the level of childhood produce consumption.
CHICAGO, IL - Trader Joe’s is making the most of its competition’s recent fall on hard times. As we reported in October of last year, Treasure Island shuttered its six-store network in the Chicago area, and Trader Joe’s has scooped up a building the grocer once occupied. This new store, located at Lake Park Avenue and 54th Place in the Hyde Park Shopping Center, is planned to open in the fall and is the retailer’s first location on the South Side of Chicago.
A statement issued by the University of Chicago and Trader Joe’s, according to a report from The Chicago Maroon, detailed that residents of the area advocated for Trader Joe’s in lieu of other options.
“We recognize the importance of a grocery store in this location to the community, and we carefully selected Trader Joe’s based on a number of factors, including community input and timelines to opening,” stated Angie Marks, Associate Vice President of the University of Chicago’s Commercial Real Estate Operations.
The new store will, admittedly, only take up part of the space that Treasure Island once occupied. A Trader Joe’s spokesperson informed the news source that as more information rolls out—such as hiring efforts—the retailer will share further details.
Stick with us here at AndNowUKnow for the latest in retailer takeovers.