MONTREAL, QC - The 2019 CPMA Convention and Trade Show is just a week away. The trade show boasts an impressive who’s-who of North American exhibitors—as well as retailers, foodservice professionals, and more from Canada’s produce buying community.
In a recent press release, the CPMA provided a “snapshot” of what the 94th annual edition will entail. The show, which welcomes both international exhibitors and those who are active within the Canadian fruit and vegetable marketplace, provides a distinctive blend of business, networking, development, and educational opportunities while attracting a wide variety of attendees from across the produce supply chain.
This year's trade show, held April 2-4 at the Palais des congrès de Montréal, boasts the following big numbers:
- 535 exhibit spaces (10 x 10 feet)
- Over 300 exhibiting companies
- 143 international exhibitors on the Trade Show floor at CPMA 2019 in Montreal
- 132 Canadian exhibitors, including 30 exhibitors from Quebec
- 39 first-time exhibitors participating in the 2019 CPMA Convention and Trade Show in Montreal—each with a floor decal in front of their booth so attendees can welcome them to the Trade Show and to the Association
- 39 companies participating in the New Product Showcase.
- 1,834 followers of @CPMA_ACDFL on Twitter (Be sure to follow, tweet at @CPMA_ACDFL, and use the hashtag #CPMA2019 for anything relating to the 2019 CPMA Convention and Trade Show)
Although exhibit space is sold out, the CPMA noted, there is still time to register to attend the event, and produce retailers and foodservice operators can take advantage of a complimentary Trade Show voucher ($300 value) by registering online. At the event, delegates will have the opportunity to meet with exhibiting companies, participate in the business and social programs, and capitalize on opportunities that will enrich industry knowledge and grow your business in Canada.
For more fresh produce news, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
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.
ONE LAST STORM SYSTEM TO HIT CALIFORNIA
One last storm system will come through California this week. Coastal growing regions of Salinas and Santa Maria will see approximately .25 inches of rain tomorrow and Wednesday.
The San Joaquin Valley growing regions of Modesto in the north and Fresno in the middle of the state will see about .50 inches of rain.
This appears to be the last storm system that will come through California for the next two weeks. Looking past Wednesday things should begin to really warm up across the state. By Sunday, Salinas, Santa Maria, and the San Joaquin Valley will be in the mid-70°s with some isolated locations reaching 80°s. Low temperatures will be in the 50°s throughout much of the state. Look for ideal growing conditions all next week.
YUMA AND COACHELLA TO SEE HOTTEST DAYS OF YEAR SO FAR
Today, Yuma should reach a maximum temperature of 90°, which is the hottest day of the year so far. The previous high was 88 back on March 18th. Wednesday through Saturday will be a tad cooler with maximum temperatures only in the mid-80°s, but by Sunday high temperatures will be back at 90° where they will stay through Tuesday, April 2. Maybe there will be additional supplies of product coming from this region next week?
The Coachella Valley will see similar warm temperatures this week and next. Coachella will reach a maximum temperature of 92° and a minimum temperature of 63° on Monday, April 1, and Tuesday, April 2. Coachella is waiting for their spring crop of green bells, green beans, and sweet corn to start. These warmer temperatures might speed up the process by a few days. You might want to check with shippers out of this area to see what’s new.
FLORIDA BEAUTIFUL WEATHER THIS WEEK – MORE RAIN NEXT WEEK
Florida will experience a noneventful week of weather with maximum temperatures ranging from the mid-70°s to the low 80°s and minimum temperatures in the mid-50°s to low 60°s across the state. The next major change in the weather will be storms coming next Monday through Wednesday, bringing up to 1 inch of rain across all major growing regions.
HOT HOT HOT IN SINALOA
Culiacan, Sinaloa, will experience maximum temperatures of 98° all this week, with minimum temperatures in the mid-50°s. One can only expect volumes to increase with these kinds of temperatures. Keep an eye on supplies and markets.
Things will cool off a bit on Saturday as the high temperature will only reach 90°. Going forward, high temperatures will only be in the low 90°s for the first half of next week.
GRAPE GROWING REGIONS OF MEXICO
Grape growing regions of Hermosillo and Caborca in the state of Sonora are experiencing beautiful late spring conditions with maximum temperatures in the mid-90°s and minimums in the upper 50°s. These temperatures bode well for the maturation of the upcoming grape crop in May. These warm temperatures will continue through at least next Tuesday. On Wednesday, April 3, temperatures should cool off a few degrees, with maximum temperatures only reaching into the mid-80°s.
GEORGIA
Georgia is gearing up for their spring crop of blueberries in the next month. Right now, Georgia is in a state of flux regarding the weather. Yesterday the maximum temperature was 77°, but tomorrow the temperature will only get to 66°, and then by Saturday the high will be 80°. Sunday, March 31, will see some rain and a maximum temperature of only 71° on Monday, but will begin to warm again on Wednesday, April 3. Hopefully as we get into April things will become more stable.
Thank you again for your support, and we will be back later this week with another update.
SUNNY VALLEY, OR - Last week, Oregonians were shorted one truckload of melons after a bizarre accident sparked fire in a tractor-trailer carrying cantaloupe. The driver escaped unharmed but the cantaloupe were not so lucky—as the truck and its cargo burned to the ground.
Local ABC affiliate KEZI-9 news reported on the incident, which occurred at milepost 76 of the I-5 interstate near Sunny Valley, Oregon. Rescue crews and passersby documented the fire, which eventually consumed the entire truck.
“Truck and fruit appear to be a total loss,” the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) told the news source. “ODOT/OSP holding all NB lanes just prior to Sunny Valley due to a semi-truck on fire. It's carrying cantaloupe. Expect delays until the fire subsides enough to let traffic through.”
One would think juicy cantaloupe were flame retardant, but this story proves that even the juiciest of fruits are no match for fire.
AndNowUKnow will continue to report with breaking produce news.
FRESNO, CA - The Alliance for Food and Farming has responded to some misconceptions that were released by an activist group about eating non-organic fruits and vegetables in a produce list they call the “dirty dozen.” Scientific, peer reviewed studies show the opposite.
"Since only one in 10 Americans eat enough fruits and vegetables each day, it is important to promote consumption and support public health efforts to encourage healthier diets instead of creating unnecessary fears about eating non-organic fruits and vegetables, which are wholesome, safe, and more affordable," said Teresa Thorne, Executive Director.
According to a statement released through the California Fresh Fruit Association (CFFA), peer reviewed studies show this list's recommendations are not scientifically supportable while other studies show it may negatively impact consumers since it discourages purchasing of any produce - organic or conventional. Some key studies about produce safety and nutrition include:
- A study specifically examined the risk/benefit of consuming a diet rich in conventionally grown produce and pesticide residue exposure. That study determined that if half of all Americans increased their consumption of fruit and vegetables by a single serving each day, 20,000 cancer cases could be prevented each year. The study authors concluded that the overwhelming difference between benefit and risk estimates provides confidence that consumers should not be concerned about cancer risks from consuming conventionally grown fruits and vegetables.
- Peer reviewed research has shown that the author's "dirty dozen" list recommendation to substitute organic forms of produce for conventional forms did not result in a decrease in consumer risk, because residues are so low on conventionally grown produce, if present at all. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Pesticide Data Program(PDP) and the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) residue sampling program both found that more than 99 percent of the produce sampled had residues far below Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) safety levels, if present at all.
- The USDA stated in their report summary: "Based on the PDP data, consumers can feel confident about eating a diet that is rich in fresh fruits and vegetables."
- An analysis conducted by toxicologists with the University of California's Personal Chemical Exposure Program found a child could eat hundreds to thousands of servings of a fruit or vegetable in a day and still not have any health effects from residues. For kale, a woman could eat 18,615 servings in a day and a child could consume 7,446 servings.
For more information on Alliance for Food & Farming, keep reading for updates on AndNowUKnow.
BENTONVILLE, AR - Walmart continues to be a fixture in the news; just last week, the retailer announced a recent expansion in Canada. Days later, news broke of its CTO leaving amidst reports that Walmart contractors had been spying on the retailer. The latest report to come down the newswire states that the retail giant will be closing eight Neighborhood Market stores across the United States, in addition to one Walmart Supercenter in Lafayette, Louisiana.
Employees of the stores closing, who spoke with Business Insider, confirmed that the closing date for most of the affected stores is April 19, 2019. The majority of the stores closing—the Neighborhood Markets—are centered around selling groceries.
The full list of stores closing is as follows:
- 3900 W. Ina Road, Tucson, Arizona
- 1600 Saratoga Ave., San Jose, California
- 712 N. Western Ave., Liberal, Kansas
- 1229 NE. Evangeline Trwy., Lafayette, Louisiana (Supercenter)
- 3603 Broad River Road, Columbia, South Carolina
- 2501 University Commons Way, Knoxville, Tennessee
- 7000 Iron Bridge Road, North Chesterfield, Virginia
- 2864 Virginia Beach Blvd., Virginia Beach, Virginia
- 7809 NE. Vancouver Plaza Dr., Vancouver, Washington
With over 4,700 stores in the United States, including 3,570 Supercenters and nearly 700 Neighborhood Markets, Walmart has an undeniably strong retail presence across the United States.
Will these store closures be detrimental to the retailer's longterm grocery plan? For further developments and reports of other retail happenings that directly affect our industry, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
SCOTTSDALE, AZ - The Produce for Better Health Foundation (PBH) has its sights set on a social media takeover and plans to debut a new, ambitious strategy at the upcoming Consumer Connection Conference. Conference-goers will be treated to the unveiling of PBH’s new elite influencer network, known as the Fruit and Vegetable Ambassadors in Action (FVAA). The FVAA consists of culinary and nutrition experts, chefs, food photographers, and sports nutrition and fitness gurus, who have a collective reach of nearly one million consumers through social media channels like Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and Facebook. This network, combined with PBH’s extensive digital and social reach, will impact more than two million consumers each day.
“Keeping in line with our mission to help Americans enjoy happier, healthier lives by eating more fruits and vegetables every single day, PBH is committed to helping the industry reach consumers when and where they are engaging with fruits and vegetables by cultivating relationships with key influencers,” said Wendy Reinhardt Kapsak, MS, RDN, PBH President and CEO, in a press release. “We continue to build upon PBH’s successful programming and relationships with retail dietitians as well as with foodservice and culinary leaders. This year, we are excited to further expand our reach to include key influencers who span additional areas of expertise and who are reaching Gen Z and Millennial consumers every day through their own channels.”
Spanning multiple areas of expertise, the carefully-curated group of top-tier digital and social communicators that make up the FVAA have agreed to work with PBH to create content on a monthly basis for a 12-month term.
The retailers attending this year’s conference include Ahold and associated banners, such as Hannaford Supermarket; H-E-B; Redner’s Markets; Albertsons/Safeway; Schnucks Markets; Coburn’s; Hy-Vee; Trader Joe’s; Kroger; and Wakefern/Shoprite and associated banners, such as Inserra Supermarket.
The foundation’s overall retail influencer engagement approach includes retail Registered Dietitians (RDs), along with managers and executives who are decision makers and can activate in-store as well as digital and social promotions. They also have a deep understanding of how produce can play a role within corporate strategy, as well as health and wellness programming.
Attending this year’s conference will be several culinary and foodservice influencers, including Compass Group North America, Sizzler USA, Farmer’s Fridge, Subway, Panda Restaurant Group, Taco Bell, and Yale Hospitality, among others, such as experts in school nutrition and child feeding, culinary education, and retail foodservice operations.
The foundation’s culinary and foodservice influencer engagement approach includes those eager to learn about and share creative ways to include more produce into their business offerings within various segments of the diverse foodservice industry. The influencers have the power to make impactful and lasting changes within their sphere of influence.
PBH Consumer Connection Conference sponsors will have the opportunity to introduce their brands and initiatives with elite influencers through its 1:1 CONNECT platform, or business exchange appointments. Additionally, attendees will have the chance to speak with these experts during the conference’s networking receptions, meals, and educational sessions.
FVAA members attending the 2019 Consumer Connection Conference include:
- Active Eating Advice, Leslie Bonci, MPH, RDN, CSSD, LDN, Owner
- Body Fuel, Andrew Dole, RDN, CSSD, CEC, Everyday Chef
- Chef Suvir Saran, Suvir Suran, Top Chef Master
- Culinary Nutrition Cuisine, Abbie Gellman, MS, RD, CDN, Registered Dietitian/Culinary Nutritionist Lead
- Domesticate Me, LLC, Serena Wolf, Founder and Author
- Eating Beyond the Headlines, Neva Cochran, MS, RDN, LD, FAND, Nutrition Communication Consultant
- Emily Kyle Nutrition, Emily Kyle, MS, RDN, CDN, CLT, Owner
- Flourish Heights, Valerie Agyeman, RD, Nutrition Communications Dietitian
- Fuel Your Passion, Kimberly Schwabenbauer, MS, RD, CSSD, Owner
- Genki Nutrition/Guild Magazine, Jonathan Valdez, MBA, RDN, CSG, CCM, CDE, CPT, Owner/Food Director/Photographer
- Lunchbox Dad, Beau Coffron, President
- MV Nutrition, Manuel Villacorta, MS, RD, Author, Spokesperson, Registered Dietitian, Speaker
- Rosante Living, Adam Rosante, Fitness and Wellness Coach
- Street Smart Nutrition, Cara Harbstreet, MS, RD, LD, Owner
- The Produce Moms, Lori Taylor, Founder + CEO
“Influencers lead with emotion and experience as well as taste and flavor to motivate consumer food decisions, aligning with our new overall brand transformation, also launching at this year’s Consumer Connection Conference,” said Reinhardt Kapsak. “We will build and nurture a community of passionate experts, who authentically and credibly advocate for enjoying more fruits and vegetables.”
The Produce for Better Health 2019 Consumer Connection Conference will be held in Scottsdale, Arizona, from April 22-25. More information about the conference can be found at the website here.
IRVINE, CA - Every morning, I start my day off by checking the weather app. I’m a California girl through and through, which means I need to know if it’s sunny and ASAP—since a lack of sunshine determines my entire day: mood, commute, hair, and all! With a newly expanded app, Weathermelon, the produce industry’s go-to weather resource, is making sure that all of the produce industry is able to do the same, freely and throughout the day.
“Recently, we took the app from a subscription model to a free service. We felt this would be the best option for brand building and bringing important information to more people,” David Robidoux, Founder, shared with me. “Weathermelon has proven to be a great tool for the farmer, seller, and buyer, as having the weather for all growing locations right at their fingertips keeps people much more informed about where markets might be headed.”
In addition, Weathermelon has also made efforts to broaden the amount of data available to users. In response to user requests, Weathermelon added additional commodities such as onions and more growing locations throughout Mexico.
As we continue slowly making our way through 2019, I asked David if the industry can expect any other new and exciting things from Weathermelon.
“Going forward, we have a lot of great ideas for Weathermelon. We want to provide more useful datapoints to help the Weathermelon Family, such as weekly weather history. We hope to expand our database of growing locations to include regions that ship to Europe,” David said. “We also have plans to offer an API service with produce companies and grower associations who wish to share with their customers.”
Talk about a great forecast!
To stay ahead of the latest in produce, keep checking back with AndNowUKnow.
MISSION, TX - Lone Star Citrus Growers (LSGC) is adding some oomph to its sales force this season. The company recently hired Jacob Jordan—whose time spent in Texas A&M University’s Aggies for Fresh program gives the recent grad a solid foundation in understanding ag and a big leap ahead into citrus sales.
"I was excited to join the LSCG team because it offers a career that allows me to be involved in production agriculture as well as sales,” said Jacob. “The LSCG family was another reason I decided to start my career where I did; the quality of people within this company is unlike anywhere else I’ve seen. It has been an absolute blessing having had the opportunity to work here at LSCG."
Jacob graduated from Texas A&M last year with a degree in business leadership, and as Lone Star Citrus continues to grow on an annual basis, increasing its sales activity along the way, the company has made it a priority to hire additional team members capable of learning the company's systems from the ground up and, ultimately, cultivating their own accounts.
"Jacob's youth, work ethic, and eagerness to learn make him valuable even at such an early stage in his career,” said T.J. Flowers, VP Operations. “Additionally, his personality and friendly demeanor fit well within the sales team. As is the case with any team atmosphere, chemistry is important, and in a sales office, how team members work together is a critical component to success. We look forward to his development into a fully trained salesman."
The addition of Jacob to the team will, LSGC notes, allow the company to both better serve its existing partners and take on new customers, as well.
The AndNowUKnow team congratulates Jacob on his new role; we wish you and the whole Lone Star Citrus team the best in all your endeavors!
IRVINE, CA - Western Growers is adding to its Insurance Services team with a new hire responsible for supporting the production employee benefits to new and existing customers. The association has announced the hiring of Darcie Floyd as its new Director of Employee Benefits.
“Agriculture is such an important industry. Growing up on a ranch in the agriculture capital of the world, I have seen firsthand all of the various ways this industry impacts so many lives,” said Floyd, in a press release. “Western Growers is a fantastic organization. I am excited to be part of such a member-based organization that is built solely for their members’ wellbeing. I look forward to using my role to further enhance our members’ experience.”
According to the company’s press release, Floyd brings over 20 years of professional experience with her to Western Growers. In her prior role, Floyd doubled as a Financial Services Department Manager and Account Executive. In that role, Floyd partnered with the sales team to provide ideas and knowledge. She developed department procedures of performance, documentation, and workflows and worked directly with consultants, carriers, and clients to obtain insurance for individual to midsize businesses.
Additionally, Floyd holds an associate’s degree in business administration and has also earned her Life/Health Agent licenses.
“Darcie’s extensive knowledge of health insurance markets, her tenure in the Fresno area, and proven success makes her the perfect person to fill this position,” said Jeff Gullickson, SVP of Western Growers Insurance Services. “Darcie will lead the charge in partnering with other production professionals to lead a unified sales and service team, and we are excited to see all that she brings to Western Growers.”
Congratulations Darcie, from all of us at the AndNowUKnow team!
WEST SACRAMENTO, CA - Raley’s is welcoming a whole slew of new officers to its Food For Families Board of Directors. The 2019 officers include Jennie Teel-Wolter, who has been named Board President, and Heather Dubinetskiy, who has been named Vice President of the Board.
"At the heart of everything we do at Raley’s Food For Families is an unwavering commitment to bringing healthy foods to the tables that need them most. As we evolve to meet the changing needs of our food banks and the families that rely on them, we're excited about how these new partnerships and programs will impact more families facing hunger," said Teel-Wolter.
Raley’s Food For Families was first founded by Joyce Raley Teel, daughter of Raley’s Founder, Tom Raley, and CEO Emeritus Chuck Collings, in 1986 as a holiday food drive. Since its inception over 33 years ago, the organization has grown to serve nonprofits across Northern California and Nevada. With the addition of Teel-Wolter and Dubinetskiy to the foundation’s board, Raley’s is keeping everything in the family as both are Joyce Raley Teel’s granddaughters.
“My grandmother is an inspiration to me. Raley’s Food For Families continues to bless our neighbors through her legacy,” said Dubinetskiy.
In addition, a few of Raley’s executive team members were also appointed to the Board. Ken Mueller, Chief Financial Officer; Kevin Konkel, Chief Operations Officer; and Becca Whitman, Senior Manager of Community Relations for Raley’s and Executive Director of Food For Families, are all joining Teel-Wolter and Dubinetskiy.
The new appointments come on the heels of the Board’s current President’s departure from the post. Julie Teel, who was elected in 2017 and served two terms, has helped the Board to restructure the nonprofit to increase impact and efficiencies, according to a press release. To carry on her legacy, as well as the legacy of Joyce Raley Teel, the Board will continue to focus on aligning with Raley’s purpose of changing the way the world eats one plate at a time, alleviating hunger by increasing access to nutritious food, and strengthening the distribution of donations and resources to the 12 Feeding America food banks the foundation is now partnered with.
Congratulations to the new 2019 officers! For more produce-related news in all shapes and forms, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow.