WASHINGTON, DC - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has cited Frutera Del Litoral USA LLC, operating out of Miami, Florida, for failure to pay for produce.
According to a press release, the company failed to pay $698,992 to five sellers for produce which was purchased, received, and accepted in interstate commerce from September 2015 through March 2016. This is in violation of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA). As a result of these actions, Frutera Del Litoral USA LLC is prohibited from operating in the produce industry until November 2, 2020, and then only after they apply for and are issued a new PACA license by USDA.
The company’s principals, Francisco Dabike Armstrong, Diana Carolina Lascano Lozada, and Carlos Mauricio Rueda Mesias, may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee until November 2, 2019, and then only with the posting of a USDA approved surety bond.
USDA is required to publish the finding that a business has committed willful, repeated, and flagrant violations of PACA as well as impose restrictions against those principals determined to be responsibly connected to the business during the violation period. 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, 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.
NEW YORK, NY & ARLINGTON, VA - Hold onto your hats, ladies and gentlemen! Amazon has selected the two cities that will be home to the company’s new headquarters: New York City and Arlington, Virginia. Amazon noted that it will invest $5 billion and create more than 50,000 jobs across the two new headquarter locations.
“We are excited to build new headquarters in New York City and Northern Virginia,” said Jeff Bezos, Founder and CEO in a press release. “These two locations will allow us to attract world-class talent that will help us to continue inventing for customers for years to come. The team did a great job selecting these sites, and we look forward to becoming an even bigger part of these communities.”
The New York City headquarters will be located in the Long Island City neighborhood in Queens; the Washington, DC metro headquarters in Arlington will be located in National Landing. According to the company’s press release, hiring at both headquarters will begin in 2019.
In addition to its new headquarters, Amazon announced that it selected Nashville as its Center of Excellence for its Operations business, which is responsible for the company’s customer fulfillment, transportation, supply chain, and more. The Operations Center of Excellence will create more than 5,000 jobs.
For further details, click here to read the press release in its entirety. And stick with us at AndNowUKnow for all developments in the retail sector.
SACRAMENTO, CA - It is a truth universally acknowledged that a user-friendly website is a better website, and that all grocery-savvy suitors will soon come knocking on its door. Such is the case with Raley’s own revamped website, which boasts new tools that highlight the retailer’s vision. I had the chance to talk to Chelsea Minor, Corporate Director of Consumer and Public Affairs, to find out how this updated website speaks to the company’s mission.
“Much of the update centered around the user experience and ensuring that our brand message didn’t get lost,” Chelsea begins. “As we started to go deeper within our brand positioning around health and wellness, we wanted to make it easier for our customers to find the quality products that help build on our brand promise.”
Such updates include a shelf guide, located in the section titled “Our Purpose,” which helps consumers discover what healthy products are right for them. Color-coded icons let you know which items are vegan, non-GMO, or minimally processed, to assist customers shopping online so they can meet their individual health needs. Within this section is information about sustainability initiatives and nutrition, all of which are targeted at consumers who want to know all there is to know about their food before putting it in their carts.
“As our owner says, there’s a domino effect in the grocery business—due to the high level of competition. So, if we can prove that we can do things for our customers in the name of health, then hopefully others will fall behind,” she tells me.
Chelsea explains to me what quickly became my favorite part of the website: its "Be Inspired section." As you can imagine, this section is a gold mine for food lovers. Looking for holiday recipes? Top 20 foods for Super Bowl? This section has got you covered.
This, of course, leads us to another layer of the website: the shopping experience. The new website is fully integrated with Raley’s loyalty program, which ensures that consumers have a personalized shopping experience.
“Through our loyalty program, all the work that we do is about personalization,” Chelsea explains. “For example, let’s say you purchased Triscuits, which is a fairly healthy cracker. But we take it a step further and suggest other cracker options that are better for you. They might not be something the customer has tried before, but that doesn’t mean customers don’t want to know about additional options.”
With positive feedback buoying its success, the new website is certainly one to visit. Most importantly, though, is how it adheres to Raley’s determination to change how we eat, one plate at a time.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - After raising $600 million in its last financing round, Instacart is expanding its exec team in the wake of a national expansion of Instacart Pickup—and it’s picking up some talent of its own from Google. TechCrunch reported that Varouj Chitilian will be Instacart’s first VP of Engineering; Dave Sobota its first VP of Corporate Development.
Chitilian worked at Google for 12 years, where he was a Director of Engineering. He worked on consumer payments services like Google Pay, as well as advertising services.
Sobota held a corporate development role at Google, where he worked for 13 years. He has a background as an M&A lawyer.
In addition to these new hires, the company announced just last week that Instacart Pickup, a new grocery click-and-collect service, would be rolling out nationally. This new service gives consumers the convenience of both delivery and pickup options. Instacart noted in a press release that it will be working with existing retail partners—as well as new ones—to add the Instacart Pickup service over the coming months and through 2019.
"We want to make grocery shopping effortless by helping our customers get the groceries they need from the retailers they love. Our customers want choice and we're excited to now offer the pickup option they've been asking for," said Nilam Ganenthiran, Chief Business Officer at Instacart. "In our house, sometimes the ritual of going to the grocery store is inspiring and helps us meal plan for the week. Other times, we're busy and can't get to the store, so delivery makes life easier for us. For families that are out and about and running errands, a pickup solution might be a better fit for their family rhythm. I'm excited to work with our existing retail partners to now offer Instacart Pickup and look forward to adding more beloved grocers over the coming months and expanding this service to even more families."
Will these new hires and new grocery service put Instacart on top of the e-tail grocery game? AndNowUKnow will continue to report.
SANDPOINT, ID - Following the recent refreshing of its core line of dressings and dips, Litehouse is leveraging the design and ethos of its recent brand refresh and extending it to its line of Freeze Dried Herbs. Available just in time for the holiday season, the Freeze Dried Herbs now feature new modernized branding and packaging with easy-to-read labels touting helpful usage tips and eye-popping color with mouthwatering photography.
“Our trend-setting design and color palette was created with consumers in mind, and the bright, bold labels and easy-to-read flavor names help product stand out in-store,” said Brand Manager Theresa Lindholm. “The new look illustrates our commitment to taste, freshness, and real ingredients.”
With over 75 percent of consumers stating that quality and value are the most important factors when it comes to purchasing food, Litehouse Freeze Dried Herbs delivers on both, providing the solution that consumers are looking for when making grocery purchasing decisions, according to a press release. Litehouse’s herbs line undergoes a freeze-drying process that locks in the flavors, colors, and smells one would typically find from freshly picked herbs.
And with no prep time, no food waste, and a three-year shelf life, Litehouse Freeze Dried Herbs are ideal for Thanksgiving and holiday gatherings as the line helps refresh culinary creations with loads of flavor. The line is also available with 17 varieties of Non-GMO Project Verified freeze dried herbs, including a poultry herb blend, which is the perfect blend for homemade stuffing, and a garlic herb blend, which the company notes embodies the full taste of 45 cloves of fresh garlic without the hassle of peeling and chopping.
To get consumers excited for the new packaging and upcoming holiday seson, Litehouse is launching an in-store retail campaign with secondary displays and point-of-sale materials. The campaign also includes consumer initiatives including broadcasting segments hosted by Registered Dieticians, recipe development, and content created by social media influencers.
Offering beloved and staple herbs like mint, basil, cilantro, ginger, thyme, and more, as well as herb blends like guacamole, Litehouse Freeze Dried Herbs are available now in produce departments nationwide for an MSRP of $3.99 to $4.99.
To stay in-the-know on the latest innovations transforming the face of fresh produce, stick with us at AndNowUKnow.
DELFT, THE NETHERLANDS - Last week, Ahold Delhaize announced that it is partnering with Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) in the Netherlands. This partnership will help Ahold Delhaize expand its Artificial Intelligence for Retail (AIR) Lab, which includes a robotics research program and test site for developing state-of-the-art innovations in the retail industry.
This is the first expansion of Ahold Delhaize's AIRLab, and the retailer hopes it will drive more innovations and build more knowledge of the intersection of retail, AI, and robotics.
"The rapid advancements in AI and robotics provide us with significant opportunities to make everyday shopping even easier for our customers and develop new solutions for our warehouses and last-mile delivery,” said Frans Muller, President and CEO of Ahold Delhaize, in a press release. “Working together with academic partners such as TU Delft will enable Ahold Delhaize and AIRLab to shape a technology-driven world in a responsible way. It helps us become a frontrunner in AI research and development for retail and ultimately build capabilities that are scalable for the group."
The company also plans to open a new test site—based in RoboValley, a robotics research center developed by TU Delft Robotics Institute—where researchers can work with partners, students, and start-ups to explore solutions for the retail supply chain. This site, which is slated to be operational by 2019, is supported by the tech incubator of TU Delft, YES!Delft, and will be used to build and test robotic prototypes for retail settings, including robotic grippers to handle products like fresh fruits and vegetables and more.
"At AIRLab Delft, scientists will study how employees can teach their robots to do repetitive tasks, or develop methods to optimize the motion and coordination of mobile robots and of delivery vehicles. This collaboration with Ahold Delhaize allows us to solve real-world challenges by focusing on fundamental issues in robotics, such as how to learn and safely execute tasks in the context of uncertainty, how to safely navigate and interact in environments shared with humans, and how to efficiently and effectively plan the routes of fleets of last-mile delivery. We are very excited,” said Professor Martijn Wisse, Director of the TU Delft Robotics Institute, and Supervisor of AIRLab Delft.
How will Ahold Delhaize’s latest AI venture alter the produce industry as we know it? AndNowUKnow will continue to report on the changing retail landscape.
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL - What’s a Chiquita banana without its iconic blue sticker? In the spirit of fine art, we are about to find out. Chiquita has announced a new partnership with Brazilian artist Romero Britto to create a series of four limited-edition Chiquita stickers for the holiday season. The New York Times described Britto’s style as "exuding warmth, optimism and love.”
“We are thrilled and honored that Romero Britto is keen to collaborate with our brand. We believe that we share the common values of brightening up our consumer’s days and providing access for children to education and arts,” said Jamie Postell, Director of Sales North America.
According to a press release, the limited-edition Britto Sticker series was inspired by the colorful, bright, and positive nature of both the artist’s work and Chiquita. Starting November 18th, the series is set to appear on over 200 million Chiquita bananas in the U.S. and several European countries for a four-week period.
“I’m so excited to partner with Chiquita, the leading provider of nature’s most delicious and nutritious fruit,” said Britto. “This partnership is a perfect match. Not only is my favorite color yellow, but I take pride knowing my artwork brings happiness to people—just like the iconic Chiquita banana.”
Chiquita said its hope for the series is to bring a little bit of sunshine and happiness this winter season, and, in turn, inspire fans to discover, collect, and share the special stickers.
“We want to motivate our fans to spread happiness and get inspired with the Britto limited-edition stickers this holiday season,” said Postell. “Art is about self-expression, and our approach at Chiquita is all about providing a little bit of amusement and joy in people’s lives. When you hold a bright yellow Chiquita banana you feel happier.”
Chiquita will also highlight the colorful collaboration across London for the month of December using a double decker bus dressed by Britto.
LAKELAND, FL - Happy Veterans Day AndNowUKnow readers—have I got the article for you. In the spirit of the holiday, employment search company Indeed recently announced its Top-Rated Workplaces for Veterans in an inaugural list. Coming in at a healthy number 37 is retailer Publix, which published a press release on the achievement.
"Publix is proud to employ veterans, and as a small token of gratitude, we will offer a 10 percent discount to all veterans, active military personnel, and their families at our stores on Veterans Day, Sunday, Nov. 11," the company announced.
According to the release, Indeed ranked companies after analyzing veterans’ reviews of their workplaces and then reviewing company workplace initiatives focused on supporting veterans.
"In 2017, there were 20.4 million veterans in the U.S., of whom 4.1 million served at any point from 2001 forward. And up to 360,000 people leave military service each year. This large labor pool has valuable skills such as leadership, agile decision making, and teamwork that can be an asset to many jobs," Indeed wrote in its announcement of the list. "This Veterans Day, we wanted to celebrate the Top-Rated Workplaces by veterans."
Other retailers that made the list are Costco at #4 and HEB at #5. Those who wish to read more about Publix’s ranking and see the full list can visit blog.indeed.com.
THE STARS - What’s up my fellow star-babies! How is Scorpio season treating you? Sagittarius season is almost upon us and with it comes one of produce’s most delicious days of the year: Thanksgiving. While November offers a prime opportunity to reflect on the bounty of things to be thankful for, it’s also the start of the holiday season, which is often times more stressful than not. Whether you’re looking for a show-stealing side to adorn the table at your own feast or some culinary inspiration to offer lost consumers wandering around your produce aisles, there are plenty of new recipes to try that feature Thanksgiving icon: the great potato.
Mashed, smashed or twice-baked—golden, russet, or sweet—the stars have spoken! Here is a list of potato dishes to try based on your astrological sign, courtesy of Bon Appetite...
Aries: Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Are you an Aries like one of our favorite ANUK writers, Andrea? If yes, you’ll be delighted to add some color to your Thanksgiving table with a roasted sweet potato recipe!
Taurus: Mashed Baked Potatoes
Lovers of all things luxury and pleasure, this earth sign will thoroughly enjoy this combination of two classic comfort foods, especially if it features some decadent additions like garlic or truffles. Join our resident Taurus queen, Jessica, in finding the best recipe for mashed baked potatoes this holiday season.
Gemini: Twice Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Geminis are symbolized by the twins and as such will love the methodical process of twice-baking their sweet potatoes on Thanksgiving day.
Cancer: Ultra-Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort food and the perfect dish for Cancers to make for their friends to enjoy together come Thanksgiving day.
Leo: Golden Potato Cake
Leos are known for being leaders and will definitely be the sign to lead the 2018 Thanksgiving trends with this unique dish in tow.
Virgo: Hasselback Potatoes
Where my fellow Virgos at?! Not only do we get to be thankful we share a sign with Beyoncé (sorry shameless Beyoncé plug), our detail-oriented hearts will be full this season thanks to this complex yet delightful dish.
Libra: Duchess Baked Potatoes
While this air sign struggles with wishy-washiness, Libras can leave their struggles at the door thanks to a simple yet scrumptious baked potato recipe.
Scorpio: Shingled Sweet Potatoes
Scorpios are passionate and a little bit intense, and with the right shingled sweet potato recipe, this water sign will have something to dedicate their energy to perfecting on Thanksgiving day.
Sagittarius: Crispy Smashed Potatoes
Happy almost-Birthday, Sagittarius babies! It’s your time to shine and you deserve to celebrate with a delicious crispy smashed potato recipe that combines two of the best cooked potato textures: smooth creaminess and crunchy crispiness.
Capricorn: Mini Herbed Pommes Anna
This thanksgiving, Capricorns can join ANUK's fearless editors Jordan and Bobby in mastering a mean mini herbed pommes anna dish. This ambitious earth sign will of course be delighted by the fine details and dedication needed to impress their friends on Thanksgiving day.
Aquarius: Burnished Potato Nuggets
The Aquarius sign is known for being original and independent which they can emulate when they walk up to Thanksgiving dinner with burnished potato nuggets in tow. Usually found on breakfast menus, this dish is the way to go for the Aquarius looking to celebrate Thanksgiving with a fun twist.
Pisces: Savory Sweet Potato Casserole
Pisces queens and kings, like ANUK’s own Melissa, tend to be more artistic than other signs and will get to let that show with a savory sweet potato casserole.
Still feeling overwhelmed by your sun sign option? Check out your moon sign for another possible potato dish that is sure to shine just like you this Thanksgiving!
FALLS CHURCH, VA - Children at Lemon Road Elementary School in Falls Church, VA, a part of the 10th largest school district in the U.S., were treated to some fun potato education as part of a partnership with the National Potato Council and United Fresh Start Foundation.
“The potato industry has been a valuable partner in helping to provide salad bars to schools across the country,” said Andrew Marshall, United Fresh’s Director of Foodservice & Foundation Partnerships, representing the United Fresh Start Foundation. “The generosity of potato growers, and the forethought of the potato industry to educate children about the different ways they can enjoy potatoes has yielded a successful partnership for all parties involved.”
Last week, students, teachers, and school administrators partook in a “Celebration of Potatoes” lunchtime event. Kindergarten students learned how and where potatoes are grown, about different varieties, as well as potato nutrition benefits. All students also enjoyed a Greek-inspired potato salad from the school’s new salad bar.
“Potatoes are highly nutritious, cost-effective vegetables that kids love to eat. Salad bars empower schools to offer healthy potato options that meet all K-12 school foodservice guidelines,” said Kam Quarles, Vice President of Public Policy for the National Potato Council. “We are proud to help Fairfax schools achieve their nutrition goals by introducing kids to new ways of enjoying potatoes.”
Fairfax County Public Schools is under the care of Rodney Taylor, the district’s nationally recognized Food and Nutrition Services Director.
“We greatly appreciate the produce industry, supporters of the national Salad Bars to Schools initiative, as well as our local partners, who all have helped to make salad bars an important part of our school nutrition program,” said Taylor.
The Fairfax school district serves breakfast, lunch, supper, and snacks, in nearly 200 schools throughout the county, according to a press release. Taylor’s goal—since he started in the district in 2015—has been to have a salad bar in every elementary school. The district’s initial request for more than 140 salad bars has been significantly trimmed thanks in part to United Fresh, produce industry supporters, and Salad Bars to Schools partners like the National Potato Council.
Earlier this year, the National Potato Council partnered with the United Fresh Start Foundation to provide three salad bars to the Fairfax County Public Schools, as part of the national Salad Bars to Schools initiative.
“The salad bars give us the ability to increase offerings and encourage kids to choose fresh produce every time they eat with us. And guess what? They do!” Taylor exclaimed.
The donations also are part of a larger, multi-year potato industry campaign, which, over the past three years, has provided salad bars to more than 300 schools across the country. Recipient schools receive salad bars along with potato recipes, serving suggestions, and other materials to assist K-12 school foodservice operators with incorporating potatoes on their menu.
The United Fresh Start Foundation is a founding partner of the national Salad Bars to Schools initiative. To date, salad bars have been donated to more than 5,300 schools, benefitting 3 million children in all fifty states.