WASHINGTON, DC - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has imposed sanctions on two produce businesses for failure to pay reparation awards issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA).
According to a press release, the following businesses and individuals are currently restricted from operating in the produce industry:
- The Big Red Barn LLC, operating out of Riverview, Florida, for failing to pay a $13,545 award in favor of a Minnesota seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Christopher Phillips was listed as a member of the business.
- Lunas Produce & Trucking Inc., operating out of McAllen, Texas, for failing to pay a $19,460 award in favor of a California seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Gabriel A. Luna was listed as the officer, director and major stockholder of the business.
PACA provides an administrative forum to handle disputes involving produce transactions; this may result in a reparation order being issued that requires damages to be paid by those not meeting their contractual obligations in buying and selling fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables. USDA is required to suspend the license or impose sanctions on an unlicensed business that fails to pay PACA reparations awarded against it as well as impose restrictions against those principals determined to be responsibly connected to the business when the order is issued. Those individuals, including sole proprietors, partners, members, managers, officers, directors, or major stockholders may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee without USDA approval.
The PACA Division, which is in the Fair Trade Practices Program in the Agricultural Marketing Service, regulates fair trading practices of produce businesses that are operating subject to PACA, including buyers, sellers, commission merchants, dealers, and brokers within the fruit and vegetable industry.
In the past three years, 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.
DELTA, CANADA - For those who attended 2018 PMA Fresh Summit, you know there was an abundance of excitement to spare. One such company leading the action was Village Farms, who asked showgoers to vote for their favorite tomato in their “Are you Sweet or Smooth?” tomato taste test challenge. Participants casted their vote by stating their preference for either Village Farms signature and exclusive “Sweet” red Heavenly Villagio Marzano tomato or, the newest variety to their offerings, the “Smooth” orange Lorabella Blossom tomato. Each tomato offers a unique flavor profile, but the results were not as divisive as one might expect. Those in the sweet camp were practically equal to those in the smooth camp.
“It is wonderful to compliment the Nielsen consumption data we use with this rich qualitative taste challenge data that shows consumers are becoming more adventurous in their taste preferences and delighting in our little orange snacking tomato Lorabella Blossom just as much as they have been with our Heavenly Villagio Marzano tomato," said Helen L. Aquino, Director of Brand Marketing & Communication.
Village Farms noted in its press release that after the success of its Heavenly Villagio Marzano—a variety that launched at PMA seven years ago—the company was sure the market was ready for the smooth taste of Lorabella Blossom. Aquino stated that while the orange tomato is unconventional in color, this promotion has shown consumers are ready for new flavor opportunities in the tomato category.
Participants in the “Are you Sweet or Smooth?” challenge were entered in a random drawing to win a Traeger grill. They also had an opportunity to provide feedback on why they liked either tomato. Some of the comments for the Lorabella Blossom tomato included the words: ‘tasty,’ ‘zippy,’ ‘refreshing,’ ‘smooth,' and ‘outstanding!’ For the Heavenly Villagio Marzano tomato the comments ranged from ‘sweet,’ ‘tastes like a real tomato,’ to ‘zesty,’ and ‘crisp texture.’ Other said that it had a ‘garden fresh flavor,’ a tagline the company already uses.
Village Farms is ramping up production on both the Heavenly Villagio Marzano and Lorabella Blossom tomatoes and is ready for a strong winter season with these varieties, as well as all of its other flavorsome tomatoes, bell peppers, and cucumber varieties.
For the latest in fresh produce news, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
HOUSTON, TX - Global foodservice distributor Sysco Corporation announced the winners of its 2018 Supplier Excellence Awards—celebrating Sysco customers' most valued and trusted business partner. The produce pack was loaded with companies committed to quality, but only one could take home the Gold Supplier Award; that award went to Church Brothers Farms.
“Our customers are at the center of all that we do, so it’s important that we partner with suppliers and brokers who can help us improve our customers’ overall experience,” said Brian Todd, Sysco’s Senior Vice President of Merchandising, in a press release. “It’s equally important for us to recognize them for all the hard work and dedication they put forth to help us make our customers successful.”
According to that press release, award recipients were selected based on sales growth and support, operational excellence, and other key business performance metrics laid out by Sysco’s merchandising, quality assurance, and supply chain departments.
Winners in the fresh produce category included:
Gold Supplier Award Winner
- Church Brothers Farms
Silver Supplier Award Winner
- D’Arrigo California
Bronze Supplier Award Winners
- Mann’s, a Del Monte Fresh Company
- Driscoll’s
- Onions 52, Inc.
Additionally, the field of Frozen/Canned Fruits & Vegetables winners included a number of fresh-focused suppliers, including J.R. Simplot Company. And Sysco’s Cutting Edge Solutions award went to plant-based meat substitute maker Beyond Meat—a company that made headlines, recently, for reportedly pursuing an IPO.
For a complete list of winners, read Sysco’s press release here.
Congratulations, from the ANUK team, to the much deserving winners. Stay tuned for more fresh-focused news.
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL - What goes better than fresh fruit and running? Nothing! Chiquita Brands International announced it is the official banana sponsor for the 2018 TCS New York City Marathon. The day of the race, Chiquita’s banana character Bananaman will help the company hand out over 46,000 bananas to participants at the start, finish, and at mile markers 21, 22, and 23.
“During a marathon the runner's body is put to the ultimate test,” said Jamie Postell, Director of Sales North America for Chiquita. “We encourage runners to eat at least one Chiquita banana before and after the run because bananas are known to not only help improve running performance, but also contain the essential nutrients to help the body repair itself after an intense run.”
According to a press release, Chiquita is committed to supporting health and wellness for consumers and its employees and continuously looks for opportunities to expand health and wellness programs. To showcase this commitment, Chiquita is supporting its Senior Transportation Analyst Jennifer Griggs, who plans to run in the marathon for the first time.
“I’ve been working at Chiquita for more than four years, and I’m grateful for their support in helping to achieve my dream of running in the TCS New York City Marathon, especially with the natural fruit that helps fuel my runs,” said Griggs. “I run to challenge myself both physically and mentally, and I look to Chiquita bananas to give me the boost I need to power through the long miles and even help me to avoid cramping post-run.”
Fans and fellow marathoners can follow Jennifer Griggs’ journey on Chiquita’s Instagram. On the day of the marathon, Chiquita encourages participants and supporters to take selfies with Bananaman and cheer on Jennifer Griggs and the other runners.
For more active fresh produce news, keep following AndNowUKnow.
CASTROVILLE, CA - Ocean Mist® Farms is marrying organics with convenience to meet the needs of this winter's shoppers. Following a successful launch at PMA Fresh Summit’s Fresh Ideas Showcase, Ocean Mist announced the addition of three new products to its expanded organics and convenience lines, including Brussels sprouts, green onions, and washed and ready-to-eat Brussels sprouts.
“We recognize the increased consumer demand for both organic and convenience items,” said Diana McClean, Senior Director of Marketing. “Therefore, we are pleased to be able to offer three new items in these growing categories and continue our dedication to providing quality solutions to our retail partners.”
The convenience line of Brussels sprouts is available in 2 lb packagaing and are ready to ship to retailers immediately, according to a press release. Ocean Mist Organic Brussels sprouts are available in 1 lb bags and the Organic green onions are available in 5.5 oz bags, both of which will be available to retailers this January.
Want more information? Retailers can find out more about Ocean Mist’s latest products by subscribing to the company’s bi-monthly crop update newsletter. And to stay in-the-know on the latest in fresh produce, keep following AndNowUKnow.
LAKELAND, FL - Publix announced the results of its third quarter fiscal 2018 this week. The company reported growth in sales and earning despite the adverse impact of back-to-back hurricanes on the Southeast U.S. retailer’s outlook.
“In the last six weeks, many of our associates and customers have faced difficult times with Hurricanes Florence and Michael,” said CEO and President Todd Jones. “I’m proud of our associates for their extra efforts and pleased with our team’s results.”
Highlights from the three-month period ending September 29, include:
- Sales of $8.8 billion, a 3.2 percent increase from $8.5 billion in 2017. Comparable store sales increased 0.6 percent
- Net earnings of $677.7 million, compared to $474.9 million in 2017, an increase of 42.7 percent
The company estimated that its increased sales for the quarter were 3.1 percent lower than would otherwise be anticipated due to the impact of Hurricane Irma on sales in September 2017. Excluding the impact of the hurricane, Publix estimated, sales for the company’s Q3 2018 would have increased 6.3 percent and comparable store sales would have increased 3.7 percent.
Though not publicly traded (ironically?), Publix also announced that, effective November 1, the company’s stock price increased from $42.55 per share to $42.70 per share; Publix stock is made available for sale only to current associates and members of its Board of Directors.
For more information, read Publix’s press release in its entirety here.
KINGSVILLE, ON - If you’re anything like me, the day after Halloween is a day where you regret how much Halloween candy you indulged in, and vow to make healthier choices. And SUNSET® is here to provide me—and consumers—the inspiration to lead healthier lives. With its latest commitment, the company has once again partnered with the Movember Foundation to raise funds and awareness about men’s health. This year’s donation of $20,000 brings the total amount raised by SUNSET for the Movember Foundation to $80,000.
“In 2014, our Kumato® tomato was named one of the healthiest foods for men by Men’s Health magazine, which inspired us to partner with the Movember Foundation and support their vision to have an everlasting impact on men’s health,” CEO Paul Mastronardi explained. “With our #MOKUMATO campaign, we’re giving consumers a platform to salute the fathers, brothers, friends, and partners who inspire them. It’s a fun campaign to inspire men to get serious about important men’s health issues.”
Throughout November, social media users are invited to share photos on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram of men who inspire them, using the hashtags #MoKumato and #Movember. SUNSET’s own limited edition packages of its Kumato tomato will have peel-off moustache-shaped labels to promote the Movember Foundation, according to a press release. Consumers are invited to peel off the sticker and snap a selfie—moustache on, of course!—before posting the picture with the above hashtags. Throughout November, the company will randomly select one of the contestants every Friday and reward a prize pack valued at over $200.
No purchase is necessary; alternative methods of entry are posted at sunsetgrown.com/movember. Visitors to the website can view a gallery of user-generated photos, infographics about men’s health, the progress of SUNSET’s moustache-growing employees, and donate to the company’s Movember Foundation fundraising team.
For more news on how those in our industry are working to better the world around them, stick with us here at AndNowUKnow.
WASHINGTON, DC - In a complaint filed on June 8, 2018, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) alleged that Imperial Frozen Foods Op Co LLC, of Wake Forest, NC, failed to make full payment promptly in the total amount of $2,242,125 to 22 sellers for multiple lots of produce in violation of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA), according to a press release.
After the complaint was filed, USDA and Imperial Frozen Foods Op Co LLC entered into a consent decision and order in which Imperial Frozen Foods Op Co LLC, agreed to pay the unpaid produce sellers in full and to pay a civil penalty in the amount of $40,000. As a result of Imperial Frozen Foods Op Co LLC satisfying the terms of the consent decision and order, the finding that it had committed repeated and flagrant PACA violations was permanently abated without further process and the case has been closed.
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.
SACRAMENTO, CA - Okay, let’s all be honest: this was the hardest round of Find the Apple in The Snack Magazine history! Even with the tiny clue, I was sure only the paranormal’s sixth sense would be able to find it—but boy, does the produce industry sure love to prove me wrong. In the blink of an eye, our email inbox was bombarded with the quickest and slyest from around our industry, and I have to admit, I was thoroughly impressed.
On the supply-side, Brett Burdsal, Director of Marketing for Suntreat, beat everyone to the punch and slid into our inbox ahead of the pack, nabbing not only the top spot but also a cool $100 cash prize.
"Huge fan of the magazine, long time reader, first time winner! How did I find it you ask? I just kind of looked when the magazine came in and there it was, almost like a vision," Brett said.
On the buy-side, Danny Ortiz, Sysco’s Quality Assurance Inspector, swooped in for yet another win—his record too high for me to count at this point—and another prize of $100.
"Thank you to ANUK for this victory, I am so excited to be the third time winner. And to the rest of the players good luck next time," Danny said following his win.
Thought it was sure to be you this time around? Don’t worry, next time it just might be. There will be another chance to prove your stuff in December. Be sure to subscribe to The Snack Magazine here (subscription is valued at $129 per year) and keep an eye out for future contest announcements on ANUK.
October, 2018 Snack Magazine-Volume 36
Remember that contest rules require that submissions include a person pointing out the logo on the cover of The Snack Magazine, and the countdown only begins once we announce the contest in AndNowUKnow’s newsletter.
Congratulations to our October winners! And for those who are looking for bragging rights and some extra cash for Pumpkin Spice Lattes before they’re gone for the year, Volume 37 of The Snack hits desks this December!
FORT VALLEY, GA - Pure Flavor® recently broke ground on a new 60,000-square-foot distribution center just ten minutes away from its Fort Valley greenhouse facility in Peach County, Georgia.
“We are strategically growing our business across North America and, in doing so, need to support this growth with regional facilities that reduce food miles for our greenhouse grown vegetables. Our new distribution center in Peach County will allow us to better serve our retail and foodservice customers throughout the southeast year-round,” said Jamie Moracci, President.
According to a press release, the company broke ground on its 75-acre, $105 million dollar greenhouse facility over 14 months ago. Phase 1 of 25 acres is now complete, and the first crop of Georgia-grown tomatoes will be picked in a few weeks. Pure Flavor’s Long English and Mini Cucumber crop will also be ready for picking in November.
“Our team has been hard at work building a state-of-the-art, high-tech greenhouse facility in Georgia. What has been accomplished in the past year has been remarkable,” said Moracci. “Our goal to grow greenhouse tomatoes and cucumbers in Georgia is becoming a reality, and we look forward to promoting Georgia-grown vegetables this winter.”
The new Georgia distribution center, the press release noted, will provide an opportunity for a greater assortment of Pure Flavor greenhouse-grown vegetables to retailers and foodservice partners in the southeastern U.S. region starting in early 2019. Pure Flavor also operates distribution centers in Leamington, ON; Romulus, MI; and San Antonio, TX, to support its vast network of growers throughout North America. To learn more about Pure Flavor’s Georgia greenhouse project and to see photos of the construction of both projects, visit GeorgiaGrownFlavor.com.
For the latest in everything fresh produce, stick with us here at AndNowUKnow.