PHILADELPHIA, PA - AgroFresh Solutions is broadening its network of produce partners, welcoming renowned citrus distributor Fontestad into the fold. The company recently announced the implementation of AgroFresh’s Control-Tec™ Eco system, which will help Fontestad navigate limited water resources during the ongoing drought in Spain.

“Our commitment to sustainability is reflected in the solutions AgroFresh continues to bring customers across the post-harvest produce industry,” Ian Mackellar, Chief Operations Officer at AgroFresh, commented. “These solutions not only benefit customers like Fontestad but also contribute to environmental targets measured by our retailers.”

Control-Tec Eco’s advanced filtration and particle removal technology allows Fontestad to separate and remove solids and organic matter, ensuring minimal water usage while maintaining effective fruit cleaning and disinfection. In addition, the cutting-edge system automatically adjusts water flow rates, detergent, and biocide doses according to fruit production, thus optimizing resources and minimizing waste generation.

"Fontestad has consolidated its commitment to sustainability through a comprehensive plan, which encompasses seven areas of environmental management,” said Francisco Arastey Mercader, Technical Manager at Fontestad. “From water management to the reduction of atmospheric emissions, the company is implementing concrete measures to preserve the planet's resources and reduce its environmental footprint."

As a press release noted, the use of this innovation enables Fontestad to significantly reduce water consumption in its fruit washing process.

"This washing system has allowed us to achieve annual savings in water consumption of more than 70 percent,” Arastey Mercader added. “Working with Control-Tec Eco from AgroFresh has many advantages such as greater precision and consistency, as it is an automated system, it provides a precise and consistent dosing of product to help ensure that the right amounts are used in each washing and rinsing process. It also saves time and resources, as well as optimizing resources, which is not only beneficial from an economic perspective, but also from a sustainability and environmental care approach. At Fontestad, we will continue to seek and adopt innovative technologies that allow us to effectively conserve natural resources while maintaining the quality of our products."

Read more about this successful alliance here.

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WASHINGTON, DC - An opportunity to create solutions for our industry by our industry has just opened up, and the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) is urging produce members to take it. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Foreign Agricultural Service has made up to $5 million in grant opportunities available via the Assisting Specialty Crops Exports Initiative (ASCE).

“We’ve seen onerous packaging regulations enacted in both Canada and Europe, with little regard to current industry practices,” IFPA Chief Science Officer Dr. Max Teplitski said. “This level of funding mechanism exclusive to the fresh produce and floral industry is rare and is something IFPA doggedly advocated for on our members’ behalf. Industry companies can participate by partnering with universities, so I would invite any IFPA members interested in pursuing this opportunity to contact us to discuss how to access these funds.”

Citing the need for the specialty crop industry specifically to develop innovative solutions to packaging and labeling regulatory requirements on the rise overseas, the funding is for research and commercialization of innovative alternatives to single-use plastic packaging, according to a press release.

“At a time when consumers worldwide aren’t eating enough fresh produce, our industry does not need the additional hurdle of these packaging rules—which will compromise food safety, quality, and increase food waste,” Teplitski noted. “IFPA and our partners in the Alliance for the Sustainable Packaging for Food will continue the fight to see these barriers removed.”

Aimed to keep fresh produce in the running amid packaging bans in Canada and the European Union, the deadline to apply is July 17.

Additional details are available via the Notice of Funding Opportunity here. More details, as well as plans the IFPA has to explore the crossroads of packaging and sustainability at the fast-approaching Washington Conference June 10–12, can be found in the full press release here.

For more opportunities to make change in our industry, keep a tab open for AndNowUKnow.

LA CAÑADA FLINTRIDGE, CA - Ogden, Utah, marks the latest point of expansion for Allen Lund Company (ALC) as it pulls back the curtain on its newly opened Salt Lake City Branch. Upon opening its newest location, the transportation broker has selected nine-year logistics industry veteran Casey Jensen to manage the office.

“I am extremely excited to join the Allen Lund Company and meet the many wonderful people who are a part of this outstanding organization,” stated Jensen. “I look forward to growing and expanding the Allen Lund Company in Utah. I am so grateful to join this incredible family and look forward to working alongside everyone here."

Jensen has experience in the Salt Lake City logistics industry, having worked in the region prior to joining ALC. As a press release shared, he focused primarily on training and leading a team to grow and develop accounts and add new business.

Eddie Lund, President of the Allen Lund Company, commented on the recent expansion and leadership appointment.

"We are excited to be starting an office in Salt Lake City. Our family roots are there, so to have a presence in Utah brings things full circle,” Lund said. “Casey has a lot of enthusiasm coupled with strong experience, and we expect great performance from him and his team.”

Congrats to ALC on its continued expansion and growing leadership team! Stick around as ANUK continues to relay the latest in fresh produce.

CHESAPEAKE, VA - Less than two months after 99 Cents Only Stores announced the decision to wind down its business operations across its 371-store footprint, more updates have come to light regarding the discount chain. Dollar Tree recently unveiled its acquisition of designation rights for 170 leases of 99 Cents Only Stores in Arizona, California, Nevada, and Texas.

"As we continue to execute on our accelerated growth strategy for the Dollar Tree brand, this was an attractive opportunity to secure leases in priority markets where we see strong profitable growth potential," said Michael Creedon, Jr., Chief Operating Officer for Dollar Tree. "The portfolio complements our existing footprint and will provide us access to high-quality real estate assets in premium retail centers, enabling us to rapidly grow the Dollar Tree brand across the western United States, reaching even more customers and communities."

According to a press release, the deal was composed of two transactions in May, which were approved by the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. As part of the transactions, Dollar Tree also acquired the North American Intellectual Property of 99 Cents Only Stores and select on-site furniture, fixtures, and equipment, the release noted.

Dollar Tree plans to welcome shoppers from the newly acquired 99 Cents Only Stores as early as fall 2024. 

As the chain grows its footprint, will we see more opportunities for fresh produce in the discount retail space? ANUK will report.

OXNARD, CA - Diversity is the key to answering demand, according to the latest strategy revealed by Mission Produce™. The company is riding the wave of a wide-reaching network, one it said is its most diverse summer sourcing plan yet.

"With Mission’s diversified sourcing strategy, we are in a prime position to supply our customers with the ‘cream of the crop’ across our global growing network,” said Diana McClean, Director of Marketing. “As the go-to supplier, we leverage our deep-rooted grower relationships and state-of-the-art infrastructure to provide a reliable, year-round supply of high-quality avocados and mangos. And as the go-to strategic partner, we pull our products through at retail with data-driven programs that support avocado and mango category growth.”

With a plentiful California season and expanding grower relationships in Mexico, according to a press release, Mission is leveraging its global sourcing capabilities to supply “the world’s finest avocados and mangos” from California, Mexico, Peru, and Colombia this summer.

It is a walk the company plans to walk confidently today through June 1 in Palm Desert, California, while showcasing at the West Coast Produce Expo (WCPE).

“At WCPE, I look forward to connecting with our customers and industry partners to share where we’re seeing the strongest avocado and mango opportunities this summer,” McClean continued. “When it comes to avocado opportunities, bags continue to be a trending topic as one of the key drivers of the category. In a recent study by the Hass Avocado Board, bagged avocado dollar sales increased by 68 percent from 2019 to 2022, now making up nearly 25 percent of total avocado category dollars. Bags are becoming an increasingly important part of a successful avocado program—and they happen to be a profitable way to leverage supply availability from our diverse sourcing regions.”

With more than 14 origins supporting its supply year-round, learn more about offerings, regions, varieties, and more when you swing by booth #609, where Mission is showcasing its World’s Finest Avocados and Minis Avocados bags in both conventional and organic, as well as its Round Mangos from Mexico.

May your taste buds and department ideas be ready!