MCALLEN, TX - As the Mexico transition gets underway, we touched base with some of our supply-side buddies to get the lowdown. I turned to GR Fresh’s Tony Incaviglia.

“As we approach transition throughout the industry in Mexico and domestically here in the United States, we will see a dip in supply, with a potential rise in markets and demand until late May or early June—depending of course on growing environments,” the Vice President of Sales and Marketing told me. “As we settle into new regions, supply should increase with markets settling in a bit to more consistent levels.”

GR Fresh has transitioned Roma tomatoes and cucumbers from Sinaloa and Sonora to Coahuila, with green bell peppers transitioning from Sonora beginning in June.

“I look forward to our summer/fall program every year as it has historically provided consistency in supply and quality,” Tony noted. “This growing region lends itself to produce some of our best production of the year. It’s a good time to experience our flavorful vine-ripened Roma tomatoes; our deep green, firm smooth textured cucumbers, and the healthy nutritional value of our green bell peppers.”

With such gorgeous product coming in, summer produce displays are a magical draw and help maximize sales.

With quality and volume looking good so far, Tony still noted that challenges across the supply chain still dog most suppliers.

“Weather has been at the forefront of most of our challenges during the winter season. Don’t forget about the rising costs of production; seed, labor to pick and pack, cooling, transportation, etc., etc. has added to this equation,” Tony said. “On a positive note, the environment has turned in our favor since then and weather, marketsm and supply quality have rebounded fairly well. Inflation, not so much.”

For the latest in all things related to fresh produce, keep reading us here at ANUK.

ORONDO, WA - There is a buzzing excitement in the cherry space as the highly anticipated season kicks off. If you didn’t catch our latest update on Gee Whiz’s increased summer cherry yield, the supplier has doubled the volume of fresh cherry shipments available to U.S. retailers this summer, which means cherry programs are primed for a boost.

“We’ve had great and even bloom temps, and we expect a very evenly spaced and great quality crop,” shares Digger Pond, the company's newly appointed Chief Executive Officer. “Our volumes have doubled since last season and will continue to grow based on orchard acquisition plans we have.”

The company expects to begin its season on June 14, extending through the first week of August. Peak production on both Rainier and Dark Sweets will begin during the first week of July.

As Digger emphasizes, promoting often with emphasis on larger-sized fruit is key to seeing good returns in the cherry category. Gee Whiz advises its retail partners to keep Rainiers close by, both in the ad and on display, and educate their produce managers and clerks about the uniqueness and specialty of the grower’s fruit.

“Gee Whiz emphasizes large displays with our jumbo size profile. Our fruit is larger than industry norms, and given the impulsivity of buyers when it comes to cherry purchases, we like to make sure the shopper has every opportunity to be wowed by our fruit,” Digger adds.

When mapping out their merchandising plans, retailers should also consider the many uses and benefits of this beloved fruit.

“Our fruit is great to bake with as well,” Digger points out. “Building a display that uses a point-of-sale card with usage suggestions is critical. We recommend carrying over a baking application such as a pie crust of phyllo dough. Cherries are also one of the healthiest and most anti-inflammatory foods in the world, so the medicinal benefits of cherries can be promoted often.”

Overall, opportunities are abundant as the producer’s season is shaping up perfectly across its growing regions.

“We grow for flavor, and every part of our process accentuates that in our fruit,” Digger assures. “We are very proud to be one of the select few growers who have early Rainiers, Cristalinas, and Black Pearls in our mix of cherries. These are sought after around the world for their peak flavor and large size.”

Now is the time to tap into all of the opportunities provided by the upcoming cherry season! For more category updates, keep clicking on AndNowUKnow.

UNITED STATES - A foodservice acquisition has taken place as Compass Group UK & Ireland has completed the acquisition of CH&CO, a foodservice provider. The deal was announced earlier in January and just recently received regulatory approvals.

“I am delighted that CH&CO is joining Compass. I have really enjoyed meeting CH&CO colleagues in recent weeks and learning more about the business. Our passion for great food is what unites us,” stated Compass Group UK & Ireland Chief Executive Officer Robin Mills. “We highly value the heritage of each of our individual businesses and as we grow will continue to nurture their specific identity, culture, and expertise. Our world-class group of companies will give more choice to our clients and customers.”

The integration with the Compass Group is expected to provide increased supply chain security and accelerate innovation.

According to a report from Yahoo!Finance, CH&CO's portfolio of brands includes Gather & Gather, Vacherin, and Company of Cooks, and operates across workplace catering, events, venues, visitor attractions, stadiums, education, healthcare, and hospitality.

Bill Toner will continue as CH&CO’s Chief Executive Officer. Its senior management team will also remain in place.

“It’s fantastic that the deal has now been completed. It’s so exciting to watch our team continue to evolve. Not only are we joining the number-one caterer in the U.K., but globally too,” said Toner. “I am hugely proud of the business CH&CO has become over the past 30-plus years, and I’m delighted that it’s found a home for its next chapter at Compass.”

ANUK will keep you in the loop on all things related to foodservice, so stay tuned!

LAKELAND, FL - A unique retail collaboration is coming to fruition. Publix announced it will be teaming up with Nashville Soccer Club (SC) as the Major League Soccer (MLS) club’s official supermarket. In addition to seeing Publix’s presence across GEODIS Park, the North Plaza will be known as the Publix North Plaza. There, fans will continue to enjoy the Opening Act on match days and can gather with friends and family for other events outside of home matches.

“We are always looking for opportunities to support the communities where we operate,” said Publix Media Relations Manager Nicole Krauss in a recent press release from the company. “We’ll be cheering on Nashville Soccer Club alongside its fans.”

Throughout the year, players will also make appearances at Nashville-area Publix locations. The best way to stay up to date on when and where to find them is by joining Club Publix, the grocer’s free loyalty program.

In addition to Nashville SC, Publix is the official supermarket of MLS clubs Atlanta United FC, Inter Miami CF, and Orlando City SC. The press release noted that Publix also sponsors numerous youth soccer organizations across its operating area, including the Tennessee State Soccer Association.

We love seeing our industry support sports! For more, keep coming back to ANUK.

LOS ANGELES, CA - World Hunger Day is coming up next week on Tuesday, May 28—a time when we can all bring awareness to the issues of global hunger and food insecurity. That is exactly what The Wonderful Company is doing, announcing a donation of 3.6 million Wonderful Halos Mandarins to the California Association of Food Banks, a partner of Feeding America.

“Through this donation, residents in need of a healthy and delicious snack will have access to fresh, locally grown Halos Mandarins that are packed with Vitamin C,” the company said in an announcement sent to the industry yesterday afternoon.

The donation is part of The Wonderful Company and the International Fresh Produce Association Foundation for Fresh Produce’s ongoing efforts to support and grow a healthier world. World Hunger Day aims to raise awareness about the global food crisis and highlights the importance of creating sustainable solutions to end hunger and poverty worldwide, the announcement explained.

We applaud The Wonderful Company for these efforts and will continue to highlight World Hunger Day initiatives next week.