PHILADELPHIA, PA – It is hard to have a conversation about fresh produce these days without one topic inevitably coming to the forefront—food waste. With the United Nations estimating that one-third of the world’s food—approximately 1.3 billion tons—gets lost or wasted, it’s no wonder that the industry has continued to look for answers to this ever-growing problem.
One such company leading the charge to combat food waste is AgroFresh Solutions Inc. Currently in use for bananas, with more categories being added on the horizon, the company’s RipeLock™ Quality System provides unmatched control over the ripening process. It helps bananas retain their freshness throughout the supply chain all the way to the kitchen counter, and therefore reduces the need to toss out bananas based on freshness. No one likes to throw fruit away, but according to a recent survey by the NPD Group, 27 percent of respondents compost two and a half bananas on average per week and 34 percent throw away two bananas on average per week.
“We are excited to introduce RipeLock to the world, as it not only reduces food loss and waste, but also brings a better eating experience to consumers, and can benefit retailers with increased sales and improved operational efficiency. We call it ‘Smarter Freshness’,” said Kevin Frye, RipeLock North America Sales Manager. “The color, freshness, and extended shelf-life of quality bananas creates a ripple effect that includes a variety of benefits to consumers, retailers, and the planet.”
AgroFresh is wholly committed to extending the freshness and quality of produce to reduce food loss and waste, Kevin tells me as we discuss the company’s environmental mission, leveraging an unprecedented integration of some of the most advanced industry intelligence, insights, and innovations on the market. By extending the freshness of bananas up to 4-6 days longer than traditional bananas, RipeLock allows for less waste by retailers and consumers alike, along with addressing the challenges of the entire produce value chain.
Per the NPD survey, stocking good-looking bananas is the most important factor in driving banana purchases. The ripeness of at-home bananas drives purchases for more than half of buyers.
“Increasing produce sales is all about optimizing the consumer experience,” Kevin continues. “Bananas are not only the number one planned produce purchase, but also ranked as the number one supermarket impulse buy. The preferred yellow color of RipeLock bananas turns shoppers into buyers, so stores that display fresher looking RipeLock bananas can experience higher sales.”
Beyond making for an eye-catching purchase in store, Kevin tells me that consumers typically purchase the number of bananas they think they can eat before they go bad, which is often less than the number of bananas they truly want. By extending the optimal color and taste of bananas and providing an excellent in-home experience between shopping trips, RipeLock can encourage consumers to purchase more bananas each time they visit the store.
All-in-all, the RipeLock goal is to provide retailers with more consistent quality and a longer shelf-life for their bananas, tackling key produce industry challenges such as increasing consumer loyalty, reducing waste, and driving sales overall.
Want to learn more how you can use RipeLock in your business to limit food waste? Check out AgroFresh’s website here.
*Study conducted on behalf of AgroFresh by the NPD Group, Inc.
MIAMI, FL - The Mexican asparagus season is on the horizon, with companies like Crystal Valley Foods gearing up to harvest its green asparagus crop in the country’s Caborca region in northern Sonora. With favorable weather prepping a high-quality crop, Crystal Valley’s Director of Marketing Katiana Valdes shares that we can expect promotable volumes by mid-February, even anticipating a 15 percent increase over last year’s crop.
“The weather in the Caborca, Mexico, region has been excellent, and we expect good quality and good and heavy volume in mid-February,” Katiana tells me when I check in with her on the current asparagus season. “We anticipate a strong, steady market until mid-March, when the Easter pull starts. We will definitely see an increase in asparagus demand for Easter, as is typical for that time of year and holiday.”
Typically lasting from February through March, the upcoming Caborca, Mexico, season, will provide Crystal Valley with promotional pricing for its customers, Katiana says.
The Miami, Florida-based company provides a wide variety of packs and sizes for retailers, including the standard 11 lb cases, as well as asparagus tips. With value-added asparagus becoming increasingly popular in recent years, Crystal Valley has those convenience-focused shoppers also in their sights, offering extended shelf-life, microwave pouches in 2 lb, 1 lb, 8 oz, and 6 oz packages.
So, how can retailers translate these burgeoning asparagus trends into increased dollar amounts at the register? Katiana tells me that education through POS is key.
“Crystal Valley’s marketing team is happy to work with retailers to develop custom POS and educational material for their stores in order to promote their asparagus programs. Although consumption has increased over the last several years, there is still great potential for growth and opportunities to reach those consumers who might not know much about this delicious vegetable. That being said, it is important to continue to educate customers about usage and health benefits.”
In addition to Crystal Valley’s green asparagus program out of Mexico, the company has also developed a strong and consistent white asparagus program. The company imports the milder, more delicate variety from its grower-partners in Peru, and markets it as one the largest importers of white asparagus.
LOS ANGELES, CA – Whether you’re a fan or skeptic, there’s no escaping the Kardashian sisters–most of us caught keeping up with their lives somehow, someway. And, last week, fans of the Netflix original Stranger Things might have been roped into knowing too much about the famous sister clan thanks to Millie Bobby Brown, known for her role as Eleven, and her obsession with all things Kardashian–including their favorite leafy greens.
Brown first revealed her obsession with the Kardashians in an interview with Jimmy Fallon, who attempted to explain his love for Stranger Things by turning the question on her, “Don’t you ever obsess over anything?” To which Brown gushed, “It’s Keeping Up with the Kardashians all the way. I love them!”
Last week, Brown continued to prove she is a true Keeping Up fan after tweeting about the iconic salads the Kardashians are seen eating out of clear plastic bowls in almost every episode of their show–salads the internet has been craving for a while thanks to their constant television appearances.
Brown tweeted, “honestly, all I want is for Kourtney K to shake my salad.”
Kourtney later responded to Brown with her own tweet, “Let’s shake it. *salad emoji*”
And, of course, not to miss a moment in the spotlight, sister Kim chimed in on the thread, tweeting, “I can arrange this!” To which Brown tweeted back, “KIM! Grab your calendar it’s happenin. My dream has come true”
Fresh produce truly brings people together.
With the Stranger Things and Keeping Up fandoms merging as one under their respective queens, AndNowUKnow will be sure to report when this fateful greens-focused meeting finally occurs. Bible.
For more on what’s bringing the produce industry into pop culture, keep checking back with AndNowUKnow.
SALINAS, CA – Moxxy Marketing named Roger Smith, who has been with the Moxxy team since 2014 working on web development and media strategy, Director of Digital Media in a recent press release.
"Roger joined Moxxy three years ago as a web developer, and we thought we were fortunate to have found a pro-level WordPress programmer with significant SEO experience as well as photography and video skills," said Karen Nardozza, President and CEO. "We quickly learned Roger’s talents go far beyond tech and digital. He is a natural and confident leader as well."
Nardozza continued, "Roger’s contributions at Moxxy—from strategic to creative to operational—make him much more valuable than his old title indicated. Promoting him to director of digital media was a first step to better position him as both an expert in his multifaceted discipline and an executive at Moxxy."
Smith is well prepared for the position, with over a decade working as a freelance website designer and developer to much acclaim. Smith not only works on website design but also as a photographer, videographer, and SEO expert with a history of helping businesses to stand out in crowded markets.
Smith spoke to his eagerness to take on the responsibility: “After a decade of honing my skills in the many facets of marketing communication and strategy, I’m thrilled to be moving into this position and eager to take on the challenge. I look forward to using my experience to help clients be even more effective in how they tell their story and promote their brand."
To stay in-the-know on all executive shifts in the produce industry, keep reading AndKnowUKnow.
DINUBA, CA - Winter revved up in California earlier this week, following a dry December. Dan Kass, VP of Sales & Business Development for Suntreat, took the time to share his insights with me as I checked in on how citrus is doing amidst the recent storms.
“I haven’t heard about the snow in the mountains, which is our main water source,” he clarifies, following an exclamation of “good rains this week!”
In Sacramento, I can attest that it didn’t let up Sunday evening through early Wednesday, and in the state’s Central Valley growing regions, Dan shares it was much the same.
“Rain delays the harvest, as we can’t pick when it’s wet,” he explains. “But, with two days of rain, there will only be minor issues supplying customers.”
As for the conditions of the fruit itself, Suntreat reports that it is in the clear. Dan said that the team saw no negative impacts on any crop on the trees, and echoed the feeling of all Californians hoping not to revisit drought conditions: “We always welcome rain in California!”
As we reported in one of our last exclusives for 2017, Suntreat just announced an expansion of its Sumo Citrus® Program, and is looking forward to more growth this year.
Continue to follow AndNowUknow as we monitor Mother Nature’s sway on all key commodities in fresh produce.
SANTA CLARA, CA – California startup Robomart has unveiled a driverless, electric, mobile grocery store, which delivers fresh produce to consumers at a rate heavily discounted from traditional grocery stores according to the Digital Journal. This innovation comes in response to the difficulties brick-and-mortar grocers have faced in selling perishables through delivery services. The service will operate through an Uber-like app that offers check-out free shopping.
“I believe we’re creating a new category,” Ahmed Founder of Robomart said, according to Tech Crunch. “We think we’re competing with the sidewalk robots.”
This new category of technology features the following, according to Robomart’s webpage:
- State-of-the-art, patent pending technology to enable fully autonomous grocery shopping
- Completely autonomous, level 5, self-driving vehicles that require no safety driver
- Fully electric vehicles that are incredibly environmentally friendly and leave a green footprint
- Equipped with the latest cutting edge technology to access completely wireless EV charging
Robomart allows customers to individually select their produce, which Robomart found to be a primary concern with standard grocery delivery. Robomart prototypes are available for retailers’ testing in the San Francisco Bay Area. According to Engadget, consumers can expect to see a Robomart pilot program in the Bay Area this summer.
FLORIDA - Aldi is doubling down on its commitment to growth in Florida with a statewide hiring event that seeks to add an additional 400 employees to its ranks. Today, Thursday, January 11, each of the chain’s 115 locations in the state will host in-store interviews, between 7:00 a.m. and noon, and from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.
During the event, Aldi will be seeking to hire store associates, shift managers, and manager trainees, according to an Aldi press release. Potential applicants must be 18 years or older, have a high school diploma or GED, pass a drug screening and background check, able to lift 45 pounds, and must be available to work between 6:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m.
Aldi, a grocery chain with more than 1,700 stores nationwide, start wages for new hires at $12.00 an hour for store associates, $16.50 per hour for shift managers, and $48,920 a year for manager trainees. Aldi also invites employees to participate in the company's 401(k) program.
Aldi’s growth plans in Florida are part of the $3.4 billion expansion plan the retailer laid out last year, outlining a goal of expanding its total number of grocery stores to 2,500 by the end of 2022.
“We pioneered a grocery model built around value, convenience, quality, and selection,” said CEO Jason Hart. “And now Aldi is one of America’s favorite and fastest growing retailers. We’re growing at a time when other retailers are struggling. We are giving our customers what they want, which is more organic produce, antibiotic-free meats, and fresh healthier options across the store–all at unmatched prices up to 50 percent lower than traditional grocery stores.”
The company predicts the expansion will create a total of 25,000 jobs in stores, warehouses, and offices when complete.
LOS ALAMITOS, CA – Arguably the best holiday is right around the corner: Valentine’s Day! Now that love is in bloom, Frieda’s is providing some resolve for lovers looking to sweeten up the holiday with delicious eats. The company suggests cross-merchandising top-selling, value-added produce items with its ready-to-eat French Style Crêpes to boost sales.
“Our top retail clients suggested that we design these space-saving display units,” said Alex Jackson Berkley, Assistant Sales Manager, in a press release. “We also found that the stand-up displays draw attention to other produce around the area and not just to the crêpe packages themselves. They definitely work well with berries and also with tropical fruits and citrus.”
The item pairs well with jams and looks beautiful when placed in a center of the aisles to grab the hearts, and stomachs, of those looking to create a special dish this season. Lovers who wish to make a sweet gesture for their sweethearts can look to this item since, historically, the holiday of L-O-V-E heralds crêpes as a go-to item.
Wondering how your retail space is going to manage the item in-store? The company designed an instant display unit, which holds four 12/5 oz. cases of the shelf-stable, ready-to-eat treats. Also eye-catching is the bright, fun design that dresses up the packaging, attracting impulse buyers with its how-to instructions.
Retailers looking to stock up on the item for their customers can get in touch with a Frieda’s manager today for lovely deals on these sweet crêpes and their displays, as well as other Valentine’s Day promotion ideas.
For more news like this, keep checking back with AndNowUKnow.
ONTARIO, CA – After more than 20 years in fresh food—supplying restaurants with the best possible product—FiveStar Gourmet has taken to retail—with a fresh brand and value-added line of salads, veggies, and meal solutions.
I spoke with CEO Tal Shoshan about the company’s roots in the restaurant business and its Simply Fresh retail brand.
“FiveStar Gourmet has been in the food industry for twenty years,” Tal explains. “Our brand Simply Fresh is really a brand promise. It was our attempt to bring to the market the very best, the most innovative, and the highest…quality product possible.”
With a line inclusive of packaged salads, snack packs, value-added veggie kits, and complete packaged meals, Tal notes, the Simply Fresh brand provides everything a produce aisle needs to stock a grab-and-go case.
“Our approach is really making our food as if we were making it in a restaurant,” Tal adds. “We’re doing a lot of things that not only taste good, but they look beautiful.”
Check out our complete video interview above for more. And stay tuned to AndNowUKnow for more exclusive video content.
NEW ORLEANS, LA – After more than thirty years of research and development, and a year of anticipation, tearless onions are set to take the category by storm, adding pep to sweet and savory dishes.
I spoke to Lyndon Johnson, Bayer Crop Science USA’s Crop Sales Manager, Onions, to find out more about Sunions—a sweet storage onion that dispenses with the tears and astringency some associate with onions.
“Sunions is a storage onion that becomes less pungent, [more] sweet, and tearless over time—during storage,” Lyndon explains, noting the great lengths Sunions’ developers have gone through to bring the sweetest possible experience while sparing your eyes. “The onions will go through a rigorous taste panel—both from a human taste experience standpoint and a test kitchen standpoint—so we will identify when Sunions is proper and ready for release in terms of tearlessness and sweetness.”
Lyndon tells me that, when quantities and quality are ready to meet demand, Sunions will be available through Onions 52, Generation Farms, and Peri & Sons Farms. And retailers will, I'm sure, reap ample rewards, provided they can keep curious consumers from biting into Sunions, as if they were apples, in the produce department.
For more, see our complete video interview above.
And for more video news on new and innovative produce products, keep watching AndNowUKnow.