WATSONVILLE, CA – After sitting fallow without crop for three years, the wait is over! A portion of California Giant’s Watsonville, California, farming property has finally transitioned into an organic strawberry field. In honor of the new ground, a 3rd grade class joined the berry grower in planting the first crop.
“We really want to be a good neighbor and the best way to do that is to invite your neighbor over and get to know each other,” said Bill Moncovich, President and CEO, who invited Ohlone School, located right across the street, to be part of planting the first crop.
On November 21st, Rich Uto, the farmer on the property, hosted twenty 3rd graders, excited to learn more about their neighbor. During their visit, they helped plant the first organic strawberries on the property, with each student placing a name tag next to their individual plant in order to witness the growing process.
“It was such a rewarding experience to share with these kids that have been watching this ground since kindergarten, and now be part of a new crop. We will take care of their plants and bring the students back to check on them in March,” said Uto in a press release.
While the students wait patiently for spring to arrive, each of the 3rd graders were able to take a potted strawberry plant back to school to grow and nurture through the winter.
California Giant has been transitioning ground throughout the state near schools and days cares for some time now. The 15-acre plot is part of a larger organic program for the company and is expected to bear fruit by early spring 2018 when the students will be invited back to share in the first harvest and taste the crop they helped to plant.
For more produce industry news like this, keep checking back with AndNowUKnow.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – With bowls staking a place as one of the hottest food trends of the year—some even calling 2017 “The Year of Food Bowls”—Side Delights® jumps on the bandwagon with its popular blogger influencer marketing program that challenged participants to create recipes for “Potato Power Bowls” featuring Side Delights Steamables™ potatoes.
“Side Delights Steamables are triple-washed microwaveable in the bag, and ready to eat in 8 minutes—which is exactly the convenience that millennials and other busy shoppers are seeking,” said Kathleen Triou, President and CEO, in a press release. “This program leverages a popular trend to show food bloggers, home cooks, and food influencers one more way to enjoy Side Delights Steamables, and encourages them to share their recipes through social media channels, driving shoppers into the store.”
With past challenges including the #MashItOrSmashIt mashed potatoes recipe program and the #PotatoSaladRedux potato salad recipe program, this year’s #PotatoPowerBowl tapped into the growing popularity of bowls and asked participants to post their recipes on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter using the challenge hashtag.
Participants were challenged to create one-bowl meal recipes with any form of potatoes as the base—mashed, smashed, hash brown, diced, fries, scalloped–layered with protein, more vegetables, and whatever else inspired them. Some of the most creative recipes included the Savory Potato Breakfast Bowl, the classic Twice Baked Potato Bowl, and the Nacho Potato Power Bowl, just in time for Super Bowl entertaining.
For a complete list of the recipes and photos, check out the Side Delights website.
For more news on the comings and goings of the produce industry, stay up-to-date with AndNowUKnow.
PHILADELPHIA, PA - Just announced reports are suggesting that retail giant Ahold Delhaize may be scaling back its small- and urban-format banner Bfresh in favor of a reevaluated strategy. According to Philly.com, Ahold Delhaize is suspending plans for three Philadelphia-area Bfresh stores, as well as shuttering its small-format Everything Fresh store that had been in operation since 2014.
“The decision to close the Everything Fresh store was a difficult one, but the location was always considered a learning lab and we intend to use those learnings going forward,” Sr. Director of External Communications and Public Affairs Chris Brand told Philly.com in an email statement on Monday.
Citing two people with knowledge of the company’s plans, who wish to remain unnamed, Philly.com said the retailer will still be experimenting with the already-purchased Philadelphia real estate, but is “rethinking its concept for those locations.” Prior to the announcement, Ahold Delhaize had planned to open a Bfresh store in three separate locations in Philadelphia. When asked for comment, Brand said options for those sites are “being evaluated.”
Also this week, the retailer is shuttering a Bfresh store in Brighton, MA—one of three Boston-area locations, according to WCVB-5. The source reported that another Ahold Delhaize banner, Stop & Shop, will be integrating Bfresh markets into their brand.
“As part of our brand-centric strategy, Stop & Shop plans to develop new, small store format opportunities,” Mark McGowan, Stop & Shop President, commented in the report. “Fresh Formats was specifically created to develop and test format opportunities to understand what works and what doesn’t work in urban and other small store locations.
Will Ahold Delhaize continue to usher in its small-format plans under the more-established Stop & Shop brand, or try its hand with Bfresh in a new location? As more information filters out, AndNowUKnow will report.
PHARR, TX – It’s a bad day to be a drug smuggler. U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Office of Field Operations (OFO) located $2,465,404 worth of heroin and marijuana packed into commercial trailers. While not all of the smuggled substances accompanied produce items, the majority did, with a whopping $2,406,321 of that initial total nestled in with tomatoes and broccoli. The busts took place over the course of three consecutive days.
“Thorough inspections performed by our CBP officers lead to the uncovering of smuggling attempts as part of keeping our homeland safe as these recent interceptions clearly illustrate,” said Interim Port Director Donna Sifford, Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry, in a press release on CBP's website. “These three consecutive seizures reflect an exceptional job performed by our officers at the Pharr cargo facility.”
The most recent discovery came about on November 14th on the Pharr International Bridge when CBP officers came across a white 2014 Kenworth tractor trailer with tomatoes in tow. Non-intrusive imaging (NII) and a canine team were used in the second phase of inspection, when officers extracted 54.23 pounds of alleged heroin tucked into 90 packages with an estimated street value of $2,169,326.
This produce-masked drug smuggling attempt came after a non-produce-related November 13th endeavor and just days after another vegetable-veiled November 12th pursuit. On the 12th, a blue 1997 Freightliner tractor trailer hauling broccoli treked the same bridge Pharr International Bridge while smuggling $236,995 worth of alleged marijuana within 1,372 packages. The extracted substances were discovered by the same NII and canine team efforts as the November 14th attempt.
CBP’s OFO has kept the packages and the alleged drugs they held within them for investigations to be undergone by special agents in Homeland Security. The weather might be cooling down, but CBP is hot on drug smuggling trails.
Stay with us at AndNowUKnow to hear more about what is happening in our industry!
SACRAMENTO, CA – Whether you’re spending time with the family, celebrating a raucous Friendsgiving, or tearing into a festive spread, ANUK wants to see how you celebrate Thanksgiving and find out what you’re grateful for this season. So, submit your holiday photos, and be featured in our annual #ANUKThanksgiving Yearbook!
You can submit two different ways: either post your pictures on Instagram with the hashtag #ANUKThanksgiving to have your most memorable moments featured as part of our Yearbook, or send your Thanksgiving-themed photos by emailing us directly at [email protected].
Whether it's escaping the frenzied season by taking a vacation and eating out, tearing into a cranberry-topped turkey, or polishing off the fourth slice of pumpkin pie, we want to feature you and your families: the individuals that make our industry so amazing.
So, enjoy some time off, celebrate with friends and family, and think of ANUK when documenting your revels. Have a Happy Thanksgiving! Safe travels!
RIVERSIDE, CA – This month, Avocado marketer Index Fresh announced the promotion of Ashley Castoe to Sales Account Manager—citing her exemplary performance with the company and praising her as a “rising star” in our industry.
“Ashley’s performance has been nothing short of exemplary, proving she has what it takes to assume the responsibilities of her new role. It just made sense,” said John Dmytriw, Director of Sales, in a press release. “As an organization, we are extremely excited to see Ashley grow in her new position.”
According to the company’s press release, Ashley’s drive and passion for the business was apparent early on. Upon graduating from California State University, San Marcos, Ashley accepted a position at Index Fresh working in a Sales Support role, where she subsequently assisted with many large program accounts.
When away from the office, the company noted, Ashley enjoys spending time with her family and, when the weather is favorable, you might catch Ashley in one of America’s national parks, focusing her camera on the perfect shot, or backpacking in the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Congratulations Ashley, from all of us at AndNowUKnow!
NEW YORK, NY - Well, it’s not quite a new year, but it is looking like Jana Partners is already thinking of new beginnings. The company sold its 2 percent stake in the meal kit delivery company Blue Apron, valued at about $3 million.
News of Jana's departure from its partnership with Blue Apron is not entirely surprising. The convenience offered with Blue Apron’s meal kits has not been a continued, steady success, as the company reportedly lost 6 percent of its customer base since last year and 9 percent since the previous quarter. While this might seem alarming, its marketing costs fell 32 percent and the consumers who stayed true blue to the delivery service are reportedly spending more than the months before.
What money-making signal does this offer the meal kit team? FoodDive expressed that Blue Apron's loss in marketing expenses seemingly equated to its loss in continued customer demands. In other words, when the company diminished its exposure, it was met with loss in loyalty from both customers and investors, as can be seen in a report from Earnest Research, which shows the company’s market shares fell from 57 percent last year to 43 percent this year.
FoodDive reports that many people are likening the impact of Jana’s investment in the meal kit company, which was reportedly worth $3 million, to the company’s $794.5 million stake it bought into at Whole Foods this year. In light of Blue Apron's 300-employee lay-off, or 6 percent of its workforce, and after its temporary hiring freeze, the company’s shares fell 21 percent this month. Trailing this string of blows, CEO Matthew Salzberg reportedly said its Linden, New Jersey fulfillment center was not bringing in enough profit to offset its costs.
How is Blue Apron fairing in the face of its competitors during its trying time? The trending meal kit business plan seems to be generally thought of as a growth opportunity yet. Albertsons’ purchase of Plated, HelloFresh’s plans to go public, and up-and-coming businesses joining the specialized industry geared toward convenience are proof positive that the innovations for meal kits have not hit their peak yet. We have more meal kit businesses to meet and much growth to witness in the persevering delivery industry.
What unique offers and plans are in store for these dedicated businesses, and how will they continue to push convenience forward in stand-out ways? AndNowUKnow will continue to report on the fluctuations seen in the ever-evolving meal kit delivery services.
DINUBA, CA – Continuing on its track towards major growth, AC Foods is welcoming citrus industry veteran Daniel Kass, taking on the role of Vice President of Sales & Business Development. With the move, AC Foods, is further bolstering its family of citrus companies, including Suntreat and Sumo Citrus®.
“I am excited to start this new challenge with AC Foods as it expands its global citrus footprint as a full range, one-stop-shop program supply destination,” said Kass upon being appointed to the role. “Suntreat is continuing to add acreage in Sumo Citrus, Cara Caras, Blood Orange-Navals, and Golden Nuggets, and just finished a build out of AC Foods Legacy Packing. This buildout puts us 20 years ahead of the global industry in terms of food safety, product handling, and traceability; the future is incredibly exciting as we focus on supplying healthy, sustainable products to North America and the World.”
Kass has an array of experience he’s gained from over 20 years within the global citrus industry, including representing such well-known brands as Dole Citrus and Wonderful Halos, where, according to a press release, he was instrumental in launching an independent sales organization to international markets. With a passion for connecting growers with customers around the world Kass has also worked as Secretary of the California Citrus Quality Council, where he garnered skills relating such market access issues as phytosanitary, food safety, food additive, and pesticide regulations.
“AC Foods has hired a proven leader in Daniel Kass to guide our citrus sales team,” said company President Darren Filkins. “He has proven his ability to build programs that align perfectly with our aggressive growth strategy. We plan on using Daniel’s over twenty years of global citrus sales to build our export and domestic U.S. business. With our success with Sumo Citrus, Suntreat Citrus, and other special citrus items, along with our existing sales and marketing teams, we have laid a strong foundation to support Daniel to offer our best-in-class service and quality commitment to our customers.”
Kass was born and raised in Hartford, CT, and graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in Business Administration, and later, after joining Florida’s citrus industry, completed his M.B.A at Florida Tech.
Congratulations from the team at AndNowUKnow for this next big step in your produce industry career!
GRAND RAPIDS, MI - The produce buyers on Meijer’s team have collected their insights from both behind the scenes and the front lines to bring us a list of the fruits and vegetables they can see jazzing up the traditional Thanksgiving offerings.
“Every good cook, from your grandmother to a Michelin-starred chef, knows it's never a good idea to spring a new dish on your guests during important meals like Thanksgiving. But what if you are dying to jazz up things a bit, yet still stay true to tradition?” the retailer said in a press release.
From gourds to greens, and everything in between, here are some of the things Meijers produce leaders suggest.
Stalk Brussels Sprouts:
This year's crop come from California-based Ippolito Produce. Serving Brussels sprouts on the stalk is popular in the culinary world, Meijer noted, because it makes a great presentation and is a fun addition to a holiday table. Stalk Brussels sprouts roast nicely and come off the stalk with ease.
Pazzazz Apple:
You might recall we recently reported on this new apple variety, and we’re stoked to see it is Meijer buyers' featured apple for November–part of the company's "branch out" program.
Extremely crisp and described having an intense burst of sweet and tart flavors, Meijer’s buyers suggest consumers poach, roast, or bake the Pazzazz apple to enhance its naturally sweet flavor.
Not only does the large size make it ideal for making stuffed apple preparations, but the retailer commented that it can be sliced to utilize the skin in showcasing its unique coloring.
Its flavor pairs well with pork, sweet potatoes, pears, honey, sharp cheeses, winter squashes, and pecans, as well as warm spices such as nutmeg, cinnamon, and cardamom.
Creamer Potatoes:
Described as a small potato variety that is thinned skinned, rich in flavor, nutritious, and easy to prepare, the retailer suggested a number of Thanksgiving creamer potato recipes for shoppers to try this holiday. Creamer Potato Producer, The Little Potato Company, recently opened a new processing facility in DeForest, Wisconsin.
Red & White Sweet Potatoes:
It’s no secret that, despite the semi-recent discovery of their versatility in day-to-day use, sweet potatoes are a Thanksgiving staple. Meijer produce buyers report that consumers are increasingly excited to try different varieties this Thanksgiving.
This year's buyer picks are the "Red Diane," regarded as an "heirloom" sweet potato, and "Bonita," a varietal favorite this season. A Red Diane has dark red skin and deep orange flesh, best used in recipes that call for mashed or grated sweet potatoes such as pies, cakes, and breads due to its high moisture content.
The Bonita, with tan skin and white flesh, has high sugar content and a nutty flavor. It is perfect for baking and frying. Red Diane and Bonita sweet potatoes come from Garcia Farms in California.
Butterkin Squash:
A cross between a pumpkin and butternut squash, described as being sweeter tasting than butternut squash, this spin to the guard family is less stringy and has a creamier texture. The Meijer team suggests consumers try substituting this squash variety into traditional dishes this Thanksgiving.
Cooking tip: Those who use this might want to reduce the sugar in the recipe to balance the flavor of this sweeter tasting variety.
Meijer sources Butterkin Squashes from local Michigan Grower by E. Miedema and Sons.
Go to More for A Healthier You, and search "Thanksgiving" for new recipes for even more Thanksgiving and holiday inspirations to push produce into the spotlight this year and beyond.
DELTA, OH – NatureFresh™ Farms hosted its first-ever Open House this month—opening its doors to community members and educating those who live and work around its new Ohio facilities on the company’s growing practices.
“The Ohio community has been extremely supportive throughout the entire build, and we have continuously received many inquiries from our neighbors wanting a chance to take a look behind the glass,” noted John Ketler, General Manager, in a press release. “Education is a key component of who we are and we wanted to ensure that our neighbors had a chance to see exactly how we grow; from seedling to harvest.”
The NatureFresh Open House was held on November 15th and 16th. The company noted the that response was both “stunning and humbling.” The NatureFresh team had initially planned a one-day event, but within days of registration opening, the company had exceeded its allotted schedule—with well over 1,000 people registered to tour the company’s Delta, Ohio, facility.
“For us, it’s more than just existing in Delta. We want to be an active partner in the community. It is important for us to show our neighbors how we grow and provide total transparency,” said Peter Quiring, President and CEO. “We had school groups, senior homes, care facilities, farming clubs, and many families come out. It was great to be able to show everyone exactly where the produce they have sitting on their kitchen table comes from.”
With interactive sessions, the NatureFresh team was able to give individuals a firsthand understanding of greenhouse growing techniques such as the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) system and the growing medium.
“The feedback we received after the event was phenomenal,” added Ketler. “The community was amazed by everything from the scope and technology incorporated in the facility to the flavor of the tomatoes. Overall, we couldn’t have asked for a better event.”
The company also noted that—in keeping with its motto, coined by Quiring, “We don’t just grow produce, we grow people”—NatureFresh partnered with JJ Safe House and Open Doors Delta to raise awareness and funds for the local charities. With produce being sold for $2 an item, approximately $2,000 was raised in addition to over 3,000 lbs of produce being donated to the charities to help support local families having a healthier and happier Thanksgiving.
For more on community initiative and companies giving back and growing ties in the produce industry, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow.