SALINAS, CA - For foodservice customers seeking a salad fix, Markon Cooperative has announced a recent expansion to its produce packed lined up. According to a press release, the company has two new offerings coming to customers: Ready-Set-Serve® (RSS) Aromatic Herbs & Tender Greens and RSS Organic Lemony Arugula.
“The demand for exciting ingredients with bright flavor, varied texture, vibrant color, and organic options is becoming a must, especially with the increasingly influential Millennial demographic,” said Chris Casson, Director of Produce and Specialty Foods for Shamrock Foods Company, in a recent press release. “The new Ready-Set-Serve salad combinations save time without sacrificing quality or taste, and allow chefs to spend their time creating the delicious, healthy food options that today’s consumers want.”
What makes these options so convenient is the ready-to-eat set-up, but what makes them so great is their nutrient-dense blends, making eating healthy both a delight and delightfully easy to do without losing the variety we all crave.
A product of Markon’s member chefs during the 2016 Chef Summit , the RSS Aromatic Herbs & Tender Greens is available to foodservice operators through Markon member distributors exclusively. Members include Ben E. Keith Foods, Gordon Food Service, Gordon Food Service Canada, Maines Paper & Food Service, Nicholas & Company, Reinhart Foodservice, and Shamrock Foods Company.
The RSS Aromatic Herbs & Tender Greans is colorful in taste and texture, with a combination of red chard, wild arugula, green oak, frisee, parsley, dill, and cilantro. While eating this salad might work perfectly for on-the-go consumers, it is also just as good for dinner when sauteed or in a stir-fried mixture.
The second new addition to Markon’s products is the RSS Organic Lemony Arugula, which paints the palette with the earthy arugula and bright lemony sorrel leaves. This zesty blend is a healthy option for lunches, or it pairs well with omelettes, burgers, and more. It’s easy to fix up straight out of the bag, making this option a easy choice for consumers.
Citing a Technomic report, Markon said consumer concern for healthy options has soared in recent years. This, Markon said, has made uniquely blended salads increase in popularity as a tasty version tried-and-true staple in healthy-choice living.
“Whether you’re using the RSS Aromatic Herbs & Tender Greens as a base for an entree grilled chicken salad with goat cheese, radishes and cherry tomatoes or simply topping eggs benedict with fresh RSS Organic Lemony Arugula, these ready-to-serve product offerings easily enhance taste and add flavor,” said Paul Young, Reinhart Foodservice Corporate Executive Chef, in the same release.
The two new options are backed by Markon’s 5-Star Food Safety® program, which tracks products at five key points throughout production: fields, facilities, transportation, distributor warehouses, and operators’ kitchen. This creates a trust in the company’s traceability back to the field.
Both salad blends are available now.
LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY - Fresh on the market, Bayer’s Vegetable Seed Division revealed a new watermelon concept at PMA Fresh Summit this weekend. Alongside some of the company’s other vegetable crops and seed varieties, the “Emerald Type,” which is a dark green watermelon variety and still new to the market, has been building its reputation.
“The Emerald Type may be new to some in the industry, but varieties in the product line have been successful over the last few years,” said Kike Rossell, Bayer Regional Watermelon Product Specialist, in a recent press release. “The Emerald Type varieties have been grown commercially throughout the North and Central America watermelon production regions over the last 3-4 years. They have proven to be consistent varieties from an agronomic standpoint while also providing high brix, excellent flavour, and a firm, crisp texture.”
The reason this specific watermelon variety does well commercially is believed by growers and shippers to be the dark green rind. The richness of the color makes it stand out.
“I’ve had customers request them,” said Greg Leger of Leger & Sons, in the same release.
With 60, 45, and 36 count offerings and a deep red and firm flesh, the emerald variety is attractive to both fresh and processing markets. The appeal is is evident, as the watermelon has been in production for the last few seasons.
“After the success we’ve seen the last few years, we knew it was time to promote the Emerald Type in a big way to the industry,” continued Rossell, “We are excited about the potential of the varieties for our customers.”
For more information on their products and the exciting developments with The Emerald Type, check back with us at AndNowUKnow.
MIAMI, FL – Van Berkel International, the Italian brand known for its elegant line of food slicers, knife sets, and cutting accessories, is proud to announce its recent acquisition of OMAS SpA, the food industry’s leading manufacturer of professional machinery. This acquisition positions Berkel as one of the most prestigious companies worldwide in the production of high-quality slicers and food processing equipment.
“The business moves we’ve made this year are a strong indication of how enthusiastic and passionate we are about the company,” says Alberto Gonzalez, Vice President of Sales & Marketing. “Our recent U.S expansion paired with the acquisition of a brand as well-respected as OMAS, makes me confident in our position to grow Van Berkel’s presence worldwide.”
While Berkel offers customers top end food slicers and processing equipment for both professional and domestic use, Omas specializes in professional machinery for customers at an industrial level. The company offers restaurants, grocery stores, and industry professionals a variety of models to choose from that will best fit their needs.
“The purpose of the acquisition is to leverage the scope of both brands to consolidate Van Berkel International's leadership in the high-end slicer segment,” explains Giuliano Reas, President of Van Berkel International S.r.L. “Berkel is recognized throughout the world for making slicers a symbol of excellence and tradition in history. OMAS founded its brand based on the same principles and has affirmed itself over the years due to the high quality of its machines and the deep penetration in foreign markets.”
The current business plan envisions an expansion of the product offerings and penetration of new markets. After last year’s expansion in the United States, Berkel wishes to continue growing in the U.S market as well as in India, where the company invested in a new and improved production site that, in the last two years, has increased the production volume of over 10,000 units/year. This equals to about half of Berkel’s total production, with the rest being manufactured in the Italian plants.
OMAS will be showcasing their food machinery at the HOST Milano’s 40th International Hospitality Exhibition from October 20-24th. Attendees will be able to see first-hand several of their models and experience what the company has to offer industry professionals at the trade show.
For more information about OMAS and their industrial slicers, please visit http://www.omas1949.com/en/ and learn more about Berkel at https://www.theberkelworld.com/us/.
SEATTLE, WA – As Amazon inches closer to its decision for its second North America headquarters, dozens of cities and states are looking to woo Amazon with as much as $7 billion in tax breaks to get HQ2 built on their turf.
Announced earlier this year, Amazon HQ2 is expected to be a $5 billion-plus investment and will provide up to 50,000 jobs, and states like New Jersey, New York, and California are pulling out all the works to ensure HQ2 calls their state home.
According to Reuters, a news release from the New Jersey governor’s office revealed a proposal of $7 billion in potential credits against state and city taxes if Amazon locates in Newark and sticks to hiring commitments. Not to be upstaged, New York City made a proposal without incentives special for Amazon, though the state is expected to offer some, a spokesperson for the city’s economic development corporation said on Wednesday. While California’s governor chose a more personal route, offering $300 million in incentives over several years plus other benefits in a letter to Amazon’s Chief Executive Jeff Bezos, published online by the Orange County Register.
However, one southern city might just house the key to winning the HQ2 race. Austin’s chamber of commerce said in a Twitter post on Wednesday that it submitted its bid for HQ2, and it may just be the winner. Credit ratings and research company Moody’s has ranked Austin as the most likely to win based on its labor pool, costs of doing business and quality of life, among other criteria. Austin is also the headquarters of Whole Foods Market, which Amazon recently acquired earlier this year.
Will Amazon choose Austin, the headquarters of newly acquired Whole Foods, or will another city nab the spot for HQ2? With the release of the announcement expected next year, AndNowUKnow will continue to report.
RIVERHEAD, NY - Georgia has a new resident moving in at the end of this month, and it is Hapco Farms’ broccoli. Registered under the name Fresh from the Start, Hapco’s broccoli is making a big transition from neighboring states.
“Our broccoli season now seamlessly transitions from Maine, New York, Florida and Georgia, providing our East Coast customers continuous supply of Fresh from the Start broccoli,” said Eric Scannelli, SVP of Hapco Farms.
Much like other programs, the growth process is closely managed, as Hapco Farms watches its products go through seed, harvest, packing, shipping, and sales stages. Hapco’s monitoring and managing of its product is an effort to show its commitment and to procure customer trust in its quality.
“With this expanded acreage, we are happy to continue our broccoli program way into the Spring,” said Scannelli.
For more information on this big move into the Georgia neighborhood, visit Hapco's website at www.hapcofarms.com.
VANCOUVER, CA - These fall breezes have rolled in with the thoughts of apples closely trailing behind them. Oppy’s branded varieties like JAZZ™, Envy™, and Pacific Rose™ are appetizing to new apple shoppers because of their vibrant colors and flavorful crunch. Production of the JAZZ is going well in Washington this season.
“Fresh off the trees in Eastern Washington, this year’s JAZZ crop is a beauty,” said Joe Barsi, President of T&G North America, according to a press release.
The company stated in the release that JAZZ, a tangy and sweet apple with a uniquely crunchy texture, has hit top three in sales performance in the premium apple category.
“While JAZZ is well-established at retail, it continues to create excitement thanks to a faithful following, as well as new fans we’re winning with integrated consumer and trade marketing initiatives,” said Barsi. “JAZZ began shipping in early October, following a brief respite between the New Zealand and Washington seasons, and customers were eager to restock as the first fruit came off the trees.”
The JAZZ variety is set to showcase among the refreshed brand after debuting in New Zealand earlier in 2017. While the apples are coming back this fall, they are popping up a bit smaller in size. Like many apples hailing from Washington, JAZZ will join the likes of Envy, which is set to be promoted in a Texas retail roadshow next month, in petite and portable structure.
With larger supplies, the market for U.S. apples has grown 1.3 percent in volume and 2.1 percent in sales since the middle of 2016. This $4.2 billion dollar category is not slowed by higher prices on apples because the taste seems to deliver consumer satisfaction, according to David Nelley, Vice President, Categories for Oppy.
“Sales of premium apples are up 48 percent since 2013,” said Nelley. “That’s the segment of the apple market Oppy specializes in and has been known for, for years. JAZZ, Envy, and Pacific Rose deserve credit for rejuvenating the category. We’re welcoming the U.S.-grown ENZA varieties knowing that we’re progressing positive category results.”
JAZZ is not the only success story Oppy is enjoying. Envy, due to be harvested alongside Pacific Rose in the third week of October, is sitting high at fifth place in premium apple sales.
“Envy sales increased over 60 percent during the New Zealand season,” Nelley said. “Our most significant growth has been in California and the U.S. Southeast, though other regions are not far behind. Meanwhile, Pacific Rose continues to carve out a niche with consumers who like a sweet alternative to a Fuji.”
The organically grown JAZZ, Pacific Rose, and Envy are offered by Oppy, Rainier Fruit Company, and CMI Orchards when they are in season in Washington.
If you are wanting more information on these organic varieties which are due for harvesting soon, visit Oppy at PMA Fresh Summit at booth #1339.
LEAMINGTON, ON - Efforts are being made in Leamington, ON after the pest pepper weevil (Anthonomus Eugenii) was spotted last fall. Once caught, it is difficult to spot because of its low profile and resistance to sprays; this allows the pest to spread without notice until the pepper plant is essentially dead. However, NatureFresh® is taking a page out of law enforcements’ books by training a canine to catch the perpetrating pest at earlier stages.
“Dogs are a very intelligent animal. Many worker dogs are trained to recognize and discover scents associated with drugs or bombs, so it seemed possible to train a dog to recognize pepper weevil,” said Cam Lyons, Research and Development and IPM Technician.
Insert the heroine of this story: Chili, a trained 15-month-old Belgian Shepherd NatureFarms recently adopted. While the current crops are not carrying the pest, the training of Chili to find pepper weevil at first infestation will enable NatureFarms to catch the pest as soon as possible. She is a precautionary measure for the farm and the first certified dog to detect pests by The American Working Dog Association.
Since NatureFresh does not currently have any pepper weevil, Tina Heide, an IPM scout and Chili’s handler, stashes some of the pest in plastic containers throughout the facility. Chili then locates the hidden container full of the pest and signals an issue by sitting and staring at what she has determined is a problem area. “For Chili, it’s like a game of hide and seek. While she’s out there working, it’s actually a game for her and she’s loving it,” said Tina.
“In order to continue to grow it is essential to develop new strategies and look beyond conventional methods. We encourage our team to think outside the box and test any ideas they may have; no idea is considered too crazy,” said Peter Quiring, Owner and CEO.
Using innovative measures, NatureFresh is going to catch this pest red-handed because, doggonit, we need to stop it before it spreads again.
PHILADELPHIA, PA - Those of us who have seen the ebbs and flows of the produce industry know that being able to create loyal customers is something that can make or break a business over time. But how do you make sure your customers are loyal to your products? The key is consistency, says Kevin Frye, Sales Manager for AgroFresh’s RipeLock™ North America. Showing your customers that you will be able to consistently provide high-quality, ripe produce is an excellent way to capture the hearts and minds of shoppers everywhere, and one way to do this, Kevin says, is through the RipeLock™ Quality System.
“It’s probably safe to say that, to have bananas stay fresh longer than their typical short shelf-life is incredibly desirable for retailers and consumers alike,” Kevin explains. “While price discounts and promotions are effective in driving traffic to retail, studies show that consumers cite appearance and ripeness as the two most important factors in their produce buying decision—before price. Eighty-six percent of shoppers occasionally purchase produce on impulse, based on these two key attributes.”
As we’ve reported previously, AgroFresh’s RipeLock Quality System allows its users unmatched control over the ripening process, as a way to ensure bananas, and soon categories beyond, retain their freshness throughout the supply chain, all the way to the consumer. When produce professionals across the supply chain include RipeLock in their existing banana programs, everyone benefits, Kevin says.
“In preparation for shipping, bananas are placed in RipeLock bags creating an optimal environment that controls respiration and maintains proper humidity during the shipping process, reducing rot and mold. Approaching the end of the ripening cycle, the RipeLock application helps to hold the bananas’ color longer, reduce sugar spots and maintain pulp freshness and texture. When the bananas reach the retailer, they remain in the RipeLock bags to maintain quality until they are ready for display. The RipeLock process, which fits into normal banana handling practices and extends the quality of the fruit from the farm to the display, attracting more customers and increasing sales for retailers.”
Another way Kevin says RipeLock can assist in making loyal customers is to help retailers focus on fresh—a tactic we’ve been seeing from many retailers who are looking to stay competitive in today’s buy-side landscape, whether it be Amazon and Whole Foods, Kroger, and many more.
“Increasing consumer focus on health and wellness further drives demand of quality produce, and consumers will shop wherever they need to in order to get it, even if it means shopping at multiple retailers to meet their weekly grocery needs,” Kevin adds. “According to research from FMI, better quality or the freshness of produce is the number one reason for switching channels. Consumers demand freshness!”
Additional studies from MMR Research Worldwide show that consumers prefer RipeLock bananas over regular bananas more than 2 to 1 when evaluating taste, texture, color, freshness, ripeness, and appearance—and this goes for both unpeeled and peeled bananas. The firm’s research suggests that a successful banana program delivers more consistent quality and a longer shelf-life of bananas, which will increase customer loyalty, reduce waste, and ultimately help drive increased produce sales overall.
Want to find out more about RipeLock and how you can implement it into your part of the supply chain? Check out the AgroFresh website for all the details, and be sure to visit PMA Fresh Summit booth #4217 on the show floor!
NEW ORLEANS, LA, AND BAKERSFIELD, CA ⎯ PMA Fresh Summit is here, and the festivities are abundant. On the eve of the event, Grimmway Farms kicked off the convention and expo by sharing the importance of making healthy food choices with more than 25 third-grade students at Phyllis Wheatley Community School–part of the Edible Schoolyard New Orleans (ESYNOLA) program.
“Promoting family, education, and healthy eating habits are core to our values at Grimmway Farms, so we were thrilled to take part in the Edible Schoolyard New Orleans project with these inspiring students,” said Jeff Huckaby, President, Grimmway Farms, according to a press release. “Our thanks go out to the school officials and the Edible Schoolyard New Orleans team for making the event possible, but special thanks go out to the kids for their eagerness to learn about eating healthy.”
ESYNOLA’s mission is to teach children to make healthy connections through food, and it does this by offering garden and culinary education classes to 3,000 pre-kindergarten through 8th grade students. Representatives from Grimmway Farms joined local school officials and ESYNOLA staff to provide students with an interactive lesson on vegetable nutrition and proper serving sizes.
Additionally, representatives from Grimmway Farms showed students an animated presentation about how baby carrots are made, as well as the history of Grimmway Farms. During the event, Grimmway Farms staff passed out Carroteenies snack packs for children to enjoy while they worked on vegetable themed coloring sheets and word puzzles provided by the company. The day was capped off with a tour of the school and garden grounds – including a unique “Gumbo Garden” area where students grow ingredients to make the Creole dish, Louisiana’s official state cuisine.
“We’re excited to return to PMA’s Fresh Summit conference to showcase both our conventional and organic products,” Huckaby added. “This year we’re featuring our rainbow carrot offerings – a subcategory that provides consumers with a fresh, innovative way to enjoy carrots.”
Grimmway Farms now turns its attention to PMA’s Fresh Summit conference where the company is celebrating its 20th consecutive year as an exhibitor of the premier event. This year, the senior leadership team will be on hand showcasing the company’s booth (Booth #1329) and products.
During this year’s event, visitors can experience a real, in-store shopping simulation complete with wet-rack displays filled with Grimmway Farms, Cal-Organic Farms, and Bunny-Luv products. The booth also includes a sampling station where Cal-Organic rainbow baby carrot promo snack packs will be handed out throughout the show.
WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has imposed sanctions on four produce businesses for failure to pay reparation awards issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA).
According to a USDA press release, the following businesses and individuals are currently restricted from operating in the produce industry:
Safe Produce Inc.
Operating out of Nogales, Ariz., for failing to pay a $7,760 award in favor of a California seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Rebecca J. Favela and Scott A. Favela were listed as the officers, directors and/or major stockholders of the business.
Manuel Gomez, doing business as Steele Canyon Produce
Operating out of Chula Vista, Calif., for failing to pay a $49,809 award in favor of a California seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Manuel A. Gomez was listed as the sole proprietor of the business.
Victor Guerrero, doing business as Camila Fresh
Operating out of McAllen, Texas, for failing to pay a $23,006 award in favor of a Texas seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Victor Guerrero was listed as the officer, director and major stockholder of the business.
Maria Soto, doing business as Mary’s Produce
Operating out of McAllen, Texas, for failing to pay a $1,290 award in favor of an Illinois seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Maria C. Soto was listed as the sole proprietor 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.
In the past three years, USDA resolved approximately 3,500 PACA claims involving more than $58 million. Our experts also assisted more than 8,000 callers with issues valued at approximately $140 million. These are just two examples of how USDA continues to support the fruit and vegetable industry.
USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service