HAMILTON, MT - Local Bounti is gearing up to celebrate the official opening of its brand-new, state-of-the-art controlled environment agriculture (CEA) facility in Mount Pleasant, Texas. The newly developed CEA facility will focus on growing and selling the brand’s living green butter lettuce and greenhouse fresh line of packaged leafy greens, bolstering the supplier’s distribution capabilities.

"We are proud to unveil our latest cutting-edge CEA facility in Mount Pleasant, Texas," said Craig Hurlbert, Chief Executive Officer. "Powered by our innovative and patented Stack & Flow Technology®, this state-of-the-art greenhouse will bolster our rapidly expanding capacity across the U.S. to help meet customer demand in Texas and further support our distribution across the Southern United States."

The new Texas facility spans six acres and enhances the company’s distribution to directly service local retail distribution centers while providing additional capacity to meet demand from the company's direct relationships with retail customers. According to a press release, the facility began shipping this month.

"This facility represents another significant milestone for Local Bounti and an opportunity for the local Mount Pleasant economy through job creation. Our commitment to sustainable agriculture and community engagement remains steadfast, and we're excited to make a positive impact in Mount Pleasant and the surrounding region," stated Hurlbert.

The facility is backed by Local Bounti's patented Stack & Flow Technology, which, according to the release, seamlessly blends the advantages of vertical and greenhouse cultivation. The use of this tech and the new location grant Local Bounti higher yields while using less land, water, and pesticides and reducing the company’s overall environmental impact.

The company will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 18 from 1 to 4 p.m. local time to celebrate the opening of this cutting-edge facility. To learn more about the expansion, click here.

Keep reading ANUK as we bring you the latest industry news.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA & BOSTON, MA - Not even a month has gone by since Trader Joe’s last announced a new store coming to Vancouver, Washington. Now, the typically tight-lipped retailer has announced two more new stores coming to San Francisco, California, and Boston Massachusetts.

The new San Francisco store, located at 555 Fulton St, is reportedly set to open today, May 17. Trader Joe’s announced the store opening on its website earlier this week, though it did not share any further details.

According to another announcement, Trader Joe’s new store in Boston will be located at 500 Boylston Street. This store will be opening next week on May 23.

Will Trader Joe’s soon be announcing even more new stores? Keep reading ANUK to find out.

MONTEREY, CA - Wellness shoppers are a dominant force in the organic shopping landscape. For those of us looking to capture their attention, Organic Produce Summit’s latest keynote speaker will address the shopping and consumption trends in the wellness space in her keynote, "Changing Consumer Impact on Organic Produce Opportunities.”

Sherry Frey, Vice President of Total Wellness at NielsenIQ, has more than two decades of industry experience. Her keynote will discuss how wellness shoppers are demanding more from every purchase and have an increased focus on the environmental and social responsibility of fresh produce.

According to a press release, Gen Z consumers will be at the forefront of this conversation.

With a background in marketing, market research, innovation and consulting, with clients across the food industry, Frey will share visionary foresight combined with practical strategies.

This keynote will take place on Thursday, July 11, 2024.

We’re looking forward to all that comes from this year’s Organic Produce Summit, so stay tuned as we continue covering the lead-up to the event.

SANTA PAULA, CA - We come to you this morning bearing more exciting news from the fresh produce sphere. Calavo Growers announced Guido Doddoli Cárdenas has been named the new Sales Manager, Export Division for Calavo Foods. Doddoli began on April 30 and reports to Ron Araiza, Executive Vice President.

In this role, Doddoli will be focused on building and managing sales for Calavo’s guacamole and processed avocado business in Mexico, the United States, and other international markets. A press release noted that his position is based in Uruapan, Michoacan, Mexico, where Calavo’s avocado processing facility is located.

Doddoli comes to Calavo with an illustrious family heritage and deep-rooted experience in the Mexican avocado industry, including growing, production, and project management in fresh and processed avocados.

Prior to joining the sales team at Calavo, Doddoli worked as Sales Manager for Grupo Freza where he expanded the company’s portfolio in the U.S. market and worked to facilitate entry into new markets in Europe, Oceania, Mexico, and the United States. He also brings innovation and product development experience to his new role with diversification into industrial and foodservice markets.

“The addition of Guido will add tremendous value to our experienced Sales team. We are eager to tap into Guido’s aptitude and network as we continue to build our retail and foodservice programs and look forward to his impact,” stated Araiza.

Congratulations to Guido Doddoli Cárdenas!