MCALLEN, TX - With PMA Fresh Summit just around the corner, Fox Solutions is gearing up with a newly launched website as well as new packing technology to debut in Atlanta, Georgia, this month.
General Manager, Ed Savigny, spoke to me about the new innovations at Fox, and what they hope to accomplish with their evolving platform. When it comes to the vision for the new site, Ed tells me, “Our goal with the new site was to provide better detail of the machinery that we build and sell and those pieces that we obtain from our vendors; notably NEWTEC and Haith, a company that has chosen Fox Solutions as their exclusive U.S. distributor.”
Some of the key features include more videos for each piece of machinery that Fox Solutions now handles, and with better pictures and brochures for each model. All the videos are posted on YouTube as well, and the site links to them so that individuals searching “machinery” on YouTube can find it.
So, how does this align with Fox Solutions' business model? “Our workforce at Fox Solutions is one of the most experienced in the packaging machinery end of the business. This means that we have been selling the NEWTEC brand and Haith and C-PACK models for years and years, and that always brings us repeat and referral customers. But, a revised website with much more information makes it easier for new customers to find us and see what we can offer them.”
As for PMA Fresh Summit, Fox Solutions along with NEWTEC, will be exhibiting the new 4010XXB1 weigher - it’s “the first of its kind for whole produce” as Ed tells me, which can be seen in the video below.
“Instead of traditional vibrators, the 4010XXB1 weigher uses conveyors to move product. So, for big product, oddly shaped products, and big weighments, it sets the new standard and puts everyone else behind the 8-ball. We have nick-named this new weigher ‘Conweigher’ as a nod to its conveyor application,” Ed says. “The new 4010XXB1 weigher is compact, simple and extremely fast and accurate. This is ideal for packers tired of giving away the farm, weight-wise. When packing big bags or boxes it offers quick payback in labor and weight savings.”
To check out these latest innovations from Fox Solutions and NEWTEC, visit PMA Fresh Summit booth #4537 in Atlanta, Georgia.
PHARR, TX - “Nearly 60 percent of the fresh produce that comes [through Texas] from Mexico makes its way through our point of entry and we are making strategic investments to build the infrastructure from within the port, in order to increase efficiencies,” Luis A. Bazán, Interim Bridge Director for the City of Pharr International Bridge, tells me. “We are the only full service commercial bridge in the region, meaning that we are quicker to cater to industry needs, based on our current services, infrastructure and technology.”
As of today, October 13, the value of goods that have crossed the bridge total approximately $22,414,174,934, according to the Pharr International Bridge website.
The growth in Pharr, Texas, has ramped up in leaps-and-bounds in recent years as the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge serves as one of the most important ports of entry for the U.S.-Mexico border. The growth, while already substantial, is only the beginning as the city continues to create business opportunities for produce companies, manufacturing plants and expands through short and long term projects.
Currently, the City of Pharr has a project underway called the Border Safety Inspection Facility Connector (BSIF). While still in the design phase, this project will allow certified companies, vetted by the federal government, along with empty trucks to bypass the importation process.
“The BSIF will allow for 30 percent of the commercial trucks that cross into Pharr each day to bypass the import process,” Luis says. “To give you a more concrete idea of what that means, approximately 800 trucks will be processed through this new venture allowing for more capacity on the bridge and making the flow of commercial trade a speedier process.”
Mondays and Fridays are the busiest, and most congested days, at the Pharr Bridge, and no doubt a focal point of Pharr’s investments. It is important to the growth in Pharr that the city can limit wait times. “At the end of the day, our goal is to be more efficient by reducing wait times and speeding up the inspection process. All our current projects and future projects aim to do just that,” Luis adds.
“Our work with the state and federal government is allowing us to build a better infrastructure inside the port of entry,” Luis notes.
The city, along with GSA, CBP, TXDOT and USDOT-FMCSA, plan to complete the project in late 2016, pending GSA approval. The City of Pharr has also been in MOU’s with Customs and Border Protection as wells as the GSA as of last week to launch four new projects that will help increase efficiencies.
“We are currently the number one bridge for avocados and number two in tomatoes for Mexican produce to be distributed throughout the U.S.,” Luis adds. “It really is about location, location, location. We are a mecca for distribution being connected naturally and directly to Mexico, North-Northeastern U.S., which is where you’ll find the highest population density and biggest markets, Canada and beyond.
And from talking to Luis I can see that location definitely is key. With Pharr’s location, and the help of the new Mazatlan-Matamoros superhighway, also dubbed Supervía, the Pharr port of entry can help suppliers save as much as 600 to 700 miles of travel time when transporting to major markets in the Midwest and along the East Coast. Connecting Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Mexico to Pharr, Texas, this new route for produce transportation provides a more direct route to customers, along with up to $3,000 in fuel savings and nearly 16 hours in travel time round-trip.
The state of Sinaloa is what some call the breadbasket of Mexico with nearly 70-80 percent of fruits and vegetables originating from this state. The city has seen a significant rise in the number of importers and brokers who are based in Arizona but are expanding their operations’ presence in Texas, particularly in Pharr.
“This is a business decision that makes sense for many of these importers as the new highway in Mexico creates a pipeline through South Texas for a faster and less expensive route, the path of least resistance, if you will, to cities in the North-Northeastern part of the U.S., as well as Canada,” Luis tells me as we wrap up our conversation.
As Pharr continues to grow as a Mecca for distribution, the city has a need to create more space so that potential produce suppliers and brokers can lay their foundations. So, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow as we take a look at what other projects Pharr has in store to bolster the growing economy.
WENATCHEE, WA - The “Apple Capital of the World” got a visit from seven national food writers last month, getting an up close and personal tour from CMI. The three-day tour of Wenatchee held from September 24-27 was organized by the company to educate top-tier food writers on how its latest Ambrosia™ apple variety is grown and distributed.
The participating food writers and editors were from digital and print publications including Saveur, Every Day with Rachael Ray, FoodNetwork.com, The Nibble, The Daily Meal, Gluten Free Girl and the Chef, and Meal Makeover Moms. In total, the outlets influence more than 35 million consumers through their print and online presence, according to a press release.
"It was amazing to get up close and personal with Ambrosia™ apples and really understand all that it takes to grow premium fruit," said Summer Whitford, an Editor at the Daily Meal. "When you see the care, attention and investment that goes into cultivating these orchards, you really appreciate the hard work and vision of growers like the McDougall family.”
The writers had the opportunity to visit several Ambrosia™ orchards to see the careful and complex work required to produce a top ten highest selling apple. After visiting a seedling nursery, writers were also able to participate in a live grafting exercise and observe the process of cultivating the Ambrosia™variety from a root stock.
Emily Lee, a Digital Content Contributor to FoodNetwork.com, says she was surprised by the modern horticultural practices used at McDougall and Sons packing facility, adding, “The whole process, from planting trees to picking and packing is far more sophisticated than I expected. From the gleaming facility, impressive tools and technology used for packing, and ultimately the quality of the fruit, there is no doubt that Ambrosia™ has earned their new Top 10 status.”
Food writers were able to hand-pick Ambrosia™ apples right off the trees, the company said, and enjoyed two days of orchard themed menus featuring locally harvested fruits and vegetables. From Ambrosia™ apple-glazed wild Alaska salmon, to curried apple and squash soup, lavender honey bruschetta with Ambrosia™ apple chutney, buckboard apple bacon fire-grilled pizzas and Whistle Punk Ambrosia™ sorbet, Ambrosia™ apples provided culinary inspiration for all attendees.
Shauna Ahern James, the “Gluten Free Girl”, said she was inspired by the culinary treasures of Wenatchee, adding that she has never eaten this well on any press trip before.
“Food writers have a powerful story to tell - and these writers are masterful storytellers who can bring Ambrosia's story to life for mainstream America,” said Bryon McDougall, Co-Owner of McDougall and Sons, adding that the family was excited to welcome the influential group.
Ambrosia™ apples are available year-round to all retailers, according to a press release, and Nielsen data reveals that in total sales dollars, Ambrosia™ passed Braeburn to become the 10th best selling apple variety nationally during the 2014-15 apple season. Ambrosia™ also had one of the highest growth rates among all top 10 varieties, with Nielsen data showing Ambrosia™ distribution increased by 30% up to 48% nationally during the last season.
SALISBURY, NC - Food Lion has made the largest investment in its history, putting $250 million into the Raleigh, North Carolina market.
"Food Lion has been a proud neighbor in the Raleigh community for 40 years," Meg Ham, President of Food Lion, said in a press release, adding that this is a significant investment in the community to provide its consumers with a new grocery shopping experience where they can easily find fresh, quality products at affordable prices. “We invite our customers to come out and experience 'How Life is Better with the Lion' at Food Lion and let us know what you think of the new stores."
According to the release, the investment includes:
- Fully remodeling stores
- Lowering prices on thousands of items
- Fresher produce, an expanded selection of natural and organic items, quality meats, and a dedicated gluten-free section
- Investing in associates with promotions and hires
- Consumer-centric training for its 10,000 associates
- Investments in the community
"With every change we made in our stores, we had our customers at the forefront with a key focus on how we can better connect with those we serve to make their life a little easier and a little better," Ham said. "That's why we not only invested in the stores, but invested in promoting the great associates we already had at Food Lion and in new talent by redoubling our hiring efforts this year.”
Ham added that this was also why the company has formed a “big and lasting” partnership with a local food bank, and why it is celebrating the anniversary of four decades with a free grocery giveaway to the first 100 customers to come into the any of the greater Raleigh market stores tomorrow, October 14th.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The USDA has restricted three produce businesses for failure to pay reparation awards under the Perishable Agriculture Commodities Act (PACA).
According to a press release from the USDA, the following businesses and individuals are currently restricted from operating in the produce industry:
- Stea Bros. Inc., a Philadelphia, Pennsylvania-based company, has been barred for failure to pay an $117,027 award in favor of a California seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Frank Stea was listed as the Officer, Director, and major stockholder of the business. He has challenged his responsibly connected status.
- New World Wholesale Inc., a Jessup, Maryland-based company, has failed to pay a $5,620 award in favor of a Texas seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Sang S. Kim was listed as the Officer, Director, and major stockholder of the business.
- Lanes Consulting Firm LLC , doing business as Rocco’s Produce, a Wheat Ridge, Colorado-based company, has failed to pay a $97,897 award in favor of an Indiana seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Jacob Howes was listed as a member of the business.
The 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, the USDA resolved approximately 4,250 PACA claims involving more than $77 million.
The Agricultural Marketing Service, PACA Division, regulates fair trading practices of produce businesses operating subject to PACA.
COLUSA, CA - PMA Fresh Summit is now less than two weeks away, and Sakata has one item in particular it wants you to have on your must-see list—Infinite Gold melons.
This long-shelf-life (LSL) melon has been quickly gaining popularity for its ability to last on the shelf without sacrificing full flavor. In an effort to educate about the benefits of this revolutionary LSL melon, Sakata Seed America has released a new Infinite Gold video that highlights the features and benefits of the melon not only for growers, but for retail, food service, and consumers alike. You can watch the video for yourself below!
On top of Sakata’s new video, the company is also announcing a new website, InfiniteCantaloupe.com, where retailers and consumers both can become educated about Infinite Gold and the entire LSL melon revolution. Even more hands on, interested parties can stop by Sakata’s booth #1535 at PMA Fresh Summit, where the entire Infinite Gold team will be on-site ready to answer questions and provide the full Infinite Gold experience, according to a release.
Last, but not least, Infinite Gold by Sakata is also announcing its sponsorship of Tour de Fresh rider, DMA’s own Brock Nemecek, for this year’s race. Along with the goal of raising $6,000 for the induction of two salad bars to schools across America, Infinite Gold will be at the finish line to greet riders with champagne upon completion of their charitable journey. According to the company, anyone who donates $10 or more to team Infinite Gold by October 15th will automatically be entered to win the Ultimate Infinite Gold Margarita Basket (valued at over $100).
To donate, you can visit the Riders page on the Tour de Fresh website here, and find Infinite Gold and Brock Nemecek.
SALINAS, CA - Haven’t you heard of BroccoLeaf™ yet?
If not, you’re about to. According to Foxy Fresh Produce, what is rapidly becoming known as the new “it” superfood is becoming increasingly recognized on restaurant and juice menus.
“As we continue to grow BroccoLeaf sales at retail, there has been steady movement from restaurants looking to incorporate BroccoLeaf™ into their menus and juicing companies using BroccoLeaf as an ingredient in their juice recipes," Matt Seeley, Vice President of Marketing, tells me. "This proves the versatility of the product as well as its growing consumer acceptance."
As we previously reported, some have been asking if this would be the next hot trend in the leafy green category since its introduction. Now BroccoLeaf™ is featured in varying dishes for the following food outlets:
- Chopt Creative Salad Company
- Jrink, a Washington, D.C. based juice company.
- Organic Gemini, a New York based health food company.
BroccoLeaf™ by Foxy Produce only hit the national grocery market last year, but the packaged broccoli leaves that are the only organic, non-GMO product of its kind can be found across the nation on menus for both restaurants and juicing companies.
To watch Foxy Fresh Produce’s Vice President of Operations, Tom Nunes, talk about the serendipitous discovery of BroccoLeaf™, see the 90 second video below.
Chopt Creative Salad, a fast food salad chain based on the East Coast, currently features the product in its “Destination Bowl.” This rotating two month special is inspired by a specific destination looks to introduce consumers to unique ingredients and menu items, according to a press release.
For this rotation, the superfood is featured in the destination “Berkley Bowl,” which is available in all 30 of the chain’s stores through late November. Among ingredients like kale, avocado, charred red onion, chickpeas, celery, a blend of rye berry and quinoa, and lemon tahini, the dish highlights marinated BroccoLeaf™.
In Washington D.C., juice company Jrink incorporates BroccoLeaf™ in its “Stateside Superfood.” Made to be a “bone builder,” this composition is available both in stores and online. Along with the leaf, the item uses wheatgrass, coconut cream, coconut water, vanilla bean, cucumber, pear, and lime to keep consumer’s PH in check.
Foxy’s new superfood star is also a key ingredient in Organic Gemini’s TigerNut Horchata + Green. Also available in store and online alike, this item uses TigerNuts, which are naturally sweet and nutrient dense, cold press in biodynamically filtered water that is then married with BroccoLeaf™.
“As more people become familiar with BroccoLeaf, its nutritional and flavor profile and versatility, we continue to grow sales in all distribution channels," Matt said. "We’ve built and excellent foundation with our core users and plan to grow BroccoLeaf sales significantly in 2016.”
You can learn more about Foxy Fresh Produce’s BroccoLeaf™ by visiting http://thebroccoleaf.com.
NIWOT, CO - The Charleston grocery market is heating up, with Lucky’s looking to break into the area for its first South Carolina location.
“We are looking in the Charleston area, but don’t have a lease signed or any official news to share at this point,” the chain’s Public Relations Consultant, Krista Torvik, said, according to The Post and Courier.
While nothing has been finalized, Lucky’s is eyeing a former Food Lion location in West Ashley, according to the report.
As we previously reported, the retail chain is one that has expanded rapidly and looks forward to pushing that further.
“We’re looking to compete with the premium markets in terms of quality and merchandising, and to compete with conventional markets on price," Peter Gialantzis, Lucky’s Vice President of Purchasing, told our sister publication, The Snack Magazine. "Lucky’s is a young, local company. We aspire to grow decade-long partnerships and foster partnerships that are sustainable. We’ve grown quickly, and we will continue to grow quickly.”
If the deal goes through, South Carolina will be the 12th state on Lucky’s location list, including its home base of Colorado. Other markets the chain currently resides in include:
- Florida
- Georgia
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kentucky
- Michigan
- Missouri
- Monyana
- Ohio
- Wyoming
Lucky’s Market has prided itself on favoring locally grown, natural products since its inception in 2003, meaning the brand’s intentions to crack into yet another market could extend not only the specialty grocery category for the Charleston area, but its produce offerings as well.
AndNowUKnow will follow this and other developing retail moves as they continue to impact the produce industry.
SOUTHWESTERN U.S. - With new evidence of El Niño being at a 95% chance of lasting through the winter, many meteorologists are beginning to bank on the system bringing serious drought relief to California this season.
The next week or so in particular is expected to bring more substantial drought relief to the entire Southwest region, as an El Niño-fueled weather pattern begins to take shape on Wednesday and into the weekend, AccuWeather reports.
"This is as close as you're going to get to a sure thing," said Bill Patzert, a Climatologist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, saying this El Niño is now, "too big to fail," at relieving some of California's drought.
Initially, just a few showers and thunderstorms will hit southern California on Wednesday, but the number will both increase and move farther inland on Thursday. For this weekend, most of the shower and thunderstorm activity will be across Arizona and into Mexico, but a new storm is expected to move off of the Pacific Ocean and increase moisture across California once again. According to AccuWeather, Sunday may give California its most widespread and beneficial rain, but added that this chance will continue to be monitored as the week continues.
Depending on where the storm moves now, this new storm could bring wet weather to San Diego, Los Angeles and all the way through to San Francisco. Rainfall will continue to be come increasingly common throughout the winter months due to El Niño, AccuWeather says, bringing even more chances of drought-combatting rain.
"A pattern of increased cloud cover and greater chances for rainfall will spring to life in the last week or two of October as an El Niño-dominated weather regime springs to life across the United States," AccuWeather Meteorologist Ben Noll said. "Meaningful rain will stretch from the Southwest into Texas and the southern Plains, and, in some instances, bring the risk for flooding.”
AccuWeather Expert Long-Range Forecaster Paul Pastelok also chimed in on El Niño’s potential effects on California’s climate, confirming that the 2015-2016 season may yield triple the amount of snow than last year and could fill reservoirs into spring and early summer.
For more on El Niño and California’s drought, keep tuning in to AndNowUKnow’s weather coverage.
CAROL STREAM, IL – Blue Book Services is bringing its up-to-the-minute business information to the new age with the release of its new mobile app, now available for iPhone or Android smartphones.
Members can now access Blue Book information directly on their mobile device. The app offers several in-demand features for suppliers, buyers, brokers, and transporters, including the capability to search for companies by location, rating, commodity, and business classification; direct-dial from a phone number; link to a map or business location; and much more.
Check out the app for yourself by clicking one of the buttons below.
Download Blue Book Services for iPhone
Download Blue Book Services for Android
Jim Carr, President and CEO of Blue Book Services, expressed his excitement for the launch of the mobile app, stating in a press release that having access to real-time business information 24/7 allows members to “make better decisions to grow sales and effectively manage business risk.”
“Our mission is to provide businesses in the global fresh produce industry with the best resources to succeed,” Carr added. “The new mobile app answers this pledge.”
Users can search for companies by name, location, their trade practices and/or credit worth ratings, commodity, and more.
The app also provides members an easier way to streamline a trip to visit a group of customers by creating “Watchdog Groups.” A “Watchdog Group” organizes the companies that a user will be visiting and allows them to find the most direct route to their location, as well as find prospective customers near their location.
Mark Erickson, Blue Book’s CIO and Senior Vice President, said in a press release that the mobile app is a "valuable tool" included with Blue Book membership.
“Whether a sales person needs a buyer’s contact information or a credit manager needs to check a rating before finalizing a sale, the app provides this information quickly,” he said.
That’s not all Blue Book has in store. The company invites PMA Fresh Summit expo attendees to visit booth #2735 to see all the new and exciting innovations the company has to share this year.