PLEASANTON, CA - Welcome to What’s In Store.
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Thank you for watching What’s In Store.
BANCROFT, WI – Tasteful Selections is launching a new campaign with non-profit organization Katie’s Krops to take action in the fight against hunger.
The campaign, dubbed “Meet Your Grower,” highlights local Katie’s Krops growers and educates customers about local hunger relief efforts. In addition, for every specially marked bag of Tasteful Selections’ Ruby Sensation and Honey Gold potatoes sold from October through January, the company will donate a portion of the profits to Katie’s Krops as part of the campaign, according to a press release.
Tasteful Selections will provide select retailers with customized demonstrations, display contests and POS materials this fall to promote the campaign.
Russell Wysocki, President and CEO of RPE Inc., and Co-Owner of Tasteful Selections, said that part of the aim this year is to help raise awareness about Katie’s Krops and end hunger.
“We want to make it easier for people to support those in need within their own communities, especially during the holiday season,” said Russell Wysocki, President and CEO of RPE Inc., and Co-Owner of Tasteful Selections.
This is the third year Tasteful Selections has partnered with Katie’s Krops and Founder and Chief Executive Gardener Katie Stagliano.
“This year’s campaign provides a great opportunity to engage and educate the public about Katie’s Krops mission and how proceeds from the sale of the Katie’s Krops Tasteful Selections packages can really make a difference for those in need in their local communities.”
Katie’s Krops donates thousands of fresh produce to organizations helping people in need from Katie’s flagship garden in South Carolina and by awarding grants to youth-led gardens. There are currently over 80 Katie’s Krops gardens growing across the country in 30 states. The goal is to create and maintain 500 gardens nationwide.
RPE and Tasteful Selections will continue to donate proceeds from packages of Tasteful Selections potatoes to help fund Katie’s Krops gardens.
HOKKAIDO, JAPAN - Short of watching the Harry Potter movies, you’re not likely to walk into an area and find yourself surrounded by a bunch of floating pumpkins.
Unless you’re in Naganuma, Hokkaido, one of the largest producers of pumpkins in Japan.
According to The Japan News, Naganuma farmers have begun using aeroculture (agriculture suspended off the ground) to grow kabocha pumpkins.
“I can harvest the pumpkins standing up, without having to bend at the waist,” Junya Nagamori, Manager of a the Shinsei Shoji greenhouse farm, told Naohiro Yoshida and Yomiuri Shimbun of The Japan News. “It’s also cooler in the greenhouses during summer because the vines block the sun.”
Not only does this method help cool the greenhouse, which is important in Japan’s tropical climate, but the growers also say that the suspension helps provide better color to the gourds by giving sun exposure to the parts that would normally be buried.
Having come to be known as “flying pumpkins” in the area, Masaei Takada, owner of Shinsei Shoji, told the reporters that these pumpkins have better quality and texture than on average this year. As a result, the company’s pumpkins were trading for a higher price than conventionally soil-grown pumpkins at about ¥3,000 (about $25) per 10 kilograms (about 22 pounds). That’s more than a dollar per pound of pumpkin.
Hokkaido’s prefectural government also credits the area’s extreme differences in daytime and nighttime temperatures, The Japan News reports, for contribution to what is described as delicious pumpkins with both a crumbly and soft texture.
So while the method may appear a little strange and spooky, especially at this time of year, it also appears to be effective.
PERU - Retailers, get ready to promote. Asparagus volume will be ramping up within the coming weeks as new fields in Ica, Peru come into production.
Despite the recent fluctuating market, growers are now responding with improved volumes from both Peru and Baja and, as a result, supplies should be excellent for the next couple of months.
This is an exciting time of year for Southern Specialties and Gourmet Trading. Both companies are looking forward to fantastic overall quality from the new fields in southern Peru, but will continue to monitor volumes and yields as they approach the year’s end.
“We have good quality as we did last year,” said Carlos Solf, Southern Specialties’ Director of Procurement. “Demand has been good as well. There are a lot of opportunities to promote small sizes, which have great flavor, cook quicker, and have more stalks to the pound. We can provide excellent quality at prices that provide great value to the consumer.”
Lately, the market has been variable with significant peaks and valleys, Solf added. The Guanajuato harvest this season ended somewhat faster than usual, which kept supplies on the short-end for late August and for most of September. Subsequently, prices were pushed up to levels not usually seen for this time of year. With the improving volumes and the softening airfreight rates, however, market pricing should start to adjust.
“The recent lack of volume and related high prices did stall retail movement,” said Gourmet Trading’s Jan McDaniels, Sales. “Volumes have significantly increased from the new fields over the past week so we are expecting excellent supplies for the next couple of months. The improving volumes from both Peru and Baja, coupled with the softening airfreight rates, are allowing the market pricing to adjust so we can restart volume shipping and promotions with all sectors.”
As of October 1, 2015, the USDA reported prices of Peruvian imported asparagus at South Florida at $17.00 - $21.00 for jumbo sizes, $17.00 - $20.00 for extra large sizes, $17.00 - $20.00 for large sizes, $16.00 - $18.00 for standard sizes, and $11.00 - $14.00 for small sizes.
McDaniels added that Gourmet Trading is excited to work with increasing volumes of non-fumigated asparagus from the company’s Baja fields, especially for its West Coast customers.
“The improving volumes are also allowing us to expand the bagged asparagus program to better service our retail and food service customers,” said McDaniels. “We are looking forward to great volume from both regions for the October and November period.”
Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow as we continue to track the asparagus market.
UNITED STATES - Hurricane Joaquin has now officially been upgraded to a Category 4 storm by the National Hurricane Center, and is still on track to potentially affect the eastern United States.
"Hurricane Joaquin is now an extremely dangerous Category 4 Hurricane wreaking havoc in the central and eastern Bahamas tonight through Friday morning," explained ABC News Meteorologist Melissa Griffin. "It then turns north and begins a weakening trend."
There’s still "a lot of uncertainty" about whether it will hit the East Coast, National Hurricane Center Director Rick Knabb said in a news conference on Thursday as the warm waters in the Bahamas brought the storm up to a 130 mph Category 4.
“We still don't know where Joaquin will go next,” Craig Fugate, the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency also mentioned at yesterday's conference, saying the agency will not take any chances with the public’s safety.
"One way or the other, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and on up will get between 5 and 10 inches of rain—even without a direct landfall," CNN Meteorologist Chad Myers said. "If we get a landfall, we get 15 inches of rain and winds of 80 mph.
Even without direct landfall, Myers says, there will be significant flooding through the Carolinas, Virginia, and up the East Coast. Precautions are already underway in the region, with governors in the coastal states warning residents to be ready for wet storms, power outages, and road closures. So far, North Carolina, Virginia, and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie have declared states of emergencies for their states.
“The immediate threat is for severe flooding on Friday and Saturday, the second is tracking the path of Hurricane Joaquin as those forecasts become clearer over the next 24 to 72 hours,” Christie said in a statement.
For more on the pressing weather event, stay tuned as AndNowUKnow gives you the latest.
SALINAS, CA - Church Brothers is taking numerous steps to further food safety.
The company's Vice President of Quality Food Safety and Regulatory Affairs, Drew McDonald, has been nominated as the incoming Chair of the Center of Produce Safety’s (CPS) Technical Committee, as well as Vice Chair of the United Food Safety, Quality and Technology Council.
McDonald is a 21 year veteran of the leafy greens industry, having worked on both the buy-side and the supply-side. According to Church Brothers, he is well known for taking part in an LGMA digital series (below), where he shared his insights when it comes to creating a culture of food safety.
Steve Church, CEO of Church Brothers and Treasurer for the Leafy Greens Marketing Association, said the Church Brothers and True Leaf Farms support CPS in its campaign and are proud to have Drew be part of the effort.
“Safety for our products and our people is a key value at Church Brothers and True Leaf Farms; we believe in funding research that supports a safe, food supply chain,” Church said in the release.
In fact, in addition to McDonald’s recent nomination, the company and its processing arm True Leaf Farms have pledged $125,000 in support of the CPS campaign for produce safety.
As we previously reported, this is a major funding initiative designed to secure $20 million in funding for the cause over the next five years. The CPS itself is a collaborative partnership using the combined expertise of scientific, academic, industry, and government coming together to enhance food safety.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - Supervalu has just announced President and CEO Sam Duncan will be retiring from his positions on February 29, 2016, following the end of the Company’s fiscal year.
“SUPERVALU is a terrific organization and we have accomplished a great deal together during the past two and one-half years,” said Duncan. “I am also looking forward to finishing the year strong and continuing to drive sales and cash through my remaining time at the Company, as well as providing time and support to ensure a smooth transition for my successor. After 46 years in the grocery and retail business, this is a bittersweet moment, but I am also excited by the opportunity to have more time for my family and personal interests following my retirement."
Duncan has served as President and CEO of the company since February 2013 following its sale of five retail grocery banners to Albertsons. Under Duncan’s leadership and direction, Supervalu has repositioned its three core business segments: Independent Business, Save-A-Lot and its five remaining regional Retail Food banners, as well as helped deliver increases in shareholder value. According to a press release, Duncan at 63, is retiring to spend more time with his family in the Pacific Northwest.
“Sam has made a tremendous contribution to Supervalu during his tenure as President and CEO,” said Jerry Storch, Non-Executive Chairman of the Board. “He helped stabilize the business following the sale of the five retail grocery banners and has led a turnaround in the performance of the entire company including improving the performance of all three of its core business segments. The Company is in a better place today because of Sam’s leadership. The Board is very grateful and appreciative for Sam’s contributions to the Company.”
Storch also confirmed that the Board has already begun the process for naming the next CEO, and is considering both internal and external candidates.
Along with the revelation of Duncan’s announcement, Supervalu has also noted that Bruce Besanko has been promoted to the newly-created role of Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, who will now report to Sam Duncan. Susan Grafton has also been promoted to Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and will report to Bruce Besanko. Both appointments are effective immediately.
In his role as Chief Operating Officer, Besanko will have oversight of finance and the company’s independent business operations, five regional Retail Food banners, and the company’s merchandising, marketing, and pharmacy functions, according to a press release.
“I’m very pleased that Bruce has been promoted to the role of COO for our Company,” commented Duncan. “He has done a superb job as CFO for Supervalu, working with me and the leadership team on all aspects of the Company’s turnaround success. In this role, I am confident he’ll help lead our operations teams to successfully plan and execute against our future business strategies.”
Duncan also commented on Grafton’s new role, explaining that she has a tremendous financial background and has been instrumental in helping the company reposition its financial organization and the overall business.
The company also confirmed that this announcement will not impact its continued exploration of a separation of its Save-A-Lot business.
AVONDALE, PA - A major talking point at PMA’s Foodservice Expo was the Mushroom Council’s blending campaign, and To-Jo Mushrooms was right there to support this push to bring produce even more into the spotlight.
Peter Wilder, Marketing Director, To-Jo Mushrooms took the time to tell us some of the new initiatives the company has taken as the mushroom category continues to rise.
“[The Blend] is a new way of mixing mushrooms with meat or a variety of proteins to make a better burger, make a better meatloaf,” Pete tells us.
Among the focal points the company was showcasing were its chopped mushrooms, a move Pete tells us is convenient for foodservice operators.
“It’s a way to bring flavor to the plate, and save money at the same time while getting all the nutritional benefits of mushrooms,” he said.
Pete also discussed To-Jo’s new Foraged Fresh program, an opportunity for foodservice distributors to get specialty mushrooms. “We offer them a weekly flier, and then we’ll ship out the product via FedEx direct to their distribution center.”
To see our entire interview with Pete, as well as the products and details discussed, watch the short video above.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The USDA has imposed sanctions on two produce businesses in Texas for failure to pay reparation awards issued under PACA.
According to a USDA press release, the following businesses and individuals are now restricted from operating in the produce industry:
- Dallas-based Martinez Fresh Produce LLC, for failing to pay a $14,000 award in favor of a Texas seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Arturo Martinez Isguerra was listed as a member of the business.
- Lewisville-based Bartush Schnitzius Foods Company, for failing to pay a $45,076 award in favor of a California seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Wayne L. Musgrave and Jose M. Rubi were listed as the Officers, Directors, and/or major stockholders 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, USDA resolved approximately 4,250 PACA claims involving more than $77 million. Our experts also assisted more than 7,000 callers with issues valued at approximately $110 million. These are just two examples of how USDA continues to support the fruit and vegetable industry.
YERINGTON, NV - “Fight like a girl,” that’s the message that Peri & Sons Farms will be promoting between now and December. 2015 will be the sixth year for Peri & Sons Farms’ PINK Breast Cancer Awareness consumer onion packages.
“We intentionally kept the package style open, making it easily customizable to meet retailer’s needs. These bright, eye-catching bags can be packed with medium-sized white, yellow, red or sweet onions in 2lb, 3lb, 4lb or 5lb weights. We really want to get the packs into consumer’s hands, because we think the messaging is important, so pricing is moderate to keep retail prices attractive,” Jessica Peri, Retail Sales Manager, tells me.
These pink packs, filled with sweet or other onion varieties, are available at grocery stores across the nation and will include promotional packaging featuring consumer-engagement aspects such as a QR code that leads to a landing page.
“This landing page will feature free ‘longevity’ recipes expertly developed by cancer specialist and wellness cookbook author Rebecca Katz,” Director of Marketing and Consumer Relations, Teri Gibson, tells me. “Also on the package, consumers are invited to vote online for the charity that will receive Peri & Sons’ annual donation.”
Peri & Sons first introduced its pink promotion bags in 2010 in response to customers and retailers who were looking for a pink promotion to tie into the national campaign. The Boy & Girls Club of Mason Valley has been the charity nearest-and-dearest to the Peri family’s heart, but they also felt it was important to support the breast-cancer awareness movement within the entire produce industry.
“In our own little way, we wanted to heighten awareness for the wonderful research being done to find a cure for breast cancer, but we also wanted our message to be one of prevention through healthy eating habits. That theme, cooking and eating healthy food, is consistent throughout our marketing communications, whether to our customers or to our consumers,” Teri added.
Peri & Sons plans to continue promoting the message that eating well is the best form of healthcare, “If you can’t find time to eat healthy, there’s a very good chance you will eventually have to find time to treat illness.”
Donation recipients to date include National Breast Cancer Foundation, Breast Cancer Research Foundation, and Susan G. Komen /Northern Nevada.
To thank consumers for taking the time to vote for a charity and engage with the promotion, Peri & Sons offers a free “PINK” magnet.
Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow as we continue to rally for this cause across the industry.