RANCHO CORDOVA, CA - Garden Highway™, a Renaissance Food Group (RFG) brand, is teaming up with Tessemae’s All Natural and Whole Foods Midwest to deliver Crop Circles, a national event designed to bring fresh fruit and vegetables and an awareness of living a healthy life to food deserts across America.
"As American’s shift their focus towards the importance of a fresh and healthy lifestyle, we are finding that too many communities are still underserved without access to daily fruit and vegetables,” said Jim Catchot, President of RFG. “Crop Circles is working towards a goal of educating, empowering, and equipping residents of the communities we serve with this great event."
To learn more about the Crop Circles event and food deserts, watch the video below:
The Crop Circles event, taking place this Saturday, August 22nd from 10:00am to 3:00pm will feature a pop-up style Farmers Market with a free produce giveaway at TEAM Englewood Academy in the Englewood neighborhood of Chicago, IL. This is the second event of its kind, following a first successful event in Compton, CA, with over 3,000 residents in expected attendance.
According to a press release, all attendees will receive a free tote to fill with a variety of fruit and vegetables. In addition to the free produce, including Garden Highway™ brand cut fruit and vegetables, the event will include a variety of booths featuring wellness-based companies, a celebrity appearance, competition-style cook-off, and a live DJ.
Caito Foods, a fresh-cut processor and distributor out of Indianapolis, IN, helped to secure 20,000 pounds of donated produce, as will donate transportation for all product to the event site.
Renaissance Food Group Caito Foods Tessemae’s All Natural Whole Foods Market
HOLLYWOOD, CA - Last night, the always funny comedian and host Jimmy Kimmel brought First Lady Michelle Obama on Jimmy Kimmel Live to raise awareness for the star-filled campaign produce campaign, FNV.
FNV, or the cool way to refer to "fruits and vegetables,” aims to give produce the star treatment by marketing produce more like its big-brand counterparts, such as Nike and Apple.
In her most recent TV spot for the campaign, First Lady Michelle Obama teamed up with “regular man” Jimmy Kimmel to help encourage kids to eat healthy, but one key misunderstanding about what FNV stand for had the audience laughing out loud. Watch the video below or check out our recap for the hilarious exchange:
“FNV, as in eat your effin’ vegetables,” Kimmel said. “I know what the ‘F’ stands for, I have HBO.”
Obama, exasperated with the TV host, emphasized, “The F stands for fruit… It’s fruit… Just fruit…”
Despite FLOTUS’ explanation, Kimmel never quite grasped what the FNV PSA was all about. There was a happy ending, however, as Obama graciously bestowed Kimmel with a tomato as a parting gift.
To learn more about FNV, check out a previous article on the celebrity-packed produce movement.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The USDA has barred 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:
- Global Fresh Inc., a Los Angeles, California-based company has failed to pay a $26,900 award in favor of a Tennessee seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Guillermo Alvarado was listed as the Officer, Director, and major stockholder of the business.
- LA Central Produce LLC, a Forest Park, Georgia-based company, failed to pay a $140,693 award in favor of a Texas seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Juan C. Dorantes Bustamante and Jose J. Morales were listed as members of the business.
- Ideal Sales Inc., a Dallas, Texas-based company, failed to pay a $12,480 award in favor of a California seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Jason Labarba was listed as the Officer, Director, and major stockholder 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. USDA experts have also assisted more than 7,000 callers with issues valued at approximately $110 million. Individuals, including sole proprietors, Partners, members, Managers, Officers, Directors, or major stockholders may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee without the approval of the USDA. The Agricultural Marketing Service, PACA Division, regulates fair trading practices of produce businesses operating subject to PACA.
KINGSVILLE, ON - Team Mucci is gearing up to complete the ultimate challenge for a worthy cause: 50K for $50K.
CEO Bert Mucci, President Danny Mucci, COO Gianni Mucci, and Key Account Manager Nick Williamson will run from Amherstburg to the Mucci Farms corporate headquarters in Kingsville on November 1 in an effort to raise $50,000 for Make-A-Wish® Southwestern Ontario. The proceeds from the 50K Ultramarathon will allow Mucci Farms to fulfill the wishes of five children and their families.
“Every time I think running 50K might be hard or almost impossible to finish, I think of the smiles on the children’s faces when their wishes are granted because of our fundraising efforts,” Danny Mucci said in a press release. “Then it makes our part seem easy, compared to their life challenges.”
Make-A-Wish Foundation’s mission is to grant the wishes of children that face life threatening medical conditions.
“Speaking with people who have personally experienced the joy of having a wish granted really pulls at your heartstrings and confirms we have chosen to support an incredible charitable organization,” said Emily Murracas, Mucci Farms’ Marketing Coordinator.
With the goal of “fulfilling wishes every step of the way,” Team Mucci is proud to make this major contribution to the community and continue supporting local charitable events.
AndNowUKnow wishes Team Mucci all the best, and we look forward to seeing their progress.
HOUSTON, TX - Sysco has appointed Nelson Peltz and Josh Frank of Trian Partners to its Board of Directors, just one week after the investment firm became the largest individual shareholder in the food distributor.
There are big expectations for the hedge fund billionaire, most of which have to do with how he plans to improve operating margins for the company in the wake of its failed merger with US Foods. Prior to his appointment to the Board, Trian held brief discussions with Bill DeLaney, Sysco’s Chief Executive, and Chairman Jackie L. Ward to find ways to return cash to shareholders, better align compensation with the company’s performance, and enhance the company’s value.
“Sysco is a leader in its business, and we believe it is undervalued and has tremendous long-term potential,” Peltz said in a press release. “As Sysco’s largest shareholder with an approximate 7.1 percent ownership position, we welcome the opportunity to work consecutively with the Board and management.”
Last week, Sysco shares surged by approximately 8 percent after news broke of Trian’s $1.6 billion stake in the company.
The new appointments will increase the board size to 12 members, 10 of whom are independent.
Peltz has previously served as a Director in a number of food businesses, including Wendy’s, Mondelez International, and H.J. Heinz Company. Frank has played a leading role in many of Trian’s investments in the consumer sector, as well as numerous investments across other industries.
“Nelson and Josh will bring our Board an informed perspective based on their significant experience in the food products industry,” said Ward. “We have engaged in constructive dialogue with Nelson and Josh and look forward to benefiting from their insights and contributions.”
DeLaney added that he respects Trian’s experience and values the perspective they bring as the company continues to build on its momentum to enhance long-term shareholder value.
Sysco plans to repurchase an incremental $3 billion in Sysco shares over the next two years, and expects to share further details regarding its strategic initiatives during its Investor Day on September 15.
Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow as we continue to share any further developments.
PULLACH, GERMANY - IFCO Systems has announced it will acquire the remaining two-thirds of IFCO Japan it did not already own, in a transaction that places an enterprise value on IFCO Japan of $39.7 million.
“Gaining full ownership of IFCO Japan is a key strategic step for IFCO in the continued expansion of our reusable plastic crate (RPC) business, which serves retailers and fresh food producers in most of the world’s major economies,” said IFCO Systems’ CEO, Wolfgang Orgeldinger. “The transaction offers a strong internal rate of return as it stands, with upside available as we focus on improving sales and marketing disciplines and driving stronger returns, including through potential synergies with IFCO globally."
IFCO Japan is one of two established RPC poolers in Japan. Founded in 1995 and, prior to full acquisition by IFCO parent company Brambles, IFCO Japan was jointly owned by Mitsubishi Plastics, IFCO, and Meiji Rubber & Chemical. The company has service centres in Gifu and Saitama near the cities of Nagoya and Tokyo respectively and employs 30 people.
The business serves a diverse customer base comprising leading Japanese retailers, fresh produce growers, cooperatives and wholesales. According to the company, IFCO Japan generated sales revenue of $24.7 million and EBITDA of $6.7 million in the Japanese financial year 2015. Key management will remain with the business.
Orgeldinger also confirmed that this acquisition was IFCO Systems’ largest investment in Japan to date, and will complement its ongoing assessment of opportunities in the RPCs segment and elsewhere in Asia.
CHICAGO, IL - At this year’s United Fresh conference in Chicago, IL, I spoke with Pete Overgaag, President and CEO of Hollandia Produce about the company’s Organic Butter Lettuce and Organic Watercress programs.
“What’s special about our products is that we grow them hydroponically in the greenhouse, and by doing so we’re able to leave the roots on when we harvest them,” Pete tells me. “Hydroponics are really in the spotlight in a good way at the moment, especially in California because of the drought. Hydroponics conserve a lot of water versus regular farming.”
Pete also showed me Hollandia’s clamshells, or what they refer to as “mini greenhouses.” These are used to protect the lettuces so the consumers can bring them home while they are at the peak of quality. Hollandia’s living watercress is also bagged to maintain the same high standard for quality.
To learn more about Hollandia’s Living Lettuce programs, watch my full interview with Pete Overgaag in the video above.
KANSAS CITY, KS - Associated Wholesale Grocers’ Board of Directors has announced that current company EVP of Operations David Smith has been selected to succeed Jerry Garland as President and CEO beginning in January of next year.
David has had a long and successful career in the food industry, beginning as an independent store owner and then rising the ranks to work in various assignments at the wholesale level in positions with Fleming Companies nearly 30 years ago. David joined AWG in 2003 and opened the new Gulf Coast Division in Louisiana in 2013 as Senior Vice President, General Manager, according to a press release.
“AWG is fortunate to have someone as experienced in family-owned businesses as David with an experienced leadership team in place to support his efforts,” said Barry Queen, Chairman of the Board for AWG. “The AWG board has worked closely with Jerry over the past few years on a succession plan that will provide a smooth transition and continue the momentum that the company and our members have benefited from over his time as CEO.”
Jerry has been serving AWG as President and CEO since 2009, and has grown the company into a nine billion dollar wholesale cooperative operating nine distribution centers. During his tenure the company says that sales have grown by 31%, increasing net income by 70% while lowering operating expenses.
Barry added, “On behalf of the entire membership we want to thank Jerry for his 25 years of service and particularly for the outstanding results during his tenure as CEO.”
The Board of Directors announced that Jerry will continue to serve AWG in an advisory capacity after the transition is complete, as well as continue his role of Chairman of the Food Marketing Institute until the end of his current term.
LA CAÑADA FLINTRIDGE, CA - The Allen Lund Company has been named one of Food Logistics’ Top 3PL & Cold Storage Providers for 2015.
David Lund, Vice President of Sales and Operations, said in a statement that the company was honored to be chosen as a Top 3PL and Cold Storage Provider.
“We want to thank the hard work of our employees, and their exemplary customer service, for helping the company achieve this listing,” said Lund. “Our carriers and customers are deeply appreciated and we respect their loyalty to the company throughout the years.”
Food Logistics is a publication that is dedicated to global supply chain solutions for the food and beverage industry. The Top 3PL & Cold Storage Providers serves as a resource guide of third-party logistics and cold storage providers whose products and services are critical for companies in the global food and beverage supply chain.
This year’s list of providers reveals that more providers are adding new services to their portfolios to meet industry demands, including compliance with food safety and transportation regulations, according to Food Logistics. These same 3PLs and cold storage providers are improving their existing services to achieve more accuracy, improved efficiencies, and cost reductions.
This is the next honorary title in a series of awards the Allen Lund Company has won since its establishment. Among these previous awards, the Allen Lund Company was also selected as a 2015 Top 100 Logistics IT Provider by Inbound Logistics.
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - Tanimura & Antle and The Produce Mom® have announced that together they have launched a #FamilyFarming Campaign to bring consumer awareness to Tanimura & Antle’s company blog, titled Family Farming.
“At Tanimura & Antle, we pride ourselves in being innovative conventional farmers and true stewards of the land,” says Caitlin Antle-Wilson, Sales & Marketing Director at Tanimura & Antle. “Our blog, Family Farming, as well as our partnership with The Produce Mom, are great ways for Tanimura & Antle to share our story.”
Including a Pinterest contest to encourage consumers to follow Tanimura & Antle on Pinterest, the campaign encourages social sharing of specific blog content. Particularly, the company would like to highlight Brian Antle’s recent Forbes Award for Plant Tape, sustainable hydroponic farming, and factual answers to common consumer inquiries surrounding farming practices, produce shelf life, and at-home vegetable preparation.
“The celebration of Tanimura & Antle as an American Family Farm is ideal for Labor Day conversation on Social Media,” elaborates Lori Taylor, Founder of The Produce Mom. “Tanimura & Antle consistently pays tribute to their farm workers, through programs such as the T&A 20 Year Club, housing developments, and more. I’m excited to tell the #FamilyFarming story!”
According to a press release, the #FamilyFarming Pinterest contest will run through September 2, 2015. Blog posts, social media promotion, and fresh produce giveaways will also be part of the #FamilyFarming campaign, so stay tuned!