NOGALES, AZ - Vision Produce Company has announced the beginning of its La Vision Honey Dew season, with the first harvest running between May 12 and mid-June.
Sam Aguiar, Sales at Vision’s Phoenix Division said, “This grower direct program has been extremely successful because it partners us once again with Agricola Los Chacuales, who also produces our cucumbers. Their dedication to quality, performance, and food safety is top notch.”
As we’ve previously reported, Vision began its partnership with Agricola Los Chacuales for the La Vision Cucumber program.
John Caldwell, VP of Sales Arizona said, "We are excited to develop another partnership in Caborca with Agricola La Chacuales and continue our growth in the region."
Caldwell continued that Agricola Los Chacuales are a socially responsible company that offers a safe work environment, competitive wages, and supports non-profit endeavors.
According to a press release, this is the 5th season for the La Vision label out of Caborca, Mexico and the grower is anticipating heavy volume in 5ct and 6ct to start.
SINT-KATELIJNE-WAVER, BELGIUM - A final agreement has been reached regarding the merger of Greenyard Foods, UNIVEG, and Peatinvest. The three companies combined will have over €3.7 billion ($4.2 billion) in sales, creating one of the world's largest produce companies.
The Board of Directors of Greenyard Foods believes this merger will create a global player in produce capable of offering a full range of fresh, frozen, and canned products.
Upon completion of the merger, Greenyard Foods, the new parent company of the merger, will own 100% of the shares of UNIVEG and Peatinvest. In return, 25.5 million new shares of Greenyard Foods will be issued to the shareholders of UNIVEG and Peatinvest, according to a press release. Following the merger, the percentages of shares for each company will be: 42.5% for existing Greenyard Foods shareholders, 49.6% for existing UNIVEG shareholders and 7.9% for existing Peatinvest shareholders, for a total amount of shares of 44.4 million.
The transaction is still subject to regulatory approvals, EU Commission competition clearance, and approval by Greenyard Foods' shareholders. UNIVEG expects to complete the merger in the summer of 2015.
A press release also stipulates that in order to increase the limited free float after the combination, a private placement of part of the shares held by Gimv-XL and Deprez Holding is being contemplated. Deprez Holding, controlled by Hein and Veerle Deprez, remains the strategic reference shareholder for the company’s long term plans. Other key shareholders will also keep and/or strengthen their holding in the combined company to create a stable platform for continued expansion. The corporate governance structure will be streamlined and existing shareholders’ agreements will be terminated.
WASHINGTON D.C. - The Federal Trade Commission’s antitrust lawsuit to block Sysco and US Foods’ attempted merger has been extended.
According to the Wall Street Journal’s Brent Kendall, U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta has added an extra day to the hearing that was supposed to have ended yesterday, with closing arguments not to be heard until the end of the month.
To read Brent Kendall's full article, click here.
So will US Foods continue to uphold its intended agreement with Sysco? Judge Mehta is reportedly considering a preliminary block on sealing the merger, Kendall reported, which US Foods has stated it will not stick around for.
As we previously reported, US Foods Executive Vice President David Schreibman said that the company would not proceed if the legal delays continued, reportedly stating in federal court that it would “terminate if this court enjoins the transaction." The company, however, has not reportedly made any further comments in regards to today's delay.
The judge has heard both sides consecutively, beginning with the FTC presenting its case that the merger would eliminate competition in the food distribution market last week. This week’s proceedings have been dedicated to Sysco and US Foods’ side, who argue that it would actually cut prices for consumers and increase competition. Yesterday, according to the Wall Street Journal report, the defense brought market analysts to argue that the FTC’s evaluation of the foodservice market is flawed, to which the FTC will offer a rebuttal today.
Judge Mehta has tentatively scheduled closing arguments to be made on May 28th to hear both US Foods and Sysco's final defense.
The FTC announced that it plans to hold a longer in-house trial on the merger in July, Kendall reported. Whether or not that will be necessary, however, remains to be seen.
BAKERSFIELD, CA - With Ramadan just around the corner, Atlas Produce is gearing up for the holiday push with its growing presence in the date category. Shipper of 100 percent natural, California-grown dates, Atlas Produce offers a variety of date options under its popular Caramel Naturel Brand.
Ben Antongiovanni, VP of Sales, took a few minutes to chat with me about promoting the category and taking advantage of holiday sales.
“Prior to Ramadan we get out in front of our customers and encourage them to pay attention to Ramadan. The month of Ramadan runs from June 17 to July 17. Date sales spike the three weeks before the start. With a little planning, retailers will be surprised with how well dates can move for Ramadan,” Ben tells me.
For Ramadan, Atlas, and Caramel Naturel advises retailers to build large displays of Fresh Medjool dates near the Bananas or berries.
“We also like to add Date Coconut rolls and Date almonds to the display for incremental sales,” Ben notes. “Dates are not just for your grandparents anymore. More and more consumers are experimenting with great date recipes and consumption is growing. We also see strong growth with Millennials. The younger generation sees the health benefits of dates and are snacking on them more often. We also see a lot of customers adding dates to their post workout or morning smoothies.”
This year’s Medjool crop was extremely good for Atlas. Quality is still very nice and should stay that way through the summer. The company is anticipating goods volume of conventional and organic dates going into Ramadan.
For some great recipe ideas visit www.CaramelNaturel.com and don’t forget to tap into the growing demographics that are beginning to make dates a staple in their daily diets.
MIDWEST U.S. - Scott Schuette, the 30-year retail veteran and Director of Produce Operations for Bashas’ is taking on a new role with Fresh Thyme Farmers Market as the company's Director of Retail Produce. The new Meijer format is a full-service specialty retailer that offers an extensive produce department and a value-priced fresh, healthy, natural and organic philosophy. The timing is great for the move, as the company plans to open 150 stores by 2020.
“The produce industry relies on building strong wholesale/retail partnerships and operating with integrity in order to grow both sides of the business,” Scott tells us. “My many great years at Bashas’ have taught me these life lessons by giving me the opportunity to practice this philosophy daily. I look forward to putting these best practices to good use at Fresh Thyme Farmers Market”.
Scott has been greatly supported by his friends in agriculture over the past three years at Bashas’, whether it was helping the retailer become hyper-competitive in the marketplace, assisting in new programs, working down in the trenches during remodeling campaigns, or donating products to charity events.
Scott starts his new role with Fresh Thyme Farmers Market on June 8th.
Congratulations Scott, on all that you have accomplished and the new opportunities yet to come!
IRVINE, CA - The California Avocado Commission (CAC) has announced the promotion of Ken Melban to Vice President of Industry Affairs. Melban will now lead the Commission’s industry advocacy activities, including issues management, Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) program, production research and grower communications.
“Ken’s leadership of the California avocado GAP program and advocacy for California avocado growers in areas such as water availability and pest management is worthy of recognition,” said Tom Bellamore, President of CAC. “In his new role Ken will continue these initiatives and lead others to help California avocado growers sustainably produce top-quality avocados with a fresh-to-market advantage.”
Melban joined the Commission in 2011 as Director of Issues Management, and has worked with industry members to create and evolve CAC’s GAP program. In just a few years' time, nearly half of California avocado acreage is GAP-certified, and with upcoming Food and Safety Modernization Act requirements Melban anticipates that number to grow.
During California’s drought, Melban has been very involved with local water boards, as well as advancing best practices in irrigation and water conservation. He also championed international industry activities to identify pests and research solutions to pest issues including the polyphagous shot hole borer and fusarium dieback, according to a press release.
Melban has two decades of agricultural leadership experience, including work with California commodity boards and with the Environmental Protection Agency, California Department of Pesticide Regulation, researchers, growers, and chemical manufacturers in the identification and registration of effective crop protection materials for California agriculture. His prior experience includes work with the National Grape & Wine Initiative, and management of the Statewide Spray Safe program. Melban was also instrumental in the development of the California Potato Pest Management Strategic Plan, and served as Director of Crop Protection Services for the California Pepper Commission.
ORLANDO, FL - Produce for Kids is giving your family cookout a fresh makeover this summer, with its new Simply Summer: 20 Fresh Cookout Favorites e-cookbook. The cookbook is available to download online for free and contains 20 healthy summer dishes, including Hidden Veggie Cheeseburgers and Light & Fresh Potato Salad.
Summer is a crucial time for produce sales, the company says. Every Simply Summer recipe makes produce the main ingredient in your recipes, increasing sales and increasing families’ consumption during the season.
Click here to download the cookbook for yourself!
To compliment the e-cookbook launch, Produce for Kids is hosting the #SimplySummer Twitter party on May 13 at 9pm ET with SUNSET Produce, Well-Pict Berries, and To-Jo Mushrooms. According to a press release, participating brands will be sharing healthy recipes and tips for summer, as well as giving consumers the opportunity to win grocery gift cards.
You can join the conversation by using the hashtag, #SimplySummer, and get your brand in front of influential bloggers and parents. If you’re looking for more ways to stay healthy this summer, Produce for Kids will also be hosting the #SimplySummer Pin to Win Sweepstakes all summer. Consumers can create their essential summer cookout pinboard for a chance to win a $100 grocery store gift card.
WENATCHEE, WA - Stemilt is just weeks away from kicking off its apricot harvest, and all signs are pointing to a high-quality season.
Starting June 10th, Stemilt will begin harvesting its apricots two weeks earlier than normal due to the early spring and warm weather in Washington State. Though the 2015 crop is down 10 percent from last year’s large volume crop, the company anticipates jumbo sizing and very high-quality fruit.
With organic food sales in the U.S. totaling a record $39.1 billion in 2014, Stemilt is looking to capitalize on the rising popularity of organics with its organic apricot program. Nearly 65 percent of the company’s apricots are grown and certified as organic, while its entire crop of peaches and nectarines are organic as well.
“Consumer demand for organic fruits continues to grow,” said Roger Pepperl, Stemilt’s Marketing Director. “Stone fruits are an important part of the produce department each summer and carrying smaller items like apricots organically is a great way for retailers to maximize sales both within the organic category, and the entire produce department. Promoting flavor alongside organic is the way to win over consumers.”
Peak season for Stemilt’s organic apricots runs from June 22nd to July 10th, according to a press release. Retailers can begin loading apricots in early June and increase volumes for promotions later in the month and into early July, just in time for Fourth of July ads.
“Stemilt is heavy in premium apricot varieties like Rival and Perfection, which will harvest during the peak timeframe and offer consumers a great eating experience,” added Pepperl.
Stemilt’s apricots are grown by the Douglas family, who has farmed fruit for four generations.
“Sharing their passion and commitment to organics through in-store vehicles, social media, email marketing, and more will elevate the great quality apricots featured in your stores, and most importantly, boost sales this summer,” said Pepperl.
Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow as we continue to track the stone fruit season.
MILWAUKEE, WI - Roundy’s, Inc. has reported its Q1 2015 financial results, citing lower-than-expected March sales, and declining sales in the retailer’s Wisconsin locations.
“We achieved our targeted EBITDA and gross margin rate for the first quarter, which were the result of improved operational efficiencies in both our Wisconsin and Illinois stores. Due to softer than anticipated March and Easter sales, our same-store sales were below our expectations,” said Robert A. Mariano, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Roundy’s. “We remain committed to improving financial performance across all of our banners. Our team has embarked on a number of initiatives aimed at managing expenses and further improving our operating efficiencies and execution.”
Net sales from continuing operations for the first quarter of 2015 were $981.9 million, an increase of 13.8% from the first quarter of 2014. Net sales for the Roundy’s Wisconsin markets however were $646.7 million, a decrease of $16.8 million. The company closed three Wisconsin stores in Q4 2015, which the company believes is the main reason for the sales slump.
As we have previously reported, Roundy’s has denied any rumors that the retailer will pull out of the state, despite the dropping sales.
Additional highlights from the report include:
- Net sales from continuing operations increased 13.8% to $981.9 million
- Net loss from continuing operations was $0.4 million, or $0.01 diluted net loss per common share, compared to net loss from continuing operations of $5.5 million, or $0.12 diluted net loss per common share
- Adjusted net loss from continuing operations2 was $0.4 million, or $0.01 adjusted diluted net loss per common share, compared to adjusted net loss from continuing operations2 of $0.8 million, or $0.02 adjusted diluted net loss per common share
- Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations2 was $30.2 million compared to $28.5 million
Continue watching AndNowUKnow for all the latest financial updates.
SACRAMENTO, CA - Via Marina, a French engineering construction firm and subsidiary of the multinational Vinci company, is putting a water transportation offer on the table for a thirsty California. And it’s an interesting one.
According to a News10 report, Via Marina served up a “prefeasibility” study that suggests drawing water from the mouth of both the Klamath and Eel rivers in Northern California to be transported to the southern, dryer regions of the state in a submarine, flexible river.
"You can use this water, and because by definition you are at the mouth of the river, all of the users upstream are not jeopardized," Felix Bogliolo, Via Marina Chairman, told News10.
So how do they plan to do this? With several tubes that are each about 12 feet in diameter and tethered to the ocean floor.
He may not be William Shatner, but he also has bit more than a Kickstarter mapped out. In fact, seeing the story of the actor's mildy eccentric plan was what inspired the Chairman to call in the proposal. As for getting down to the fine print, Bogliolo reportedly told News10 that technological improvements would allow his company to help quench California’s thirst for about $3.8 billion, considerably more affordable than a similar $20 billion that was shelved by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation back in 1975, or the $30 billion plan our favorite sci-fi captain proposed.
In fact, according to the report, it works out to about $653 per acre foot, more than half the cost of desalinated water with a fourth of the energy use.
With the restrictions being imposed by the California state government, as well as the amount of money being budgeted exclusively towards drought relief tactics, that seems downright affordable. Not to mention it may not be totally impractical.
"This is not the craziest idea I've heard, by any means," Jay Lund, Director of the UC Davis Center for Watershed Sciences, commented in the report, adding that California drought solutions that appear too good to be true do tend to be so.
At worst, it’s an imaginative solution. At best, a plan so crazy that it just might work. For now, however, the jury is out.