SHORT HILLS, NJ - Paul Kneeland, Vice President of Produce/Floral/Seafood/Meat for Kings Food Markets/Balducci's, completed his two-year term as President for the Eastern Produce Council this week, along with the rest of the current officers.
Kneeland will be succeeded by 18-year-long member Vic Savanello, who is the Director of the Produce/Floral Allegiance Retail Services, according to a press release, and plays a supportive role on the Leadership Committee. He is also Chairman of the New York Produce Show and Conference Committee, co-chairs the Phil LaRocca/Pete Piastra Golf Outing, as well as the Strategic Planning Committee. Like Kneeland, Savanello will serve a two-year term in his presidency.
Other two-year term positions the council elected include:
- 1st Vice President - Marianne Santo of Wakefern Food Corp.
- 2nd Vice President - Greg Veneziano of Bozzuto's, Inc.
- Secretary - Rob Goldstein of Genpro, Inc.
- Treasurer - Sal Zacchia of RDD Associates
Marc Goldman of Morton Williams and Chris Keetch of Ahold also joined as directors for Eastern Produce Council, which will add a stronger retail presence, according to the release.
The council reportedly appreciated Kneeland's leadership and vision over the last two years, thanking him for his time served as President.
NEWARK, DE - Together with Costco, Wal-Mart, and 19 other organizations, the Produce Marketing Association (PMA) has written a letter to congressional leaders urging them to increase the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) food safety budget for Food Safety Modernization Act implementation.
The letter, which can be read in full by clicking here, expresses support for FDA’s $109.5 million FSMA funding request. The letter states, “FSMA places prevention as the cornerstone of our nation’s food safety strategy. It includes new requirements for manufacturers and provides the FDA with the authorities it needs to adequately fulfill its food safety mission. This new focus on prevention and expanded authority as granted by Congress necessitates an update and increase to FDA’s food safety tools, from regulations to infrastructure.”
The letter was addressed to the House Committee on Appropriations Chairman Harold Rogers and Ranking Member Nita M. Lowey, and the Senate Committee on Appropriations Chairman Thad Cochran and Ranking Member Barbara A. Mikulski, according to a PMA press release.
“FDA and stakeholders have put a great deal of time, effort, and thought into development of regulations that protect public health and assure confidence in our nation’s food supply,” said Dr. Jim Gorny, Vice President of Food Safety and Technology for PMA. “Those regulations – and consumer safety – are critically dependent on a properly funded implementation plan.”
FDA has requested funding specifically to address these priorities:
- Inspection modernization and training;
- Advancing the National Integrated Food Safety System,
- Education and technical assistance for industry;
- Technical staffing and guidance development at FDA;
- Building the new import safety system; and
- Risk analytics and evaluation.
“In the near future we’ll be sharing our thoughts on funding allocations and prioritization to support FSMA implementation based on the needs of the produce industry,” added Gorny.
The letter concludes with a statement noting that with the $109.5 million in new budget authority, all 21 organizations that have signed the letter support congressional oversight to ensure those investments are implemented effectively and to make certain the agency’s regulatory implementation of FSMA is consistent with what the law requires, and what Congress intended in adopting the law.
VIENNA, VA - The USDA is making its largest apple purchase in history to support its supplies for nutrition programs.
The bonus buy includes 34.9 million pounds of fresh apples and 16.1 million pounds of processed apple products for approximately $18.3 million.
“Coming on the heels of what was likely the largest crop in US history, this USDA purchase is welcome news and we thank the department for it,” said Jim Bair, US Apple Association President & CEO. “Adding this action to USDA’s recent success in opening the China market for US apples, it is an understatement to say we are grateful.”
As we previously reported, opening the Chinese market to US apples is expected to increase fresh apple exports from the United States by approximately 10 percent.
Bair also thanked Mark Seetin, USApple’s Director of Regulatory and Industry Affairs for his initiative and hard work on this bonus buy.
The bonus buy will be used to supplement USDA’s supply for nutrition programs, such as the school lunch program, according to a USApple press release.
The USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service is expected to make an announcement soliciting offers to sell within a month.
KINGSVILLE, ON - During the Spring and Summer months, consumers look to bright, refreshing fruit as one of their go-to produce purchases for everything from dessert to snacking. At the top of that list, is berries…and in this case, strawberries.
Joe Spano, VP of Sales and Marketing for Mucci Farms, joined me to discuss the company's new Smuccies strawberry program and what this soft roll-out has in store.
“Smuccies are the newest launch in our assortment of products for 2015… we experimented last fall with an initial planting and have gone into commercial distribution this spring with a handful of our closest retail partners,” Joe tells me.
Volume for Mucci’s strawberry program is still considerably low as the company moves into this next phase of growth, with approximately 600-700 retail ready case packs available per week.
“But, quality has been beyond expectations,” he notes. “The Smuccies program is still very new to us….we believe we can stay in full production until late July, then back in for October harvest to support our retail partners in their most unpredictable time of the year.”
When I ask Joe what went into building this program, he laughs, “A leap of faith. It has been topic of discussion for many years and the timing just seemed right.”
This program expansion was a full collaboration with growers, marketers and retailers to help support a very delicate item. The right varieties, the right environment and the right team will help make Smuccies a successful program, Joe hopes.
In reference to the entire Mucci portfolio, Joe tells me that he believes Mucci offers one of the most well rounded assortment of products in the Industry.
“From our claim to fame Beefsteak tomatoes and wonderful Bell peppers… Mucci Farms has not gone more than a year without introducing a new item, a new package, and or a new marketing strategy to our retail partners and the trade,” Joe tells me. “It is our expectation that if this first round of commercial introduction of Canadian greenhouse strawberries is successful…we will have two more very flavorful fruits ready to launch next. Our best work is yet to come.”
Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow as we follow the evolving Mucci Farms program.
When it comes to which country eats the most produce, the answer might surprise you.
National Geographic has released a very cool interactive infographic that you must see. The graphic shows us not only how our diets compare to those of other countries, but also how much our diets have changed over the past 50 years.
Click here, hit play and watch before your eyes how diets have changed for the better in some cases, and much worse in cases like the United States.
According to the graphic, the most recent data ranks the United States 7th in the quantity of produce consumed by each person, and who’s first? None other than China.
The landscape of the Chinese diet has changed quite a bit over the past 50 years, increasing from 537g of fresh produce per person in 1961, to 1335g of produce per person, making them far and away the largest consumer of the category currently. The sugar and fat consumption is also shockingly low in the country, at only 60g per person.
In contrast, produce consumption in the United States has remained much more stagnant over the decades. In 1961, the U.S. consumed 613g of produce per person, and in 2011, that had only grown to 740g. Even more troublesome is how much sugar and fat consumption have increased, from 186g to 266g.
With diets trends across the globe rapidly changing to include more produce, the United States is not keeping up with its international counterparts.
Unfortunately our Canadian brothers aren't included in this ranking, which I believe is a huge mistake. Canada is known as a huge consumer of fresh produce and it would have been interesting to see included in the graphic.
Other countries that beat the United States in 2011 fresh produce consumption include:
- #2. Cuba - 1026g per person
- #3. Libya - 941 g per person
- #4. United Kingdom - 878g per person
- #5. South Korea - 840g per person
- #6. Russia - 793g per person
Near the bottom of the list were countries like Australia at 264g per person, Honk Kong at 251g per person, and Mexico at 168g per person.
Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow for continued updates on the worldwide landscape of produce consumption.
VERMONT - One short year after Vermont became the first state to proceed with Act 120, a statute mandating labels on all genetically modified (GMO) products, the matter has been heard and decided by a federal judge.
U.S. District Court Judge Christina Reiss determined that the statute on identifying GMO’s is constitutional and shall proceed.
The decision could provide a fundamental premise for several other states expected to vote on the matter next year. The labeling law was passed in Vermont in 2014, according to the Burlington Free Press, but has been a matter of heated debate as far as whether or not it is constitutional on the grounds of interference with business and possibilities of discrimination.
"Manufacturers are being harmed, and they are being harmed now," the Grocery Manufacturers Association said in a statement, according to the Burlington Free Press. "Act 120 is unconstitutional and imposes burdensome new speech requirements on food manufacturers and retailers."
The judge ruled, however, that because the law doesn’t impose burdens greater than what currently exists on companies outside of Vermont than those within the state, doesn’t require GMO labeling nationwide, and doesn’t conflict with laws in other states, it is not unconstitutional.
The determination allows the statute to go into effect as originally planned on July 1, 2016, however because Judge Reiss reportedly agreed with some points raised by opponents that are trying to block the statute, it is possible the matter could still be brought to trial.
AndNowUKnow will continue to keep you up to date as we follow this developing story.
HOUSTON, TX - Fiesta Mart has been acquired by an investment firm less than six months after the purchase of its parent company, Grocers Supply Co. Inc.
Acon Investments LLC, an investment firm based in Washington D.C. has purchased the 60-store chain that was not part of C&S Wholesale Grocers Inc.’s November acquistion.
"Acon's prior supermarket investing experience should prove beneficial to Fiesta, and we were fortunate to have been able to work through the complexities of the integrated businesses of Fiesta and Grocers Supply to arrive at a good solution," Andre Bhatia, Managing Partner of Acon, said in a press release.
Acon has hired Michael Byars as the new President and CEO of Fiesta, according to the Houston Business Journal, but C&S Wholesale will continue to supply the chain.
Byars reportedly brings several years of grocery and leadership experience, having served most recently as President and CEO of BI-LO, LLC. Byars was also President and CEO of Minyard Food Stores, Inc. and worked in several senior management positions during his 25 years with the Delhaize Group.
“We are excited to be partnering with Mike and the entire Fiesta team,” Ken Brotman, a Founding Partner of Acon, said in the release. “Fiesta has established itself as a leading international and Hispanic grocery operator in the United States, and we look forward to building value in a business that is very well positioned for continued growth.”
According to the Houston Business Journal report, the Food Partners LLC is serving as financial adviser, and Hogan Lovells US LLP as legal counsel to Acon, with Lazard serving as financial adviser and Vinson & Elkins LLP as legal counsel to Fiesta.
The financial details of the acquisition have not yet been disclosed. Acon reportedly commented that it does not currently have any plan to establish its own operations in Texas, nor did it say anything about changes to a management team, staff additions or reductions, or any store closures.
CHARLOTTE, NC - ALC Logistics was named by Inbound Logistics Magazine as one of its Top 100 Logistics IT Providers.
"From our humble beginning almost 40 years ago to being one of Inbound Logistics Top 100 Logistics IT Providers in North America; that has been the American dream built upon dedication and hard work," Kenny Lund, Vice President for ALC Logistics, said in a press release. "We are proud to be recognized for the services provided by all employees at the Allen Lund Company."
Mike Terry, Director of ALC Logistics, also commented how grateful the company is to be recognized for doing its best to give shippers and growers an IT logistics provider with a custom solution that addresses the most complicated integration needs, as well as increasing visibility throughout their supply chain. "Our software design and support teams strive to be both the best provider of IT logistics technology and to deliver state of the art solutions and unparalleled support to our customers. We are grateful for being recognized for those efforts and will continue our pursuit to be a leader in IT transportation logistics."
Inbound Logistics, founded in 1981, chose 100 technology providers out of more than 400 entries that it felt provided the most dynamic solutions to challenges that arise for supply chains.
SALINAS, CA - Mann Packing Co. Inc.’s Canadian National Manager Ben Alviano received the Mary FitzGerald Award at this year’s CPMA expo in Montreal, Canada.
The Mary FitzGerald Award is given to those under the age of 40 working in Canadian produce, and focuses on generosity, innovation, and the demonstration of a passion for produce.
“Alviano is an ambassador for produce in Canada for his company and the Canadian produce industry overall,” Les Mallard, Canada Zone Manager for Chiquita and presenter of the award, said, according to a press release. “He has an incredible work-life balance and a unique passion for produce with his innovative spirit and entrepreneurial vision.”
Alviano lives in Toronto with his wife and two children, volunteering with school activities, coaching hockey, and supervising skating lessons. On the work side, he reportedly mentors Mann Packing Canada’s newly-hired District Manager Michael Sousa, who participated in the 2015 CPMA Passion for Produce program.
Alviano is active in all produce association events, and this is not his first recognition, according to the company. Previously Alviano was presented with the Produce Business 40 Under 40 Award, and has been a participant in events including the Canadian Produce Marketing Association, the Ontario Produce Marketing Association, the United Fresh, and more.
OAKLAND, CA - AndNowUKnow is always looking for innovative companies in the fresh produce industry. One company that can definitely be categorized as innovative is Oakland-based Back to the Roots.
Known for their grow-at-home Organic Mushroom Farm and Water Garden, the Back to the Roots crew garnered a lot of attention at last year’s PMA Fresh Summit with their “Have you Met the Mushroom Men” t-shirts, and have been on our radars ever since. They have even been named one of Forbes' 25 Most Innovative Brands.
The company’s Organic Mushroom Farm allows you to grow Pearl Oyster mushrooms at home right out of the box in 10 days by just sprinkling water on them. Celebrities from Martha Stewart and the cast of ABC’s The Chew to Oprah have all endorsed the mushroom kits.
“Such a fun product — I love how it's connecting families to their food again,” Martha Stewart has said of the Mushroom Farm kits.
The catalyst for the company came from a Graduate class professor that Founders Nikhil Arora and Alejandro Velez shared. Inspired by hearing you can grow mushrooms from used coffee grounds, the guys began experimenting in Alejandro’s Fraternity kitchen of all places.
“We eventually decided to give up our corporate job offers to instead become full-time mushroom farmers,” said Founders Nikhil Arora and Alejandro Velez on their company’s website. “We're on a mission to make food personal again and inspire families to ask, ‘where does my food come from?’”
What started as curiosity about urban farming has turned into a passion for “undoing food” for Back to the Roots. By reconnecting families to their “roots” through fun, delicious, and sustainable “ready to grow” and “ready to eat” products, food loses its mystery and regains its joy.
With a company as young and innovative as Back to the Roots, we can’t wait to see what they think of next.