UNITED STATES – I don’t often go to the garden to grab some ketchup and fries, but that may soon change.
The TomTato, which we previously reported on, is making its way to the U.S. market with a very appropriate name: Ketchup ‘n’ Fries™.
This non-GMO innovation in vegetable growing is a tomato plant grafted onto a potato plant. It is capable of growing more than 500 sweet cherry tomatoes with a Brix level of 10.2 while producing up to four pounds of white potatoes at the roots.
According to Territorial Seed Company and SuperNaturals Grafted Vegetables, the companies responsible for bringing this product to the U.S., extensive trials and careful selection of both the tomato scion and potato rootstock cultivars were required to achieve properly staggered maturity. This enables the plant to focus its energy first on yielding hundreds of sweet, tangy tomatoes followed by the all-purpose white potatoes.
This marks the first time that a plant like this has been offered commercially in the U.S. Though there have been similar products on the market, the TomTato is unique because the potato and tomato is planted in the same spot, subsequently producing no potato foliage.
Another unique characteristic of Ketchup ‘n’ Fries™ is that the plants can be grown either outside or inside, so long as they are in a large pot or bag.
Territorial Seed and Garden America are currently shipping the plant to the continental U.S., and SuperNaturals expects the plant to be found in garden centers this spring.
UNITED STATES – After months of speculation, Sprouts Farmers Market has addressed its plans for expansion in the Southeast United States.
The specialty grocery retailer has plans to grow to 1,200 stores in the next 10 years, with many of those locations in the Southeast.
In an interview with the Birmingham Business Journal (BBJ), Donna Egan, Director of Corporate Communications for Sprouts, said that the company has ambitions growth plans.
Egan went on to say that Atlanta, which currently has five Sprouts stores, will serve as the chain’s Southeastern hub.
Sprouts currently has plans to open a distribution center in Atlanta within the next two years, which will serve as the jumping off point for a rapidly-growing Southeastern footprint.
Egan told BBJ that the Sprouts concept is doing surprisingly well in diverse markets.
“We also had tremendous success in markets that are not necessarily the healthiest,” she added. “We really do appeal to a broad audience. We go after the average grocery shopper. Healthy eating shouldn’t be limited to the affluent.”
Though there was no mention of which markets Sprouts may enter next, Egan reaffirmed the company’s commitment to the Southeast and says that expansion should come soon.
IDAHO FALLS, ID - Potandon Produce is welcoming Glen Reynolds as a Director of Business Development.
Glen brings over 20 years of industry experience to Potandon, having been previously employed as the Director of Produce at Lowes Foods and National Director of Produce Sales at Black Gold Farms. He also has extensive experience in strategic planning, merchandising, and is focused on logistics and supply chain efficiencies, according to a press release.
“We are excited to have Glen join the Potandon team,” said Dick Thomas, Senior Vice President of Sales. “His experience will further enhance the value we offer to our retail and food service customer base.”
He is currently working in the Idaho Falls sales office and will be permanently based out of Winston-Sales, North Carolina in early March.
In this AndNowUKnow exclusive, Zirkle Fruit, a grower for Rainier Fruit Company, discusses its Honeycrisp expertise and the ways that the company has found success with this variety.
Harold Austin, Director of Orchard Administration at Zirkle Fruit, tells us that Honeycrisp is a variety that takes a lot of time and care. It is important to determine where to plant the variety to get in right location, climate and even microclimate to bring out the best quality during harvest and production. Honeycrisp apple harvest begins early September. Harold added that during the first years of developing the variety, the company had to learn a lot about the characteristic of the fruit to understand how to handle it properly.
Dennis Baker, Production Manager at Zirkle Fruit, spoke to us about what sets the variety apart. According to Dennis, Honeycrisp has a unique texture and has a good crunch. It’s not actually sweeter, but the mix of acid and sugar make for that great flavor that has lead to its popularity.
Check out the video above!
LOS ANGELES, CA - With the help of Elmo and Big Bird, Giumarra Nogales will begin spring Nature’s Partner melon shipments at the end of March, offering seedless watermelon featuring Sesame Street eat brighter!™ artwork.
This watermelon program is designed to get children and their families excited about eating watermelon, which is high in vitamins C and A. Each individual watermelon includes a peel-off label with information about watermelons and kid-friendly recipes.
“We are offering large Sesame Street ‘eat brighter!’ bins as an added benefit for our retail partners, and they really stand out at store level,” says Gil Munguia, Division Manager of Giumarra Nogales. “Watermelons are the perfect item for Giumarra Nogales to begin its participation debut in PMA’s far-reaching initiative, and we will have high supply to service all of our customers.”
The high-graphic bins feature Big Bird and Elmo and the Nature’s Partner brand identity. Munguia went on to explain the idea behind offering a total solution to customers by including both bins and stickers. The bins aim to first catch the consumer’s attention from across the produce department, and the peel-off labels seal the sale with a fun, informative design, according to a press release.
“It’s important to highlight the awesome nutritional benefits of watermelon, but also appeal to kids with the label,” says Ben Reilly, Midwest business development manager for Giumarra. “We decided on a recipe for a cupcake-shaped watermelon snack that families will have fun creating together.”
Giumarra worked with Pennsylvania-based Yerecic Label to produce the peel-off labels, the designs of which feature Elmo or Oscar.
“Our team is always excited to design fun and exciting labels, and Giumarra’s Sesame Street labels top the list,” says Yerecic Label president Art Yerecic. “The ‘eat brighter!’ message and Sesame Street characters help draw attention to the product and entice kids to try more fruits and vegetables.”
Giumarra anticipates increased volume this spring, in the arena of 28% up from 2014 and shipments are expected to arrive beginning in mid-March.
POMPANO BEACH, FL - Following the West Coast Port Strike, Kingston Cross Dock and Cold Storage (KCDS) is reporting strong storage demand and increased interest in services from importers. One of South Florida’s leading cold storage and perishables logistics operations, the company has noticed a surge in requests for storage space.
“We were fortunate to have invested heavily this offseason in our facility and team at KCDS. We were well prepared for the extra expansion in storage demand. It appears the mess out west with the port strike has diverted more perishable cargo into South Florida ports,” said Brian Osborne, General Manager of KCDS. “Demand for cold storage space during this period of time typically exceeds supply and we are receiving many calls for additional space.”
David O. Kingston, CEO of 
Kingston Companies, added, “Along with our GFS 100% Primus Certification for Food Safety, KCDS offers importers, marketers and distributors many advantages that include forced air pre-cooling, a 28-door truck loading dock, six individual temperature-controlled rooms, repacking and reconditioning capabilities, and transportation services.”
Kingston notes that its South Florida location is key, putting it in close proximity to key South Florida ports, the Pompano State Farmers Market, and the USDA inspection office.
KCDS has seen a significant increase in interest for cold storage over the last several seasons, according to a press release. Outside factors like the West Coast port strike push storage capacity to new heights, Kingston says.
Continue to follow AndNowUKnow for updates on the West Coast Port Strike.
We are now inside the 48-hour mark for Valentine’s Day and the ANUK staff have pulled together to provide a unique compilation. Unique, but once you think of it, it just makes sense!
Music creates a setting, complementing a mood, but we took it one step further with these specific Valentine’s Day drinks that, when paired with our favorite love songs, are simply made for each other.
So sit back, relax, and enjoy.
Coming Home - Leon Bridges - Rose and Mint Champagne Cocktail Recipe
We’re calling it! This song was only made available the third of this month, and already it was the first song that had everyone in the room. 25-year-old Leon Bridges is a fresh face with an old school feel, and so is the drink we recommend.
Rose and Mint Champagne Cocktail
Ingredients
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey, or more to taste
- 1/2 cup mint leaves, plus more to garnish
- 4 tablespoons lime juice, or more to taste
- 1 cup dried rosebuds (available at specialty food shops)
- 2 bottles champagne brut or dry sparkling wine, chilled
Make the Rose Syrup
Over medium-low heat, combine 2 cups sugar with honey and 1 cup water in a saucepan. When sugar melts, add mint leaves and let simmer, stirring occasionally, about 30 minutes. Strain and return liquid to saucepan. Remove from heat. Stir in fresh lime juice, crushed rosebuds and rose water. Refrigerate for 30 minutes or up to a week.
Serving Suggestions
When ready to serve, add 2 tablespoons rose syrup to each glass. Top with dry champagne or sparkling wine. Garnish with finely crushed rosebuds and mint leaves.
Love Me Tender – Elvis - New York Sour
There are toppers, and then there are classics. Originally released in 1956 by the King himself, it was so successful Elvis remade it with the famed Barbra Streisand in 1972. Likewise, our recommended drinks are classic sippers redone and served with love.
New York Sour
Ingredients
- 2 oz Rye whiskey or bourbon
- .75 oz Simple syrup (one part sugar, one part water)
- 1 oz Fresh lemon juice
- 1 Egg white (optional)
- .5 oz Red wine
Prep
Add all the ingredients except the wine to a shaker and fill with ice. Shake well and strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice. Carefully pour the wine over the back of a spoon so it floats on top of the drink.
My Girl – The Temptations - Tequila Sunrise
Smokey Robinson was quoted saying the song wasn’t written with one woman in mind, but “all the women in the world” when it was recorded in 1964, which is probably why it’s still loved by everyone today, including us. And when you add a tequila sunrise and snap your fingers, we’re sure you’ll agree.
Tequila Sunrise
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz El Tesoro Reposado Tequila, chilled
- 4 oz Fresh orange juice
- 1 dash Grenadine
Garnish: Orange slice and cherry
Prep
Add the tequila and then the orange juice to a chilled highball glass. Float the grenadine on top and garnish with an orange slice and a cherry.
I Melt With You – Modern English - Valentino’s Delight Cocktail
The upbeat melody is matched with some surprisingly romantic lyrics, and the idea of melting meant we had to find a Valentine concoction that would melt in your mouth. Caution: It could stop the world.
Valentino’s Delight Cocktail
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz. bourbon
- 1 oz. ruby port, the sweeter the better
- 1 oz. Kahlua
- 1 1/2 oz. heavy cream
- Ground nutmeg
Preparation
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, add liquids and shake vigorously for 10 seconds. Strain into a large chilled martini glass. Gently sprinkle nutmeg on top.
Thinking Out Loud – Ed Sheeran - Spiced Pomegranate Cocktail
The spicy but smooth melody called for a counterpart that is equal parts smooth and spicy, and this combination will hopefully make for a memorable holiday. Besides, this song released last year will probably be one of the top 2015 wedding songs. Just saying.
Spiced Pomegranate Cocktail
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 oz vodka
- 1 oz pomegranate juice
- 1/2 oz lime juice
- 1/2 oz vanilla cardamom syrup
- dash of Fee Brothers Whiskey Barrel-Aged Bitters
- sprig of mint and pomegranate seeds for garnish
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6 cardamom pods
To make the vanilla cardamom syrup:
Crack open the cardamom pods and grind the seeds using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle.
Add the sugar and water to a small saucepan over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Add the vanilla extract and ground cardamom and let simmer for 2 minutes before removing from heat.
Let cool to room temperature, then strain through a fine mesh strainer.
To make the cocktail:
Fill your glass with ice and add the vodka, pomegranate juice, lime juice, vanilla cardamom syrup, and bitters.
Give the drink a quick 10 second stir and garnish with pomegranate seeds and a sprig of fresh mint.
While we heartily support all these combinations, it might be dangerous to try them all at once. Above all, enjoy a savory and special Valentine’s Day.
Let us know what you thought by voting in the survey below!
LOXAHATCHEE, FL - J&J Family of Farms is revamping its retailer marketing program, including new consumer-friendly packaging, point-of-sale materials, customized promotional campaigns, and a new consumer-based website.
“We recognize that developing a retail marketing program is not a one-size fits all strategy,” said Brian Rayfield, VP of Business Development for J&J. “Therefore, we have customized our offering to capitalize on the retailer’s own marketing initiatives with online coupons and loyalty card programs, as well as point-of-sales materials with high-graphic bins.”
With a new direction towards consumer-focused packaging, J&J is rolling out a high-graphic Kraft box that features the new J&J Family of Farms logo and is 100% recyclable. The box will be 20% more durable to prevent collapsing and is 10% larger than the standard box size. In addition, the company will be introducing new colorful graphic bags for whole peppers in both a 6-count family pack and smaller 2 lb “grab and go” sizes, according to a press release.
Additionally, a new website will launch this spring that will provide nutritional information, recipes, storage tips, and a meet the growers section. The website URL will be featured on all bags and point-of-sale materials.
“We have recently been analyzing both national and retailer-specific sales data for the pepper category and this information has been useful in providing our retail customers with key merchandising, pricing and promotional tips,” said Rayfield. “Our goal is to continue to add value in developing long-term retail partnerships.”
You can see all of J&J Family of Farms’ new marketing materials at booth #414 at the Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure Expo in Orlando, Florida on February 28!
HOUSTON, TX - Sysco’s last-ditch effort to persuade the FTC paid off… to an extent.
The FTC was scheduled to vote on whether Sysco would soon be at the end of its series of roadblocks in its venture to merge with US Foods, or continue on to court. The decision, however, has been delayed due to a day of meetings with Sysco in a last attempt to convince the commision not to file a lawsuit.
The company met with the FTC, according to New York Post reports, to assure the committee that the merger would actually lower costs as opposed to raise them. If they fail to do so, the FTC will apply to a judge to rule on whether or not the merger would fail to leave any level competition, leaving a monopoly in food distribution.
And, according to cited sources from the report, that was the direction the FTC was leaning towards on Tuesday night.
“My impression is they are going to file a suit,” a direct source, who the Post clarifies would like to see the merger approved, said before the meeting. The report clarifies that this sentiment was a general consensus among those interviewed. But the arguments Sysco raised appear to have had some effect, as a decision that seemed all but finalized has now been delayed.
The win, however, is at a price. The FTC wants Sysco to offer up divested assets that generate $2 billion in revenue on top of the company’s most recent offer of selling 11 stores that generated over $4.2 billion in revenue during the last fiscal year, the Post reports.
With the debt already proposed added, the entire deal is worth over $8 billion.
“Sysco is worried about dismantling what they have,” the source told the New York Post.
A potential lawsuit would post a strong blockade on Sysco’s plans to merge with US Foods, but the deal is getting more and more expensive. Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow as this story continues to develop.
ANAHEIM, CA - Naturipe’s Marketing Coordinator Jesse Curtis took some time to talk with me about what the company is doing to get more involved with customers through social networking.
“This year is the first year that Naturipe has been fully social,” Curtis tells me, detailing that the company has participated in hashtag followings, blogging, direct communications with others on social media, even Twitter parties.
Curtis handles all the digital communication and social media aspects of the company, and tells me that the company has engaged with many food and mom bloggers with positive results.
“They are creating purchase intent to our customers to help communicate the message of fresh produce and a healthy lifestyle,” Curtis said.
For more information, view the video above!