NETHERLANDS – The employees of a distribution company in Gorinchem, Netherlands found much more than fruit inside a of shipment bananas.
Instead of bunches of the popular fruit, they found roughly 10 kilograms of cocaine when they opened the box.
NLTimes.NL reports that the packages of cocaine were inside of the pockets of a thick black vest, which was hidden inside of a banana box that had been transported from the port of Antwerpen (Antwerp) in Belgium.
The Rotterdam HARC-team, a combination of Customs, Port Police and Fiod, report that it is their opinion that the intention was for someone in Antwerp to leave the port area with the vest.
The team also stated that it assumes that the Gorinchem distribution company and its employees had nothing to do with the smuggling.
The crime is still under investigation, and the cocaine, which had an estimated street value of nearly $573,690, has been destroyed.
CANADA - Ontario Produce Marketing Association's (OPMA) President, Ian MacKenzie, announced that he is retiring at the end of this year, according to a press release.
MacKenzie has been with the company for over 20 years, helping it to grow and multiply to more than quadruple its initial size.
“It’s been both a pleasure and an honor to work with so many great individuals in this industry,” MacKenzie said. “Each Board I’ve served has brought something new and innovative to the table that has enabled OPMA to grow from 60 members in 1994 to over 275 today and develop into an advocate for the industry here in Ontario.”
MacKenzie left OPMA for a few years in 1998 to serve and work with the Ontario Apple Marketing Commission as General Manager, returning to stay on as President in 2002. Those who have worked with him are aware of how difficult he will be to replace.
“Replacing Ian will be a difficult task as the role requires a unique mix of skill sets and careful interaction with many segments of the industry,” Steve Bamford, current Chair of the OPMA, said. “Ian has provided the Association with strong leadership for almost 20 years.”
The role requires extensive experience in the produce industry with a strong knowledge and experience of opportunities related to regulation, marketing, and key industry issues. The OPMA Board also added the selected individual should be skilled at nurturing relationships with government, regulatory bodies, media and partner associations nationally and internationally, as well as possess a strong business acumen and the ability to engage members.
While this is a broad collection of skills and attributions, OPMA remains optimistic that they will find the right individual to succeed MacKenzie.
“It will be a challenge to find a suitable replacement, but I am confident that the Board of Directors will be able to find such an individual over the next few months,” Bamford said. “A Selection Committee has been formed and has begun the process of recruiting. They look forward to interviewing a strong slate of candidates who will compete for the position."
Any candidate that wishes to apply for the position should do so no later than March 1.
MORGAN HILL, CA – Summer is on its way, and for Sakata Seed America, that means summer squash.
The seed company offers 11 varieties of summer squash including Zucchini, Caserta and Lebanese types, which were bred for desirable traits like high yield, excellent shelf life and disease resistance.
Other varieties from the company include Endeavor and Symphony, which demonstrate the excellent vigor and quality of the Sakata Summer squash program, both with disease packages that ensure success.
Aside from the seed genetics that Sakata brings to the market, the company also has a long-standing goal to provide the best service and support to complement the seed genetics that it brings to market.
According to a press release, the company meets that goal through informative resources that are developed for each crop and backed by the respective crop’s Product Development Manager and team, who are available to answer questions.
For the summer squash program, Sakata has created a new piece of marketing support called The Skinny on Summer Squash, which explores topics like sales trends and nutritional benefits. In addition to this, growers can also utilize Sakata’s summer squash expert, Tracy Lee.
The company is spreading awareness of the benefits and trends associated with its varieties so growers can make the best choices for planting schedules, retailers can hold promotions and consumers can enjoy the best possible products.
Bob Mast, President at CMI, shared his strategies for successful marketing at PMA Fresh Summit 2014.
“We’ve had 25 great years of innovation with our dedicated employees and great partnerships that we’ve forged with our retailers,” Mast said. “We want to thank them very much for supporting CMI and being a big part of our success over the last 25 years and we look forward to 25 more years of striving for excellence.”
This past year at PMA Fresh Summit, CMI won the coveted Impact Award for its new 6 oz. snack bag of Go-Go Cherries. CMI has made an effort to retail Go-Go Cherries in convenience stores and smaller deli departments as a grab-and-go item for customers.
When asked about what inspired the packaging for Go-Go Cherries, Mast shared that CMI used focus groups to get feedback on what was most important to the consumers. Things like showing that the product was GMO-free and highlighting the nutritional value on the packaging were most important to the consumers, Mast tells us.
For this and more, make sure to check out the video at the top of this page!
UNITED STATES - This week marked a huge win for net neutrality supporters, but more work still needs to be done to ensure an open and equal internet for everyone.
On February 4, FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler proposed his intent to regulate the Internet as a utility in a Wired op-ed piece, declaring:
“I am proposing that the FCC use its Title II authority to implement and enforce open internet protections.
“Using this authority, I am submitting to my colleagues the strongest open internet protections ever proposed by the FCC. These enforceable, bright-line rules will ban paid prioritization, and the blocking and throttling of lawful content and services. I propose to fully apply – for the first time ever – those bright-line rules to mobile broadband. My proposal assures the rights of internet user to go where they want, when they want, and the rights of innovators to introduce new products without asking anyone’s permission.”
Here’s why you should care about this monumental move:
What is Net Neutrality?
Net neutrality ensures that websites, videos, and other content load at approximately the same speed for everyone. This concept ensures that your internet service provider (ISP) cannot deliberately slow down or block your connection to a website because of a backdoor deal they struck with a content provider.
“Strongest Open Internet Protections Ever…”
Under Chairman Wheeler’s proposal, the FCC would treat ISPs like telecommunications companies and regulate how they manage traffic on their networks. Under these rules, the FCC can regulate broadband providers who may attempt to prevent you from binge watching your favorite shows on Netflix or publishing video content on YouTube, for example.
Last fall, President Obama announced his support for these rules, asking Wheeler to regulate ISPs under Title II of the Communications Act.
Consequences
The FCC is expected to vote on Wheeler’s proposal on February 26. Until then, we can only speculate how these rules will change how we experience the Internet. Wall Street Journal (WSJ) claims that there won’t be any short-term changes, as these new rules would “largely codify what has been voluntary practice for the broadband industry.”
WSJ adds, “Down the road, however, they could make it easier for companies to offer bandwidth-hungry services such as online video-streaming without having to first seek approval or enter into business arrangements with the broadband providers.”
While it’s still unclear whether the proposal will be approved, this issue may not be fully resolved for years to come.
Let’s follow in the footsteps of companies like Google, Facebook, Amazon, Twitter, Ebay, and Yahoo, and continue showing our support for net neutrality.
For more information on net neutrality, you can visit the following websites…
HOMESTEAD, FL - Chinese New Year is rapidly approaching, and Brooks Tropicals is ready.
Mary Ostlund, Marketing Director for Brooks Tropicals, spoke with AndNowUKnow about the company’s papayas and starfruit, as well as the its new cold treatment program.
Both papaya and starfruit are Chinese New Year favorites, and Brooks Tropicals is seeing strong quality and increasing volumes of both.
“We grow our large papaya in Belize and Guatemala and our small papaya in Brazil. Earlier in the season there was a slight decrease due to weather in South America, but quality is strong and our volumes have greatly increased,” Mary tells me. “As for Starfruit, it is the peak of its winter season and harvesting is well underway.”
To ensure that consumers have access to top quality fruits, Brooks Tropicals has started a new cold treatment program that allows the company to ship to new states like California, Texas and Arizona.
“We started the cold treatment program about two months ago and are seeing great success with it. It allows us to ensure peak quality while filling almost any order to places we haven’t been able to ship to previously,” Mary added.
Chinese New Year is just a few weeks away, and demand for these crops are expected to continue increasing.
UNITED KINGDOM - Aldi continues to grow and expand by adding 70 new stores to the UK market. The new openings will provide over 5,000 new jobs and push the company’s count in Britain over the 600 mark, according to The Telegraph.
During the recovery from the financial crisis over the last few years, discount shops like Aldi have come to the forefront and are now competing with Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s, and Morrison’s, otherwise known as the “Big Four” supermarkets in United Kingdom grocers.
Already rated as one of the country’s top graduate employers, Aldi is promising an increased salary for new store managers in order to raise its quality of employment and customer service to that of the more elite markets.
“Aldi has seen rapid growth in recent years and with more store openings planned it’s important that we attract the right candidates for the store management roles,” Ruth Doyle, Regional Managing Director for Aldi, told Telegraph. “Aldi provides its store managers with extensive training to ensure they have the necessary skills to make a real success of their careers.”
The German-based company is offering a starting salary of £35,800 to store managers, about $54,000, with the possibility of a raise as high as £56,500, or just under $86,000. The new openings will have 150 store management positions available, as well as 300 assistant store managers.
Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow as we continue tracking Aldi's rapid expansion across the UK and the US.
LOS ANGELES, CA – Giumarra has introduced the first year of limited commercial production for its exclusive and proprietary, extra-sweet Nature’s Partner DulceVida line of red apricots and white, black, and yellow nectarines.
“We chose the name DulceVida because it translates to ‘Sweet Life’ and emphasizes the fruit’s combination of superb flavor and European origin, expressing a one-of-a-kind eating experience worth sharing,” says John Corsaro, CEO of the Giumarra Companies. “Consumers will immediately connect to this fruit and savor the DulceVida flavor as something truly special.”
According to a press release, this new sub-brand of Nature’s Partner is the result of an exclusive license with a fourth generation breeder consortium based in France. For the past ten years, the varieties have been tested extensively in France, as well as at test orchards in California.
“This proprietary line of exceptionally-sweet fruit is licensed solely to the Giumarra Companies for both North America and Chile,” says John Thiesen, Division Manager of Giumarra Reedley. “It provides an international solution for the continued sustainability of the stone fruit industry, while giving the consumer a memorable eating experience."
The flavor profile of these varieties is fragrant, rich and intensely sweet, with a unique dense flesh. According to the company, the combined characteristics create an aroma, flavor and lush texture that leave an impression and warrant the DulceVida name and tagline “The Sweet Life.”
“When combined with our long-established tree ripe growing practices, we believe the introduction of DulceVida will set the bar very high for flavor,” says Jeannine Martin, Director of Sales for Giumarra Reedley. “We continue to focus on our long-standing goal of servicing the market by consistently delivering delicious produce. This fruit is extraordinary and unlike anything I have personally tasted in my lifetime involvement with the California stone fruit industry.”
For the 2015 store fruit season, Giumarra will first offer DulceVida apricots and nectarines grown in California, with plans to expand. The harvest dates for Nature’s Partner DulceVida stone fruit are April through July.
AUSTIN, TX - Where can you find the world’s best barbecue, the live music capital of the world, and a huge lineup of powerhouse retailers? The answer is at the Viva Fresh Produce Expo in Austin, Texas!
With retail players like Wal-Mart, Kroger, and H-E-B already committed for the March 26 through March 28 dates, the Viva Fresh Produce Expo is a 2015 must. And luckily for you, the Texas International Produce Association (TIPA) is offering complimentary registration for retail and foodservice attendees, along with complimentary travel fees for buyers.
Additional retail companies include Albertsons, Sam’s Club, Whole Foods, Loblaws, Meijer, Trade Joe’s, AWG, Walgreens, Brookshire, United Supermarkets, Rouses, Metro Canada, and C&S Wholesalers. Foodservice companies like US Foods, Sysco, Pro Act, Ben E. Keith, Firehouse Subs of America, Performance Foodservice, Markon Cooperative and Labatt Food Service will also be in attendance.
“This regional expo extends across international boundaries, connecting retailer and foodservice attendees with suppliers from Texas, the Southwest region, and Mexico in an intimate setting,” Jimmy Bassetti, President of J&D Produce and Chair of the Retailer/Foodservice Outreach Committee, commented. “With our goal to increase the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, there will be a focus on health and wellness, making our VIVA Fresh Expo unique, resulting in an overwhelming, positive response.”
Trust me when I say this is an opportunity you won’t want to miss out on. You’ll take virtual field tours at farms and facilities in Texas and Mexico as well as discuss the U.S./Mexico Border, emerging trends and products, the importance of supermarket dietitians, and new technology, all while enjoying foodie themed events and receptions. Texas is proving to be an ideal gateway to growing operations and supply channels throughout Mexico and beyond. With the growth of produce hubs in McAllen and Pharr, this show is promising to be a valuable experience to anyone in attendance.
The virtual tours Viva Fresh is showcasing will be shown from the comfort of a conference room, and will be a unique experience and a first for a regional expo. The purpose of the tours is to not only separate Viva Fresh from other regional expos, but to have the ability to transport retail and foodservice attendees to the prime growing areas without the inconvenience, cost, and time to bus them several hours away. A key goal for the tours is to create an interactive, authentic experience in which the audience will be both educated and engaged.
“The response from retail and foodservice buyers and directors has absolutely exceeded our every expectation,” Bret Erickson, President and CEO of the Texas International Produce Association, said. “It’s clear that VIVA Fresh is going to successfully fill a very unique niche in connecting produce buyers and sellers in what is arguably one of the hottest produce corridors in North America.”
The opportunities Austin and Viva Fresh are offering here are definitely must-sees. These tickets are selling out fast! The last day to register is February 20th, 2015. Don’t be the only one to miss it!
For more information, log onto www.vivafreshexpo.com.
Meet the bane of all websites and web hosting servers worldwide – the DDoS attack.
It’s a form of cyberattack that’s affected Sony, Microsoft, the FBI, and even North Korea’s entire Internet infrastructure. On average, a DDoS attack is estimated to cost businesses $40,000 per hour, with nearly half of those attacks lasting between 6-24 hours, according to a survey performed by Incapsula, a website security provider.
DDoS attacks come in all shapes and sizes, but technically speaking, what are they? And why do so many “secure” websites and services seem so vulnerable? More importantly, what can you do about it?
What is a DDoS Attack?
A DDoS attack, or Distributed Denial of Service attack, has a much broader definition for network security professionals. In typical DDoS attacks however, the aggressor will flood a web server with so much bogus traffic from all kinds of different sources that it cripples itself and ultimately shuts down.
Although a DDoS attack can expose new vulnerabilities in your network security, their purpose is to send a message rather than steal information.
Martin Libicki, a researcher at RAND who has studied cyberattacks, compares it to a concert letting out.
“You’ve got all these people filling the streets all at once,” he tells NPR. “If you happen to be in the same area at the same time, you’re going to have a hard time getting through.”
Other denial-of-service attacks, or DoS attacks, are more specific and can target certain users or potentially wipe out databases.
Check out this list of 15 companies that have been affected by DDoS attacks in the past. Even we were hit by one last year.
- AndNowUKnow
- Sony
- Microsoft
- FBI
- Apple
- Bank of America
- Wells Fargo
- JPMorgan Chase & Co.
- Visa
- MasterCard
- AT&T
- Netflix
Why do networks seem so vulnerable to DDoS attacks?
Security experts say that any network is vulnerable to a DDoS attack because it’s difficult to discern whether the traffic you’re getting is legitimate or not, so it’s hard to find the attacker(s). You're getting bombarded by so much traffic from every source imaginable, and ideally, you don't want to block access to everyone.
It’s also one of the easiest forms of cyberattacks. Rob Rachwald, Director of Security Strategy at Imperva tells InformationWeek, “DDoS is to the Internet what the billy club is to gang warfare: simple, cheap, unsophisticated, and effective.”
How can I prevent DDoS attacks?
First and foremost, know that every website or network is at risk. DDoS attacks are difficult to stop entirely, but you can increase your resistance to them by ensuring your network infrastructure is as secure as possible. Roland Dobbins, Asia-Pacific Solutions Architect for Arbor Networks, tells InformationWeek that implementing “all of the industry best and current practices for their network infrastructure” can help increase resiliency and availability. Traditional network protection, such as firewalls, can only do so much against attackers.
Actively monitoring your network can alert you to a potential threat early on. Dobbins continued, “If the enterprise doesn’t have visibility into their network traffic so they can exert control over the traffic, then they have a problem.”
Identifying the source of the attack is a long and arduous process. According to Cisco, even though a source might be identified, blocking it would mean blocking all traffic – good and bad.
Finally, ask your web hosting provider to overprovision bandwidth to your website. Overprovision can help accommodate a sudden increase in traffic and can give you more time to act accordingly to an attack. However, this is not the most cost-effective solution.
Speak to your company’s IT professionals to come up with a solution that will best work for you.
For a real-time look at current DDoS attacks happening around the world, check out this website: http://map.ipviking.com/
The threat a DDoS attack can pose is not to be underestimated. By knowing its consequences, you can work to take the steps necessary to protect yourself before it happens.