NOGALES, AZ - With the Mexican Honeydew season well underway, MAS Melons and Grapes is focusing on flavor and consistency to address the needs of its retail partners and the end consumer.
Currently harvesting in Colima, Mexico, MAS has been investing in new seed varieties that develop flavor, as well as new technologies to more accurately measure brix levels on its 10-month honeydew program.
“Taste has always been a driving factor in our Honeydew program. We have spent the past four years testing different seed varieties to find the fruit that presents the best eating experience and quality,” Miguel ‘Miky’ A. Suarez, one of the Founders of the Nogales, Arizona-based company, tells me.
MAS is currently ahead of last year’s numbers in terms of volume growth, with Honeydews up 60% compared to the early 2014 season. “By the end of the season, we are looking to be up 35% over last year,” Miky notes. Looking back over the years, the company has experienced tremendous growth, increasing its crop size by 50% over the past 7 years.
With the growing popularity in melon categories all around, MAS has also expanded its portfolio to include conventional Mini Seedless Watermelons. This company is working on its first trial now in Colima.
“The quality of the fruit is excellent and we hope to have promotable volumes next year,” Miky says.
Miguel notes that the markets for both Honeydew and Mini Seedless Watermelons are very strong at present, due to lighter volume from Central America and Northern Mexico earlier in November and December.
“The Colima area has had very favorable growing conditions so far, and we are looking to keep a steady supply to market through April,” Miky tells me.
While the U.S. is still MAS’ number one export destination, the company has seen incredible growth in other markets including Japan. MAS established MAS Melons & Grapes Japan in 2001 and has been ramping up that operation ever since to keep quality and service up to par.
Northwestern Mexico is home to one of the most abundant agricultural regions in North America, offering fertile soil, a large swath of coastline along the Gulf of California and a range of beneficial micro-climates for many food related industries. This valuable region is also now home to an incredible event in support of its budding agricultural excellence, “Sinaloa Encanta.”
Slated for March 12, 2015, “Sinaloa Encanta" aims to bring together retailers, wholesalers, food industry executives and independent retailers to share and promote the best of what Sinaloa brings to the table – its agriculture, livestock, fishing, food industry and culinary art. The distinctive tastes, flavors, cuisine and culture of this region truly meld together to provide an unrivaled experience that I hope you will enjoy and share.
I just recently returned from a visit with the President of the Board of Sinaloa Encanta Foundation, Eduardo Leyson Castro himself and experienced the Leyson Family Grounds and Farming Operation where the event will be held. I can wholeheartedly vouch for the passion of this group and the promise of an authentic occasion in the making… so leave your misconceptions at the door.
To sweeten the deal, Sinaloa Encanta is inviting two retail executives to enter for the chance to win an all-expense paid trip to the event with the opportunity to bear witness to both the cultural vibrancy and the progress of trade and agriculture within Sinaloa. In addition, Sinaloa Encanta will be offering up to 4 of the most influential writers in the food industry the chance to travel to the event as well, expense free, to taste the flavors of Sinaloa, and to experience the vibrant art, music and the people.
If you would like to participate or need more information and details about Sinaloa Encanta, please don’t hesitate to reach out by e-mailing [email protected] or by clicking the button below.
“We are not content to sit on our laurels and enjoy the fruits of our labor. Thanks to ‘Sinaloa Encanta’ we have a great platform to show off the true face of Sinaloa; a true commitment to moving forward,” Eduardo tells us. He is not only President of the Board of Sinaloa Encanta Foundation but a premier eggplant and bell pepper grower, as well.
Created in 2013 by a group of Sinaloan entrepreneurs at the helm, this group has sought to engage all arena’s of the food industry in order to promote commerce and unite all parties together under the same mission – create awareness around the productivity of Sinaloa as a leader in sustainable food production in America as an honest, successful, professional and socially responsible association of entrepreneurs.
Don’t believe me? Take a look for yourself at a few highlights from last year… (video in Spanish only):
Hope to see you all there!
HOUSTON, TX - It’s been 35 years since the last strike at chemical oil refiners and facilities on U.S. soil, but that streak is now over. This latest strike is now affecting the production of up to 10% of U.S. fuel, and if it continues it could affect the low gas prices drivers have been enjoying, according to NPR.
“First and foremost, the industry walked away from the table; that led to the strike quicker than anything,” Lee Medley, President of United Steelworkers Local 13-1 told NPR. “Its hard for us to vote something when they walk away from the table.”
Negotiations are expected to resume today between Shell and local union leaders as they debate over new wage contracts for striking U.S. refinery workers, Shell told Reuters.
The two camps have been halted on negotiations since the United Steelworkers union called walkouts early on Sunday at nine plants. Most affected refineries are running at near normal capacities, with Shell having to call on trained managers, retirees, and others from non-union plants to replace workers.
Talks have been difficult, as a drop of more than 50% in oil prices since June has chipped away at profits of major companies, prompting executives to halt wages for workers, according to Reuters.
The union claims talks late on Tuesday made "no progress,” while Shell called them "productive." Since bargaining first started on January 21st, the union has rejected a total of five offers from Shell.
The union seeks an annual pay increase of 6%, double the size of those in the last agreement. It also wants work that has been given in the past to non-union contractors to start going to USW members, a tighter policy to prevent workplace fatigue and reductions in members' out-of-pocket payments for healthcare.
“Inventories are sky high, there’s actually plenty of cushion for the industry to be able to absorb any shortage in production,” Kenneth Medlock Senior Director for the Center of Energy Studies at Rice University told NPR.
If the 2 sides cannot reach an agreement, the fear is that strikes could spread to other union sites. After 8 to 10 weeks, inventories could start to run down, and therefore, affect gas prices, according to NPR. As for now, we are not yet sure how this will affect transportation costs in the produce industry, but because most of us drive cars every day, this is definitely a story we'll be keeping an eye on!
VENTURA, CA – The Microsoft Dynamics NAV LINKFRESH ERP solution, specifically designed for the fresh food industry, will be used by Wholesum Family Farms, Inc. in four different sites located in the continental U.S. as well as Mexico.
“Wholesum’s decision to leverage LINKFRESH as part of its growth strategy underscores the importance of our software to producers in the fresh produce industry,” Ron Myers, Executive Vice President for LINKFRESH Inc., said. “The LINKFRESH solution will provide a complete operational platform to improve and standardize processes and procedures across all areas of their business from farm and greenhouse growing operations to packing and warehouse management through to grower returns, logistics and full financial management.”
While Wholesum will also be deploying LINKFRESH’s Grower Portal and mobility applications, the solution will also provide specific integration into the company’s existing Priva solution for greenhouse management and timesheet management. The 40-user solution is expected to be completed by the end of the final quarter this year.
“The deployment of the LINKFRESH ERP solution is part of an ongoing initiative to establish common practices, standards, and systems throughout the business,” Ricardo Crisantes, Wholesum Vice President, said. “A key objective is to provide a single ERP system for the management and administration of all operational processes and to provide key reporting metrics and KPI’s throughout the business.”
LINKFRESH Inc. is based in California, but also has locations across the North America and in Europe, The company deploys systems globally through an established partner network.
PHOENIX, AZ – Fresh Thyme Farmers Market has signed leases for two new Chicago-area stores as it prepares to move its headquarters to Downers Grove, Illinois from Phoenix, Arizona this spring.
Crain’s Chicago Business quotes Fresh Thyme President and CEO Chris Sherrell as saying that this headquarters move will allow the company to stay close to Midwestern markets, where it hopes to open 100 stores over the next six years. Those new stores would include 18 in Chicago and its suburbs.
The new headquarters switch is expected to be completed this spring and will bring roughly 100 corporate and management jobs to Downers Grove, and the new office will be 30,000 square feet.
As for the new stores, Fresh Thyme signed a 15-year lease on a store in Chicago on Elston Avenue as well as a lease for a store in a former Dominick’s in Crystal Lake.
Speaking on the Elston store, Sherrell says that it will comprise 28,000 square feet and is expected to open by October 2015. “One main thing we looked at is just the rooftops, and population-wise this is probably our highest density (location) of all the stores we’ve signed to date,” he added.
The former Dominick’s is approximately 29,000 square feet, with an opening date that is to be determined.
Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow for the latest updates on Fresh Thyme's expansion plans.
SALINAS, CA - Ever dreamed of walking the red carpet with some of Salinas’ finest? For one night only, the Grower-Shipper Association Foundation is treating 250 people to a night they won’t soon forget, and it all goes to a good cause supporting the increase of produce consumption among kids.
Experience everything there is to love about Salinas and the produce industry. Great food, great music, and great friends all in one intimate venue. For the skeptics out there, this event is hardly going to break the bank. Dinner, wine tasting, a silent auction, and a live concert are included in the price of one ticket ($85.00). At that price, it’s a steal.
The stars of the show will be Doug Ranno, a long time song writer who has strong ties to the fresh produce industry, and his band, The Harvesting Crew. Get a taste of California country mixed with Nashville and a hint of Delta blues while feasting on an incredible dinner and tossing back a couple glasses of wine. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself drooling at the sight of a fruit or vegetable shaped guitar either.
Not your style? Don’t sweat it. Everyone is here to support bringing healthy food and salad bars to kids in Monterey County Schools, and this opportunity won’t last long.
“We are all very excited about this fun-filled evening and expect the event to sell out quickly,” Susan Marscellas, the Grower-Shipper Association Foundation Director, said in a press release. “Doug and some of the members of his band have strong ties to the agriculture industry and they wanted to give back and make a difference.”
To further support the Grower-Shipper Association Foundation, guests can also bid on two unique, custom-made Musical Harvest guitars donated by Doug Ranno. Now you can really rock out and help benefit Samz School of Music and Guitars not Guns – two local Salinas and Monterey County 501c3 nonprofit organizations that aim to give kids the opportunity of music in their lives.
What are you waiting for? Invite a few friends and come down to the Corral de Tierra Country Club Theater at 81 Corral de Tierra Road in Salinas on February 20th for “Concert at Corral” – GUITARS, OLD CARS FOR SALAD BARS. Time is quickly running out!
You can buy tickets by clicking the link below:
WENATCHEE, WA – February is a month full of heart in more ways than one. Of course there is Valentine’s Day, but it’s also American Heart Month, promoting awareness and conscious heart health.
Oneonta proposes a way to pay tribute to both with its “Love Your Heart” campaign, promoting “Starr Ranch” red apples and “Red Diamond” red pears, according to a press release.
Teaming up with USA Apples for the 28-day event, both companies will be publishing tips and facts via their Facebook and Twitter pages regarding fresh fruit and the part it plays in maintaining a healthy heart.
With 130 calories per large apple and void of fat, sodium or cholesterol, apples are a prime source of vitamin C and fiber.
Not to be outdone, pears carry their own weight (or lack thereof) in nutritional value. With 100 calories per serving, they are a good source of vitamin C, an equally fit alternative for fiber and are free of sodium, fat, and cholesterol.
USA Apples released information from its “28 Days of Apples,” run, detailing the nutritional benefits and values of an apple a day, including results from a study conducted by Ohio State University. Some findings included that researchers “found that eating an apple for four weeks lowered blood levels of oxidized LDL by 40 percent.” LDL is the unhealthy cholesterol that has been linked to heart disease.
Tidbits like these are what will be made available to customers and health-conscious readers throughout the month.
AUSTRALIA - Science is continuing to find ways to aid farmers autonomously and, in this case, robotically.
Measured farm surveillance, plant growth, and alerts for pests that grow or crawl can now be provided clearly without having to go a single step down crop rows. Professor Salah Sukkarieh of the University of Sydney, a lead researcher on robotics, has successfully tested his team’s latest project, Ladybird.
"Ladybird focuses on broad acre agriculture and is solar-electric powered,” Sukkarieh said, according to Gizmag. “It has an array of sensors for detecting vegetable growth and pest species, either plant or animal.”
Named after actual ladybirds, which eat the usual pests that are the bane of gardeners and farmers alike, this farm aid moves autonomously through crops at about 3 miles per hour. Though it can’t hop around harmlessly like its namesake, it has all-spinning wheels that the makers assure will allow the Ladybird to move through crops with minimal disruption and energy, providing maximum assistance.
"The robot was able to drive fully autonomously up and down rows and from one row to the next, while gathering sensor data,” Sukkarieh said, referring to the robot’s test in Cowra, North Whales where it was able to run three days after a single charge of its batteries.
Already awarded as Researcher of the Year in 2014 by the Australian Vegetable Industry for his work on the robot, Sukkarieh is not stopping until he can bring a robot that will not only measure and assist with farm knowledge, but help with harvesting as well.
“She also has a robotic arm for the purposes of removing weeds as well as the potential for autonomous harvesting," says Professor Sukkarieh.
While bringing more technology into an industry traditionally run by hand remains a controversial topic, Sukkarieh’s team continues to work towards raising his ultimate goal for the Ladybird from science fiction.
This little robot may yet prove to be the perfect farm hand, wanted or not.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Target will open 15 stores in 2015, including three distinct store formats: eight TargetExpress locations, one CityTarget and six general merchandise stores.
According to a press release, Target’s strategic store growth is focused on reaching customers in urban centers while offering new experiences through formats like TargetExpress and CityTarget, while also focusing on merchandising layouts and innovations in its general merchandise stores.
“Our store growth looks different today than it did five years ago, driven by guests’ expectations for ease and personalization in their shopping experience. Smaller formats like TargetExpress and CityTarget offer customized assortments and services to meet the needs of guests who are increasingly moving into urban centers,” said Tina Tyler, EVP and Chief Stores Officer, Target.
She continues, “In our general merchandise stores, we’re embracing a test and learn philosophy, innovating with layouts and experiences and bringing digital and bricks and mortar together like never before.”
With digital technology in mind, Target has hired former Tesco executive Mike McNamara as its new Chief Information Officer. He will replace Bob DeRodes, who is retiring. McNamara will report to Target Chairman and CEO, Brian Cornell.
“Technology is critical for Target’s future success. So finding the right leader for this role was one of my absolute top priorities,” Cornell said. “Mike has been a driving force for technology innovation throughout his career. He’s got a stellar track record, and I’m excited to see how he’ll help our team continue to push new innovations that enhance the shopping experience for Target guests, both online and in stores.”
As for the new stores, Target plans to bring two TargetExpress stores to the greater Washington, D.C. area and one to Chicago, in addition to the previously announced openings in San Francisco, San Diego and St. Paul, Minnesota locations. These stores are the retailer’s newest and smallest format at approximately 20,000 square feet. Beyond 2015, Target hopes to expand this format across select major markets.
Here are all of the stores that Target is opening in 2015:
- TargetExpress
- San Francisco, California – March
- Berkeley, California – March
- St. Paul, Minnesota – July
- San Diego, California – October
- Four additional locations that are to be determined
- CityTarget
- Boston, Massachusetts – July
- General Merchandise
- Westwood, Massachusetts – March
- Maui-Kahului, Hawaii – March
- Oahu-Kailua, Hawaii – March
- Lake Bluff, Illinois – July
- Fort Worth, Texas – October
- San Diego, California – October
With this renewed push on smaller format stores coupled with Target’s exit from Canada, 2015 should serve as a pivotal year for this retailer.
Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow for the latest updates in the ever-evolving retail landscape.
DENVER, CO – Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. has announced its Q4 2014 results. Though the fast casual chain saw a revenue increase of 26.7% to $1.07 billion, 35% of that total went to rising food costs due to avocado, dairy and meat price increases.
“We continue to make significant progress on our important journey to change the way people think about and eat fast food,” said Steve Ells, Chairman and Co-CEO of Chipotle. “Consumer trends are changing, which we believe is a great result of people becoming more discerning about where their food comes from, how it was raised, and how their meal was prepared.”
Other highlights from the report include:
- Restaurant level operating margin was 26.6%, an increase of 100 basis points
- Net income was $121.2 million, an increase of 52.3%
- Diluted earnings per share was $3.84, and increase of 51.8%
- Comparable restaurant sales increase of 16.1%
- 60 new restaurants, bringing the total to 1,783
Ells added, “The continued loyalty we see from our customers as well as third party research, and the growing number of concepts imitating Chipotle, all point to the relevance of our vision and the impact we are having on food culture. We are delighted to see that this vision, a very lofty goal, is becoming a reality.”
These gains, however, did not prove to be enough to meet Wall Street’s very high expectations. The company’s stock fell more than 5% in after hours trading yesterday, despite these high gains.
This could be due in part to the rising cost of foods. According to the financial release, food costs were 35% of revenue, an increase of 110 basis points due primarily to higher avocado, dairy and beef costs, partially offset by the benefit from the menu price increases.
CNBC reports that Chipotle CFO Jack Hartung said in a conference call that the chain is also considering increasing the prices of some of its entrees but still wants its prices to remain accessible.
“We don’t have any plans for across the board menu increases in 2015,” but the chain is considering a targeted price increase for steak and possibly its barbacoa product, Hartung added.
Even with this dip in stocks, Chipotle is going full steam ahead for 2015. The chain is expecting to open between 190 to 205 new restaurants and forecasts low to mid-single digit comparable restaurant sales increases.