PELION, SC - The holiday season is heating up for WP Rawl as the demand for popular leafy greens continues to skyrocket. The company has recently begun expanding its growing operations in Bunnell, Florida.
“We are looking forward to having an increased supply to keep up with the demand for our products,” said Ashley Rawl, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “The Florida growing operation has been an important part of supporting our customers with a steady supply of product throughout the winter and early spring.”
WP Rawl’s acreage in this particular operation is doubling this season. Plants are in the ground now and will be ready to harvest in December, according to a press release. These crops include conventional collard, kale, cilantro, parsley, beets, mustard, turnip, and organic kale. The number of staff will also increase by 50 percent.
The Florida operation includes a refrigerated storage facility and loading docks, as well as an ice production system within the site. The packing house and fields are all Primus GFS certified.
Congrats on this recent expansion, WP Rawl!
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The USDA has filed an administrative action under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) against Pangea Produce Distributors Inc.
The Florida-based company has allegedly failed to make the payment to three produce sellers totaling $262,199 from October 2010 – December 2013, according to a press release.
Pangea Product Distributors Inc. may request a hearing. If the USDA finds that the company committed repeated and flagrant violations, it would be barred from the produce industry for two years.
Additionally, the principals could not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee for one year and then only after it posts a USDA-approved surety bond.
In the past three years, USDA resolved approximately 4,600 claims filed under PACA involving more than $87 million. This is just one more way USDA continues to support the fruit and vegetable industry.
SANTA CRUZ, CA – Awe Sum Organics has hired Gabe Reyes as its new Financial Controller.
In this newly created role, Gabe will manage all accounting and financial activities and develop procedures to help position Awe Sum for continued growth, according to a press release.
“I’ve worked in Organics for years and look forward to getting back into the organic industry. I’m excited to be a part of the Awe Sum team as we continue to grow and the organic industry expands while consumers learn more about the benefits of a healthy and organic lifestyle,” said Gabe.
Most recently, Gabe gained relevant experience at SunOpta as he managed a divisional accounting and finance team there for almost eight years.
He is a graduate of California Polytechnic State University, San Louis Obispo, CA. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting and Finance there. He currently resides in Santa Cruz, California, with his wife and two children.
Congratulations on this new position, Gabe!
IRVINE, CA - On Monday, the Western Growers Board of Directors named Vic Smith, President and CEO of JV Smith Companies, as the Chairman of Western Growers.
According to Western Growers, Smith succeeds Bruce Taylor, Chairman and CEO of Taylor Farms California. Smith will begin his volunteer leadership responsibilities at the end of this week’s annual meeting.
In 1988, Smith co-founded JV Smith Farms with his father, John B. Smith. Vic is the second generation of his family to join the fresh produce business. His father started Skyview Cooling in Yuma, Arizona in 1970.
In his education, Vic studied economics and business law at the University of Colorado from 1970-1974 and finance at Arizona State University in 1975. He has overseen all of the companies’ farming, packing and cooling operations since 1991, which includes 15,000 acres of vegetable production annually.
The Western Growers Board has also selected Larry Cox, Owner of Lawrence Cox Ranches, Brawley, California, as Senior Vice Chairman; Samuel Duda, Vice President of Duda Farm Fresh Foods, Inc., Salinas, California, as Vice Chairman; Garland Reiter, CEO of Reiter Affiliated Companies, Santa Barbara, California, as Secretary; and Carol Chandler, Partner at Chandler Farms, Selma, California, as Treasurer.
Western Growers also welcomed the newest board members:
- Mike Antle, Tanimura and Antle, Salinas, California
- Brian Bertelsen, Cove Ranch Management, Reedley, California
- George Boskovich, III, Boskovich Farms, Oxnard, California
- Howard Roeder, Dole Fresh Vegetables, Monterey, California
- John McPike, Cal Giant, Santa Maria
- Jack Vessey, Vessey and Company Inc., Holtville, California
- Stuart Woolf, Woolf Enterprises, Fresno, California
Congratulations to everyone selected!
YAKIMA, WA - FirstFruits Marketing of Washington is now offering a full line of ultra mesh apple bags. The new bag is unique because of its distinctive graphic display, highlighting the variety and facilitating improved product visibility. Additionally, this ultra mesh has less environmental impact than the standard all plastic or plastic pouch bags, according to a press release.
“We are very excited about our new ultra mesh bags because they will provide outstanding product visibility, a convenient handle for consumers and the ‘stand-up’ visibility that drives consumer impulse buys,” said Keith Matthews, CEO of FirstFruits Marketing of Washington. “The ultra mesh bags will nicely complement our selection of poly and stand-up poly bags.”
The ultra mesh bags will be available in both organic and conventional versions for Opal, Sweetie, Fuji, Jubilee, Gala, Granny and mainline apples.
KORTRIJK XPO, BELGIUM – TOMRA Sorting will be showcasing and demonstrating 6 sorting and peeling machines at its booth at the 17th INTERPOM | PRIMEURS in Kortrijk Xpo, Belgium from Novermer 23 – 25.
“INTERPOM | PRIMEURS remains the leading trade fair for the potato, fruit and vegetable sector in Europe and we are very glad to present here once again our different food sorting machines and peeling solutions. This year we are thrilled to present more than four new sorting solutions (Falcon, Halo, Blizzard and a new size grader for washed potatoes)! Next to that, we will highlight important improvements to existing and proven solutions in the potato and vegetable industry,” says Roel Molenaers, Product Manager at TOMRA Sorting Food.
According to a press release, TOMRA Sorting Solutions’ Falcon will be showcased first and foremost. “Through the Falcon we get rid of most defects at an early stage to ensure that the sorters further down the processing line can work at a higher efficiency rate and can assure a final product with an outstanding high quality,” adds Molenaers.
We previously covered this cost-effective pre-sorter for the fresh cut industry. For a more in depth look, click here for that article, and to see the Falcon in action, check out this video:
TOMRA is also giving visitors at INTERPOM a sneak preview of a new size grader for washed potatoes that was designed to sort washed potatoes by length, width or a combination of both, and its brand new revolutionary user interface of the Halo sorter.
“In the past we expected from our customers to train continuously on being able to operate the sorting machine. This was contradictory to our customer-oriented vision and that’s why we are now proud to offer our customers a revolutionary intuitive tough screen,” says Molenaers.
“No longer should an operator see two TOMRA sorting machines side by side with designs that seem polar opposites from one another. The new user interface provides operators with a confidence that if they can work with one TOMRA sorting machine they will be able to work them all! The customers are now really in charge of the sorter,” clarifies Molenaers.
TOMRA is also showcasing the Blizzard, a cost-effective optical sorting solution for the individually quick frozen vegetable and fruit market (IQF). The Blizzard offers a small footprint and comfortably replaces older generation sorters. It can be installed just after the IQF tunnels or prior to packing. Check out the Blizzard in action in this video:
The last offerings that TOMRA is displaying are its Field Potato Sorter (FPS) and its steam peeling solutions, both of which offer benefits to growers and packers.
“There is no doubt that the potato, fruit and vegetable industry will benefit from TOMRA’s sorting and peeling solutions. TOMRA shows once more to be the leading provider for the potato and vegetable industry. We are looking forward to meeting you at our stand place 110 to introduce you to our latest innovations and to discuss your specific food sorting challenge,” says Molenaers.
If you are at the event, make sure to stop by TOMRA at booth 110 and see all of these new innovations.
HOUSTON, TX - C&S Wholesale Grocers Inc. has entered into an agreement to acquire Grocers Supply. With the close of this latest transaction, C&S will merge its operations with that of Texas' largest wholesale grocery supplier, a company which generates roughly $3 billion in annual sales and supplies more than 900 independent grocers, according to the Houston Business Chronicle.
“The Grocers Supply Company has a century-long legacy of providing the highest level of service to its valued customers, which are primarily independent retailers and regional chains,” said Rick Cohen, C&S Chairman and CEO in the Herald Online. “We very much look forward to partnering with the Grocers Supply team to continue this tradition and to expand the services and offerings available to its customers through the strength and scale of C&S. C&S is excited to enter the Southwestern United States market and to have the opportunity to service this growing and vital region.”
"As the Levit Family planned for the next 100 years, with the goal of sustaining the Grocers Supply wholesale business, we determined that selling the wholesale business would be in the best interest of its stakeholders," agreed Max Levit, President of Grocers Supply, in a statement. "We carefully selected C&S Wholesale Grocers as the best choice for our employees and customers because of C&S's commitment to growth, operational excellence and service to independent grocers."
As the Houston Business Chronicle notes, this deal gives C&S a key presence in the southwestern United States, helping to expand and grow the business.
At this time, neither company has revealed specific financial terms regarding this transaction, however, reports have surfaced that the deal is expected to formally close before the end of the year.
Lazard Ltd. is working as financial adviser to Grocers Supply for this transaction, with Vinson & Elkins LLP operating as legal counsel. Sullivan and Cromwell LLP is legal counsel to C&S, according to the Herlad Online.
KINGSVILLE, ON - SUNSET® Kumato™ tomatoes have emerged as the best for men in the latest issue of Men’s Health Magazine, available now. In the publication’s top 100 Best Foods for Men, Kumato™ was praised for its sweet and tangy flavor, non-GMO verification, and because they can be enjoyed on their own or in a variety of dishes.
“Kumato™ is one of SUNSET’s best selling signature brands,” said CEO Paul Mastronardi. “We knew we had found an amazing product years ago because it was so unique looking and tasting. The Kumato™ is very balanced, not too acidic, with a mysterious and smoky flavor.”
SUNSET® debuted its Kumato™ brand tomatoes in 2010, and soon after, consumers were already raving about their unique color, perfect size, and well-balanced flavor, according to a press release.
“At SUNSET®, we search the world for flavor,” added Mastronardi. “We want to ensure that consumers enjoy our tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers as healthy foods that don’t need to be covered in dressings or dips; their flavor is best on its own. Being recognized by Men’s Health for that is a great honor.”
Movember, formerly known as November, is dedicating to raising awareness for men’s health. SUNSET’s website features a host of exciting, flavorful recipes to take advantage of the health benefits of tomatoes, which include a powerful antioxidant known as lycopene that can help prevent certain diseases, such as prostate cancer.
Congratulations on this latest recognition, SUNSET®!
BAKERSFIELD & LIVINGSTON, CA - This Thanksgiving season, an exceptionally strong market will be awaiting California's sweet potato growers when their crops are ready for market. While there are large volumes of America's sweet potato production east of the Mississippi, California's growers raise a key part of the U.S. crop, helping to bring a sizable quantity of premium quality potatoes to market each year.
Country Sweet Produce's Sales & Commodity Manager Cody Rose shared with me that prices are currently hovering around the $22-$24 dollar range for the grower's #1 sweet potatoes featured in its ads. Considering that the typical price point for these sweet potatoes comes in around the mid-to-high teens, the current market represents a significant premium for California growers.
“The market has been very favorable for Country Sweet so far this year,” Cody explained. “There's a lot of excitement built up around this year's sweet potato crop. The quality of our sweet potatoes, combined with the prices being offered in this year's market have set the foundation for one of Country Sweet's best seasons yet.”
Doreva Produce's Manager Aaron Silva agreed wholeheartedly with Cody's assessment of today's market. “Pricing has remained very steady,” he agreed. “It is probably the best in years. I would say that we are about 20% higher than last year.”
Harvesting operations for Country Sweet and Doreva's full line of premium, California-grown sweet potato varieties are already in full swing and quality and volume are looking excellent this year, according to reports out of the field.
“Volume and quality have both been outstanding this year,” Cody shared with me. “With the production we've gotten from our California farming operations, I'm confident that Country Sweet Produce will be able to meet demand for our full range of sizes with an excellent looking product worthy of being the centerpiece at Thanksgiving dinners everywhere.”
“We are working hard to get the sweet potatoes harvested to be ready for the holidays. California’s unique climate and weather makes for a beautiful looking potato with great eye-appeal that consumers are looking for,” Aaron agreed. “The demand is there! We have a slightly lower yield this year, but quality is great, and we have enough product to make it through this busy season.”
Even in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the Thanksgiving season, these growers are already thinking about the future, considering new avenues for category growth. For example, Country Sweet's microwavable bags have been a big hit with retailers, a trend which the grower plans to double down on as the market moves into the new year. Similarly, Doreva is working with dedication to grow California sweet potato consumption throughout the year, further establishing California's place as a market leader in the category. For now though, all eyes are on Thanksgiving, and based off today's reports, it's looking to be a great one.
Congratulations on an excellent start to the Thanksgiving season, Country Sweet Produce and Doreva Produce!
WENATCHEE, WA – Stemilt is offering a look at its renowned pear locales in a new video that showcases the company’s heritage and industry leading position growing and packing pears in Washington State’s Wenatchee and Entiat River Valleys.
“We know from research and our own engagement with consumers that people want to know where their food comes from and who grew it, so we focused this video on telling that story. The locales Rushing Rivers pears come from are to pears what the Napa Valley is to wine. We want consumers to experience these locales and visually sharing our farms and passion for quality with them in this video allows them to do just that,” said Roger Pepperl, Stemilt Marketing Director.
The video features high-def aerial footage that was shot by a drone helicopter during harvest. Throughout the video, Mike Taylor and Rudy Prey tell the story of where Stemilt’s Rushing Rivers pears come from and what makes the two river valleys great.
Check out the video here:
The video debuted at PMA Fresh Summit, and according to a press release, Stemilt has added it to its website, blog and social media channels to share with consumers.
“The video focuses on the unique features of the Wenatchee and Entiat River Valleys and how those features combine to create a perfect growing environment where pears thrive. It’s the story that our family growers in the area have known and told for so long, and the story that consumers hear first-hand in the Rushing Rivers pear video,” said Pepperl.
Stemilt and long-time pear partners, Preshastin Hi-Up Growers, have been growing pears in the river valleys for decades. The valleys run parallel to each other and are separated by the peaks of the Cascade Mountain range. Their location keeps the orchards cool during summer months and protects the delicate pears. The snowpack on the mountain provides pure and plentiful water each spring.
“The Rushing Rivers label and new carton is already proving to be a great merchandising vehicle for pears. Displays and signage around Rushing Rivers allow retailers to bring the beauty of where Stemilt pears come from and the passion that goes into growing each one, into their stores. Pears should be prominently displayed during the late fall and winter seasons and promoting Rushing Rivers pears is a perfect way to build category excitement and repeat purchases among shoppers,” said Pepperl.
In August, Stemilt introduced Rushing Rivers as its label for pears and began packing pears in a new carton featuring the Rushing Rivers logo and tagline “the best pear locales in the world.” That, along with the video, help to tell the story of where the pears came from and how they were grown.