PHILADELPHIA, PA - AgroFresh Solutions is expanding the scope of its advantageous portfolio, announcing that it has gained approval from regulatory authorities in Japan on 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), the active ingredient in SmartFresh, for use in broccoli and other key crops exported to Japan.

This advancement grants growers and exporters the option to now manage the quality of their produce using two products from the SmartFresh™ Quality System: SmartFresh SmartTabs™ and SmartFresh ProTabs.

“We understand broccoli will be added to the agriculture ministry’s list of important ‘designated vegetables’ that are consumed in mass quantities in Japan. We are excited to support local broccoli growers in bringing high-quality produce to market,” said Masami Shinozaki, Commercial Manager for AgroFresh in Japan.

The innovation offers exporters an additional tool to ensure the quality and freshness of fruit and vegetables during transportation and storage. It also provides increased opportunities as broccoli is considered a highly valued crop and Japan represents a growing market for broccoli consumption, a press release explained.

SmartFresh technology has already optimized the postharvest treatment of numerous crops in Japan, including apples, pears, kiwifruit, persimmons, and potatoes.

"This approval in Japan is a significant milestone, opening new opportunities for exporters in Latin America," added Narciso Vivot, Commercial Director of AgroFresh in Latin America. "We are excited to offer innovative solutions that not only address the high standards of product efficacy but also sustainably deliver an abundant supply of quality fresh produce around the world."

As the release noted, SmartFresh technology helps to maintain the color, hydration, and crispness of broccoli and many other approved crops, extending freshness and offering growers and packers increased flexibility in storage and transport. In addition, the solution can eliminate the need for ice during transportation, thus reducing costs and environmental impact through water use and energy needs for cold storage.

What categories will AgroFresh’s SmartFresh technology uplift next? ANUK will be sure to report.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Meijer has its calendar marked for May 14, because that is the day the retailer will be opening two new 159,000-square-foot supercenters in Ohio. The stores will be located in Alliance and North Canton, and will feature a wide range of high-quality offerings, including fresh produce.

"Ohio has always been significant to us, as it was the first state we expanded to outside of Michigan," said Todd Anderson, Vice President of the Ohio Region for Meijer. "The feedback we've received from customers here in Northeast Ohio about our value and convenience has been overwhelmingly positive, and we look forward to building upon that momentum specifically here in Alliance and North Canton."

In addition to fresh produce, the locations will offer a floral area, garden center, and an array of grocery staples, a release explained.

As the stores prepare to open, there are still select job openings for both part-time and full-time positions across a wide array of skill sets.

Meijer opened its first store in Ohio in 1981 and has invested heavily in the state ever since. The retailer employs more than 11,000 team members statewide at stores and its distribution and manufacturing facilities in Tipp City and plans to continue investing in the state through new store openings, remodeling current stores, creating jobs, and continuing to invest in team members and local nonprofits.

To see where Meijer pops up next, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow.

NEW ZEALAND - Get ready for Envy™ apples! T&G Global announced the first of its premium, new season Envy apples have departed Aotearoa New Zealand and are en route to China.

“Over the last 15 years, Envy has grown to become one of the leading premium apple brands in key global markets, including China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Thailand, and in recent years it has experienced double-digit growth in the United States and Vietnam,” says Shane Kingston, T&G’s Director of International Sales and Marketing. “In the premium apple category, there are many new and established varieties, however, Envy continues to be a standout performer, with consumers seeking the apple out for its sweet, crisp, and crunchy taste, and distinctive bright red color.”

As the apple provider shared, the anticipated 2024 Aotearoa New Zealand Envy crop is the largest to date, with 2.9 million tray carton equivalents (TCEs)—or 205 million apples—expected to be exported to customers in 60 countries this season.

“[...] This season’s harvest looks to be one of the best yet, with the fruit having superb color, size, and brix. And over coming years, our Envy volumes will continue to increase as new plantings in Hawke’s Bay, Tairāwihiti Gisborne, and Nelson continue to mature," Kingston added.

T&G has invested heavily in its dual-hemisphere multi-sourcing strategy, according to a press release, and the Aotearoa New Zealand apples season perfectly complements its Northern Hemisphere counterpart to meet consumer demand for Envy year-round.

“This year’s North American-grown Envy crop was exceptional, with the fruit sold domestically as well as exported to Asia. The United States is an important, highly competitive market, and it’s great to see Envy stocked in approximately 70 percent of supermarkets including Walmart, Costco, Safeway, Kroger, and Sam’s Club,” Kingston added.

For more information, click here.

Continue diving further into the apple category with more insights from ANUK.

POMPANO BEACH, FL - Those attending the 2024 Viva Fresh Expo in Houston, Texas, are in for a treat as they will get to experience Farm Direct Supply’s (FDS) new tropical brand Tropiful™.

"We're thrilled to announce the launch of our new brand! With our expanded tropical offerings, we're confident that this new brand will ignite excitement among our customers,” said Chris Horrell, General Manager of Farm Direct Supply. “Our goal is to not only enhance the visual appeal on the shelf but also to educate consumers about these exotic fruits before they even take a bite. We can't wait for everyone to experience and fall in love with our Tropiful offerings!”

The brand will initially feature a lineup of delectable tropical offerings, including Island Ivory Red Dragon Fruit, Golden Glow Yellow Dragon Fruit, and Tropical Tan-Tans Rambutan, a release stated.

Those who want to get a view of the new lineup, check out booth #201 on the show floor on April 13. You are in for a treat!

Stick with AndNowUKnow for more product launches.

SALINAS, CA - A transition is underway for Church Brothers Farms as the company started shipping from its 1250 Hansen Street facility in Salinas, California. Acquired in 2023, along with several other operations, the properties include approximately 200,000 square feet of warehouse space on 18 acres of land.

"After 12 months of upgrades and improvements, we are excited to be up and running at the Hansen Street facility, which enhances logistics and efficiencies," said Brian Church, Chief Executive Officer of Church Brothers Farms. "Moving forward, this facility will allow us to maintain excellent customer service while strengthening our value through standalone distribution services."

Built in 1978, the buildings were previously used for produce processing, cold storage, and distribution, a release stated. In addition to 1250 Hansen Street, Church Brothers also acquired 1230 Hansen Street as well as 780, 806, and 889 Airport Boulevard

Through the use of these facilities, the supplier is increasing its shipping capacity as well as reducing cut-to-cool and transit times due to the proximity to where offerings are being harvested. The orientation of the properties allows for more efficient logistics and loading and offers customers a convenient pick-up location immediately off the CA-101 freeway, the major North-South artery of California’s Central Coast.

Church Brothers Farms will continue to utilize its San Juan Bautista facility for value-added processing with additional shipping capacity as needed.

To see the outcomes of this transition, keep a tab open for AndNowUKnow.