MCALLEN, TX - You’re not alone. It’s what we all need to hear sometimes as we face hardships, whether it be in our personal lives or our professional ones. In the produce industry, we pride ourselves on our determination and grit, but challenges can sometimes seem overwhelming, especially when they come at us from all angles. However, Tony Incaviglia, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at GR Fresh, took time to share some honest insights that can unite us all as we do what our industry does best: persevere.

“How often have you heard that the produce industry is built on old, strong relationships with customers and, more importantly, those you depend on to help fill supply gaps so you can service those customers? Heck, it’s how I’ve built business for 30 years. Still, sometimes those relationships disappoint and force you to rethink and make critical business decisions,” says Tony, laying the foundation for our conversation while touching on a point not often shared so openly. “Last summer was one of those times, and over the last six months, Mother Nature, whom we rely on even more, turned on us as well, causing some serious challenges.”

For GR Fresh and undoubtedly other growers across the industry, there were light plantings in August’s early stages due to concerns about water availability. Hurricanes Lidia and Otis also damaged shade houses. As the year closed out, a cold spike hit late December or early January, wiping out those replanted crops.

“It was the perfect storm that beat us down pretty bad for many months,” details Tony. “How about those cucumber markets? Ouch, if you had contracts to fill. Due to lost ranches and supply, you had to buy open market in a cucumber market never seen in my almost 30 years. I hate to say it, we may still have another hurdle to overcome on the back end of this season, as water availability for the month of May is still in question in the state of Sinaloa to finish this growing season. Stay tuned.”

While it may have been hard to see through the darkness in these moments, GR Fresh stuck to its guns, working hard and never stopping to overcome these challenges. Over the last few months, the company has almost returned to producing exceptional quality and yields, with good markets to help stop the bleeding.

“As a result of these hurdles, we hit the brakes and are returning to our strengths, back to producing and offering those items we grow and control from field to shelf. So, for the summer beginning in June and running into October, Roma tomatoes, green bell peppers, cucumbers, and carrots will be available for summer contract commitments,” Tony relays. “Along with those commodities, open-market items will include avocados, hot peppers, and a few other surprises. We will keep it simple and re-visit the color bell peppers, eggplant, zucchini, and yellow squash for future growth under our control to better service our retail and foodservice partners.”

If you are in need of some helpful insights or a reliable industry partner, stop by the GR Fresh booth #910, at Viva Fresh to speak with Tony and the rest of the team.

WASHINGTON, DC - The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced that it has imposed sanctions on GoGreen Farms of Suffolk, Virginia, for violating the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA). The sanctions include barring the company and its principal operator from engaging in PACA-licensed business or other activities without USDA approval.

Direct From the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service:

GoGreen Farms failed to pay $313,036 to three sellers for produce that was purchased, received, and accepted in interstate and foreign commerce from September 2021 to April 2022. This is in violation of the PACA. GoGreen Farms cannot operate in the produce industry until March 14, 2026, and then only after they apply for and are issued a new PACA license by USDA.

The company’s principal, Breon Clemons, may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee until March 14, 2025, and then only with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond.

USDA is required to publish the finding that a business has committed willful, repeated, and flagrant violations of PACA, as well as impose restrictions against those principals determined to be responsibly connected to the business during the violation period. Those individuals, including sole proprietors, partners, members, managers, officers, directors, or major stockholders, may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee without USDA approval.

By issuing these penalties, USDA continues to enforce the prompt and full payment for produce while protecting the rights of sellers and buyers in the marketplace.

To read the release in its entirety, click here.

GRAND FORKS, ND - Evolving to meet the marketing needs of its agricultural partners, Ten Acre Marketing has announced the hiring of Sarah Ardantz, who will take on the newly created role of Content Creation Specialist.

Ardantz is a fourth-generation member of her family’s produce company, a release explained. She recently graduated with a degree in Agriculture Communication from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. With a deep appreciation for the industry, she brings passion and drive to the agency.

In her new role, Ardantz will be responsible for curating and developing content for the agency’s portfolio of clients, sharing their stories with key target audiences across various channels and touchpoints.

Leah Halverson, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Ten Acre Marketing, commented on this recent hire.

“We are so pleased to continue to grow our team to further support the needs of our clients across produce and production agriculture,” said Halverson. “Sarah’s agriculture background coupled with her education will allow her to craft compelling content that will amplify the power of agriculture.”

Terri Spencer, Vice President of Creative Services, also commented on Ardantz’s appointment.

“Sarah has been providing content support since November in a part-time capacity,” added Spencer. “We are elated to bring her on board as a full-time member of our growing agency to broaden our Performance Team services.”

Congratulations to Sarah Ardantz on her new role!

CINCINNATI, OH - As of May 25, Kroger will be shuttering three of its facilities. The retailer recently announced plans to withdraw from the Austin and San Antonio, Texas, and South Florida markets by closing down its delivery hubs in these locations.

"Kroger’s commitment to innovation means that we test and learn quickly to identify the most effective ways to deliver fresh, affordable food to our customers," the company said in a statement obtained by the Austin Business Journal. "Despite our best efforts, including support from new customers, learnings from other locations, and the incredible work of our associates, these facilities did not meet the benchmarks we set for success."

According to hoodline, the Austin facility alone—standing at 70,121 square feet—serves 90 different ZIP codes. While future plans after the closures have not been revealed, the retraction from Austin points to a change in strategy, as Kroger only recently began breaking into the market.

We are eager to see how this strategy plays out for the grocer, and will be sure to report when we learn more.

MIAMI, FL - For the third year in a row, Fresh Del Monte Produce has secured a highly coveted spot on Newsweek’s list of Most Trusted Companies. For 2024, the fresh produce distributor and marketer ranked No. 8 in the Food and Beverage category for consumer, investor, and employee trust.

"This award shows the dedication and hard work of our global team members and their commitment to the company, our customers, consumers, and investors,” said Mohammad Abu-Ghazaleh, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at Fresh Del Monte. "I extend my heartfelt gratitude to every one of our team members for their invaluable contributions, passion, and hard work. Building a trustworthy company is an extraordinary team effort, and I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together."

The supplier has continued to climb the ranks in recognition as one of America's Most Trusted Companies, up from Nos. 13 and 14 in 2022 and 2023, respectively, in the Food and Beverage category.

According to a press release, the 2024 list of companies was identified in an independent survey based on a sample of approximately 25,000 United States residents who rated companies they know based on four viewpoints: general, customer, investor, and employee. Newsweek examined a pool of 3,400 U.S.-based companies—1,900 publicly held and 1,500 privately held—with revenues over $500 million.

Fresh Del Monte Produce secured this recognition due to its commitment to providing high-quality and nutritious products, operating sustainably, and maintaining food safety at all levels.

This shortly follows the provider’s recent distinction with a 2023 Food Safety and Quality Award, which recognizes a company with several innovative initiatives in food safety, technological innovation, sustainability and traceability, and quality assurance and process improvements.

To read more about the company’s commitment to sustainability and innovation, click here.

Cheers to Fresh Del Monte on this recent achievement!

UNITED STATES - This Sunday, March 31, marks not only the official end of the first quarter of 2024 but also Easter. With the celebration just days away, retailers still have time to capture last-minute register rings by capitalizing on holiday demand. I reached out to some industry experts for a few spur-of-the-moment tips to help take advantage of the precious few days left.

Dave Hewitt, Vice President of Sales, 4Earth Farms™

“Looking for a fun and festive way to build an eye-catching display for Easter? Hand-peeled rainbow carrots from 4Earth Farms are perfectly suited for Easter with their vibrant color, great flavor, and high nutrients, along with plenty of recipe suggestions. 4Earth Farms has several options to build around your Rainbow carrot display, which will help increase your Easter sales. 4Earth Farms organic green beans, Brussels sprouts, sugar snap peas, cut vegetables, Persian cucumbers, and mini sweet peppers are perfect additions to this holiday's family meal. 4Earth Farms wishes you and your family a hoppy Easter celebration!”

Cindy Jewell, Vice President of Marketing, Bobalu

“Easter is typically the first big Spring holiday, and strawberries are always the first sure sign of spring within the produce department. Even though Easter is a little early this year, Bobalu is working hard to make sure our beautiful spring strawberries are in stock and ready for holiday celebrations. We are also ensuring our key retail partners know this is just the beginning! As we quickly move into April, retailers should be moving strawberry displays to the front of the department and increasing display size as demand continues to build for our sweet strawberries.”

Susan Noritake, Director of Sales, Bako Sweet®

"As the Easter shopping frenzy reaches its peak, retailers should spotlight sweet potatoes front and center, tapping into their versatility and nutritional value to meet consumers' needs. Embracing innovative displays like featuring Single Sweets in Easter baskets also adds a delightful twist, enhancing the festive spirit and enticing shoppers with a playful nod to Easter traditions."

Anthony Innocenti, Managing Partner, LIV Produce

“As the Easter holiday is fast approaching, merchandising sweet potatoes and colored potatoes is a great way to succeed. Making sure the displays have a WOW factor, such as size, is key to driving additional sales and capturing consumers' attention. Build it high, let it fly!"

There you have it, folks! Now, take these ideas and use the next few days to your advantage to boost sales in the produce aisle and beyond.

Happy Easter!

DONNA, TX - I have some exciting news to share in regard to Kingdom Fresh’s upcoming Viva Fresh exhibition. The company will be bringing a new category to the show floor this year, and I recently got the inside scoop from Steven Garza, Sales Manager.

“This year, we will be showcasing watermelons for the first time. With the never-ending challenges within the tomato industry over the past several years, we have taken on other items to diversify and expand our portfolio,” Steven explained. “Last year, we did a watermelon trial in our greenhouses and they were a hit with several customers, so we decided to dedicate more acreage to that item this spring.”

With these vibrant melons on display, Steven explained that he is most looking forward to personal interactions with current customers and the opportunity to meet and engage with new ones. Catching up with some familiar faces from around the industry, he said, is always a bonus.

“Viva Fresh is honestly one of the best regional shows around, and to top it off, it’s in Houston, Texas, this year,” he continued. “Houston provides that big city vibe but with some of that Texas hospitality. The smaller floor format and even playing field of a 10x10 booth give industry members the time needed to walk the show floor and meet with the key exhibitors within a few hours. Doesn’t get any better than that.”

On a final note, I asked Steven what attendees can expect when they stop by the Kingdom Fresh booth.

“I would hope that whoever visits our booth would feel welcome and comfortable in discussing all aspects of business with us. The industry can be challenging enough especially lately, but at the end of the day, I would like for our customers to know that we are all in it together,” Steven concluded.

With Viva Fresh just around the corner, keep checking in with ANUK for the latest updates.