SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA - The latest in a string of recent drug busts to involve produce, this carrot shipment stopped at the Otay Mesa Commercial Facility in San Diego, California, uncovered millions of dollars in methamphetamine.

Border staff found a whopping 2,900 pounds of meth in the tractor-trailer holding what, at first glance, appeared to be carrots. Once border staff inspected the vehicle more closely, they found the drugs stashed underneath the produce and packs of ice. Wrapped in orange, the packages totaled 574 at the end count.

According to The Daily Mail, the driver of the tractor-trailer was handed to Homeland Security for further questioning.

As more drug busts continue, we’re left to wonder whether or not the criminal networks utilizing produce will be deterred.

For now, ANUK will continue to report.

CANADA - In a recent blog post written by Walmart Canada’s Brianna Scullion, Corporate Affairs, she outlines the retailer’s radical shift across its supply chain. Investing in its legacy distribution centers, Walmart Canada is looking to transform its current supply chain model to serve associates and customers better. This includes a high-tech makeover, the blog post explained, as well as material handling robotics and automation technologies to keep operations running quickly and efficiently.

To start, Walmart Canada is piloting an automated receiving solution at its Regional Distribution Center (RDC) in Calgary, Alberta. This solution, according to the retailer, gets products from trailers to the facility 90 percent faster than doing it manually.

But what’s really driving the retailer to make improvements is to improve the lives of its employees.

“Walmart Canada is on a tech-powered journey, and this investment ensures we can deliver for our customers in Canada, now and in the future,” said Matt Kelly, Vice President of Supply Chain, Walmart Canada. “As a people-led tech-powered company, we pair exceptional talent with innovative solutions, to make our supply chain network work harder for our customers.”

Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) will transport received pallets of products to processing stations. Robotic depalletizers will then place the received pallets directly onto conveyors. Auto Case Label Applicators will automatically scan and apply shipping labels to packages as they flow through to the shipping dock.

As retail tech continues to be a buzz-worthy issue, AndNowUKnow will keep on it.

MISSION, TX - With the event less than a month away, industry members are excitedly preparing for their descent into Houston, Texas, for the 2024 Viva Fresh Expo. As our industry gears up to take hold of a host of engaging opportunities for industry growth, the Texas International Produce Association (TIPA) has uncovered a highly anticipated lineup of special events.

“We're excited to offer experiences that not only bring Viva Fresh attendees together, but also offer a genuine taste of Houston's vibrant culture. Our aim is to provide a memorable and enriching experience where participants can broaden their industry horizons while creating lasting impressions of our lively host city,” said Dante Galeazzi, Chief Executive Officer and President of TIPA.

On Thursday, April 11, those with a taste for adventure and suds will enjoy the Let’s Brew Tour, sponsored by SunFed® and Premier Produce. This insightful tour of Saint Arnold Brewing Company and Karbach Brewing offers an exploration of two leading breweries contributing to Houston's burgeoning craft beer scene, a press release explained.

Another standout event occurring during the expo is the Astros Reception at Minute Maid Park on Thursday, April 11. Hosted by Viva Fresh organizers TIPA and FullTilt Marketing, this exclusive networking reception offers attendees a chance to explore the park after hours, located just minutes away from the Marriott Marquis where the expo is held.

Friday will follow with the In Bloom Women in Produce Reception, which offers an empowering experience for its attendees by blending networking with team spirit and some produce-inspired cocktails.

"Through In Bloom, we are dedicated to curating experiences as diverse and vibrant as the incredible women within our industry. This event embodies the spirit of camaraderie and empowerment that drives our vision. We are thrilled to provide a platform where women can connect, collaborate, and flourish together, fostering a community of growth and excellence within the produce industry,” said Michelle Cortez, In Bloom Chairwoman. “And of course, we’d like to thank our title sponsor, Pure Flavor®, and all our other sponsors, without whom this event would not be possible.”

Registration for each of these events is now open. Be sure to register soon, as space is limited and is filling quickly! Attendees can register for any or all of these events during Viva Fresh Expo registration or by contacting [email protected]. For more details on the upcoming show, click here.

As always, stay tuned to ANUK for the latest event insights.

SACRAMENTO, CA - Looking to add an extra $100 to your pocket? Who isn’t?! The time has come once again to show off your sleuthing prowess as our anticipated Snack Contest comes back for the month of February.

Our 83^rd issue of The Snack magazine hit desks back at the beginning of February, giving you ample time to seek out that elusive logo for an opportunity to take home the big Benjamin!

Need a refresher on how the contest works? Look no further:

• Your FOUND the Apple Logo photo must include your face
• Your finger must be pointing to the AndNowUKnow apple logo
• Send your pic to [email protected] with the subject line “FOUND the Apple Logo” to be considered for the $100 cash prize
• You MUST write “FOUND the Apple Logo” in the subject line of your email

The contest only kicks off once we have officially made this announcement through our ANUK newsletter, and you have until the end of the week to send in your selfies—after which your name will be added to the pot of potential winners for this round.

This month’s lucky winner will take their place on an already impressive leaderboard, which includes:

• Marissa Marchini of J. Marchini Farms
• Betty Tomao of The Save Mart Companies
• Paul Huckaby of Keenan Farms
• Danny Ortiz of Sysco
• Danelle Huber of CMI Orchards
• Beth Keeton of Elephant House PR

We look forward to seeing your smiling faces as you track down that little apple logo!

TRAVERSE CITY, MI - There are two items I can’t live without during the spring and heading into summer, and those are none other than asparagus and blackberries. Nearly every dinner features the stalky veggie and nearly every dessert has the juicy berry. With both of these products central to springtime retail programs, North Bay Produce is making sure its partners are taken care of.

Around May 1, 2024, North Bay Produce’s highly anticipated Michigan asparagus is due for harvest. The company closely monitors the weather for any chances of freezing and notes that it could see snow or frost in the last week of April or the first week of May.

The asparagus season is due to start off tight due to northern Michigan farms not picking up yet; in mid-May, North Bay Produce explained that it will start seeing strong volume through the first week of June. Weather too will determine how much volume will be produced in the last three weeks of June. North Bay offers conventional green and purple asparagus and organic green asparagus in 11 lb and 28 lb cases.

The company’s blackberry offerings are bigger and better than ever. Its newest blackberry variety, Erandy™, is known for its incredibly large size and sweet flavor. Marketed under the RESERVE™ label, these berries are grown in Mexico, ship well, and will be available through spring.

North Bay Produce also noted that from a grower’s perspective, Erandy handles various soil conditions well and grows more robustly than other commercial varieties. For retailers and growers alike, that’s a win.

AndNowUKnow will continue to report the latest in all things fresh.