WASHINGTON, DC - Coming soon is the kickoff of the International Fresh Produce Association’s (IFPA) newly designed Mexico Conference! Taking place May 22–23, in Guadalajara, the exciting event brings together the entire fresh produce supply chain to discuss global insights on produce safety, labor, the state of the Mexican market, and more.

“The produce supply chain in Mexico is built on strong partnerships and innovation,” said IFPA Mexico Country Manager Rubén Ramírez. “The Mexico Conference is the only event in Mexico that unites the entire supply chain, and with our close proximity to the U.S., it provides an unmatched opportunity to build business connections. We have intentionally designed the event to create as many opportunities as possible for growing our members’ businesses, from the business roundtables to the integrated exhibits, and intentional networking built into the schedule.”

The event brings valuable opportunities for growth as leaders, business owners, and decision-makers connect and exhibit their products and innovations.

In addition to buyer roundtables, each education session is followed by a coffee and networking break that takes place in an exhibitor space. As a press release detailed, the booths give attendees a chance to share their innovations and products but also explore potential products or services for their businesses.

The education sessions focus on several hot industry topics influencing the Mexico market and beyond. The conference will feature a presentation on consumer trends and a full state of the market report for Mexico. In addition, Dr. Emily Moyer of IFPA, and leaders from the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) will unveil a new training platform and tools designed to support organizations as they look to bolster their operational compliance.

The conference will also dive into the current trends and challenges that will shape the Mexican labor force over the next decade, giving attendees an in-depth look at the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in this dynamic cross-border labor environment.

More updates on the latest industry events are on the way, so stay tuned to ANUK.

KANSAS CITY, KS - Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG) is upping its support for independently owned supermarkets, forging a strategic collaboration with solutions innovator EmpowerFresh to do so.

“We’re excited to partner with EmpowerFresh and the benefits they will bring to our member retailers,” said Tye Anthony, AWG Chief Merchandising and Marketing Officer. “With EmpowerFresh, our members will gain access to state-of-the-art technology solutions designed to optimize every facet of the produce department, ensuring efficiency and competitiveness in the markets they serve.”

Through the newly forged alliance, EmpowerFresh will now help AWG members manage inventory, forecast, and replenish orders. This is achieved by utilizing advanced AI-driven order and ad writing tools integrated into key internal data systems for seamless, more productive, and increased gross profit operations, while reducing food waste and providing fresher produce to its customers, a press release detailed.

Empower will be showcasing its mobile web-based application at AWG’s Annual Innovation Showcase on March 25 and 26, 2024.

“We are laser-focused on specific deliverables that will provide actionable data to independent retail grocers,” added Anthony Totta, EmpowerFresh’s Chief Visionary Officer. “The actionable data our software delivers empowers the user to gain insight that would otherwise be overlooked. With these outstanding results, the subscriber should realize at least an 8 to 1 ROI. Our comprehensive solutions are designed to enhance profitability through margin optimization, shrink reduction, alleviation of out-of-stocks, and streamlining labor hours.”

For more updates on this produce-centric partnership, leave a tab open to ANUK.

TRAVERSE CITY, MI - With spring in session, retailers are looking to pad their berry sets with high-quality fruit. They need supply-side partners like North Bay Produce on their side, which has multiple growing regions, grower owners, and more to keep its berry programs running smoothly.  

The supplier offered insights into its overarching blueberry programs, with updates coming in from Mexico, Florida, and Georgia.

Mexico is in peak production over the next couple of weeks, with reports coming out of overall good quality and steady volume. According to a newsletter released by the company, SEKOYA® blueberries from Mexico are currently arriving and eating great.

The SEKOYA blueberries are a family of varieties invested in by North Bay. Only a select group of companies across the globe can grow them. They’re known for their exceptional size, flavor, texture, and appearance, and this year, many of the supplier’s Jumbo blueberries will come from SEKOYA plantings in Mexico. SEKOYA berries will also be featured under North Bay’s new RESERVE™ label, high-end packaging that reflects the high-end value of the fruit.

In Florida, North Bay reports that the crop is bigger than it has been for the past five to six years. The company began harvest in the state over the past couple of weeks, with volume due to build as we head toward April. 

The crop itself is expected to be abundant and high-quality since weather events in Florida these past few months were optimal for blueberry growth. Jumbo blueberries will also be available from this region, and North Bay introduced regional state call-out labels to highlight where the fruit is grown.

Georgia blueberries, the company noted, are on track for a large crop this year—so long as the weather remains consistent in the coming weeks. The crop will be harvested later than last year, with an estimated start date of April 20, 2024. This may result in a volume separation between Florida fruit. Peak harvest dates currently look to be May 1–May 15.

Stick with AndNowUKnow as we continue to report crop updates like this. 

REIDSVILLE, GA - Are your calendars marked? Because the Vidalia® sweet onion season is kicking off on April 17, and you don’t want to miss out! As we prepare for this exciting merchandising window, John Shuman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Shuman Farms, shared some insights exclusively with ANUK.

“The sweet onion market has been tremendously short for a number of months now and we're hopeful the Vidalia onion season and the Vidalia industry is gonna bring some much-needed relief to the sweet onion market and the sweet onion industry,” John shared.

With this highly coveted variety making its way to produce departments soon, retailers have a host of advantageous merchandising opportunities at their fingertips.

“Vidalia sweet onions cross-merchandise well with the meat department and with other staple items in the produce department like peppers, mushrooms, tomatoes, and different things like that,” John adds. “There's a wonderful opportunity to cross-promote and to drive incremental sales of different items across the produce department, and it works well over the major holidays like Memorial Day, July 4^th, and Labor Day.”

Shuman Farms’ partners can expect a good, full season of Vidalia sweet onions to satisfy consumers throughout the summer.

More information can be found in our exclusive video above!

LAREDO, TX - Another drug seizure has taken place this month as United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers recently seized a commercial shipment of vegetables carrying $8.4 million worth of meth.

“Optimal targeting efforts were keen in foiling this drug smuggling attempt,” said Port Director Alberto Flores, Laredo Port of Entry. “CBP personnel are persistent in protecting our Nation against dangerous and prohibited narcotics that pose a threat to our communities.”

The drug seizure took place on Tuesday, March 12 at the World Trade Bridge in Laredo, Texas, when a Volvo tractor-trailer approached the facility with a shipment declared as celery, broccoli, and cauliflower, according to CDL Life.

During secondary inspection, CBP used a canine and non-intrusive inspection system on the shipment and discovered 923 pounds of alleged methamphetamine hidden among the load of vegetables. The estimated street value of the seized drug shipment is $8,493,968.

CBP seized the drugs and handed over the investigation to Homeland Security Investigations.

Keep reading ANUK as we continue to report on drug busts similar to this one.

WASHINGTON, DC - Trade associations help influence much of the changes that take place in our industry. Exemplifying this, International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) Chief Executive Officer Cathy Burns recently reinforced the association’s position as a leader in agricultural policy and sustainability at the Agri-Pulse 2024 Ag & Food Policy Summit.

“We heard from the leading voices in food and agriculture—the highest policymakers in the Administration and Capitol Hill, as well as the top producers, growers, and industry innovators. While we don’t agree on everything, one message is abundantly clear: If we as a nation care about having a robust and sustainable domestic food supply, more needs to be done to ensure a competitive, level playing field for U.S. agriculture,” said Burns. “I believe we can harness the energy from the summit of problem solvers to find ways for government, industry, and advocates to come together in pursuit of a common goal, but we can’t let up for a second and we have to stay focused on the mission.”

Burns joined fellow industry leaders for a discussion around the innovations and opportunities behind climate-smart agriculture, emphasizing the inherent sustainability of specialty crops.

“One way to address the climate crisis is to eat more fruits and vegetables, the original ‘plant-based food’ that’s best for nutrition and for the planet,” said Burns. “Our industry is at the forefront of sustainability and also highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and natural disasters. That’s why we are making critical investments in climate-smart innovations to advance technologies and practices that can overcome the headwinds of climate change.”

IFPA’s advocacy for climate-smart agricultural practices includes leveraging a $15 million USDA grant program and the Fresh Fields Catalyst technology accelerator program.

“Through these efforts, we are also getting much-needed data that will contribute to scaling solutions across industries, and we are ready to collaborate,” said Burns. “Collaboration is the new currency, it’s the only way we are going to make an impact across the agriculture sector.”

According to a press release, Burns highlighted IFPA's active role in influencing agricultural policy, pointing to the association's engagement in global climate discussions.

More insights from the event can be found here.

Keep reading ANUK as we continue to bring you the industry’s latest.