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.

PORTLAND, OR - There is strength in numbers, especially in an industry as volatile as fresh produce. With that mindset, GLOBALG.A.P. North America announced that it will be hosting the next Stronger Together online training on responsible recruitment practices for the United States produce supply chain on Monday, March 25.

The training, titled "Activate Responsible Recruitment in your Supply Chain for U.S. Fresh Produce,” is a free two-hour live online, data-backed training course that delivers expert guidance using leading international recruitment practices covered by the GLOBALG.A.P. Risk Assessment on Social Practice (GRASP). Taking place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. ET, participants will have the advantage of interactive learning through group discussions and exercises, a press release stated.

GRASP is an add-on to the Integrated Farm Assurance (IFA) standard and covers four major social responsibility topics: workers’ voice, human and labor rights information, human and labor rights indicators, and child and young workers’ protection. As an add-on to IFA, the new GRASP v2 is uniquely well-suited for U.S. producers and was designed specifically for the realities and experiences at farm level.

The GRASP v2 was also formally benchmarked by The Sustainability Consortium to comply with responsible labor practices as defined by the Ethical Charter Implementation Program. IFA and GRASP can be audited together, allowing producers to address food safety, social responsibility, and emerging environmental requirements for pollinator protection through a single audit process.

Interested parties can register here. Space is limited.

For more industry events, keep reading ANUK.

WINTER SPRINGS, FL - New resources are on the scene for companies looking to spur increased watermelon consumption! The National Watermelon and Promotion Board (NWPB) has released its latest consumer research and Marketing Guide, providing helpful data to help the industry make strategic decisions to elevate the category.

“We are excited to share the results of our latest consumer research and its affiliated Marketing Guide with our industry partners,” said Megan McKenna, Senior Director of Marketing and Foodservice for the NWPB.

“Watermelon Attitudes and Usage Research,” provides comprehensive insight into watermelon consumers’ ever-evolving attitudes, usage, and awareness. Building upon learnings from previous studies, the research focuses on better understanding the watermelon buyer and uncovers opportunities to help build consumer demand, a press release stated.

Some key highlights include:

• Watermelon Purchase and Usage Dynamics – “Watermelon is a planned purchase for most buyers. However, craving is the top reason for buying watermelon, whether the decision was made before or during the shopping trip.”
• Perceptions of Watermelon – “The study showed watermelon makes people feel happy, boosts their mood, and evokes feelings of nostalgia and comfort.”
• Key takeaways of the watermelon buyer’s demographic profiles, including their characteristics and personality traits – “Generally, watermelon consumers have a positive outlook, value family, and enjoy being creative in the kitchen.”

In addition to the insightful research study, NWPB has also released an inclusive Marketing Guide designed to assist retailers and industry shareholders in effectively reaching and engaging with watermelon core consumers.

“Understanding consumer preferences is crucial for success in the produce industry in today’s rapidly evolving landscape,” added Mark Arney, Executive Director for the NWPB. “We believe these resources will provide invaluable insights and opportunities to help retailers and producers thrive in the marketplace.”

Read more about these valuable new resources here.

Stick with ANUK for more industry news.

ORLANDO, FL - We are already looking forward to the growth the avocado category will see throughout 2024, and the Colombia Avocado Board (CAB) is gearing up for an advantageous season ahead. To get the latest insights, I tapped in with Managing Director Manuel Michel. 

“We're very excited about 2024,” Manuel said in our exclusive video interview. “This year, we're expecting a lot more volume out of Colombia, and the avocados are going to start arriving here in the springtime.”

As Manuel tells me, the Colombian avocado industry is expecting as much as 40 percent more volume compared to last year. 

“The Colombia Avocado Board has a lot of great promotions and opportunities,” he adds. “Reach out to us! You can find our website at www.avocadoscolombia.com, and we're happy to have a conversation about the volume and how we can support your programs.”

Dive into this insightful interview in the exclusive video above! And for more category insights, stick with ANUK. 

SALINAS, CA - The marketing squad at Naturipe Farms is getting a new member: Ashley Finster, who will join as Vice President of Marketing. The leader has nearly three decades of management experience, which she will use to direct the supplier’s marketing, communications, and digital strategies.

“I am excited to be leading Naturipe’s marketing team and looking forward to sharing all the great things Naturipe is doing,” said Finster. “I joined Naturipe because we have so many shared values—innovation, creativity, and working with the customer in mind—and I’m enthusiastic about their mission of providing high-quality, good-for-you products year-round.”

Before coming to Naturipe, Finster served as Chief Marketing Officer at SunFed Ranch, where she managed marketing, advertising, product development, category development, production of creative assets, and contributed to retail and revenue growth. According to a release, she also held roles at Treasury Wine Estates, California Olive Ranch, Wonderful Citrus, and The Wonderful Company.

In addition to her experience in consumer-facing business, Finster has provided strategic advice as a consultant at Deloitte and through contract work.

As Vice President of Marketing, Finster hopes to develop Naturipe’s strategic marketing plan further, expand its reach, and solidify its position as customers' berry of choice. Finster will report to Jim Roberts, President of Sales.

“I’m thrilled to welcome Ashley to the team,” said Roberts. “Ashley takes an analytical, customer-focused approach to marketing that will greatly serve not just Naturipe’s marketing efforts, but also our brand development and expansion goals. She has rich and varied experience working with major brands, and I’m looking forward to seeing how she applies that expertise to her work with Naturipe to achieve our key objectives for our growers, our customers, and ultimately the consumers that purchase Naturipe’s Family of Products.”

We wish Ashley Finster the best of luck as she takes on her new role!

HOUSTON, TX - Growth is on the table for many companies as we make our headway into spring 2024. As Viva Fresh sits fruitful on the horizon, companies like Divine Flavor are fine-tuning their programs and elevating their messaging as they set their sights on the Marriott Marquis in Houston, Texas, April 11–13, 2024, for the annual event. With the trade show buzz driving excitement for attendees, I spoke with Divine Flavor’s Vice President, Patrick Cortes, on what we can expect from the company’s Viva Fresh program this year.

“Divine Flavor continues to expand its vertically integrated growing operations throughout Mexico in table grapes, hot house vegetables, and tomatoes,” Patrick tells me. “To start, our major farm in Jalisco, Mexico, will be going with our earliest grapes from Mexico—which is looking to be a strong season. We will be winding down our hot house operation in Western Mexico and getting set for the transition to Central Mexico and Baja.”

When you arrive at the Divine Flavor booth, expect to be impressed with a full-scale program of table grapes and hot house veg, including bells, mini peppers, cucumbers, and tomatoes.

“The acreage on our Jalisco table grape game continues to expand bringing earlier high-flavor grapes from Mexico including Cotton Candy and exclusive availability of AUTUMNCRISP from Jalisco,” Patrick continues. “We will also discuss our new capex projects to expand our vertical integration in the hot house and some exciting new varieties we expect to launch in tomatoes, mini peppers, and cucumbers later in the year.”

When I ask Patrick why Divine Flavor is such a competitive and valuable partner when it comes to keeping a produce department high in quality, consistency, and product offerings, he tells me that the company adds value to its customer base by investing in vertically integrated farms.

“We listen to our retail and foodservice partners and what challenges they have and we plan to address those challenges. We do this with the best varieties and most sustainable growing practices,” Patrick explains to me. “We are also continuously reinvesting into our business by planting more. We know that multiple sources of production 52 weeks a year help keep surety of supply at the forefront of our service pledge, along with flavor, quality, and being socially responsible."

With an exciting program highlighted by growth, investment, and passion, Patrick expresses his excitement about attending the Viva Fresh program.

“This show has blossomed to become a regional show, with a national impact. So much of our industry revolves around Texas and the border, and that includes our business. Viva Fresh has become a must-attend event if you want to drive your business and stay at the forefront of what our industry is doing,” Patrick reveals.

Mark your exhibitor lists for Viva Fresh booth #901, and get ready to get ready!