FRESNO, CA - A man like Domenick “Cookie” Bianco needs no introduction. He’s an industry fixture, a titan in the California table grape landscape, and his contributions to the industry he loves can not be overstated. To celebrate the dedication he has given to the industry, the California Table Grape Commission (commission) and the California Fresh Fruit Association (CFFA) Boards of Directors recently honored Bianco with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

A joint resolution from the commission and CFFA outlines why Bianco was chosen for this honor.

“Cookie is an icon in the table grape industry, someone who is revered for his passion and commitment, for his belief in taking the fight to the enemy—whoever that enemy might be—for his savvy survival skills which include living to fight another day, and for his belief in working with his neighbors and competitors through industry organizations,” it said in the resolution.

As we covered previously, Bianco’s entire life has been dedicated to agriculture. In 1972, along with his brother Robert, they both started Anthony Vineyards. For decades, Bianco has managed the Bakersfield operations while his brother Bobby managed the Coachella operations.

The resolution went on to express “deepest admiration for all that Cookie has achieved over a lifetime of hard work and for the examples he has provided of what it means to be of steadfast service to a family, a community of growers and employees, an industry, and a state.”

With a planned retirement from Board leadership in 2025 at the age of 90, Bianco will have served on the Commission Board for 39 years. This includes being a member of the inaugural board in 1968. He has been a member of the California Fresh Fruit Association since 1975.

We extend hearty congratulations to Cookie Bianco for his incredible contributions to the fresh produce and table grape industries. You will never be forgotten.

IMMOKALEE, FL - Flavor and convenience make for a winning combination in Ark Foods’ bagged pepper program, which is now available year-round.

“Given consumers’ interest in home cooking and global flavors, chili peppers lend themselves to a curiosity in the kitchen that we’re seeing more now than ever,” stated Noah Robbins, Founder and Chief Executive Officer. “Renowned for their ability to infuse dishes with both heat and depth, chili peppers have surged in demand and benefit from a growing consumer appreciation for diverse cuisines and spicy fare."

According to a press release, this program features chilis for every occasion, including Hot Pepper Medley, Jalapeño Peppers, and Cubanelle Peppers.

The peppers are packaged in eye-catching tote bags, complete with insightful usage and preparation tips—something consumers look for when seeking out new products to try.

Each package features distinct recipes to showcase that pepper’s flavor, the release went on to explain, as well as a history of the pepper’s origin and a spice meter.

As the surge in chili pepper demand heats up, you might want to link up with a provider like Ark Foods to ensure you don’t lose out on the sales opportunities.

CINCINNATI, OH - At the end of February, the United States Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced that it would be suing to block Kroger’s merger with Albertsons. Now, it has been announced that the trial will take place in August.

U.S. District Judge Adrienne Nelson ordered the trial to start August 26, 2024, in Portland, Oregon, a report from Seeking Alpha detailed. It is expected to last between two to three weeks, according to a court filing, and all parties are directed to confer and file a proposed briefing schedule for the preliminary injunction motion by Friday, March 15.

In late February, the FTC sued to block the nearly $25 billion deal, arguing that it could lead to higher prices for shoppers. Eight states and Washington, DC, joined forces with the regulator to help stop the merger. Previously, Colorado and Washington also filed lawsuits to halt the deal.

Keep reading AndNowUKnow for more of the latest details on the ongoing merger.

NOGALES, AZ - As debates continue regarding the Tomato Suspension Agreement, the Arizona State Senate is the latest to speak out in favor of the deal as a means to protect Arizona businesses and the United States fresh tomato market. Following a proclamation made on the Senate Floor by Senate President Pro Tempore Thomas “T.J.” Shope, the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas (FPAA) shared details.

“The Arizona State Legislature recognizes the severe economic repercussions that terminating the Agreement would have, including punitive duties that would increase tomato prices for consumers. This proclamation highlights the importance of continuing the 2019 Tomato Suspension Agreement, ensuring the prosperity of businesses, workers, and consumers in Arizona and across the United States,” said Lance Jungmeyer, FPAA President.

A press release stated that the Arizona Senate proclamation draws attention to the vital economic, cultural, and trade ties between Arizona and Mexico, emphasizing the Tomato Suspension Agreement's important role in maintaining stability in the U.S. tomato market for over two decades. With 1.1 billion pounds of tomatoes imported through Nogales, Arizona, annually, the agreement not only secures jobs for thousands of Americans but also ensures a diverse selection of fresh, vine-ripened tomatoes for U.S. consumers.

Shope read the proclamation on February 15, 2024, calling on the Department of Commerce to maintain the Tomato Suspension Agreement. The release went on to state that the agreement has helped foster innovation in the tomato industry and generate jobs for the state of Arizona and across the U.S.

In addition to the Arizona Legislature, statewide support for the agreement has come from a wide range of government and community supporters. Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs publicly supported the state’s tomato businesses in a letter to Secretary Gina Raimondo from the Department of Commerce.

At the federal level, the Arizona Congressional Delegation led and signed a bicameral, bipartisan letter with 34 Members of Congress calling for the Department of Commerce to maintain the agreement.

To read more, click here.

As more updates become available, AndNowUKnow will report.

TAMPA, FL - Retail and digital cause marketing campaigns initiated by the Healthy Family Project (HFP) resulted in several impactful donations last year. The organization recently held its annual thank you reception at Southern Exposure, which saw more than 200 produce industry professionals. In 2023, HFP helped raise $277,000 for Feeding America® food banks, Our Military Kids, Foundation for Fresh Produce, and Boys and Girls Club of America.

“This reception marks over two decades of philanthropy,” said John Shuman, President of Shuman Farms and Founder of HFP. “With continued support from our partners, we remain committed to delivering unparalleled cause marketing programs, positively influencing millions of families towards healthier eating habits while contributing to charitable causes nationwide.”

During the event, donation checks were presented for each of the 2023 retail and digital programs, recognizing the contributions of partners such as Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG) Springfield Division, Coborn’s, Lowes Food Stores, Military Produce Group, Publix Super Markets, as well as digital programs Mission for Nutrition and Back to School.

A press release noted that the philanthropic spirit extended to the HFP booth, where visitors were invited to capture a moment with a Polaroid snapshot. For each snapshot taken, a meal donation was made to Feeding Tampa Bay, with a commitment to provide no fewer than 1,000 meals.

Healthy Family Project’s 2024 Mission for Nutrition program, which provides resources and materials to in-store dietitians, school dietitians, and other nutrition professionals, was also featured in the Southern Exposure Bright Ideas Showcase.

Looking ahead to 2024, HFP is gearing up for another series of initiatives. Digital campaigns for 2024 will include Mission for Nutrition and Back to School with Healthy Family Project, set to launch in August 2024 to coincide with the start of the school year.

We applaud all of the industry stalwarts who make this program possible!

MONTEREY, CA - Come July 10–11, industry members will be gathering in Monterey, California, for the 2024 Organic Produce Summit (OPS). The event recently announced the first content sessions for this year’s summit, only adding to the excitement.

Nicholas Bertram, President and Chief Executive Officer of Flashfood, will give a keynote presentation titled “Feeding Families, Not Landfills.” He will cover Flashfood's collaborations with various retailers and grocers to address food waste—a $428 billion problem as over one-third of our nation’s food supply goes unsold or uneaten.

A panel titled "Strategies and Insights for Expanding Organic Fruit Sales” will feature panelists West Mathison, President and CEO of Stemilt; Scott Mabs, CEO of Homegrown Organic Farms; and Daniel Spivey, National Director of Produce - Fruit for Sprouts Farmers Market. The session will focus on ways fruit producers are seeking to build their organic fruit program, how other fruit commodities are growing as the berry category continues to dominate organic fruit sales, retail perspectives on opportunities, and obstacles in driving greater consumer sales and the future of the organic fruit industry. Tom Barnes, President of Category Partners, will moderate the panel.

According to a press release, the summit will bring together over 175 organic growers, shippers, and processors from all corners of the business, providing a comprehensive one-stop shop for retailers and buyers in the organic and fresh produce industry.

Registration for Organic Produce Summit 2024 is open to qualified retailers and general attendees here.

We’ll see you all in Monterey!

ROSEMONT, IL - Becoming a fixture in your community is one way to build connectivity to your name, and US Foods is no stranger to philanthropic initiatives. With communities across the country facing unprecedented challenges, US Foods hopes to use food to empower communities.

According to a press release, the Helping Communities Make It program enables US Foods to help meet the growing needs of people across its communities.

Its efforts are focused on areas where it can make the greatest impact: Hunger Relief, Culinary Education, and Disaster Relief.

“We believe we can empower the next generation of culinary talent,” the company noted in a press release. “Our US Foods Scholars program awards financial support and professional development opportunities to outstanding students who need additional resources to pursue careers in the foodservice industry.”

To see more about what the company had to say regarding its additional efforts in hunger relief and disaster relief, click here.

As always, AndNowUKnow will report on the latest across the buy-side.