CHAMPERICO, GUATEMALA - In an effort to differentiate its brand through its commitment to social and environmental responsibility, Classic Farms has achieved Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audits (SMETA) certification for its melon operation in Classic Guatemala.

“We are very proud that Classic Guatemala earned the very stringent SMETA certification which highlights quality working conditions and environmental performance,” states Tom Ferguson, Vice President of East Coast Sales at Classic Fruit. “Our team in Guatemala worked diligently to secure this social responsibility certification, in addition to our Rainforest Alliance certification, which reinforces Classic Fruit’s commitment to growing quality melons in a sustainable environment with social accountability.”

SMETA is an audit that is recognized by leading retailers such as Costco, Walmart, Whole Foods Market, Target, and more, a release explained. It includes a rigorous evaluation of environmental compliance, labor standards, health and safety for workers, and ethics within one’s own operations and facilities.

Passing this audit is a tremendous accomplishment for Classic Guatemala as it adds additional value as a melon supplier to its customers.

This certification is just another testament to Classic Fruit’s mission to consistently provide safe, quality, sustainable melons to its customers during the offshore season.

Congratulations to Classic Fruit on this achievement!

Keep a tab open for ANUK to see how other produce businesses are dedicating themselves to sustainability and social responsibility.

HOUSTON, TX - Families across the country will be receiving fresh fruits and vegetables via a new Brighter Bites partnership. The organization has expanded its reach through the Produce Rx program with the support of DoorDash and its Project DASH initiative.

“The opportunity to deliver produce directly to children who require dietary intervention is an exciting one,” said Mike Pomeroy, Vice President of Operations for Brighter Bites. “Some children are at risk with their long-term health if they don’t make dramatic improvements to their daily food intake. Our Produce Rx partnership with UT Physicians and DoorDash enables us to reach the children who need Brighter Bites the most."

In 2022, Brighter Bites partnered with UT Physicians, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, and UTHealth Houston School of Public Health to conduct a randomized controlled study to assess the impact of two Produce Rx strategies among children who are overweight and obese, along with their families who are Medicaid-eligible at two UT Physicians’ clinics in Houston, Texas. DoorDash helped make this possible by transporting 16 bi-weekly deliveries of 15–20 pounds of produce to children and families who are prescribed Produce Rx.

Although Produce Rx is currently only available in Houston, DoorDash and Brighter Bites have recently made a commitment to support the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health and its goal of ending hunger by 2030. Both organizations will expand their impact through delivery of prescription fresh produce to several additional cities across the United States by 2025.

“DoorDash is proud to expand our partnership with Brighter Bites in support of the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health. Local delivery of charitable food can have a transformative impact by breaking down barriers to access and enabling partners like Brighter Bites to promote health and wellness through produce boxes,” said Daniel Riff, Head of DoorDash Drive Government and Nonprofit.

The study, conducted among 150 families, will be completed this spring.

To read more about the White House's commitment to help end hunger and create healthy communities, click here, and to review the entire list of commitments, click here.

Keep reading ANUK to learn about fresh-forward initiatives like this one.

SANTA PAULA, CA - Limoneira Company has reported financial results for the first quarter ended January 31, 2024. Total net revenue increased 5 percent to $39.7 million, compared to total net revenue of $37.9 million in the first quarter of the previous fiscal year. The report also disclosed that the company is continuing its shift toward an asset-lighter business model.

“We are very encouraged to see the Company’s strategic shift towards an ‘asset-lighter’ business model reflected in our results, with agribusiness expenses decreasing by 5 percent, agribusiness operating loss improving by 84 percent, and our adjusted EBITDA improving by 39 percent in the first quarter of fiscal year 2024 compared to the prior year period,” Harold Edwards, President and Chief Executive Officer, stated. “Going forward we expect continued improvement as the asset-lighter model starts to have a meaningful impact on our operating results. As part of the Company’s exploration of strategic alternatives to maximize value, we have decided it is in the best interest of our stockholders to temporarily pause the sale of the two remaining non-strategic assets, as well as move away from pursuing a packinghouse in Chile and instead add value by focusing on expanding our avocado production over the next three years.”

According to a press release, additional highlights from the report include:

• Brokered lemons and other lemon sales increased to $2.9 million and company achieved $2 million in farm management revenue
• Agribusiness revenue was $38.3 million, compared to $36.5 million in the first quarter of last fiscal year
• Other operations revenue was $1.4 million in both the first quarters of fiscal years 2024 and 2023

“Results for the first quarter were impacted by increased rainfall in California that delayed the picking of lemons from the first quarter to the second quarter; however, we do not expect the rainfall to have any other impact on the overall harvest or the quality of the fruit,” Edwards continued. “Additionally, avocado harvests will begin in the second quarter and run into the third quarter due to the seasonality of California avocados and lack of import pressure from Mexico and Peru in the U.S. market during that period.”

For more from the report, click here.

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MEXICO - Despite weather disruptions, Fresh Farms is committed to providing quality vegetables to its partners via its farming and sourcing operations in Sinaloa and Sonora, Mexico. As it continues to navigate these challenges, the supplier is fostering innovation and partnership in the vegetable market.

"While challenges persist, we're witnessing a resilient industry. Commodities like zucchini, bell peppers, and corn are experiencing lighter volumes,” explained Alan Voll, Sales Representative. "Growers have demonstrated remarkable adaptability, ensuring a steady supply of fresh food despite challenges. This resilience is a testament to our industry's unwavering commitment."

Although weather issues have caused hurdles, Fresh Farms commends the overall quality of produce across the market. Additionally, according to a release, there has been a slight downturn in numbers based on year-over-year data, but the company anticipates improvements with favorable weather conditions ahead. It also remains agile, exploring opportunities in different states throughout Mexico.

"Historically, we've seen a decrease in yields, but we remain optimistic about the upcoming season's numbers,” added Voll. "Our commitment to growth extends beyond geographical boundaries. We are always on the lookout for new opportunities to enhance our offerings."

To effectively promote its commodities, Fresh Farms is implementing strategic initiatives such as special packaging, which adds value for customers.

“We prioritize innovation to stay ahead of market demands. By staying attuned to trends, we can offer innovative solutions that meet consumer preferences,” Voll continued.

As retailers gear up for the 2024 season, Fresh Farms offers valuable insights to maximize demand and sales.

"Retailers face challenges with higher-priced products and must adopt creative pricing and promotional strategies. We collaborate closely with our customers, tailoring marketing campaigns around our products to achieve their specific goals,” Raul Carbajal, Operation Process Improvement Specialist, advised.

To become partners with the dedicated supplier, reach out to the Fresh Farms sales team.

AndNowUKnow will continue to report on the latest across fresh produce.