SAN MARCOS, CA - BrightFresh® Microgreens is introducing a packaging innovation catered to retail produce buyers.

"We're thrilled to bring this packaging automation, along with our refreshed branding, to our retail partners nationwide," states Helena Beckett, Director of Sales at BrightFresh® Microgreens. “We're excited about the sustainable packaging, extended shelf-life, and the overall superior experience it offers our customers."

The automated packaging line seeks to improve quality, sustainability, and shelf-life but also showcases new and improved branding for enhanced consumer appeal.

According to a press release, this state-of-the-art packaging automation offers numerous advantages for retail produce buyers, such as enhanced quality and consistency, sustainable innovation, extended shelf-life, new and improved branding, non-GMO and gluten-free certification, and retail support.

The program is scheduled to launch in early 2024 and will be available in major retail chains, including Sprouts Farmers Market, Albertsons, Safeway, Walmart, Stater Bros. Markets, Whole Foods Market, and Raley’s.

Stick with ANUK as we continue to cover the latest in all things fresh.

ROSEMONT, IL - A leadership change-up is taking place at US Foods as it was announced that Scott Ferguson, Founder and Managing Partner of Sachem Head Capital Management LP, has stepped down from the Board of Directors.

“US Foods has made impressive progress over the past few years, and I am confident that the company is positioned for further success under the strategic leadership of Chief Executive Officer Dave Flitman,” said Ferguson. “I’ve enjoyed my collaboration with Management and the Board and look forward to the June Investor Day. I believe the company’s future is bright.”

Ferguson has been a member of the US Foods Board of Directors since March 2022, a release explained. The change went into effect on February 28, 2024.

Robert Dutkowsky, Chair of the Board at US Foods, also commented.

“Scott has been an invaluable and collaborative member of our Board for the past two years,” added Dutkowsky. “He brought a fresh perspective and insights to our discussions, and I am thankful for his service and dedication to US Foods.”

Who will take over this spot on the board? Keep reading AndNowUKnow to find out.

NEW KENSINGTON, PA - Across the industry, sustainability has become a pivotal part of company strategies, showcasing their commitment to environmentally friendly practices. Yerecic Label is among those taking action, as proven by its recent accreditation by the Sustainable Green Printing (SGP) Partnership.

"We are thrilled to receive SGP certification, as it validates our ongoing efforts to prioritize sustainability in our operations," said Yerecic Label President Art Yerecic. "This achievement demonstrates our commitment to reducing our environmental footprint and promoting a more sustainable supply chain."

SGP is a respected non-profit organization that certifies printing facilities for their sustainability best practices, extending beyond regulatory compliance, a release stated. Yerecic Label's certification reflects its dedication to environmental stewardship and social responsibility at its Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, facility, with intentions to apply for certification of our Phoenix, Arizona, facility in the near future.

To attain SGP certification, the company underwent a rigorous evaluation process, including an independent third-party audit aligning with SGP's criteria. This encompasses various aspects such as environmental, health, and safety compliance, continuous improvement initiatives, and stakeholder communication.

"We are proud to be recognized as a top sustainable printer by SGP," said Elizabeth Yerecic, Executive Vice President of Sales and Sustainability at Yerecic Label. "We had an exceptional audit performance with no corrective actions that underscores our team’s dedication to implementing sustainable practices throughout our entire operation, from production processes to product delivery."

Find out what’s next for Yerecic Label’s sustainability strategy by reading AndNowUKnow.

NEWARK, DE & WASHINGTON, DC - If you’ve ever been to a speed dating event, you know how hard it can be to find a match. That is why the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) is here to help with connecting the buy- and supply-sides. The association recently coordinated a series of “speed dating” meetings to connect produce companies with menu planners and procurement officials from several major city U.S. school districts.

“This program brings together audiences that often do not speak with each other, bridging the gap to better understand school foodservice needs and interests,” said Andrew Marshall, IFPA’s Staff Liaison for wholesaler-distributor members, and Lead Staffer on engagement opportunities with the K-12 school nutrition community. “Increasing the variety of fresh produce that students are exposed to at school is a shared priority, and this ‘speed dating’ program is helping to jump-start these types of conversations, new ideas, and new partnerships.”

With 11 school districts participating, and just as many produce companies, IFPA helped to facilitate more than 120 meetings. The program, also referred to as a School Foodservice Partner X-Change, connects buyers and sellers for 15-minute meetings over Zoom. School administrators get to ask questions and share information about a range of topics, including menu planning, procurement, packaging needs, and their interest in nutrition education, a press release stated. Produce suppliers share their knowledge of the industry, while also highlighting their company’s capabilities and products, including bulk produce, fresh-cut items, ordering processes, and more.

In addition to traditional grower-shippers and fresh-cut processors, this year’s program included companies that provide schools with small-scale kitchen equipment for peeling and processing fruits and vegetables in-house, as well as a company that’s working with schools to provide vertical hydroponic growing towers with an accompanying nutrition education curriculum.

“As a company that services a range of foodservice customers, we value these meetings as an opportunity for interaction with school menu planners, many of whom are looking for new, on-trend slaws and veggie blends that mimic what their students see at local quick-serve and other restaurant formats,” said Crystal Chavez, Marketing Manager for Gold Coast Packing. "Sharing about our produce, where it’s grown, the importance of packaging technology to achieve maximum freshness, and then learning about how the schools plan their menus and prepare meals, we know we can be a solution for them.”

IFPA is once again planning to coordinate a K-12 School Forum programming track at the Foodservice Conference July 25–26.

Cheers to fresh produce connection!

DOWNERS GROVE, IL - A powerful alliance has just been inked in the seed sector, as Syngenta Vegetable Seeds and Emerald Seed Company have announced the signing of a licensing agreement that will provide Syngenta exclusive access to Emerald Seed’s high-quality genetics. The strategic collaboration allows Syngenta to continue its investments in advancing onion seed germplasm while strengthening its offering of onion seeds.

“This partnership speaks to how collaboration is essential in our industry for the benefit of all stakeholders,” said Matthew Johnston, Global Head of Vegetable Seeds and Flowers at Syngenta. “We’re excited by the opportunity to share Emerald Seed’s products with more growers around the world, especially their world-class onion seeds. This aligns with our passion to serve growers of every type with the most diverse, innovative portfolio of vegetable seed varieties.”

Emerald Seed Company breeds open pollinated and hybrid varieties across a variety of crops, including broccoli, cucumbers, and onions. Founded in 1995 as a vegetable seed breeder and producer, the industry innovator partners with seed distributors throughout the world to serve professional vegetable growers.

The company is based in El Centro, California, where it maintains research fields and has concentrated its distinguished onion breeding program for over two decades.

“Emerald Seed takes great pride in supplying our, customers with a consistent source of high-quality vegetable seeds,” said Dr. Michael Dessert, Owner and Head Plant Breeder of Emerald Seed Company. “This partnership with Syngenta provides a path to put our seeds in the hands of more growers worldwide. We look forward to working with Syngenta for years to come.”

How will this partnership create more opportunities for Syngenta’s partners? ANUK will be here to report.