ARLINGTON, VA - Reaffirming its sustainability commitment, Lidl set ambitious climate targets to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 as it weaves sustainability into the fabric of its operations and supply chain.

“Tackling climate change is a huge priority for us at Lidl; our commitment to achieving net zero through our new quantified targets demonstrates the scale of our ambition,” said Ryan McDonnell, Chief Executive Officer. “We know that collaboration will be central to our aims—from engaging customers on our progress to working closely with suppliers to develop products more sustainably.”

By 2030, Lidl aims to cut its absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 70 percent from a 2019 baseline, having already achieved a 52 percent reduction across all markets. In Great Britain, Lidl sourced 100 percent of its electricity from renewable sources, installed solar PV systems in new stores and regional distribution centers, and began transitioning its delivery fleet to biogas-powered vehicles.

Lidl's net-zero strategy also included Scope 3 emissions, which account for over 90 percent of its total emissions. By 2034, the company planned to reduce its absolute Scope 3 agriculture, forestry, and other land use emissions by 42.4 percent from a 2022 baseline.

Lidl focused on collaborating with suppliers, aiming for those responsible for 75 percent of product-related Scope 3 emissions to set climate targets aligned with the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) by 2026. Notably, its beef supplier, Dunbia, targeted a 28 percent reduction in Scope 3 emissions intensity by 2030, while Lidl launched its Sustainable Beef Group to reward farmers for sustainable practices.

Through partnerships with Manufacture 2030 and Mondra, Lidl worked to enhance greenhouse gas emissions reduction efforts across its supply chain. Both organizations supported Lidl’s suppliers in improving Scope 3 data collection to facilitate emission reductions.

According to a press release, Lidl’s commitment to the SBTi, which it joined in 2020, underscores its dedication to the Paris Climate Agreement goals and the overarching aim of achieving a sustainable product range at competitive prices for consumers.

Explore further sustainability strategies by delving into AndNowUKnow.

GLENNVILLE, GA - Spotlighting its capabilities as a year-round onion supplier, G&R Farms is ready to hit the Global Produce & Floral Show floor. Arriving just in time for the show is none other than the company’s first Peruvian sweet onions of the season.

“We are deeply committed to producing the highest quality sweet onions, whether on our farms here in Georgia or with our boots on the ground in Peru,” shared Steven Shuman, General Manager and Vice President of Sales. “We’ve perfected our Peruvian sweet onions for over 15 years to deliver the best quality and sweet-tasting onions year-round. This year’s harvest is looking fantastic!”

Alongside a promising Peruvian crop, G&R Farms will be discussing its latest sustainability efforts.

“Through focused sustainability trials, we’ve successfully increased sweet onion yields while reducing the use of water, acreage, and other inputs. These efforts not only help protect resources but also ensure a stable food supply for future generations,” Steven noted.

By constantly exploring new methods and technologies, the company improves the quality of its produce and the efficiency of its operations.

“From implementing cutting-edge farming techniques to conducting sustainability trials, G&R is focused on reducing resource usage, optimizing land use, and minimizing environmental impact while continuing to grow the finest sweet onions. We need to protect resources and promote long-term agricultural sustainability for future generations,” Steven emphasized.

Stop by booth BC435 to learn more about the third-generation family farm and how it is driving category sales this winter!

MCFARLAND, CA - A new marketer has joined the Sunview Marketing team! Lisa (Davis) Corrigan recently took on the position of Director of Retail Development, where her strength in developing retail partnerships will help Sunview create new business opportunities.

Corrigan has a wealth of experience to offer, having served as the Director of Marketing for Prima Wawona and the Director of Business Development at Bonduelle Fresh Americas. A press release explained that she has over 20 years of experience in the fresh produce industry and has held various key positions, including Marketing Director, Vice President of Sales (West), Business Development, and Agriculture Customer Relations.

As the release went on to note, her extensive experience has allowed her to build strong industry connections and lasting friendships.

Her experience extends to industry networking; Corrigan served as Vice Chair for PMA’s Fresh Summit Committee in 2013 and chaired it again in 2014. She also served on the United Fresh Produce Association Marketing Expertise Committee and the newly formed International Fresh Produce Association’s Marketing Council.

“We are thrilled to welcome Lisa to our team. Her expertise in value-added sales and category management will be instrumental in advancing Sunview’s dedication to leading the table grape category and delivering customer-centric sales efforts,” added Mitch Wetzel, Vice President of Sales and Marketing.

Corrigan graduated from Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo with a double major in landscape architecture and agriculture business management, with a concentration in marketing.

Congratulations to Lisa Corrigan on this next move!

FOWLER, CA - Introducing a new vibrant tapestry with its premium citrus line next week at the International Fresh Produce Association's (IFPA) Global Produce & Floral Show, Bee Sweet Citrus will also unveil innovative point-of-sale materials crafted to engage industry professionals.

"Every year, our team looks forward to exhibiting at IFPA's Global Produce and Floral show because it allows professionals to re-connect with industry colleagues and discover new and exciting trends in produce," stated Monique Mueller, Director of Communications. "We're especially excited for this year's show because we're debuting our new premium citrus line and cannot wait to share our offerings for the 2024-2025 season with our customers."

As the Bee Sweet Citrus team transitioned from its offshore program into its domestic season, California-grown lemons, Meyer lemons, and pummelos became available. The company is set to ship oranges, Mandarins, grapefruit, and Golden Gem grapefruit by the end of the month. According to a press release, this timing aligns perfectly with the launch of its premium line.

"Over the last year, our team has worked hard to elevate the look of our premium line, and we can't wait to showcase our newly designed packaging and POS material to the show's attendees," continued Mueller. "We believe that our premium varieties can generate excitement about the citrus category and will encourage consumers to try something new."

This season, Bee Sweet Citrus plans to offer retailers point-of-sale materials for both its premium citrus line and domestic varieties, available in bag and bulk styles. Various marketing opportunities will support retailers in promoting the citrus category at the store level. 

For more information about the company’s offerings, interested parties can visit booth C2566 at the show.

With this launch, Bee Sweet Citrus aims to invigorate the market and inspire consumer interest in citrus products.

FLORIDA - We have been keeping a close eye on Florida as Hurricane Milton moved toward the state earlier this week. As of last night, Wednesday, October 10, the Category 3 storm officially made landfall on Florida’s West Coast.

According to CBS News, the storm initially touched down near Siesta Key—a barrier island just south of Sarasota. By then, Hurricane Milton was producing sustained winds of 120 mph, but later diminished to a Category 1 storm as it moved inland.

A report from PowerOutage.us stated that over 3.2 million customers were without power early this morning. Residents who were unable to evacuate were urged to shelter in place amid the dangerous hurricane-force winds.

At least four tornadoes also popped up in and around Miami, including a "multi-vortex tornado," the National Weather Service reported. These incidents led to tornado warnings in addition to storm surge warnings in multiple cities near the Southwestern Florida coast.

The news source went on to note that despite the storm weakening from a Category 5, it has still produced some extreme damages, including severe flooding.

The situation is still being assessed, so ANUK will be sure to keep you updated.

LOS ANGELES, CA - At this year’s Global Produce & Floral Show (GPFS), Progressive Produce and Keystone Fruit Marketing will emphasize a shared commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation while spotlighting a lineup of premium onions, potatoes, and citrus. Keystone Fruit Marketing will feature its iconic Mayan Sweets from Peru, while Progressive Produce will spotlight its versatile Pacific Gold Russets and Nature’s Bounty Organic potatoes.

“Whether you’re slicing them raw or caramelizing them for a deeper flavor, our Mayan Sweets take salsas, sandwiches, burgers, kabobs, and more to the next level,” said Mike Blume, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Keystone Fruit Marketing. “Keystone will also highlight its Washington-grown red, yellow, and white onions. We take pride in offering an extensive selection of onion varieties, all packed and tailored to meet the needs of any program.”

Dr. Oscar Guzman, Vice President of Marketing and Sales at Progressive Produce, added the following.

“Pacific Gold Russets are celebrated for their consistency and ability to elevate any meal, while Nature’s Bounty Organic potatoes offer the same high standards with the added benefit of being organically grown,” he noted.

A press release went on to add that potatoes and onions are staples for holiday meal prep, making this booth a must-see as we head into holiday planning.

Progressive will also be showcasing its winter citrus program, which includes organic lemons, oranges, and limes.

“Our organic citrus is a true winter highlight,” continued Guzman. “With wellness on everyone’s mind, our organic lemons, oranges, and limes are ideal for adding a refreshing, immune-boosting burst of flavor to any meal. Whether you’re cooking, juicing, or enjoying them fresh, our citrus lineup is packed with brightness and Versatility.”

Stop by booth B1957 at the Global Produce & Floral Show to explore these offerings and meet the team!

PARSIPPANY, NJ - What gives vegetable brand Green Giant Fresh a leg up amid the economy’s challenges? As the International Fresh Produce Association’s (IFPA) Global Produce & Floral Show (GPFS) quickly approaches, Tristan Simpson, who coordinates licensing partnerships for Green Giant Fresh, took a moment to discuss innovation, partnership, and more.

“By collaborating with our Green Giant Fresh licensee partners, we’re able to respond quickly to market demands and innovate to drive greater household engagement. Buyers can expect consistent quality and a portfolio backed by strong partnerships, ensuring reliability and category growth,” Tristan said. “Green Giant Fresh, in partnership with trusted licensees, continues to be a leader in delivering high-quality fresh produce.”

As the industry gathers to showcase key strategies, new opportunities, and the latest offerings in Atlanta, Georgia, October 17–19, Tristan promised a gathering of strong brands all in one show, showcasing the power of produce.

“IFPA’s Global Produce and Floral Show is a key opportunity for Green Giant Fresh and our licensee partners to connect with retailers and showcase the strength of our fresh produce. This event allows us to highlight the innovations we’re driving in fresh produce, such as product extensions within our top fresh produce segments,” Tristan reflected. “With fresh vegetables continuing to be a top seller in the vegetable category, it’s crucial for Green Giant Fresh to use the show to demonstrate how we can help retailers meet increasing consumer demand for fresh, convenient, and healthy products.”

Highlighting innovations in the fresh category, Green Giant Fresh is focused on how these partnerships help deliver premium, fresh vegetables to consumers nationwide and letting buyers at IFPA experience the strength of such a portfolio.

“The show is an exciting opportunity for us to share how we’re addressing category challenges and growing the fresh vegetable category through strategic collaboration,” Tristan shared with me.

She pointed out that licensing partnerships with growers allows the Green Giant brand to deliver on quality and freshness while expanding the brand’s reach to consumers desiring fresh produce.

“While the Green Giant brand offers solutions across all temperature classes, Green Giant Fresh continues to drive consumer demand for fresh produce,” Tristan said. “This multi-class strategy ensures that the Green Giant brand meets consumers’ evolving needs, and the offerings of Green Giant Fresh—backed by these trusted licensee partners—continue to stand out in the market. For buyers, this means access to top-tier fresh vegetables from some of the best growers in the industry.”

Don’t miss a chance to hear about innovation, partnership, and tackling retailer challenges in the dynamic fresh produce department. Be on the lookout for Green Giant Fresh products throughout GPFS as you explore one of the biggest show floors of the year!