SALINAS, CA - If you have the pleasure of following Taylor Farms' social media accounts, then you will already understand why this powerhouse operation took home the Besties Award for Best Social Media Campaigning. Full of vibrant videos, reels, images, and messages—Taylor Farms brings its retail partners a social media tool kit that taps into the emotions, humor, empathy, and trends of the day. From busy parents looking to make a quick and healthy meal to college students seeking out the new and seasonal flavors between stacks of assignments—and everything in between—Taylor Farms is looking out for its loyal and budding consumer base. And, also, its retail and foodservice partners.

“Taylor Farms is inspired by our consumers and their evolving needs and interests. We listen and see what drives them to buy the best-tasting salad kits and snacks in the market. We've built strong, trusted relationships with our social community and are rooted in providing relevant, thumb-stopping content that brings value to consumer's lives in lighthearted, inspirational, humorous, and educational ways,” Christina Barnard, Director of Marketing, shares with me. “I'm thankful to be part of the highly engaged Taylor Farms team and appreciate all my team members who willingly participate in our branded content generation to bring my visions to life.”

Taylor Farms has always taken great value in bridging the gap between the buying operation and the consumer, investing in this area of expertise with a passion.

“Our social platforms are a valued direct line of communication with our loyal customers. It is through our relevant brand content and strategic influencer partnerships that we are able to capture consumer's attention and generate demand for our healthy, fresh products,” Christina explains. “Through social media, we have the ability to influence fresh produce consumption, and that's a rewarding feeling.”

Taylor Farms salads are healthy, taste delicious, and are easy to prepare. Consumers, like myself, also go wild when the company introduces special, limited-edition seasonal salads.

Like many great brands and companies, Taylor works to develop its vision to build on today’s demands and anticipate tomorrow’s.

“We are evolving with our consumers' needs and recognize needs are different depending on various life stages. Through cohort identification and precise social targeting, we are able to serve hyper-relevant content to the appropriate audience at the right time,” Christina reveals.

For a little behind-the-scenes look at the Besties process, our team handles the initial nominations to ensure each nominee meets our stringent standards. We then share our nominees with our Besties committee.

The committee is composed of experienced retail buyers or individuals with substantial experience and knowledge in their respective fields. This year, they voted on every category except for one: Retailer of the Year. Each committee member received a ballot with three nominations for each award category. Based on their votes, we determine the winners of the Bestie Awards.

A huge congrats to Taylor Farms and its bar-raising presence across marketing and social media campaigning!

SALINAS, CA - Happy anniversary to Tanimura & Antle! This year marks the 15^th anniversary of its Artisan® Lettuce, a product that has redefined the lettuce category with its exceptional taste, texture, and proprietary packaging attributes.

"From the very beginning, our mission has been to bring the best of what agriculture has to offer to our valued customers. Our Tanimura & Antle Artisan Lettuce is a shining example of our commitment to innovation, delivering a product that is not only superior in flavor and texture but also in the advantages it offers in sustainability," said Scott Grabau, President and Chief Executive Officer.

The impetus for Tanimura & Antle's Artisan Lettuce was sparked by curiosity about a new lettuce seed available in European markets but not yet introduced in the United States. The company decided to pioneer the concept of mini lettuce heads that would deliver the perfect balance of flavor and crunch. After years of development and trials—along with successfully growing red and green varieties side by side—Artisan Lettuce was born.

Over the past 15 years, the product has not only expanded its presence in the market but also undergone significant enhancements to meet the evolving tastes and preferences of consumers, a press release stated. From its initial introduction in 2009 to its widespread availability today, the company has sold millions of cases of Tanimura & Antle Artisan Lettuce.

The press release went on to note that consumers consistently praise Tanimura & Antle Artisan Lettuce for its fresh taste, crisp texture, and versatility in a variety of dishes. Retailers and foodservice customers alike have recognized the value the petite lettuce varieties bring to their offerings.

"We've heard countless stories from our customers about how our Tanimura & Antle Artisan Lettuce has elevated their salads and recipes, making it a favorite among their own customers," said Brian Antle, Executive Vice President of Sales. "It's incredibly rewarding to see how our commitment to excellence has translated into enhanced shopping experiences and satisfied consumers—all while providing them with healthy food options."

This item serves as a substitution for spring mix and other bagged salads. Conserving refrigerator space while also offering an extended shelf-life, consumers and chefs alike gain greater flexibility and reduce the likelihood of food waste. As Tanimura & Antle celebrates this 15-year milestone, the company remains dedicated to continuing its legacy of innovation, ensuring Artisan Lettuce remains a beloved choice for consumers and a key player in the produce industry.

Cheers to 15 years!

SALINAS, CA - Giving back to the community is par for the course in the produce space, and Markon Cooperative is walking that industry walk. The company’s upcoming fundraiser, The Taste of Markon, offers a unique dining experience that benefits the Drummond Culinary Academy, a non-profit organization dedicated to serving at-risk youth in Monterey County.

“In our 9^th Annual Chef Summit, Markon will assemble chefs from across North America for our most successful Taste of Markon yet,” noted Andy Hamilton, Chief Executive Officer. “While this education-focused week allows the chefs to get their boots in the fields and experience the supply chain journey that brings fresh fruits and vegetables to their kitchens, the culinary students are given invaluable, hands-on working experience with seasoned chefs, creating a produce-focused menu directly benefiting their school.”

According to a press release, The Taste of Markon dinner concludes the Markon Chef Summit, which takes place in the days leading up to the event. Markon members and their operators meet for a week of field tours, roundtable discussions on industry trends, and direct interactions with suppliers and growers.

Throughout the summit, those participating are asked to work together to create innovative plant-powered dishes while mentoring young culinary students. The Friday evening event features a strolling dinner with passed hors d’oeuvres, seven delectable course stations, live music, and selections from the region’s finest wineries.

“Our Chef Summit serves the dual purpose of delivering a delicious meal to those in attendance while uplifting our Monterey County community,” added Hamilton.

For more information, click here.

As always, AndNowUKnow will keep you up to speed with the latest in fresh produce news.

FOWLER, CA - A new launch in the citrus category came across our desks this week. We learned that Bee Sweet Citrus is introducing a new premium line just weeks before the supplier kicks off its California citrus season.

"This season, Bee Sweet's Golden Gem grapefruit, Pummelos, and Royal Red oranges will be marketed under our new premium citrus line," stated Director of Communications Monique Mueller. "Each variety has a brand-new look that complements different promotional periods, and we're thrilled to offer them as part of our 2024–2025 offerings."

All of the new offerings are packaged in high-end graphic packaging that emphasizes the seasonality of the product. The golden hues that adorn the packaging of Bee Sweet's Golden Gem grapefruit and Pummelos will catch the attention of consumers shopping during the holiday season. A press release noted that the contrasting red and blue tones of the company's Royal Red oranges are sure to stand out in the produce aisle as well.

"If there's one word our team would use to describe our premium varieties, it would be, exclusive," continued Mueller. "Each variety is available for a limited time throughout the season, and we have retail-specific opportunities available to help our customers generate excitement for their shoppers."

All of Bee Sweet's premium varieties are available in bag and bulk items and have complementary point-of-sale material to help market the product at the store level. Bee Sweet’s Pummelos will be available this October, while Golden Gem grapefruit will be available in November, and Royal Red oranges are set to return this December.

As the season gets underway, keep following along with ANUK.

NEW ZEALAND - Shipping plays a critical part in New Zealand’s export-driven economy, carrying 99 percent of the country’s trade by volume and around 80 percent by value. As Zespri and shipping partner ANL/CMA CGM drive toward low-emissions international shipping, the companies launch a feasibility study into setting up a low-emissions shipping corridor between Tauranga and Zeebrugge in Belgium via the Panama Canal.

“Low-emissions shipping is a critical part of carbon reduction for exporters and also underpins our collective ability to achieve the government’s goal of doubling export value over the next 10 years,” said Rachel Depree, Zespri's Executive Officer of Sustainability. “Collectively we are already facing rising costs as carbon is priced into the economy and our markets and customers are starting to demand targets and plans to lower emissions over time.”

The report outlines the complexity of decarbonizing shipping and what’s needed from all the players across the value chain from exporters to shipping companies, fuel companies, ports and governments, and confirms how varied and significant the change required is, a press release explained.

Associate Transport Minister Matt Doocey hosted an event supporting the launch, and ANL & CMA CGM Oceania Managing Director Shane Walden outlined the efforts of the CMA CGM Group in decarbonizing transport and logistics.

“The CMA CGM Group is a global player in sea, land, air, and logistics solutions, and places the preservation of the environment at the heart of its strategy, with a commitment to reach Net Zero Carbon by 2050 across all its activities,” said Walden. “In shipping, CMA CGM is focused on reducing energy consumption as well as using sustainable low-carbon energies where possible in order to accelerate the energy transition of the sector, including that of key customers such as Zespri.”

Here is a breakdown of findings from the report:

• European ports are already making large investments to accept alternative fuel ships
• Collaboration with other New Zealand exporters and across the supply chain is critical to show demand, reduce cost, and speed up investment
• Governments have an important part to play, with new policies and regulations needed to transition fuels and infrastructure, including supporting health and safety regulations
• Fuel storage requirements for low-emissions fuels will create new challenges, with lower-emissions fuels being less energy-dense and requiring a lot more space

“While kiwifruit is a low-carbon product, shipping emissions make up a larger portion of the product’s overall carbon footprint at 43 percent—and that’s why action is a priority,” added Depree. “Like many exporters, Zespri can’t directly reduce shipping emissions ourselves so we’re working with our shipping and distribution partners to improve efficiency and find opportunities to pilot low-emissions fuels solutions as we work towards our ambition of being carbon positive by 2035.”

To read the full release, click here.

For more reports like this, keep clicking back to AndNowUKnow.

CITRUSDAL, SOUTH AFRICA - As citrus demand continues to spike in the Northern Hemisphere, so responds some of the industry-leading growers that ensure quality, flavorful fruit, and passion remain a constant. Keeping breakfasts, lunches, and dinners supplied with citrus favorites, Summer Citrus from South Africa (SCSA) is working with its import partners to bring confidence and excellence to produce departments across North America.

To detail the latest and greatest with SCSA, import partners Wonderful Citrus and Seald Sweet joined us to reveal the details of a program fit for retail success.

“We know that most citrus is purchased on impulse, so the importance of merchandising is critical to increasing velocity. Given that Mandarins, such as Halos Mandarins, are the biggest contributor to the citrus category during the winter, they are very under-developed during the summer season, due mainly to availability,” Chris Cockle, Vice President Sales, Import and Exports, Wonderful Citrus, shares. “As availability continues to increase, and the quality we source now matches the quality we pride ourselves on during the domestic season, positioning Halos prominently in the front of the produce section will help drive penetration and sales during the summer.”

In addition, the company is now offering Wonderful Seedless Lemons, capturing the natural demand for lemons during the summer season.

“Most consumers are unaware that our seedless lemons exist, so cross-merchandising them in multiple locations throughout produce is most effective in giving consumers the opportunity to notice they are available,” Chris reveals. “A mistake we often encounter is the inconsistencies in merchandising from store to store and week to week. Setting standards, such as plan-o-grams for strategic placements, can help ensure that priority items are properly positioned.”

The bounty of the Wonderful program goes far beyond just the quality of the fruit, as Wonderful Citrus has developed deep relationships and partnerships with key suppliers that understand its quality standards and scale.

“To help create demand and differentiate our Halos and Wonderful Seedless Lemons brands, we have a series of point-of-sale tools available, along with a full team of merchandisers located across the country to help execute display setup,” Chris adds, detailing how the support for partners does not end in the supply-chain but extends to register.

As you can see, this robust program spearheaded by SCSA is deeply tied to its partners’ merchandising prowess. As Helena Fernandez, Marketing Coordinator, Seald Sweet, explains, there are many insights built to help partners succeed.

“Citrus fruits are extremely important to retail sales, being one of the largest category after berries. They are versatile and used in a variety of ways, from juices and smoothies to salads, dressings, desserts, and even cleaning,” she tells me. “Not only is physical display important, but positioning the product online for e-commerce on the retailer platform is important. That product positioning, keyword search, and product boost are key resources to promote citrus. Seald Sweet is committed to partnering with retailers to enhance citrus consumption through collaborative e-commerce campaigns and also leveraging the power of private labeling. We’ve observed a growing trend where retailers are increasingly using their own brand reputation to label fresh produce, setting themselves apart in a competitive market."

By using their private labels, retailers can offer consumers a product that is perceived as more trustworthy, fostering brand loyalty, Helena added. Seald Sweet fully supports this marketing strategy and provides our expertise, versatility, and worldwide suppliers to meet the high standards that retailers expect.

Check out these tips from Helena...

Highlight Freshness and Counter-Season Availability: Utilize vibrant, eye-catching displays that highlight the unique counter-seasonal availability and superior taste and freshness of these fruits.

Engage Through Sampling and Promotions: Offer in-store sampling events, such as orange juice stations or fruit samples, to let customers taste the freshness and quality of SCSA citrus. Combine this with attractive promotions like coupons to encourage trial and repeat purchases.

“Assuming the consumer knows about varieties, it is our responsibility to educate them and show them the differences. So, one good way of merchandising citrus is by explaining the different varieties to the consumers. What is a Cara Cara? What is a Navel, and how is it different from a Valencia? What are Murcotts, Orris, and Tangos? How are they different? It is good to give consumers more information on what they are buying,” she details, bringing more expertise into the hands of partners.

There is much to glean from the leading edge that SCSA continues to sharpen and polish. Keep checking back with AndNowUKnow as we bring you insights from these citrus industry trailblazers.

LOS ANGELES, CA - Progressive Produce is poised to deliver a robust citrus season. This fall, the company will expand its organic oranges, lemons, and grapefruit volume while growing its conventional citrus offerings.

“I’m continually impressed by how our team has grown and the value our year-round organic program is bringing to both retailers and grower partners,” Cory Stahl, Vice President of Sales, commented.

The company’s dedication to superior quality and innovative practices is positioning it to meet the evolving demands of retailers and enhance seasonal offerings.

Veronica Rodarte, Commodity Manager, also commented.

“Our lime program has grown into a year-round offering for conventional and nearly year-round for organic,” explained Rodarte. “This reliability, even in challenging growing seasons, has earned us the loyalty of customers.”

Progressive Produce's citrus crops have benefited from favorable weather conditions, leading to an anticipated increase in both conventional and organic orange volumes. According to a press release, the company expects a return to normal size profiles, making it well-positioned for robust promotions in the market.

“This year’s unusual weather patterns in Mexico have impacted lime production more than usual, but our ability to move the best quality available has played a crucial role in our customers’ success,” added Gabriel Andrade, Sales Manager.

In addition to its oranges, Progressive's organic lemons are currently receiving attention.

“We started packing our Mexican organic lemons in early August, and the quality has been really nice,” noted Kyle Griffith, Sales Manager. “With organic oranges and grapefruit currently in limited supply, our organic 2 lb lemon bags are the top choice for September and October promotions.”

Progressive Produce’s commitment to citrus excellence is long-standing, dating back to 2005 with its lime and key lime program.

“The reduced thrip damage compared to last year is what stood out to me during our recent grove tours,” shared Andrew Mashler. “The fruit on our trees looks fantastic, and I’m excited about the increased volume of fancy-grade oranges we’ll have available this season.”

With an eye on continued growth and success, Progressive Produce is poised for another standout season in citrus.

Keep reading ANUK for more updates on the citrus season and its ever-changing landscape.