FOWLER, CA - Easter is hopping ever closer to us, and I’m imagining treats galore, ranging from bright yellow to vibrant orange in my basket. The colorful selection Bee Sweet Citrus has to offer fits perfectly with the festive holiday season, and shoppers perusing the citrus aisles will find all they need to ensure an Easter feast to remember.
“Utilizing produce, such as citrus, in your Easter menu is an easy way to make sure you’re eating enough nutrient-rich foods during the holiday season,” stated Director of Communications Monique Bienvenue. “All of our seasonal varieties are rich in vitamin C and beautifully complement springtime meals and desserts.”
Bee Sweet’s portfolio has several varieties available to meet the ongoing demand for fresh produce. As consumers plan their festive menus, they can look to your aisles for Bee Sweet Citrus Blood oranges, grapefruit, lemons, Meyer lemons, and Navel oranges. While all of Bee Sweet’s varieties are nutritious, each variety comes with its own set of unique characteristics and flavors.
“Because citrus is so versatile, shoppers can utilize our products to plan their entire holiday menu,” stated Bienvenue. “From appetizers to entrées, our varieties can help families prepare flavorful meals and drinks for their guests.”
According to the release, the grower’s citrus line caters to a wide range of consumers. While Blood oranges and Meyer lemons are often utilized in baked goods, grapefruit, lemons, and Navel oranges can enhance the flavor of salads, dressings, and more.
Retailers, get your holiday boost with Bee Sweet promotions as new, high-graphic packaging can attract curious eyes.
Keep a tab open for ANUK to report on holiday promotions, seasonal updates, and more.
SALINAS, CA - April 1 marked the start of the leafy greens growing season on the Central Coast of California, as well as the beginning of the fiscal year of the California Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement (CA LGMA). At its last meeting of the previous fiscal year, the CA LGMA Advisory elected a new slate of officers to help steer the organization throughout the 2022 growing season.
The new leadership group includes:
- Chair, Jan Berk of San Miguel Produce
- Vice Chair, Robert Verloop of Coastline Family Farms
- Treasurer, Matt Amaral of D’Arrigo Bros. of California
Amongst these changes, founding Board Member John D’Arrigo will be departing after serving as an LGMA Advisory Board Member for nearly 15 years. In addition, Dan Sutton will also be concluding his service as Chairman of the Board. Sutton has served as Chairman of the CA LGMA Advisory Board for the last three years, according to a press release, and continues to serve on the Advisory Board and on the Executive Committee.
Click here to view the full list of Board members for this fiscal year.
As it kicks off the 2022 leafy greens season, the LGMA currently has 84 certified member companies and two companies that are new to the organization and pending certification. CA LGMA members are audited an average of four times a year to ensure they are compliant with the LGMA food safety standards and maintain their certification status.
With vast farming operations spanning across the state of California, CA LGMA members produce over 70 percent of the nation’s lettuce and leafy greens.
To view a full list of the certified members, click here.
For more industry updates and information, keep clicking on AndNowUKnow.
SANTA ANA PUEBLO, NM - I am off to an adventure, and with me are hundreds of women in fresh produce ready to make a difference in themselves and their businesses.
“The women here are deeply committed to learning and bringing value back to their companies," Cathy Burns, Co-Chief Executive Officer, International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA), tells me as we make plans for the 2022 Women's Fresh Perspectives Conference (WFPC). "Attendees are incredibly generous to each other, helping to guide one another, all making this a uniquely energizing event where we walk away inspired to develop and learn skills to make ourselves and other women in produce, and the businesses they serve, stronger.”
In discussing attendance, which sold out not only the conference but the hotel it is hosted at as well, Cathy and I agree that industry members are hungry to get together in person to discuss and tackle ongoing challenges.
“We all want to get back to growing our capabilities, and this gathering is for all produce businesses across the supply chain and across positions within those businesses,” Cathy reflects, adding that, as our industry grows, so must our skills. “This and other events are making a point to tap into why and how women specifically answer a need to the nature of our work. We have all heard there is a ‘Great Resignation,’ but I call it the Great Reset; it’s an opportunity to refresh and innovate our capabilities through new talent.”
When IFPA launched, Cathy and the team ensured talent as a focus area, and a big part of that is opportunities like WFPC, which provide professional development with an industry view in mind.
“The challenges we are facing with supply chain, logistics, and labor all show we need more talent development,” she observes. “WFPC is a key part of how we look at growing talent overall. I think uniting the power of women who want to contribute to real growth is unmatched and has incredible potential not just for the women of our industry, but for growing talent as a whole.”
Specifically, Cathy points to the opportunity to harness the power of innate female strengths in empathy and team building, as well as multitasking and vision.
“This is a huge opportunity we need to continue to leverage, whether that is access or tackling any fear that stands in the way of harnessing the power our industry has to change the world and the role women can play in it. It’s an event I love and make time to do every year,” Cathy says, tying together passion and urgency.
That passion is a testament not just to those who come to this event, but who build it to ensure it is always relevant, memorable, and inspirational.
OCEANSIDE, CA - For a while as a young child, I dropped the “s” in Easter and thought it was the “Eater holiday.” After speaking to Anthony Innocenti, my speech impediment sounds more prophetic than embarrassing.
“Easter fits our strengths perfectly—it is a high-demand and family-eats-together holiday and well-timed with our core categories,” LIV Organic™ Produce’s Co-Founder and Managing Partner tells me. “We see a natural lift in demand around citrus, onions, all potatoes, and hard squash, both organic and conventional.”
Organic seedless Mandarins, specifically, are a point of immense pride for the grower at this point in the year due to the differentiation it has carved out for itself for quality in the space.
“Our organic seedless Mandarin flavor offers a significant point of differentiation for our retail partners. Right now, we are in the peak of the season, which will lead right up to Easter. We are seeing good demand lifting the category, and have been hearing excellent feedback from our retail partners on quality and flavor,” Anthony says.
Meanwhile, Easter marks the kickoff of organic and conventional sweet potatoes.
“Depending on how you look at it, Easter is the start or end of the cycle of especially big sweet potato eating days, the others being Thanksgiving and Christmas. Likewise, Russets, reds, and yellow potatoes are in high demand but usually see some tightening as new crops come to fruition. We are able to fulfill all our retail commitments and keep our partners ready for that demand where traditionally there might be a gap,” Anthony assures.
Similarly, Anthony points out that this is traditionally a challenging time to get onions to market while consumer demand climbs. Despite this, LIV Organic is confident it will have red, white, and yellow sweet onions.
“We do not gap on onions, this is a program that remains strong throughout the year, both in bulk and value-added bags. We have successfully strategized this time frame to complement our complete year-round organic onion program,” he shares.
And with all the traditional dishes as well as the vegetarian-friendly family offerings that are rising in popularity, so is hard squash.
“This is a category that has really turned into a staple in the produce department and is no longer sought after seasonally,” Anthony tells me. “We continue to ship Acorn, Butternut, Delicata, Kabocha, and Spaghetti throughout the year, and it has really turned into a consistent need on everyone’s retail shelves, especially in organic.”
With a true cornucopia ready for the coming holiday, LIV Organic is keyed in and ready for the approaching Ea(s)ter demand.
PHARR, TX - The 2022 Viva Fresh Expo is quickly approaching, and soon the industry will be gathering in Dallas, Texas, to share innovations and advancements galore. As the number one port of entry in Texas for fresh produce, Pharr International Bridge will be highlighting pivotal infrastructure investments at the event, and Bridge Director Luis Bazán recently clued me in on some of the details of the organization’s showcase.
“We’re looking forward to Viva Fresh because there’s always really great networking and business opportunities,” Luis tells me. “Currently, Pharr International Bridge is crossing anywhere from 60 to 65 percent of the produce that crosses through from Mexico to the United States through Texas land ports of entry, so it’s a big deal for us. We continue to promote our future infrastructure, and a major part of it will be tailor-made for the produce industry.”
Several developments will soon be spurring from Pharr International Bridge’s infrastructure investments, including dock expansions, a new cold inspection facility, and a new brick-and-mortar facility that will serve as a state-of-the-art agricultural laboratory. The cutting-edge facility will also house a training center for future ag specialists.
“With all the growth that we’re seeing, not just in Pharr, but across the region, in terms of produce, we know we’re going to need more agricultural specialists in the future. So, how better else to go about that than to have an in-house training center right here at home?” notes Luis.
As Luis explains, Pharr International Bridge will be detailing these critical investments during Viva Fresh—one of the many opportunities to be discovered during the event.
“Attending this event in-person brings you back to that old school way of doing business face-to-face,” adds Luis. “The business opportunities are tremendous, and have allowed us to promote the bridge for several years now, which has resulted in cold warehouse and distribution center investments, particularly inside Pharr’s very own agri-park, the Pharr Produce District. I think that’s only one of the reasons why it’s imperative for anybody in the produce industry to join us up there, to get complete details of what we’re working on. We see Viva Fresh as an extension of the celebration we host in Pharr every October for the ‘Start of the Produce Season,’ our premier produce event.”
If you’re hoping to find out more about the pivotal investments Pharr International Bridge is making to bolster the fresh produce supply chain, don’t miss out on the opportunity to meld minds at Viva Fresh!
DELANO, CA - Seventy-five years in the produce business is a remarkable feat, no matter where you’re standing. It takes grit and determination to be successful in this industry, and the team at Jasmine Vineyards brings this attitude to market every day. To learn more about what has driven the company’s success, I turned to Jon Zaninovich.
“Over the last few years alone, Jasmine Vineyards has made some key investments that have driven growth,” the company’s President explained to me. “We built a state-of-the-art, high-efficiency cold storage facility, which was completed in 2017. We introduced new packaging options like GrapesToGo™, loose pack and backyard compostables. We also introduced Fresh Alerts™, a weekly video update from the ranch which shows viewers our varieties being harvested, along with brix, size, and all varieties available in real time.”
As a family-owned, California-grown operation, Jasmine Vineyards prides itself on its ongoing work with the California Table Grape Commission (CTGC).
“We really built our reputation by getting involved from the start,” Jon pointed out. “My father, Martin Zaninovich, served as CTGC Chairman of the Board, and now I’m wrapping up my own term. He and his cousin Vincent were trailblazers—and the trade took notice. Back in 1966, Martin was the first to be awarded California Fresh Fruit Association’s (CFFA) Mentor’s Award.”
In recent years, Kathleen Nave, CTGC President, joined the ranks of prestigious recipients to be officially recognized as “a person who, through effort, discovery, innovation, dedication, and/or perseverance, has influenced the industry in a positive way”—as Jon described.
It’s this legacy that continues to drive Jasmine Vineyards forward as both a family farm and an active partner in the table grape industry.
“We’re able to evolve as a company by keeping our operations lean, measured, and focused,” Jon illuminated. “We can respond to market needs and stay ahead of trends while continuing to position Jasmine Vineyards as a cut above.”
Looking down the road, I asked Jon what we can expect from the grower in the years ahead.
“In addition to the varieties that helped propel growth, like our Sweet Celebration, Summer Crunch, and Sweet Globe, we’ll continue introducing new varieties that grab our attention,” Jon said, also sharing the specifics of what constituted a good candidate for Jasmine Vineyards’ offerings. “Big, sweet, flavorful, crunchy—these are what our grape fans rave about, so that’s what we look for in a new variety.”
Jon added the company is always exploring packaging options to satisfy consumer demand, with an emphasis on recycled materials and minimal packaging.
“We’ve also enhanced shelf-stability through a partnership with Hazel Tech®,” Jon added, “and we’ll be further positioning grapes as a convenient, shareable, and healthy snack.”
A bounty awaits Jasmine Vineyards, and we here at AndNowUKnow can’t wait to hear all about it.
YAKIMA, WA - Come one, come all! This is the rallying cry of Cosmic Crisp® as the brand calls on chefs across the United States and Canada to participate in its first-ever Culinary Challenge. In the categories of Home Chef, Professional Chef, Retail Chef, and Kid Chef, the brand is accepting entries for unique recipes with the chance to win exciting prizes.
“We have grown a passionate community of Cosmic Crisp apple fans in the few years it’s been available,” said Kathryn Grandy, Chief Marketing Officer for Proprietary Variety Management, the company responsible for marketing the brand. “And this is the first season we have enough volume for shoppers to find Cosmic Crisp from now until the next fall harvest. We consistently see creative uses of the apple, the time was right to create an official challenge and reward the best recipes from a variety of chefs.”
The Cosmic Crisp Culinary Challenge will feature celebrity judge Carla Hall to choose each category’s winner. Additionally, winners will be treated to a virtual meet and greet with Hall, whose credits include winning Top Chef, co-hosting seven seasons of The Chew, and her current role as a featured chef judging and hosting some of the most popular shows on Food Network.
According to a press release, Cosmic Crisp apples have been covered in nearly every major lifestyle publication and media outlet, graced the Twitter profile of an Olympic athlete and celebrities, and have their own hot air balloon. The variety is prized for its delicious flavor, remarkable texture, juiciness, and striking color.
For more information on this exciting launch, please click here. Entries are welcome until May 15, 2022, and are sure to drive shoppers to the apple set.
ANUK will keep bringing you the latest news in the industry, so stick with us.
CHARLOTTE, NC - It’s no coincidence that National Banana Day falls in April, otherwise known as Stress Awareness Month. With a science-backed link between bananas and the alleviation of stress, Dole Food Company is using this period as a prime vehicle for the latest installment of its “Healthier by Dole” alternative recipe series.
“From their position as a breakfast and brown bag lunch staple to the banana bread-baking revolution that happened during COVID-19, bananas are enjoyed by 90 percent of Americans—making them the most popular produce and one of the most-purchased items in the supermarket,” said Melanie Marcus, RD, MA, Dole’s Nutrition and Health Communications Manager.
In honor of National Banana Day, April 20, the produce purveyor has kicked off a month-long tribute to the staple fruit as part of its celebration, which it has once again extended to five full days of festivities from April 18–22 across all Dole social media platforms, according to a press release.
“Healthier by Dole” is a monthly series of easy-to-make recipes high in fruits and vegetables, and the latest menu includes 10 banana-inspired entrée, side dish, dessert, and drink recipes, including easy and tasty ways to go gluten-free, vegetarian, or vegan.
In addition to the banana-centric recipes, Dole is releasing original social and blog content April 18–22 for National Banana Day.
The creative content and banana-based recipes set out to elevate the category and spotlight bananas for their ability to improve mood and relieve anxiety.
“Bananas contain vitamin B6, which is involved in the creation of feel-good neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, and research suggests that they can also reduce inflammation and oxidative stress levels,” added Marcus. “Another study found that foods like bananas that contain prebiotics (a type of fiber that feeds probiotics, the healthful bacteria inside your gut) may also promote more restful sleep.”
What sales-driving strategies will be headlining your produce section for National Banana Day? Keep reading AndNowUKnow as we continue to bring unique new merchandising opportunities to light.
EDINBURG, TX - Weather is a major factor to consider for many, but the hurdles that Texan suppliers have faced over the past few months have been something of an odyssey to get through. Bret Erickson, Senior Vice President of Business Affairs, walks me through the trials and tribulations Little Bear Produce has faced down in South Texas.
“We’ve been able to meet our customers’ needs, and we’re finding ways to slog through some very difficult times,” Bret tells me. “Producers are a resilient bunch, and Texas producers even more so, which makes me think ‘Remember the Produce Aisle!’ We will continue to persevere and find ways to succeed in the face of adversity.”
Despite all the setbacks Little Bear is currently facing, the grower is reporting good quality for its crops. That Texan strength shines through the grower, and its durability and adaptability are what I feel are exemplary of our industry.
“It has definitely been a challenging season in South Texas. For Texas producers, the historic Valentine’s Day freeze of 2021 still feels like a fresh wound. That freeze knocked us down for six weeks or more, which made for a tough climb back,” recounts Bret. “We had another freeze this year on January 3. Although it was not a multi-day hard freeze like last year, it was cold enough to set us back.”
That freeze followed an exceptionally warm November and December for the Texan grower. So when that sudden freeze came about at the beginning of the year, on top of more challenging weather conditions, Little Bear’s crops weren’t prepared.
“When that first serious cold snap blew in, it hit the plants hard—they weren’t acclimated to colder weather yet,” continues Bret. “We’ve also had some cold rainy spells, which just generally slowed us down.”
Similar to the rest of the growers in our industry, the supplier was hit hard by inflationary pressures, transportation challenges, and supply chain impacts this past year. Another major issue Little Bear is concerned about is labor.
“Labor continues to be a pressing issue for us. We can’t lose sight of the ag labor issue as we are bombarded with all these other headlines,” Bret elaborates. “I am hoping for Congress to pass some sort of meaningful ag labor legislation, because we are in need of help, and we have been for decades.”
Much like the Ithacan King Odysseus, I suspect that the grower will pull through, as will our industry. It might take longer than we hoped for, but I believe the goal of normalcy is on the horizon.
WASHINGTON, DC - After being restricted from operating in the produce industry back in December 2021, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that Carla Langarcia, doing business as Barajas Produce, has satisfied a $7,293 reparation order.
The Los Angeles, California-based company is now free to operate in the industry after meeting its obligations under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA), and Langarcia, who was listed as sole proprietor of the business, may now be employed or affiliated with any PACA licensee.
Direct from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service:
PACA provides an administrative forum to handle disputes involving produce transactions; this may result in USDA’s issuance of a reparation order that requires damages to be paid by those not meeting their contractual obligations in buying and selling fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables. USDA is required to suspend the license or impose sanctions on an unlicensed business that fails to pay PACA reparations awarded against it, as well as impose restrictions against those principals determined to be responsibly connected to the business when the order is issued. Those individuals, including sole proprietors, partners, members, managers, officers, directors, or major stockholders, may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee without USDA approval.
Once a reparation order is fully satisfied and it is confirmed that there are not any outstanding unpaid awards, USDA lifts the employment restrictions of the previously named, responsibly connected individuals.
To read the release in full, click here.