WENATCHEE, WA - Uncovering prosperous retail opportunities in the fresh department requires an understanding of both the market and the consumer. As we here at AndNowUKnow work to bring new insights to help drive sales, I got a chance to talk apples with CMI Orchards’ Vice President of Marketing George Harter.
“Quality and volume are looking good. We like what we’re seeing,” George says, giving me some exclusive details on the provider’s current apple supply. “The record heat last summer definitely played a role in the crop being down slightly this year over last.”
Volume and demand across the market have been steady. As George points out, this year’s crop presents new opportunities for buyers to capitalize on high-flavor, branded apples such as Ambrosia Gold™, Kanzi®, KIKU®, Envy™, Jazz™, Pacific Rose™, and EverCrisp®. CMI Orchards aligns with retail partners to develop customized go-to-market strategies, considering optimal promotional timing, harvest volume, and crop size profiles and leveraging digital marketing support, in-store signage, point-of-sale displays, and other ways to help increase category growth.
“It’s important to promote apples throughout the year,” George adds. “As a strategic partner, CMI strives to find new and creative ways to help drive sales and inspire and influence purchases of apples. The ever-changing digital landscape has opened some really exciting doors from a marketing standpoint for both shoppers and retailers. We’ve invested in in-house and third-party talent to help our retail partners capitalize on behind-the-scenes promotions that drive shoppers to a particular item we’re promoting. It’s incredibly easy to participate—you really don’t have to lift a finger. We’ll do all the work for you, and you can sit back and watch your sales climb.”
CMI Orchards also presents a benefit in the produce department by demonstrating its heightened commitment to sustainability—a cause that is defining many shoppers’ current buying behaviors.
“We have an optimistic view on the future, and packaging is becoming increasingly important as we strive toward sustainability,” notes George. “We want to be part of a collaborative effort from consumers all the way to suppliers to figure out what’s going to be sustainable for the future—not just from an earth standpoint, but equally considering market trends and getting to the bottom of what shoppers actually want. We’re not interested in perceived sustainability—as a company we genuinely care about getting into the nitty-gritty, comparing different packaging substrates and identifying the true carbon footprint of each.”
In addition, the supplier showcases its commitment to a sustainable food system through its alliance with the Equitable Food Initiative (EFI).
“We recently became EFI certified on thousands of acres,” shares George. “Farmworkers are the lifeblood of our operation, and the EFI certification demonstrates CMI’s commitment to raising the standards for equitable and sustainable food systems.”
With new chances to harness the demand for apples arising for the buy-side, CMI Orchards is using its portfolio to prime its partners for success. Keep reading AndNowUKnow for the latest industry updates.
WASHINGTON, DC - After previous sanctions imposed against Itamp back in March 2020, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that the Texas-based company satisfied a reparation order in the amount of $26,912. The order was issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) and involved unpaid produce transactions.
Direct From the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service:
The Dallas, Texas, company can continue operating in the produce industry upon applying for and being issued a PACA license. Luis Armando Lopez was listed as the officer, director, and major stockholder of the business and may now be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee.
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. USDA also requires any unlicensed company that fully satisfies all unpaid reparation awards to obtain a license if it continues to operate in the industry.
For contact information and to read the release in its entirety, click here.
MILLEN, GA - Our industry’s incredible trade associations provide many opportunities to those in the fresh produce, retail, and foodservice sectors. One such opportunity comes in the form of the Southeast Produce Council’s (SEPC) Vorhees Vision Scholarship, of which the 2022 recipient was recently named.
Alexis Olsen, daughter of US Foods’ Melissa Olsen, was chosen as the scholarship recipient. The scholarship was created to reward the achievements of young individuals who demonstrate a true entrepreneurial spirit in their lives. This scholarship is named in honor of the vision and efforts of late Terry L. Vorhees, Founder and first Executive Director of the SEPC, a press release explained.
All SEPC scholarships are awarded to applicants who meet the criteria of having a parent or grandparent who is a corporate member in good standing with the SEPC, which means they have been on the SEPC membership roster for at least 12 months and have personally attended at least one SEPC event within the last 12 months.
Recipients of this scholarship receive one $7,500 scholarship annually. Applicants must be either graduating high school seniors or enrolled as college freshmen, sophomores, juniors, or seniors and must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0. Letters of recommendation from high school and/or college staff, clergy, community leaders, etc., SAT or ACT scores, leadership and community service involvement, and the quality of their essay also play a role in the decision.
Congratulations to Alexis Olsen on receiving this renowned scholarship!
MCALLEN, TX - By now, you’re all aware of how much we love a partnership story—especially if that partnership brings new solutions to the industry. Fox Solutions™ has done exactly that, partnering with its first flow-wrap machine manufacturer Redpack®. This collaboration between the two will bring new packaging solutions to customers and enable Fox to serve new industries that utilize flow wrap on its items.
“This relationship with Redpack will allow us to better service our customers with a wide range of product solutions,” commented Aaron Fox, President of Fox Solutions. “For example, we’ll now have the equipment to flow-wrap fresh herbs, pepper, Bok choy, bakery products, and many other items that use this technology. It’s important to us that Redpack is family-owned and places notable value on their history of excellent customer service. Attention to finding the best packaging solutions for our clients through customization is what sets us and Redpack apart from the rest!”
Not only will Fox Solutions have new flow-wrap product offerings, Fox Solutions will also carry roll stock to run on the new machinery, as stated in the release.
Redpack’s machines are created with a very stable framework to maximize strength, reliability, and longevity. They are equipped with reliable drive systems for consistent efficiency.
“We look forward to working with the Fox Solutions team and bringing our company’s flow-wrap expertise to their trusted and established business,” added Jason Knowles, Applications Manager at Redpack. “We’re also thrilled to be partnering with a company that aligns with our family-owned leadership and focus on customer solutions.”
For more news about industry partnerships, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA - Who doesn’t love a comeback? For Oppy, this comeback is a strategic play to get South African plums into the market—all while bolstering the company’s international presence. After an eight-year hiatus, Oppy is bringing South African plums to the North American marketplace in a move to counteract pressures felt on additional import markets.
“While we have brought grapes and citrus from South Africa for many years, it’s a particularly exciting time to dive deeper into new items with a fresh edge, allowing us to offer exclusive options to our customers,” noted James Milne, Senior Vice President of Categories and Marketing.
A release explained that, as United States authorities tightened import regulations for Chilean plums in early 2021, Oppy’s Sila Louw proposed complementing Oppy’s plum offerings with fruit grown on his home soil.
“We look forward to delighting consumers with a variety of first-class-eating-quality plums, offering a diverse collection of flavors, textures, and colors, and a dependable item for retail shelves,” said Louw, Grower Relations Manager.
The first shipment landed on U.S. shores on the East Coast in late January.
According to the Oppy team, the crop quality and growing conditions are both excellent, with supplies planned through March. Varieties already in the market include Ruby Sun, Ruby Crisp, Fortune, Black Pearl, and Midnight Gold, with African Delight, Angeleno, and Larry Ann soon to follow in the coming months.
Oppy still continues to bring Chilean plums to the North American marketplace as well, even under the strict protocols. This includes imports of cherries, nectarines, peaches, blueberries, and table grapes from the South American country, with apples and kiwifruit arriving soon.
“This is an excellent opportunity to further diversify across growing regions, adding complementary varieties and volumes from Chile,” concluded Eric Coty, Vice President of Oppy’s South American Operations.
As Oppy continues to flesh out its product portfolio, AndNowUKnow will be here to report.
HOUSTON, TX - As part of a continuous, long-term strategy, Sysco Corporation has made key efforts to bolster its specialty produce business with several tactical acquisitions. In December 2021, the distributor revealed plans to acquire The Coastal Companies, a leading fresh produce distributor and value-added processor. This acquisition was recently finalized, bringing critical new benefits to Sysco’s operations.
Laurel, Maryland-based The Coastal Companies was founded in 1992 and generates annual revenue of approximately $600 million. The company is comprised of three integrated businesses, which include:
- Foodservice Distribution – Coastal Sunbelt Produce
- Retail Distribution – Lancaster Foods
- Value-Added Manufacturing – East Coast Fresh
According to a press release, this acquisition will operate as part of FreshPoint, allowing the business to enhance its service in the Mid-Atlantic region as well as diversify its portfolio with added retail and ready-to-eat capabilities and state-of-the-art facilities with capacity for growth.
Sysco acquired the company from Continental Grain Company and Rabo Investments (Rabobank) through Arlon Food and Agriculture Partners, LP, itss co-sponsored private equity fund. The terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
As this long-term strategy brings new opportunities for the distributor, keep reading ANUK for the latest updates.
SELAH, WA - The apple of my eye; an apple a day; not far from the apple tree—these phrases prove that apples are a staple fruit in the everyday lives of consumers. The category lends itself well to year-round availability, meaning there is always something new to report. I linked up with Rainier Fruit Company’s David Armenta, Sales Manager, to hear how the apple market is looking mid-February.
“The extreme heat during the growing cycle and decreased volumes for early harvest varieties such as Gala, Fuji, and Honeycrisp are pushing pricing up. However, due to ideal weather through the middle and later harvest windows, the heat had less of an impact. Varieties such as Pink Lady®, Envy™, and Cosmic Crisp® have increased volumes and are showing very good color, quality, and condition. More importantly, the flavor of these varieties is outstanding!” David told me.
He continued by noting how inflation has impacted the grower.
“With rising inflation in the spotlight, we are all experiencing rising costs on the retail grocery shelves. The produce department has witnessed some of the slowest rates of increase, providing an opportunity for consumers to branch out of their comfort zones in search of exceptional flavors and eating experiences,” said David.
With increased volumes for later-harvested varieties and outstanding flavor profiles, retailers can continue to diversify their apple offerings with promotions to entice consumers to try something new. This will keep the category fresh and exciting.
As ANUK continues to analyze the status of the market for all produce items, keep clicking back.
WASHINGTON, DC - Recently, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced it filed an administrative complaint against Florida-based R&S Export & Import for alleged violations of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA).
This complaint comes after the company allegedly failed to make payment promptly to eight produce sellers from January 2020 through April 2020 in the amount of $298,099.
Direct from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service:
R & S Export & Import Inc. will have an opportunity to request a hearing. Should USDA find that the company committed repeated and flagrant violations, it would be barred from the produce industry as a licensee for three years, or two years with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond. Furthermore, its principals could not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee for two years, or one year with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond.
For contact information, and to read the release in its entirety, click here.
MIAMI, FL - As retailers look to meet the steady demand in the avocado category, Desbry® Tropical Avocados has an ample supply of avocados from the Dominican Republic ready for immediate shipping.
"We grow and pack Desbry Tropical Avocados on our sustainable farms and facilities in Florida and the Dominican Republic, depending on the season, and ship throughout North America 365 days a year," said Christopher Gonzalez, Vice President of Sales for WP Produce and nephew of Founder Willy Pardo. "My family has enjoyed Tropical Avocados as part of our meals for generations, and here in Florida, everyone eats them.”
Desbry premium-quality Tropical Avocados are grown and distributed by WP Produce Corporation, and are about three times larger than the Hass variety with a sturdy texture that remains green when ripe, as explained in a press release. Desbry Tropical Avocados are available in 2-count bags and bulk cartons for retailers and foodservice professionals.
"We have maintained a reliable supply for over 40 years, and there has been tremendous growth in consumer interest and sales in recent years,” added Desiree Pardo Morales, Willy Pardo’s daughter, Vice President of WP Produce, and Founder and Chief Executive Officer of WP’s sister company, Tropical Fruit Box. “Our fruit is premium quality, and we always look forward to new retail opportunities, helping chefs incorporate this versatile fruit into their menus, and introducing it to avocado-loving consumers."
Tropical Avocados are perfect for salads, pico de gallo, ceviche, toast, and any fresh, flavorful meal and snack occasion, as the mild, creamy fruit complements many different recipes perfectly. As noted in the release, Tropical Avocados are gaining popularity throughout the United States as retailers expand the avocado category and shoppers and foodservice operators learn more about the special kind of avocado.
With increased consumer demand and expectation for variety in all produce categories, the Tropical Avocado has become a lucrative category for retailers.
For more information from across the fresh produce industry, keep clicking on AndNowUKnow.
MIAMI, FL - Consumers are increasingly aware of a company's ethos as they add its products to the basket. With sustainability top of mind for many shoppers, it has become a crucial part of brands’ strategies, including Fresh Del Monte Produce, which recently announced it would be participating in this year’s GreenBiz conference to join other sustainable business leaders in identifying new opportunities, concerns, and concepts.
“Incorporating biodiversity conservation into business management is critical as the industry faces two interconnected crises, including biodiversity loss across the globe and soil loss and degradation, leading to the threat of extinction of wildlife and loss of productive agricultural land,” said Hans Sauter, Chief Sustainability Officer and Senior Vice President of Research and Development. “As an agricultural company, we have the responsibility to continue to be part of the solution by implementing regenerative agricultural practices and innovative collaborations with novel partners. We hope both large and small growers will join us in finding new approaches to not only optimize production, but conserve biodiversity.”
Sauter will join other industry leaders on a panel focused on Where Biodiversity Meets the Bottom Line, a discussion that highlights how companies can operate productively while also preserving biodiversity, according to a release. The panel seeks to explain how businesses can treat nature as an asset rather than experiencing the risks of biodiversity loss.
Fresh Del Monte believes that understanding the on-farm risk of environmental issues can help other companies justify new management approaches that can boost the health of the ecosystem while also increasing operational resilience.
In its own commitment to sustainable development and biodiversity conservation, the supplier has played a key role in protecting forests and supporting local communities in their efforts to restore landscapes while promoting social and economic development. Since 2016, over 1 million trees have been planted across the company’s global operating regions.
Last year, Fresh Del Monte announced plans to develop a three-year, multi-stakeholder partnership with local organizations, government agencies, and communities to ensure the sustainability of landscapes in Costa Rica and in Guatemala.
To understand more of what Fresh Del Monte is doing to promote sustainability and biodiversity, click here.
As the company continues its regenerative ag mission, keep checking AndNowUKnow for the latest updates.