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YUMA, AZ - Food safety continues to be an integral part of the fresh produce industry, especially as consumers have become more conscientious about health and safety due to the pandemic. In its mission to continuously innovate and provide food safety resources, Western Growers (WG) has introduced the AgTechX Food Safety Cohort, a global group specializing in prevention technologies and rapid diagnostics.
“We are excited to welcome a talented group of innovators and entrepreneurs to Yuma to begin a year of focus on accelerating new food safety solutions," said Dennis Donohue, Director of the Western Growers Center for Innovation and Technology (WGCIT). "We have learned that co-development between growers and processors and technology companies is how progress really happens. We have a great group to get started with, and we hope to attract other players as we proceed through the year."
The announcement about this new cohort comes as part of WGCIT, the Center for Produce Safety, and the Yuma Center of Excellence for Desert Agriculture’s inaugural AgTechX Food Safety event. The event featured panels on industry issues, regulatory views, and food safety innovation, according to a release. It kicked off a year-long initiative focused on food safety technology to improve the toolkit of rapid diagnostics and prevention technologies.
This newly launched cohort will receive exclusive access to resources to help them launch and scale their projects and aid in this organizations’ initiative.
Initial members of the cohort include:
- Javier Atencia, Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Pathotrak
- Alex Athey, Chief Executive Officer, En Solución Inc.
- Rafael Davila, Founder, Priority Sampling
- Eyal Gerecht, President and Chief Executive Officer, TeraBAT, Inc.
- Mike Hogan PhD, Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer, PathogenDx
- Tom Jacobs, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, SnapDNA
- Marc Petitpas, Senior Director, North America Sales, ScanTech Sciences, Inc.
- Carl "Skip" Rapp, Chief Executive Officer, TeraBAT, Inc.
- Jonathan Sierra, Chief Executive Officer, Yarok Microbio Ltd.
- Chip Starns, Co-Founder, Executive Vice President, ScanTech Sciences, Inc.
The next two events in the AgTechX series are planned for later in 2022, and will be held in Woodland and King City, California.
What impact will this new cohort have on the food safety sector? Keep reading AndNowUKnow for answers.
CUTLER, CA - I am an absolute stonefruit enthusiast. The category offers continuous excitement not just from a consumer standpoint, but from a trade member’s perspective as well. That is why I was delighted to hear of Prima Wawona’s latest expansion initiative. The company has transformed 2,100 acres of almond trees into stonefruit trees as part of its Raisin City redevelopment.
“With this grand-scale redevelopment project, Prima Wawona becomes the largest stonefruit grower in the World but also the most sustainable stonefruit company. We are the sole stonefruit grower that is fully integrated with our own proprietary genetics and breeding programs. Our irrigation management systems are state-of-the-art and second to none, enabling us to grow big, juicy, delicious stonefruit while minimizing water and chemical usage. Prima Wawona continues to expand our commitment to organic farming with new acreage devoted to organics every season. The future looks very bright!” said Chief Executive Officer, Eric Beringause.
The redevelopment project is a strategic growth play as the company looks to maintain its position as a leader in the category. In addition to expanded capacity, the project will bring more local jobs and a significant increase in employment for the Fresno County area.
For this project, Prima Wawona will implement new sustainable agriculture practices, including 32 water wells powered by a 5-acre solar farm. Using the most modern irrigation technology, water savings of 30–40 percent per acre will be achieved, according to a press release. Prima Wawona will also utilize advanced organic farming techniques and food safety practices to provide exceptional tree fruit.
“This planting represents a significant commitment to our employees, customers, and consumers. We have carefully selected varieties that will complement our current portfolio of varieties, building more consistent supply and eating experience. We’re excited to dedicate significant acreage to our breeding program’s newest cultivars,” added Mark Murai, Chief Agricultural Officer.
Take it from this stonefruit lover: more news from the exciting category is on the way, so don’t go anywhere.
LOS ALAMITOS, CA - Purple. Regal, luxurious, and oft associated with the late Dr. Frieda Rapaport Caplan, Founder of Frieda’s. Our industry will always continue to celebrate the efforts and establishments that she made throughout her career, but it feels extra special this year as the company celebrates its 60 years in business. Serendipitously, Pantone also claimed this year’s Color of the Year is Very Peri. Coincidence? Maybe, but a fortuitous occurrence.
“Sometimes two very different points in time can feel very similar,” stated the press release from Frieda’s. “As we at Frieda’s look to celebrate 60 years in business in 2022, we cannot help but notice that as the global pandemic begins to wane, the opportunity that lies ahead does not feel dissimilar to the world of possibilities that were unlocked as Frieda first opened her business Produce Specialties, Inc. on the Los Angeles Produce Market.”
Frieda Caplan took on purple as her brand color when she opened the doors of her business, a move the company noted as particularly courageous when marketing produce at that time was a male-dominated industry—some say it still is—adding a signature beauty to her and her business's innovative approach. In 1990, the company was officially renamed Frieda’s. We had the opportunity to explore this journey in The Snack Magazine's Becoming Timeless.
Both the color Veri Perry and Frieda, continued the release, are known for displaying a joyous attitude and dynamic presence that encourages courageous creativity and imaginative expression. According to the official Pantone website, the PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri was chosen because it is a symbol of both the global zeitgeist of the moment and the transition we are going through today.
“As we emerge from an intense period of isolation, our standards are changing, and our physical and digital lives have merged,” the release continued. “Very Peri encompasses the qualities of the blues with a violet-red undertone, displaying a spritely, joyous attitude and dynamic presence that highlights the expansive possibilities that lay before us, just like Frieda did.”
In the words of Frieda, “Success came because I never saw obstacles.”
So, as we continue to push onwards and upwards, sprinkle a little Veri Peri in your day for some inspiration, for some motivation, or for some solidarity.
FALLBROOK, CA - There are empires all across the supply chain that have witnessed generations of growth, passing the torch to each new leader as they continue to evolve. Del Rey Avocado’s Bob Lucy and Bob Siemer recently announced the transition of leadership of the company, turning over the reins to Jessica Hunter and Patrick and Donny Lucy earlier this year.
Jessica Hunter, the daughter of Siemer, now serves as Chief Executive Officer. She is responsible for the supplier’s growing, packing, and grower relations at its multiple operations in California, Texas, and New Jersey.
As this transition takes place, Patrick Lucy has taken on the role of President, leading the company’s global marketing, sales, and distribution efforts alongside the sales team.
Donny Lucy, who occupies the role of Vice President, will manage domestic and international sales, in addition to global procurement, as noted in a press release.
“The three of us make a good team,” said Patrick. “We are blessed that we work so well together and are thrilled and proud to carry on a legacy that our dad and Bob Siemer worked so hard for so many years.”
In addition, all three are a part of the company’s Board of Directors.
“I have to say with all sincerity that working with my father, my brother Patrick, and Jessica for all these years has brought me and my family so much joy,” added Donny Lucy. “There are so many great people in this industry, and I don’t have to look very far, because I get to see them every day.”
The leadership trio’s ambitious vision for the future includes grower development, continued market expansion, and providing their customer's innovative solutions that add value.
“We will continue to be available to advise and consult thus ensuring the continuity of excellence the company is known for,” said Bob Lucy. “In our minds, we recognized in 2020 that the right time was upon us, and we began the process of nurturing a smooth transition of leadership to Jessica, Patrick, and Donny. Without a doubt, Del Rey Avocado is positioned to continue to do great things, and Siemer and I are excited to see that unfold in our kids. At the end of the day, we are truly blessed and are mindful that the good Lord has given us this tremendous opportunity.”
Siemer also commented on the transition of leadership.
“We are so proud and delighted to pass the torch to three highly talented and intelligent people, who just happen to be our kids,” he stated. “As with many other successful family agricultural companies in California, we began grooming the next generation for the eventuality and hope of them wanting to, and being ready for, leadership at the right time. We are both looking forward to spending more time with our grandkids, our wives, and doing the things we love to do, while counting our blessings every day. We will continue to be involved in our community and the industry, while supporting this amazing management team.”
Both Siemer and Lucy will remain active in the industry and will serve on Del Rey Avocado’s Board of Directors. To read more about these leaders’ distinguished tenure with the supplier, click here.
Congratulations to the entire Del Rey Avocado team for passing the torch to the next generation of leaders!
PROVIDENCE, RI - Giving its long-term growth strategy a boost, United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI) recently revealed that it will be refreshing its Board of Directors, starting with the election of Shamim Mohammad, effective February 3. In joining the Board, Mohammad will add significant technological experience that will advance the company’s position in the sector.
Mohammad currently serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Information and Technology Officer of CarMax. Throughout his time with the company, according to a release, he served in other senior technology roles since 2012. Before his time at CarMax, Mohammad held information technology leadership roles at BJ’s Wholesale Club, Blockbuster, and TravelClick.
On top of his technology experience, Mohammad is a registered CPA.
“As UNFI executes our Fuel the Future strategy, we are focused on providing solutions for our customers and suppliers,” Sandy Douglas, Chief Executive Officer said, commenting on this recent appointment. “Shamim’s knowledge and wealth of experience will help us create value for their businesses as well as for our shareholders.”
In addition to these industry roles, Mohammad has received several recognitions. In 2021, he was featured by Forbes Magazine as one of the top 50 CIOs in the nation who are redefining the CIO role and driving game-changing innovation. Additionally, in 2020, MIT Sloan chose him as the recipient of the CIO Leadership Award. Mohammad has also been quoted in national outlets including the Harvard Business Review, MIT Sloan Review, and The Wall Street Journal.
He received his MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Angelo State University.
“Shamim’s proven track record in strategic leadership and development of forward-thinking technology solutions will make him a valuable addition to our Board,” added Jack Stahl, Independent Chair of the Board.
With the addition of Mohammad, UNFI’s Board will consist of 11 directors, nine of whom are independent.
Congratulations to Shamim Mohammad on this new opportunity!
UNITED STATES - As I speak with Ian LeMay, President, California Fresh Fruit Association (CFFA), I am struck even more deeply than usual by the notion that today’s intensifying inflation has a very critical impact: none of it means that farmers are making any more money. As we recently reported, many growers are stuck between a rock and hard place where increased consumer food prices are being not transferred to the grower, even as production costs continue to rise.
“There’s an old saying that has been said to me many times, that farmers are price takers, not price makers. And the reality is, even though the consumer is seeing an increased cost at the grocery store, that’s really relative to all the other increased costs along that supply chain,” Ian tells me. “And, for a grower, it’s unfortunate that even though their produce or item might be selling for an all-time high, they’re not seeing that benefit. But, it’s also a negative for the farmer, because all their input costs are increasing as well.”
Let’s take a look at some of these input costs. I know I am preaching to the choir here, but I believe that the conversation still needs to remain active on multiple fronts and industry-wide.
Over the last year and a half, we’ve seen pricing on packaging go through the roof, due to many supply chain and resourcing issues. Material costs, operating costs, employment costs, COVID safety compliance—thse are also on the rise.
“If we look at the packaging front, when the grower goes to buy the boxes from packaging companies, their prices are now 15–16 percent higher than they normally are,” Ian reveals, adding that the increased cost associated with fertilizers and different farm inputs is also on an upward trend because there’s a shortage globally on a lot of those compounds.
As that line item on their cost of production goes up, you would think that they could recoup at the point of the buy-side business transaction—but that does not seem to be the common case.
Ian breaks it down for me by approximate numbers.
“For fresh produce, inflation is not the seven percent nationally that we’re seeing. It is much closer to 15, 20, 30 percent increases in costs for our operations,” he shares.
Permanent fresh fruit growers do not have the luxury to walk into their orchards or vineyards and simply decide they are not farming this year. The work, the inputs, the preparations for next season all continue.
“They’re out in their orchards and vineyards right now, pruning, so that in another 40–50 days, they can go out and thin. And then 30–40 days after that, they can pick fruit,” Ian says, talking about produce as the long game and the weight of every decision grower must make. “The next season is always around the corner. The cyclical nature drives their decisions every day as farmers march towards that next season. And part of the decision farmers have to make is: Where do we put the resources so that we create the best product for the consumer at the end of the process?” he expresses.
It’s just one more pressure point that agriculture, nationally and globally, is dealing with right now.
Leaning into that dynamic even further, Ian tells me that retailers are not in a great situation either as their own operating costs have increased as well. Between having to deal with a shortage of employees, their own COVID expenses, and increased trucking costs that have tripled to move produce and goods all over the United States, profit margins have become a complicated conversation.
“I wish there was a quick fix or easy answer, but there isn’t,” Ian says.
I can tell by the way our conversation wraps up, that he has an entire drawing board of potential moves that could make headway on these issues, and he and the CFFA are chipping away at them all the time.
It makes me feel uneasy to end a conversation on a question, but what will it take to balance out this ill-weighted dynamic? I put the question to you. We will keep chipping away on our end as well at AndNowUKnow.
CHICAGO, IL - Assembling a team that could rival those stepping on the field at SoFi Stadium for the Big Game, Hazel Technologies has joined forces with Sysco and Avocados from Mexico to help provide protection for their Super Bowl Gametime Guac Box kit. Available to Sysco customers from February 6–12, each box will hold a Hazel 100™ sachet to guarantee the Hass avocados inside are ready to be turned into delicious guacamole.
“At Sysco, our mission is delivering success for our customers through industry-leading people, products, and solutions,” commented Julie Olivarria, Vice President, Produce, Sysco. “Hazel is an innovator in quality tech, and we are excited to team up on our Gametime Guac Box to support our customers in bringing consumers a premium eating experience at home. This partnership helps reduce food waste and make this year’s celebration more sustainable.”
Sysco’s Gametime Guac Box contains Hass avocados, yellow onion, lime, jalapeños, Tajin® seasoning, and an easy-to-follow recipe card that consumers can use to make restaurant-quality guac for their Super Bowl spreads. According to a press release, Hazel® will keep the produce in every kit fresh so that, come game time, their dip is ready to be indulged in.
On average, Americans consume approximately 8 million pounds of guacamole on a typical Super Bowl Sunday, noted in the release. As COVID-19 has led to an increase in delivery and takeout orders, restaurants are trying to avoid the oxidization that occurs once guacamole is made, which makes the dishes hard to deliver. Enter Sysco and Avocados from Mexico, who took on the challenge with an out-of-the-box solution—or in-the-box in this case.
“We are nearly doubling the amount of avocados that will be consumed as part of Sysco’s 2022 Gametime Guac Box campaign,” added Alison Snowden, Foodservice Sales Manager at Avocados from Mexico. “We understand that the Super Bowl is the #1 guacamole occasion of the year and the right ripeness is essential to making delicious guacamole at home. We think the combination of our strong marketing program, Sysco’s dynamic customer base, and Hazel’s quality technology will allow us to break new records for this year’s big game.”
To avoid the guacamole turning brown, Hazel’s proprietary Hazel 100™ will protect the avocados, creating up to a 3-day delay in ripening while helping to maintain flavor. In the end, consumers will receive the avocados right as they are in their ready-to-eat stage.
Last year, the Gametime Guac Boxes sold out in the blink of an eye. So, get your hands on this guac before its gone!
PORTERVILLE, CA - What I have found from my many conversations as a trade news writer is that a deeply rooted passion exudes from many of the folks you meet in this industry. When I recently got to catch up with Stephen Paul, Stonefruit Category Director at Homegrown Organic Farms, I was lucky enough to discover some of the ways that passion is driving growth for the company’s programs this season.
“We’re very excited this year,” Stephen begins, giving me a forecast of the upcoming stonefruit season. “We had a really nice December, with a lot of rain and snow and a lot of cold weather. Our program, in general, has really grown, and we have been expanding the program in volume and continuity.”
As it maps out the 2022 season, Homegrown Organic Farms is helping its customers expand their offerings with quality and consistency, utilizing centuries of expertise to ensure growth for the stonefruit category.
“Collectively, between the growers, as well as the sales and marketing team, we have some of the most years of experience handling the commodity,” Stephen notes. “I can think of three families in our program that all have 100 years plus experience in the industry. We come with a lot of knowledge and insight on what it takes to really do a good job, not only for the growers but for the retailers and then, ultimately, the consumer.”
With this deepened category expertise, the supplier works to ensure value for its customers, creating steady demand amongst consumers by providing a consistently high-quality product.
“Where a shopper decides to put their hard-earned dollars is determined by the perceived enjoyment and eating quality of that product, and we have to be consistent with that. If we do that, demand will grow,” explains Stephen. “So, it really is upon us to help product, consumer demand, and category growth by doing everything we can to be disciplined about our harvest and our products.”
And, as Stephen enthusiastically points out, the experts are just one phone call away.
“We have a very innovative group, and we’re doing some special things,” he says. “It’s our job to listen to the customer and work with them in an entrepreneurial way that meets their needs, and we can’t do that unless we have those one-on-one discussions. So, I really do encourage people to call me and let’s just brainstorm.”
You heard it right folks. When it comes to uplifting stonefruit sales, it’s really that easy.
BAKERSFIELD, CA - The lettuce category offers something for everyone. Convenience, health, flavor—what more could a shopper ask for? The market moves at lightning speed for a category as diverse as this one, which is why I recently touched base with Bob Borda, Vice President of Cal-Organic Sales at Grimmway Farms.
“The overall market conditions are returning to their normal seasonal patterns as we kick off February,” Bob shared with me. “We anticipate good yields, solid supplies, and steady pricing throughout the month.”
Grimmway’s winter growing season kicked off with a transition south to California’s greater Thermal, Coachella, and Imperial Desert areas. Bob reported that the company is two weeks beyond the midpoint of its winter season and will be returning to the southernmost part of the San Joaquin Valley by mid-March.
As the recent Omicron surge has posed increased challenges to the supply chain, I asked Bob how Grimmway has been dealing with the obstacles.
“COVID has introduced increased challenges across our operations above and beyond the longer-term trends of higher costs for labor, fuel, transportation, fertilizer, and water,” Bob said. “The most recent wave heightened issues including inconsistent availability of labor and critical inputs required to produce our finished products that have escalated production costs to record highs, leading to higher prices across the lettuce category.”
Additionally, Grimmway faced challenges in regards to weather at the beginning of its winter season. However, temperatures are warming up, which makes for a good outlook on the buy-side.
“The cold weather in late December and early January slowed the growth of our leaf lettuces, thereby reducing overall supplies in the marketplace. The past two weeks have brought warm, mild weather to our growing regions, stimulating the growth of the lettuces,” Bob told me. “We are experiencing outstanding quality and improved yields as a result of the weather, thus leading to promotional volumes for our customers. Our customers can expect good-sized heads and heavier-than-normal weights throughout our Romaine, red leaf, and green leaf cartons.”
I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again: the market is moving at a rapid pace, and ANUK is here to keep you in the loop.