BENTONVILLE, AR & SAN FRANCISCO, CA - Setting its focus on the fresh produce department, Walmart recently announced a new agreement to invest in indoor vertical farming company Plenty Unlimited as part of its $400 million Series E funding round. The retailer’s recent investment is a component of a larger strategic partnership to optimize the company’s indoor vertical farming technology platform to deliver fresh produce to Walmart retail stores.
“At Walmart, we are focused on identifying and investing in innovative food solutions to bring our customers the freshest, highest-quality foods at the best prices,” Charles Redfield, Chief Merchandising Officer, Walmart U.S. “We believe Plenty is a proven leader in a new era of agriculture, one that offers pesticide-free, peak-flavor produce to shoppers every day of the year. This partnership not only accelerates agricultural innovation, but reinforces our commitment to sustainability by delivering a new category of fresh that is good for people and the planet.”
Plenty’s indoor farming architecture combines engineering, software, and sustainable crop science to grow multiple crops on one platform, delivering fresh, pesticide-free produce. As outlined in a press release, Plenty helps reduce transportation and food waste by building its farms closer to the consumer, keeping items fresher for longer in 100 percent recyclable product packaging.
Through the new partnership, Walmart and Plenty will collaborate to create a new product category in vertical farming. The long-term commercial agreement will allow the grocer to source Plenty’s leafy greens for all its California stores from Plenty’s Compton farm beginning later this year.
“Plenty’s unique farming system unlocks industry-leading crop versatility and unit economics by enabling indoor growing year-round,” said Arama Kukutai, Plenty Chief Executive Officer. “Our farms can be sited anywhere, allowing us to put fresh fruits, greens, and vegetables on shelf at all times, at speed, for maximum freshness. As a long-time market leader in retail innovation, Walmart is an ideal partner to test and scale access to our quality produce for their customers. This is a game-changer for the agritech industry.”
As part of the investment, at closing, Walmart will also join Plenty’s Board of Directors, according to the release. To read more about the new alliance, click here.
With this key investment forging new opportunities in fresh produce and agtech, keep reading AndNowUKnow for the latest industry news.
CAPAY, CA - Uniting to form a new force in the produce industry, Capay Organic and Creekside Organics have recently announced a merger, integrating their unique strengths into one single organization. Combining decades of organic farming, sales, and marketing expertise under one roof, the fortified organization will operate under the leadership of Creekside Organics Chief Executive Officer Brenda Haught.
Following the merger, Capay Organic will continue to grow its lineup of fresh produce packed into the Capay Organic label, according to a press release, while the sales and marketing of these products will be handled exclusively by Creekside Organics. To ensure a smooth transition for both companies’ customers, the Capay sales individuals that previously sold these items will be added to the Creekside Organics team.
“We expect this merger to enhance the ability of Capay Organic to continue to produce premium organic fruits and vegetables and use its farming expertise to enhance operations at Creekside Organics,” the company stated in a recent press release. “Creekside Organics is excited for the future and looks forward to improving the already excellent service and selection it provides its organic growers and customers and to welcome into our family the employees and customers that have supported Capay Organic in their growth and successes.”
Creekside Organics is a sales and marketing company specializing in organic fruits and vegetables. The company will continue to market and sell the existing organic produce and labels it has offered to the industry for the past 10 years, in addition to the Capay Organic product lineup. This merger positions Creekside Organics to expand its offerings, reaching new and current customers and markets with added product offerings and expanded growing regions.
Both companies will operate under the values of Creekside Organics, which include stewardship, commitment, integrity, connection, character, and family.
As always, stay tuned to ANUK for the latest news in the fresh produce industry.
NOGALES, AZ - Allison Moore is taking a step forward in her fresh produce journey, as the 20-year Fresh Produce Association of the Americas (FPAA) vet recently earned an impressive promotion. The organization has officially named the industry ace as its new Executive Vice President, which took effect immediately.
“It is truly an honor to work in such an important industry, with some really passionate, knowledgeable people,” said Moore. “Some of the most important things I know about produce, trade, and about life in general I learned from some truly amazing members of the FPAA and my colleagues across the produce industry. I still get a huge kick out of seeing our members’ produce in grocery store shelves, and there’s nothing better than solving problems that have direct positive impacts for our member companies. I look forward to continuing this journey as the Executive Vice President and value the trust placed in me over the years.”
Moore will reportedly be taking on expanded duties, including serving as the Chief FPAA Officer in certain meetings and handling other administrative duties, particularly at FPAA’s home office in Nogales, Arizona.
“Allison is a 20-year veteran of FPAA who knows just about everything and everybody when it comes to keeping the border operating for imports of fresh fruits and vegetables from Mexico,” said President Lance Jungmeyer. “She gives FPAA Members true guidance on regulatory matters, and she works closely with other industry leaders who set the tone for the industry at large, such as with her role on the Food Safety Council at the International Fresh Produce Association.”
Moore previously served as Vice President and has deep knowledge and a proven track record in crisis management; public relations; transportation and infrastructure projects; logistics; government affairs at the federal, state, and local levels; Tomato Suspension Agreement compliance and other trade issues; public speaking; and community development. She collaborates closely with organizations like the Arizona Mexico Commission, Border Trade Alliance, and Canadian Produce Marketing Association, according to a press release. Moore has also served on the Boards of community groups such as the Greater Nogales Santa Cruz County Port Authority, Nogales Economic Development Foundation, and Nogales Community Development Corporation.
The new EVP received a BA from the University of Virginia and an MFA from the University of Arizona. She has been awarded the Produce Business 40 Under Forty Award and the AZ19 Most Influential People Award. As the Co-Founder and Secretary of Louie and Friends Foundation, Moore channels her passion for animals and animal rescue by helping families in need cover expensive medical hardships for their cherished pets. She is also the current Vice President of Public Relations and former President of the Nogales Toastmasters Club.
Cheers to Allison Moore on this exciting promotion!
GRAND FORKS, ND - We face many logistical challenges in this business, which is exactly why we turn to the experts for support. Horizon Logistics is one such expert, and recently named a new leader to its team. Terrence Bro will step up as the new General Manager, managing the entire trucking fleet, ensuring efficiency in operations, and improving the customer experience.
Bro brings a unique perspective to the role with over 34 years of domestic and international transportation experience, across a variety of industries and verticals, a press release explained. During his time in these various roles, Bro has focused his profession in foodservice and grocery distribution.
The new General Manager has served as Head of Sales for SpartanNash, in addition to serving in a variety of senior leadership roles for some of the largest asset-based and third-party logistics organizations in the United States.
Eric Halverson, Chief Executive Officer of Black Gold Farms—which is one of the company’s founding organizations—commented on the recent appointment.
“We are thrilled to have Terrence join the Black Gold Farms family and run such an integral part of our business,” said Halverson. “Under his direction, we will work to enhance the overall customer experience and further position Horizon Logistics as a strong competitor in the logistic space.”
Cheers to Terrence Bro on this exciting appointment!
WASHINGTON, DC - As the pandemic continues to force changes across the retail and foodservice industries, the National Restaurant Association (NRA) released new survey data showcasing the impact the recent omicron variant has had, as well as the positive effects of the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) on the industry. To discuss this data, the NRA held a press conference to further enforce the need to replenish the RRF.
“This highlights how impactful RRF replenishment would be. Our own estimates indicate that replenishing the RRF would save an additional 1.6 million restaurant jobs,” said Sean Kennedy, Executive Vice President of Public Affairs. “The RRF was a critical lifeline to many, but far more remain on the sidelines, desperately looking for support amidst continued economic uncertainty. The decisions you make in the coming weeks will be critical toward the future of the restaurants that are so proud to serve your communities.”
In a letter to Congress, the NRA highlighted survey findings that showed the first round of RRF funding was able to save over 900,000 jobs. In the study, 96 percent of recipients stated the grants made it more likely to stay in business, while the release further stated owners would appreciate another round of funding as the results included:
- Nearly 50 percent of restaurant operators that did not receive RRF grants feel it’s unlikely that they will stay in business beyond the pandemic without a grant
- 94 percent of restaurant operators that applied for an RRF grant, but did not receive funding, said a future grant would enable them to retain or hire back employees
Amid the latest surge of COVID-19 cases due to the omicron variant, the restaurant industry was hit especially hard. To adapt to consumer hesitance when it came to dining in, many restaurants were forced to reduce hours or days of operation, cut seating capacity, and even shut down, moving to off-premises dining instead.
“The new data shows that restaurant recovery is paralyzed and nowhere near complete. The restaurant industry is at an inflection point, and we need your leadership now more than ever. Congress must act now, to replenish the RRF in the upcoming legislative package to fund the government,” added Kennedy in the letter.
To read the association’s full letter to congress, click here.
To read the COVID-19 Restaurant Impact Survey, click here.
For more updates from the foodservice industry, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
TORONTO, CANADA - A new iteration of the Produce Almanac has been released, and this issue is full of can’t-miss insights. Leveraging the Produce Moneyball algorithm, this fourth edition takes a look back at 2021 in order to predict weekly freight rates and more.
“2021 was a year like no other,” said Mike Mauti, Managing Partner of Execulytics. “Freight has become such a big part of the overall produce cost structure that the Produce Almanac had to include it. And it wouldn't be the Produce Almanac if it didn't include weekly predictions for those costs.”
Some of the key features of this edition include:
- Exclusive 52-week product cost and freight rate predictions for 2022/23
- Five-year weekly cost and freight rate histories
- Organic premium costs relative to conventional
- Year-over-year retail prices by week
- Over 1,000 colorful graphs and charts
- Easy-to-read sourcing details
- Useful tips to drive sales and consumption
As logistics costs served as one of the most important conversations in 2021, the Produce Almanac includes weekly rate histories spanning five years for big United States market destinations on loads originating in California, Texas, and Florida. According to a press release, the Produce Moneyball algorithm then determines 52 weekly projections for each of the 18 focus freight lanes.
“People often ask me how they can use the Almanac to up their game," said Mauti. “My answer is always use it to gain an information and planning advantage on your competitors. Take strawberries for example, costs have been on an upward trajectory for the last five years. Not only is that immediately evident by reading the Almanac, one can also obtain a week 20 cost prediction of $10.90 FOB. Advanced knowledge of this information for the May long weekend business can be vital in getting an edge on your competitors. Plus, the rate for a California truck to New York is predicted to be approximately $9,500 that week, knowing this allows professionals from all walks of the produce industry to plan their programs weeks or months in advance. Talk about taking it to your competitors.”
Michelle Broom, President of the Ontario Produce Marketing Association, commented on the importance of this unique resource.
“Year after year, the Produce Almanac delivers the most produce intelligence available in one package,” Broom stated. “It has proven to be a valuable resource for our more data-minded members. This year’s section on freight costs is just another feather in the cap for this publication.”
The 2022 Produce Almanac is available for purchase here.
OXNARD, CA - Retailers asked, and Freska Produce International listened. Amid demand for increased ripening capabilities from its customers, the mango and avocado provider has announced it completed the construction of three new ripening rooms at its facility in Oxnard, California.
“With the request of our retail partners asking for ripening capabilities, we went ahead [and] planned this addition to our facility a couple of years ago,” explained Tom Hall, Sales Manager and Partner. “This will allow us to provide ripened fruit to any of our customers within 48 hours and something we are looking forward to offering more customers down the road on both avocados and mangos.”
Freska’s new ripening rooms will be capable of ripening three loads simultaneously and are set to be ready for use by the end of the week, as noted in a release. The rooms were completed in January 2022 and include state-of-the-art Thermal Tech ripening technology that is able to ripen both mangos and avocados.
“These ripening rooms are state-of-the-art and will benefit our end users,” commented Jesus “Chuy” Loza, Partner, further expressing how this expansion will provide new advantages to the purveyor’s operations.
With these new ripening rooms added to its operation, how will Freska up its presence in the sector? AndNowUKnow will be here with the answers.
FORT WORTH, TX - The evolution of a leadership team is a sign that new opportunities are on the horizon. The sun is rising on a new day at Ben E. Keith Foods, and several executive shifts have taken place. The distributor recently announced the promotion of six senior leaders within its ranks.
The executive promotions taking place are as follows:
- Brian Lynch, who joined the company in 2002, has been named Executive Vice President
- Robbie Fish, who joined the company in 1984, has been named Senior Vice President, Division Management
- Chris Lewis, who joined the company in 1992, has been named Senior Vice President, Corporate Accounts
- Monica Martin, who joined the company in 2019, has been named Vice President of Human Resources
- Mike Needham, who joined the company in 1991, has been named Senior Vice President, Purchasing and Logistics
- David Werner, who joined the company in 1988, has been named Senior Vice President, Independent Sales and Marketing
According to a press release, the six leaders have more than 200 years of experience combined with the company. They have all been promoted to their new roles effective immediately.
"As Ben E. Keith Foods continues to manage the current market conditions, it is important we effectively evolve our business structure," said Mike Sweet, President. "By promoting and giving added responsibilities to some of our most experienced and talented leaders—Brian, Robbie, Chris, Monica, Mike, and David—I am confident we are poised for the future."
We raise a glass to all of these senior leadership members as they enter their new roles.
NEW YORK - Pennsylvania will soon become a little greener as New York-based Upward Farms announced plans to expand its footprint as it builds another vertical indoor farm in Luzerne County.
“Farming is one of the sectors that’s both highly exposed to the perils of climate change and one of its key drivers,” said Jason Green, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Upward Farms. “Solutions for food production that are good for people and the planet are sorely needed. With the construction of the world’s largest vertical farm—our third aquaponic vertical farm overall—we’re demonstrating the power of nature and nurture, adding our proprietary Ecological Intelligence to the accelerating trend of indoor and vertical farming. With this new facility, we’ll be able to reach some of the most populous areas of the U.S., and nearly 100 million Americans, within a single day of distribution versus the week it can take to receive products from the West Coast. This is a local success story with massive global implications for how and where food is grown, and the next generation of manufacturing technology.”
The new 250,000-square-foot facility is slated to be complete and operational in early 2023—providing fresh, locally sourced microgreens and sustainably raised hybrid striped bass to consumers throughout the Northeast and beyond. According to the release, Upward Farms’ aquaponic platform combines the precision, scalability, and year-round freshness of indoor farming with the benefits of a whole ecosystem and microbiome-rich regenerative agriculture where the waste from the fish is transformed into organic fertilizer for the leafy greens. An all-in-one cycle circle of life if I ever saw one.
The facility localizes the production of what is one of the most dislocated perishable foods, as 90 percent of leafy greens are grown on the West Coast and 90 percent of seafood is imported, therefore increasing access to fresh, healthy, delicious, and responsibly grown food.
Not only will the new facility in Pennsylvania be on average two to four times bigger, but it is also climate-resilient, as it reduces water and land use by 95 percent. The facility will conserve more than 100 million gallons of water and more than 120 acres of land on an annual basis, potentially eliminating 1.7 million food transportation miles per year.
While the company is focused on near-term success in the nearly $10 billion U.S. packaged salad market, the company’s Ecological Intelligence solution provides natural solutions for the biotechnology sector, where the value of the microbiome is on the rise. In healthcare, the microbiome is already a $58 billion market ($100 billion 2025E), and agbiotech is a $32 billion market ($56 billion 2025E).
Upward Farms is far from slowing down; the company is currently planning continued expansion to new markets across the U.S. in 2023 and beyond.
For more information, click here.
Keep an eye out for more updates in the industry with ANUK.
BAKERSFIELD, CA - For many shoppers, the new year presents a clean slate to jump-start healthy eating habits. As these hungry patrons take to the produce aisle, retailers need to be ready. Country Sweet Produce and its Bako Sweet® sweet potatoes are the essential item buyers need to stock up on to ensure they’ve got what shoppers are looking for.
“Retailers value companies that can provide consistent, fresh, and quality sweet potatoes year-round, and that is what Bako Sweet provides,” commented Alexandra Rae Molumby, Marketing Manager, to me.
Prescott Leyba, Sales Account Manager, chimed in to remark on factors driving demand and what retailers can look to expect.
“While there are a number of factors that impact demand, there’s no doubt healthy eating resolutions account for a big chunk of the double-digit unit volume growth we’ve seen to date this year,” he explained.
An excellent distinction to make as those shoppers plan out New Year’s resolutions. Bako Sweet’s offerings tick off the convenience factor that everyone craves, as well as calling out additional product differentiation right on the bag.
“Our packaging calls out the fact that sweet potatoes are a good source of vitamin A, a nutrient that is essential to immunity. It’s important to share with shoppers that sweet potatoes are a versatile veggie and can be cooked in many different dishes, so they can enjoy them at breakfast, lunch, or dinner and as a snack as well,” Rae explained. “In order to best communicate this, we work with our retail partners on in-store promotions throughout the season to encourage trial and repeat purchases.”
The company also makes use of its social channels and website to push consumption, and utilizes the work of influencers to create new recipes that capture shoppers’ eyes and dollars.
As we look to National Sweet Potato Month in February, Bako Sweet will be carrying on its message of being a go-to brand for the category—and how retailers can cash in.
And to see the company in person, be sure to stop by its booth at the Global Organic Produce Expo. The team can be found at booth #419.
Be sure to stay on the lookout for the apple in your inbox—AndNowUKnow will be back with another round of industry news.