GREENCASTLE, PA - It’s November 1, and that means that the countdown to Thanksgiving is officially on. With just 24 more days until the holiday feast begins, consumers have cooking on their mind, and that means ample opportunity for produce aisle merchandising. To share some tips, tricks, and insights about the staple category, sweet onions, and the company, Keystone Fruit Marketing’s Vice President of Sales, Mike Blume sat down with M. Andrea Scoggs.
“We have an excellent crop of our Mayan Sweets Sweet Onions from Peru, and the upcoming holidays are a perfect time to promote!” said Blume. “Mayan Sweets are a must-have, especially during the holidays. We are encouraging our retailer partners to expand displays, set up secondary displays, price aggressively, and sell some incredible sweet onions this fall and winter.”
As Blume went on to explain, sweet onions are the perfect addition to salads, burgers, sandwiches, casseroles, soups, and so much more. You name the dish, and sweet onions will elevate it. That is what makes the category so essential during the holiday season. Not to mention, as the pandemic has made consumers more aware of the health and wellness benefits of the produce they are eating, sweet onions provide immunity support and contain antioxidants.
To ensure that Keystone’s customers are getting the best deal on its sweet onions, which can then be passed on to shoppers, the company has been working to overcome the ongoing challenges around transportation. As Blume goes on to detail in the Q&A, the supplier is also overcoming the hurdles that have presented themselves due to COVID-19.
“We have all been challenged to adapt to a different world. Video calls are replacing face-to-face meetings, labor issues are affecting everything, and limited travel is disrupting our normal business flow,” he commented. “The biggest challenge we are currently facing is the rising costs of everything—ocean freight, truck rates, packaging, pallets, labor—and there is no relief in sight. We are working hard to keep costs reasonable, yet profitable for our growers, while continuing to make on time deliveries to our valued customers!”
With one holiday in the bank and others drawing near, Blume said that Keystone Marketing will use its expertise, which it has been honing since 1977, to provide customers with what they want and need. And much of that is supported by the company’s strong group of associates.
“They’re knowledgeable, passionate, and personable,” Blume said of the team. "The Keystone Sales Team knows our products, understands the business, and cares about our customers and growers. Providing excellent quality products at fair pricing while assuring on-time deliveries is what we all strive for every day!”
Well, there you have it folks! With just a few short weeks left to take advantage of Thanksgiving demand, sweet onions could be the golden ticket to boosting sales, and Keystone Fruit Marketing has you covered.
MCFARLAND, CA - Tricks and treats and funhouse sweets is what this time of year is all about. Don’t believe me? Stick around to see how you can snag some table grape swag from the team at Sunview Marketing.
Last month, you should have received your issue of the October issue of The Snack. Within those pages, you’ll find the Sweet Carnival™ pop-up carnival tent ad—and with that ad, a chance to win a grand prize. If you don’t have access to the magazine, you can print your own version of the ad here.
“Sweet Carnival has been getting an amazing reception this season from our customer partners and from consumers all over the world,” remarked Mitch Wetzel, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “While we will not be seeing you all in person at Fresh Summit this year, we’re inviting you to show us your carnival skills.”
What does it take to win? It’s simple, if you follow these steps:
- Assemble the tent
- Take a picture (in your office, at your house, at a local carnival or fair—if you just so happen to be there)
- Send your picture along with your mailing address to [email protected]
- You have until November 15 to enter!
With those steps in place, you will then be sent a limited-edition Sweet Carnival microfiber cloth and a chance to win the grand prize of an assortment of Sunview gear!
There’s only one submission per person. Odds of winning the grand prize depends on the number of entries submitted. The grand prize winner will be picked and notified in December of this year.
This contest is officially brought to you by Sunview Marketing International. Your single source™ for grapes from California.
Best of luck to those who participate!
KINGSVILLE, ONTARIO, CANADA - With the increasing demand for exceptional food quality, high flavor, and consistent supply, many in the greenhouse industry have ramped up investments in lit facility expansions, featuring new and advanced grow light technology. One such player in this game is DelFrescoPure®, whose recent strategies are allowing the fresh produce partner to meet demand with excellence.
“The mission and vision behind lit greenhouses are, ultimately, to better serve the customers. These days, there are many issues within the supply chain, so by having lit greenhouses we are able to guarantee retailers have a consistent supply,” Carl Mastronardi, President, tells me. “Our greenhouse-grown produce has an incredible flavor and is high in quality—from harvest to the retailer’s fresh produce department.”
As Carl adds, these high-tech lit greenhouses are invaluable for the future of fresh produce especially in the supplier's local growing regions as lit greenhouses allow Canada to have food security. Especially during these last few years.
With the vision for lit agriculture in a constant state of coming to fruition, DelFrescoPure has been putting its money where its mouth is—most recently in Leamington, Ontario. Home to the company’s latest expansion, DelFrescoPure is bringing its newest 25 acres online, which is producing 35 varieties of tomatoes including TOV, Beefsteak, Delights, Ombra, Grape, and more.
The future plans for the location remain under lock and key, but Carl assures me that DelFrescoPure will continue to expand as the market dictates. And, strawberries appear to be surfacing as the most worthy candidate for rapid retail growth.
“DelFrescoPure wants to communicate that we are always striving to come up with new products and the highest possible quality and flavor. We are very conscious about consumer safety and have the strictest packaging guideline in place,” Carl adds. “It is a great time to partner with us in both ingenuity and long-term growth.”
A huge congrats to DelFrescoPure on this most recent lit expansion and for scaling to meet growing retail demand! We will be keeping our eye out for the team’s next phase of growth, and so should you!
CHICAGO, IL - Worlds collide when the globes within a bunch of fresh table grapes bring two separate organizations together. Such is the case with Hazel Technologies’ most recent collaboration with Vanguard International. During the grower’s 2020–2021 Peru season, it successfully trialed Hazel Tech’s proprietary technology and observed visual quality benefits across its tested varieties.
“One of the most difficult aspects of importing and exporting produce is ensuring that the premium quality is matched at its destination,” commented Aidan Mouat, Chief Executive Officer, Hazel Technologies. “Vanguard saw that Hazel 100™ is a powerful quality solution for table grapes that is simple to integrate into their supply chain. We are excited to help this critical market in the future with their quality protection and to increase the sustainability of imported and exported table grapes.”
Looking ahead, Hazel plans to work directly with Vanguard Peru, which is considered a sought-after supplier of proprietary grape varieties including Sweet Celebration™, Sweet Globe™, Jack’s Salute™, and AUTUMNCRISP®.
According to a press release, during the 2020-21 season Vanguard was one of Peru’s top five exporters, exporting over 2.9 million boxes, which is an 87 percent increase from the 2019–20 season. To support this growth, Vanguard sought out a solution that would protect the quality of its table grape shipments as they travel from its farms in Ica to consumers across the globe. The company encountered Hazel’s flagship technology, Hazel 100, in 2019 and trialed the product during the 2020–21 season. Vanguard International’s Chief Executive Officer, Craig Stauffer, noted improved quality at arrival.
"At Vanguard, we are committed to being an innovation leader,” commented Manuel Yzaga, Chief Executive Officer, Vanguard Peru. “After testing Hazel 100 on our grapes and seeing greener stems upon arrival to our export destinations, we knew that our mission and Hazel’s aligned. We look forward to the opportunity to have Hazel products protect our premium table grapes.”
Cheers to another successful Hazel Tech initiative in the table grape category!
TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA - Did Europeans in the 14th to 17th centuries know they were going through a renaissance? For example, did da Vinci introduce himself to new people by saying, “Hi, my name is Leonardo, I am a Renaissance Man”? Or did people go about their business in oblivion, not aware of the cultural and scientific discoveries happening before them? The answers to these questions will determine whether I am premature in declaring that we are in the middle of a Grapefruit Renaissance.
When venturing into a local microbrewery, it’s hard not to experience the latest concoction without tasting that distinctly bitter, citrusy grapefruit flavor. In fact, before the microbrew craze, I nearly forgot what a grapefruit tastes like. Now, because of my reintroduction, I find I am craving the real thing more and more often. Whether a coincidence with, or a result of, the multitude of ales that are reminiscent of grapefruit, we have entered a new age of taste discovery, at least in my house. So, then, what better time than now for Produce Moneyball to take a deeper look at grapefruit. It also happens to be the time of year when grapefruit shines. If you have an interest in the Renaissance Fruit, keep reading.
The accompanying graph shows 2021 volume for Florida 48 count red grapefruit. Volumes were steady throughout January with a peak in week 5 for the start of February. After that, the volume declined throughout February.
Last season, costs played in a very narrow window until the peak, ranging between $20 and $21 FOB. After the peak, the cost dropped to below $20. Produce Moneyball predicts stable costs again to start 2022, albeit at slightly higher levels than in 2021 and without the February dip. This is in part due to the five percent average annual inflation experienced since the middle of the last decade.
If you happen to be a fan of The Renaissance, keep checking with Produce Moneyball, it may just unlock the pathway to a new renaissance.
Mike Mauti, Managing Partner, Execulytics Consulting
Leading the Execulytics team, Mike brings more than 20 years of experience as a leader in the fresh foods industry. Over this time, Mike has gained expertise in retail operations, procurement, and merchandising. Specific skills around grocery retailing, particularly in produce buying and selling, make Mike a valuable partner for suppliers and independent retailers alike.
NOGALES, AZ - One of the most fulfilling elements of our industry is the way we rally together to overcome hurdles that would otherwise seem unclearable. That is exactly what happened when essential workers across the industry stepped up to keep fresh produce companies flourishing throughout the pandemic. Now, the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas (FPAA) is recognizing those who showcased their hard work and dedication to the industry during the peak of the pandemic, naming the Essential Worker as its 2021 Member of the Year.
“The women and men who kept the office going, steered the forklifts, handled the quality control, paid the payables; they are the glue of the community, and the primary reason our companies have kept going in the past year,” said President Lance Jungmeyer. “Without the Essential Worker, we would be nowhere.”
As noted in a press release, the Essential Worker represents all who contributed to the success of a secure food supply during the last year. Essential Worker is a term that was used by the government to define who could go to work, eventually becoming synonymous with everyone who continued to work in the physical offices.
This year’s award is dedicated to all of the employees of FPAA member companies, from warehouse workers to administrative staff, who showcased their commitment during the height of the pandemic.
As the last year brought many challenges, FPAA and its members witnessed high vaccination rates among employees and a consistent onsite workforce that ensured fresh ingredients across North America.
The 2021 Member of the Year will be announced during the association’s annual meeting on November 4, and various events are being planned to allow companies and their teams of essential workers to come together to celebrate.
We here at ANUK are so grateful for all who pushed through challenging times to ensure the stability of the fresh produce supply chain, and we tip our hats to all of you!
LANDOVER, MD - Suppliers and buyers in the fresh produce industry understand the work that goes into getting food from the farm to consumers’ baskets, and with the prevailing food waste challenge in the U.S., much of that hard work is going to waste. Trying to overcome this issue, Ahold Delhaize USA banner Giant Food has announced a partnership with Flashfood, the digital marketplace for discounted food nearing its best-by date.
“Giant is committed to supporting our communities in making choices that are good for them as well as the environment and reducing food waste is a key part of that,” said Steven Jennings, Stakeholder Relations and Brand Lead for Health and Sustainability supporting Giant Food. “We’re excited to roll out this pilot program with Flashfood to offer our customers valuable savings on fresh foods, while also decreasing food waste in our goal of Zero Waste Diversion by 2025.”
The pilot program is an extension of Flashfood’s partnership with Ahold Delhaize USA and its regional store brands. According to a release, the program will be available in three select stores in Maryland and Virginia:
- 6223 Baltimore National Pike, Catonsville, Maryland
- 9200 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City, Maryland
- 3480 S. Jefferson St., Falls Church, Virginia
View this post on Instagram
Flashfood’s app allows shoppers to browse deals on fresh items like produce boxes, meat, dairy, and bakery items as well as center-store food and snacks that are approaching their best-by dates. All purchases are made through the app and are simply picked up from the Flashfood zone located inside participating Giant stores.
“We’re thrilled to further our work with Ahold Delhaize USA through this new pilot program with Giant Food,” said Josh Domingues, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Flashfood. “Food waste is a massive contributor to climate change and about $37 billion worth of food is thrown out each year in the U.S. at the retail level. Sustainability-focused retail leaders like Ahold Delhaize USA and Giant Food are helping us work toward tackling this complex issue and, in turn, bring more affordable fresh food options to shoppers.”
As this pilot program takes flight at Giant Food, how will fresh produce suppliers benefit from the partnership? Keep a page open for AndNowUKnow to discover the answers to that and more.
FRESNO, CA - The team at AndNowUKnow continues to connect with fresh produce operators as we take stock of the current global supply chain crisis. I touched base with Ian LeMay, President of California Fresh Fruit Association (CFFA), to understand his perspective on how this situation affects our industry.
“The logjam at the ports has had a significant disruption, and a significant market loss, for the fresh produce industry,” Ian begins. “We’re dealing with a perishable commodity, so the minute we remove it from the vine or the tree, the clock starts ticking against it in terms of freshness and quality. To get that product to a premium market, which oftentimes are those overseas, we need to have reliability through the ports and the shipping systems.”
As an industry, we have the responsibility to deliver the product we committed to. The certainty needed to move fruit through the supply chain regrettably isn’t there for many CFFA members.
“That has resulted in a loss of trading opportunities this season, which is extremely unfortunate, as our industry is continuing to process through a global pandemic. That not only had cost elements in terms of how they’ve operated their business, but it was at the same time that we saw increases in demand from the consumer wanting to access healthy products. If we can’t get fruit to those consumers, then it’s a lost opportunity,” Ian continues.
Another piece of the puzzle for many of the commodities that CFFA represents, the growers are not the only ones producing those commodities globally.
“For many of the markets we’ve previously accessed, if we aren’t able to deliver product to them, another country will. That is a huge loss for the United States in the sense that when you lose a market, you don’t just lose it for a season. You lose it until the person who has filled that market has their own disruption,” Ian adds. “It’s troublesome for our members and really all fresh produce growers across the United States.”
California growers in particular take great pride in delivering premium products across the globe. As Ian emphasizes, that’s incredibly valuable and why many are able to grow such high-quality goods.
“But if we can’t get the premium dollar on the international market because we can’t get through our own ports, that’s a big problem,” he remarks.
As the Port of Los Angeles works toward a 24/7 operation, Ian comments that this is part of a timely conversation for our nation to have—especially as Congress currently debates the infrastructure bill.
“We need to get serious about our infrastructure and our needs as a society regarding how we export and import our goods,” Ian concludes. “And the reality is the U.S. consumer has a high demand for foreign products. But vice versa, we have a lot of high-quality products in the produce industry that are in high demand in foreign markets and need a level of certainty to export through the ports. So, the national debate over infrastructure is imperative.”
As we continue to keep an eye on the global supply chain crisis, keep your eyes tuned to AndNowUKnow.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - As restaurants start to bounce back due to the lifting of certain pandemic restrictions, the supplier need for foodservice strategies is on the rise. Backing its foodservice division with strong leadership, Revol Greens announced Matt Roy as its new Vice President of Food Service, bringing over two decades of fresh produce and controlled environment agriculture (CEA) knowledge to the position.
“I have been a longtime proponent and advocate about the controlled environment agriculture space, and the ability to grow a quality, sustainable product closer to the end user is only going to become more important,” said Roy. “The vision, passion, and people at Revol made it an easy decision to join the company. I look forward to working with an industry-leading team backed by visionary investors and making a difference for our customers.”
Prior to joining Revol, Roy served in a Vice President role at Tanimura & Antle where he led business development for greenhouse operations and oversaw the grower’s CEA strategy. Noted in a release, he also spent six years in a variety of executive positions at US Foods, with his responsibilities including CEA strategy leadership.
In addition to his tenure at these well-known industry companies, Roy has also served a number of fresh produce committees including United Fresh Wholesaler Distributor Board, the Southeast Produce Council’s Education Committee and Board of Directors, and the Indoor Ag Con Board of Advisors. He is also a graduate of the United Fresh Produce Industry Leadership Program: Class 24.
“We are excited to have Matt join the Revol team. His deep understanding of how to translate customer needs to achievable strategies is a perfect fit for our leadership team of experienced growers, marketers, and greenhouse operators,” commented Tom Thompson, Chief Revenue Officer. “Revol’s coast-to-coast network of regional greenhouses producing organic lettuces at scale has been a presence in the market, and Matt’s real-world experience with supply chain complexities will help us address the challenges that come with our unique business model.”
Best of luck to Matt Roy as the takes the helm in this new role!
REEDLEY, CA - Making waves across the ocean of fresh produce, Frutura acquired Dayka & Hackett and Agrícola Don Ricardo earlier this summer. Now rocking the boat once again, the sales and marketing network has wielded its Dayka & Hackett subsidiary to form an agreement that sells majority ownership of TerraFresh Organics to Frutura.
“Adding a solid organic team to our roster of excellent companies was absolutely on my radar,” said David Krause, Frutura’s Chief Executive Officer. “But we weren’t willing to ‘settle.’ We wanted to partner with an organization with an already proven track record of success in organics. What Greg and Steve built at TerraFresh matched our expectations, and this is a good day for the Frutura family of companies.”
TerraFresh sources high-quality organic citrus, mangos, and table grapes domestically and internationally, a press release explained. Following the acquisition, the supplier will continue to be led by Founders Greg Holzman and Steve Akagaki, who were early advocates in the organic sector, joining forces in 1987 to convert a traditional apple orchard to an organic farm and forming a new company.
Frutura’s founding vision aligns with that of TerraFresh through an intent to supply the marketplace with the fruit varieties discerning customers expect, regardless of season. TerraFresh has built relationships with organic growers around the world and expects that network to expand because of the addition of Frutura’s significant international footprint.
“When Steve and I met with our team to share this news, the ‘why’ was simple,” said TerraFresh Organics Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Holzman. “It’s all about accelerating growth. We’re excited to scale up our operation and in particular, work closely with Dayka & Hackett. Steve and I greatly admire what Tim and his team have achieved, and we plan to capitalize on the exponential growth of organics in the years ahead.”
What else might Frutura have its sights set on? AndNowUKnow will let you know as soon as we find out.