NEW ZEALAND - It was not long ago that we announced T&G Global had rolled out an eye-catching new look for its JAZZ™ apple brand as a key component its long-term strategy to drive success for the variety. Now, the supplier is taking the next step in this ambitious plan, as it revealed it has launched its first global marketing campaign to showcase why the beloved brand is a perfect choice for on-the-go snacking.
“The campaign is key to driving brand awareness and in establishing JAZZ as the ideal snack on the go,” said Rebecca Chapman, Head of Marketing. “Thanks to their perfect snack-size, tangy-sweet balanced flavors, juicy crunch, and source of nutrients, JAZZ is the ideal always refreshing snack. It is always time for JAZZ.”
The new campaign has been launched in several key markets, including the United States, Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, United Arab Emirates, Thailand, Vietnam, and New Zealand, with more still to come, according to a press release. The campaign features a consistent global look, with language translations incorporated to help the brand connect with local consumers.
The global campaign also includes a catchy new motto, “Is it JAZZ time yet?” to position the apple as a go-to snacking option in a spontaneous and conversational way. The fully integrated campaign includes point of sale, packaging, promotions, out-of-home, print, digital, and social media channels to help boost brand visibility.
JAZZ apples were first grown in New Zealand 25 years ago, and have grown into a consumer favorite for many. Now, the mouthwatering variety is grown under licence in 10 countries and exported to more than 45 countries, and are available year-round in multiple key reigions.
Last year, T&G global eclipsed 5 million cartons—roughly 106 tons—of JAZZ apple sales internationally. With the new campaign in full effect, the grower is ramping up its expectations for another successful season.
What other new strategies will the purveyor implement as it looks to continue to grow the presence of this well-known brand? Keep reading ANUK to find out.
WOODLAND, CA - There is a sense of kinship in the fields. I learned this first-hand when I had the chance to meet face-to-face with members of the Syngenta Vegetable Seeds team at the company’s research facility in Woodland, California. In between chomping down fresh melon slices, I got an inside look at the company’s breeding programs and newly released Valor seedless watermelon variety from Breeding Trial Specialist Rebecca Wente-Naylor and Value-Added Chain Lead Bernie Hamel.
“We’re focusing on disease resistance because that’s one of the main things our growers are asking for. From the breeding perspective, that’s what we want to deliver on,” Rebecca began candidly. “If a grower’s asking for it, we want to make it happen for them.”
For the Valor variety, which is one of Syngenta’s newest seedless watermelon offerings, it features intermediate resistance to Anthracnose race 1 and Fusarium Wilt race 1, which are two pervasive diseases in watermelon crops, according to Rebecca.
Another key aspect of Syngenta’s successful watermelon breeding program is its wealth of genetic diversity.
“We’ve done a lot to make sure we’re preserving as much diversity as possible,” said Rebecca. “Our germplasm has so much depth and variation. When our grower partners come to us with a specific need, there is a good chance that we’ll have the genetic diversity to fulfill it.”
While the Valor variety is continuing to be trialed, Syngenta reports the main growing areas the company has been targeting for this variety are Central Florida through South Georgia as well as South Texas. With 2022 approaching more quickly with each day, it won’t be long until Syngenta kicks off its first full production year for the Valor variety.
“In our trialing, we’ve seen that it produces consistent 45-count blocky fruit,” Rebecca concluded. “It also has a dark, pixelated rind and a deep, dark red flesh color intensity, which is something that our growers and consumers have really enjoyed. With Valor, we focused on improving our firmness and sugar content from some of the varieties that have been more prevalent in the market in the past.”
Syngenta has doubled down on the excitement of this variety’s launch, incorporating a charitable give-back aspect that supports the nation’s veterans.
“We are partnering with the National Watermelon Association (NWA). Starting in the 2022 season, for every plant purchased of the Valor variety through the Full Count® Plant Program at Syngenta, a percentage of sales will be donated to veterans’ associations through the NWA,” Bernie explained excitedly.
Further details of the Valor promotion such as the percentage of sales that will be donated and the period of the promotion will be made available by December 2021.
Take it from this trade news writer turned field trotter: Syngenta is certainly dedicated to supporting its customers and partners around the world with innovative varieties.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - As the U.S. faces many ongoing challenges, food insecurity remains one that the fresh produce industry can have a hand in helping overcome. In its mission to provide solutions, The SF Market hosted Congressman James McGovern (D-MA), Chairman of the House Rule Committee, at its Bayview Hunter’s Point facility on August 19 to discuss a comprehensive nationwide plan to end food insecurity.
“I want to thank Congressman McGovern for his sustained leadership to advance the national conversation around food insecurity. Based on our own work here at The SF Market, we believe this is a discussion that is overdue,” said Michael Janis, General Manager and Executive Director of The SF Market. “We serve as a primary link between growers and the farming communities across 38 California counties and the food businesses in the Bay Area and fully support the idea of a White House Hunger Conference. We are here to support the Congressman in any way as the conference takes shape.”
The meeting was part of the Representative’s national listening tour to help find solutions to end food insecurity, according to a press release. The visit was co-organized by the San Francisco Food As Medicine Collaborative and SPUR and included several local site visits.
SF Market is home to over 26 merchants that distribute millions of pounds of fresh produce through the Bay Area and out to independent retailers, restaurants, and nonprofit organizations. As part of its Food Recovery Program and the Food As Medicine CV-19 Emergency Response Program, the company works directly with over 30 local organizations to ensure that the Bay Area community has access to high-quality, nutritious food. The SF Market programs have distributed a total of over 8 million pounds of produce and other food to Bay Area organizations, including nearly 5 million during the pandemic alone.
“The Market is more than just vendors and distributors—they are people dedicated to providing mom and pop shops and restaurants with quality produce and ensuring that those in need have healthy food throughout the COVID pandemic,” said McGovern. “They’re an example of what can be achieved when we join forces and commit to expanding access to healthy foods in a way that respects the culturally diverse community. I’m looking forward to seeing how they further combat food insecurity in the years ahead as they look to expand their market and build on their incredible work.”
Congressman McGovern represent Massachusetts’ 2nd congressional district as a member of the United States House of Representatives. He is Chair of the House Rules Committee, Co-Chair of the House Hunger Caucus and member of the House Agriculture Committee's Subcommittee on Nutrition, Oversight, and Department Operations, firmly believing that food should be a fundamental right for all Americans.
As Chair of the House Rules Committee, McGovern advocates for a White House Food, Nutrition, and Health Conference to explore a unified federal approach to food insecurity. The first and only conference of this nature took place at the White House in 1969, which led to landmark legislation to reduce food insecurity, such as SNAP.
With companies like SF Market and other leaders in the fresh produce industry making moves to reduce food insecurity, what solutions will be presented? Stick with AndNowUKnow for updates.
SAN JUAN BAUTISTA, CA - The beauty of success is that, at its very root, it is a mindset. To ensure decades of such achievement takes strength, a progressive outlook, and perseverance—elements that Coke Farm brings to the table every day. As the second half of 2021 gains ground, the trailblazing California farm is celebrating its 40th anniversary in certified organics and pulling back the curtain on what it takes to succeed today and in the future.
“In 2021, we are celebrating our amazing anniversary by continuing our mission to grow with purpose, expanding on what we’ve accomplished with our grower community and valued customers for over 40 years,” Olivier Griss, Sales Manager, shares with me. “With a grower mentality in operations, there is high value in giving back to our community through supporting small family agriculture, minority and women-owned farms, and giving back to our environment through our farming practices and an increased commitment to sustainable packaging.”
With such strong values at play as an organic grower/shipper/handler of over 300 product SKUs of fruits and vegetables, Coke Farm is ensuring the company can sustain and elevate its growth today and in the coming years.
“We continue to invest in ourselves and have increased post-harvest technology and doubled our cooler storage capacity. These investments will increase our ability to support our customers and grower partners,” Lawrence Henrard, General Manager, expresses as he looks at the long-term strategy of the year-round, nationally distributed Coke Farm portfolio.
This long-game outlook is one that can be traced back to the very roots of the company. In 1981, Dale Coke started solo with a progressive vision to become a food hub for California’s Central Coast, and with only a small quarter-acre parcel of organic land in San Juan Bautista, California. Dale aimed to prove his success in 100 percent organic farming and quickly began to make his mark as one of the first California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) and the first certified for organic strawberries—the crop that started it all for Coke Farm.
Dale grew his vision of supporting other small organic farmers by selling their crops along with his. More growers gravitated toward the program and, today, Coke Farm is comprised of more than 85 grower partners, over 4,000 acres of organic farmland, and more than 120 common and specialty items.
“Our growers are our lifeblood and are compensated at a high level, supporting the next generation of farming families in our communities,” Lawrence tells me. “Our goal today encompasses the vision of curating a ‘best of the best’ one-stop-shop of a large variety of common and specialty products, providing centralized storage, processing, distribution, and a marketing center for small- to mid-size farms. This vision is doubling our capacity and our potential.”
Coke Farm’s grower footprint now expands in California from San Juan Bautista (San Benito County) to Santa Cruz County and Monterey Counties, and as well as the Central Valley and desert in the winter months.
“We have a strong alignment between operations and sales, inspiring excellent customer service,” Olivier says, noting that Coke Farm has been recognized as a Bay Area food hub for about 20 years by Bay Area accounts. “Our customers believe strongly in organics and supporting the community full-circle. We often hear them say our produce is ‘like it was farmed right in our own backyards.’”
With the goal of continuing to grow its footprint in chain and natural food stores, wholesale distribution, foodservice, institutions, home delivery, processing, community services, and non-profits, Coke Farm sees no cap on the company’s potential. And neither do we.
If you’re interested in hearing more about the company's history and vision for the future of organics, be sure to stop by booth #249 at the Organic Produce Summit.
Congratulations, Coke Farm, on this milestone 40th anniversary, and cheers to many more!
BENTONVILLE, AR - Whether we’ve realized it yet or not, the holidays are quickly approaching, and that means retailers are ramping up for the seasonal rush. Prepping for the push, Walmart revealed it is planning to hire 20,000 new associates across its network of more than 250 Walmart and Sam’s Club distribution centers, fulfillment centers, and transportation offices.
The mass onboarding will kick off with special hiring events September 8–9 in order to attract the best candidates for the roles, according to a blog post from the company. Walmart is looking to fill a wide range of roles from order fillers, freight handlers, lift drivers, and technicians to management positions. The positions will be permanent and offered in both full- and part-time capacities.
As new hires prepare to join the team, Walmart has acknowledged the importance of competitive pay, and as it looks to build a strong network for the future, has unveiled that the average wage for its supply chain associates is $20.37 per hour. Additionally, the big-box chain will be offering key career development opportunities, including the encouragement of its associates to pursue higher education through its Live Better U program and its recent announcement that it would cover 100 percent of the cost of tuition and books for employees in the program.
The retailer also provides medical coverage for its associates, in addition to maternal and paternal benefits, emotional well-being benefits, healthcare tailored to the LGBTQ+ community, and veteran and military spouse support. Walmart will also be offering its field-based associates—including supply chain—a $150 cash bonus for getting the COVID-19 vaccination. New associates who get vaccinated before October 4, or who were already vaccinated prior to their hire date, are eligible for the bonus as well.
How will this mass hiring bolster Walmart’s stronghold in the retail sector? AndNowUKnow will bring you the answers.
LEAMINGTON, ON - Technological advancements are constantly catapulting our industry forward, and today is no different. Peter Quiring, Owner and Chief Executive Officer of South Essex Fabricating (SEF), recently met with Jonathan Berte, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Robovision, to finalize the details of a partnership between the two companies. The new partnership agreement will pave the way for the research and development of enhanced AI robotics and deep-learning software specific to the agriculture industry.
“Over the next few years, we will see the horticulture industry rapidly shift toward an automated, data-driven system—not designed to take away from industry jobs, but instead to remove the mundane processes attributed to many of the day-to-day growing functions,” Quiring stated. “Simply, AI advancements will give us a greater output both in quality and quantity without changing the natural elements throughout the growing process.”
According to a press release, the collaboration will position both companies at the forefront of their industries by combining high-tech machines backed with AI capabilities to standardize and regulate labor-intensive tasks. SEF has over 20 years of horticulture experience and will optimize Robovision’s unique capabilities to develop advanced robotics and algorithmic software.
“This partnership is a great match, as South Essex Fabricated brings tons of business knowledge and network which, combined with our solid technical knowledge and experience in scaling AI-powered horti-robotics, will ensure that we create scalable, high-performing products that answer to business needs,” stated Robovision’s Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Berte. “Robovision can close the gap between European technology start-ups and concepts and the North American market.”
The formation of this partnership demonstrates a shift within the agriculture industry, signifying an increased reliance on robotics and data-driven technologies. As explained in the release, the alliance’s goal is to use AI in a way to enhance the wisdom and experience of the head grower, by allowing the continual exchange of information between humans and machines. Using the science-based findings accumulated with Robovision’s algorithmic platforms, SEF will be able to create customized, automated products with high-quality yields and less contamination and waste.
“As innovators, our mindset is always to improve, both throughout build and construction and within the entire operating and cultivating process. I am excited about this new venture with Robovision and the endless smart solutions that can be achieved within this industry. No matter what industry you do business in, AI is the future, and we are here to embrace that,” concluded Quiring.
As industry leaders continue to harness innovative technologies to fortify and streamline their operations, keep an eye out for AndNowUKnow for the latest news.
WASHINGTON, DC - Food safety remains a high priority for both consumers and suppliers, and stocking produce departments with safe, quality products would not be possible without the growers who maintain an admirable commitment to health and food safety practices. In honor of National Food Safety Education Month, Equitable Food Initiative (EFI) is turning the spotlight on the farmers and farmworkers who dedicate themselves to providing safe and nutritious food.
“As consumers, we take for granted that we have access to some of the safest, most abundant, and affordable food supplies in the world. But as industry members, we also need to share our story with consumers so they better understand the role we play in creating this level of safety and abundance,” LeAnne Ruzzamenti, Director of Marketing Communications, commented. “Farmworkers play a vital role in the food system and, in fact, are the foundation of our supply chain, ensuring the availability, quality, and safety of our food.”
According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, foodborne illness sickens roughly 1 in 6 Americans, or 48 million people, a year. Setting out to change this statistic, the CDC has designated September as National Food Safety Education Month, setting a focus on educating consumers about food safety and proper food handling. EFI aims to amplify this message and raise awareness about the 2.4 million farmworkers in the United States who work to grow, harvest, and pack safe fruits and vegetables.
According to a recent press release, a consumer survey by EFI revealed that food recalls, foodborne outbreaks, and illness were the second-highest concern for consumers buying fresh produce, right behind pesticide use and residues. During the month of September, the organization’s goal is to highlight food safety messages to help consumers understand the value of a skilled workforce that is able to recognize and mitigate food safety issues before they become a concern to consumers.
The release also noted several ways for industry members to continue boosting the food safety message, including:
- Sharing EFI-provided messages and information across social media platforms
- Creating unique content or videos for social media highlighting their own food safety protocols and messages and using the hashtag #FoodSafetyMonth
- Contacting local media and asking them to share information about the role of agriculture and farmworkers in growing and shipping safe food
Throughout the entire National Food Safety Education Month, EFI will also share stories about food safety in the produce industry on social media and encourage other industry leaders to do the same. Those interested can download sample graphics and a video online.
As always, keep an eye out for ANUK as we continue to bring you the latest news in the fresh produce industry.
TORONTO, CANADA - When it comes to Brussels sprouts, there are two kinds of people in the world: the people who love them and the people who hate them. Growing up, I was quite certain that being on the Brussels sprouts haters team made you one of the good guys, at the very least it put you on the populous side. Over the years, after winning successive most improved vegetable awards (in my household), the opposite now seems to be true, the Brussels sprouts lovers greatly outnumber the haters.
While that’s great news for Brussels sprouts lovers everywhere, it’s even better news for people who make a living growing, selling, or retailing Brussels sprouts. Here at Produce Moneyball, we like to take an advanced look at things, so now is a good time to review Brussels sprouts as they enter their prime season. In case you still haven’t flipped over to the good side yet, Brussels sprouts shine their brightest in preparation for Thanksgiving, which falls in week 41, or the second Monday in October for Canadians and week 47, or the third Thursday in November for Americans.
The accompanying graph shows 2020 volume ramping up in October, with a small spike coinciding with the Canadian Thanksgiving. Volumes quickly ramp up again leading into the U.S. Thanksgiving and peak for the big event. By the way, if you’ve never had bite-sized roasted Brussels sprouts as a game-day snack, you’re missing something. So far, this all makes sense, even the sharp drop off in week 48 volumes after the Thanksgiving holiday.
What’s interesting to see are the cost trends. Instead of costs declining during peak volume periods, costs spike demonstrating that Brussels sprouts is a demand-driven product. Produce Moneyball predicts much of the same for 2021, albeit at an FOB cost $1-$2 higher than last year.
Whether you’ve always played on team Brussels sprouts and you want to bring back old memories or you are a rookie looking to make new memories, keep checking with Produce Moneyball, at the very least it will keep abreast of the Thanksgiving score.
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.
SOUTH AFRICA - We love our fresh citrus in the U.S. market, and it’s no secret to the supply chain. Summer Citrus from South Africa (SCSA) is ensuring continuous volumes for its partners, and recently reported a seasonal update outlining the status of its supplies.
“Easy peelers [are] the biggest [sources of] growth for our group,” said Suhanra Conradie, Chief Executive Officer, in a recent mid-season update video, which was taken when SCSA was about 50 percent of the way through its season. She continued telling me about the season in an exclusive interview, noting that the supplier is about 75 percent of the way through now. “We are currently focusing on the later Mandarin varieties with volumes slightly ahead of expectations. Quality is looking very good, and retailers can expect premium product. In terms of packing, we are very much on-par with year-to-date estimates.”
For Navels, the company is slightly ahead on volume, and both quality and sizing look very good. SCSA will be packing the last volumes for this category soon before transitioning into Midknights. Star Ruby is another variety ready to beautify retail shelves, with SCSA’s supplies looking good and volumes greater than anticipated. The Cara Cara category is also doing very well, and SCSA has shipped increased volumes this year with the last arrivals having hit the U.S. at the end of August.
SCSA’s shipping program for conventional vessels has been finalized for the season, with fruit expected to arrive in the U.S. through mid to late October.
With this update signaling the latter half of SCSA’s season, keep reading ANUK as we keep our eye on the final months of the year.
SEATTLE, WA - How much can you get done in a day? It is a question worth asking regularly, especially in our industry. By Amazon’s standards, a 40,000-strong hiring blitz is a viable feat. The retail behemoth has announced its Career Day 2021 will take place September 15 as Amazon aims to fill corporate and tech roles across more than 220 locations in the U.S., as well as tens of thousands of hourly positions in Amazon’s Operations network. This hiring blitz will also include Amazon’s biggest-ever training and recruiting event to help both current and future employees grow their careers.
“We’re working hard every day to be the best place for people to have satisfying and fulfilling long-term careers,” said Chief Executive Officer Andy Jassy. “Amazon continues to grow quickly and relentlessly invent across many areas, and we’re hoping that Career Day gives both job seekers and current Amazon employees the support they need to learn new skills or reimagine their careers at Amazon or elsewhere.”
According to a press release, Career Day attendees will have the opportunity to participate in one of more than 20,000 personalized career-coaching sessions with an Amazon recruiter. Additionally, existing Amazon employees will have access to thousands of one-on-one career-coaching sessions to help grow their careers at the company or elsewhere. World-leading experts like New York Times best-selling authors David Epstein and Carla Harris, will provide candid advice on how job seekers can start, build, or transition their careers.
The event is open to all, regardless of their level of experience, professional field, or background. Here are some of the opportunities attendees will have access to:
- Entry-level positions in Amazon’s logistics network, corporate roles at its 18 Tech Hubs, as well as engineering, sustainability, data science, marketing, human resources, and finance roles that support Alexa, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Operations Technology, Prime Video, and many other businesses
- A conversation with Amazon CEO Andy Jassy, who will share his own career experience and advice for job seekers. David Epstein and Carla Harris will provide tips to help people at all stages of their careers
- Participate in coding workshops led by Amazon software development engineers, and attend a “How to Interview at Amazon” breakout session led by two senior recruiters with a combined 25 years of interviewing experience
All Amazon regular full-time employees receive the same core benefits, regardless of their role, level, or position—from the company’s executives to front-line employees. This includes health coverage, a 401(k) plan with a company match, up to 20 weeks of paid leave for birthing parents, and more. In addition, eligible employees have access to company-subsidized training opportunities.
Amazon has hired over 450,000 people in the U.S. since the beginning of the pandemic. During Career Day last year, the retailer saw the highest one-week number of job applications in the history of the company. Of the new employees hired across Amazon’s Operations network during the pandemic, nearly 30,000 joined Amazon from the manufacturing sector, another 19,000 from traditional retail, and 16,500 from education and healthcare, among others. The company received more than 30 million job applications for roles at Amazon in 2020, almost double the number from 2019.
Further information surrounding Amazon’s employment achievements and COVID-19 data is accessible via the official press release here.
How’s that for “all in a day’s work”? Keep reading ANUK as we continue to watch Amazon’s growth strategies from all angles.