PMA Foodservice Yearbook 2021
WENATCHEE, WA - Speaking from the perspective of not only a trade writer, but a millennial, I can say that consumers love unique, proprietary varieties when they go in search of new products. And buyers, Stemilt is shifting its cherry harvest to its highly anticipated A Half Mile Closer to the Moon® cherries, offering up a prime opportunity to collect extra shopper dollars later in the season.
“Every summer, we have consumers contacting us asking when these cherries will be available,” explained Brianna Shales, Marketing Director. “They have certainly created a lasting impression season after season, so we are excited to deliver on that promise once again this year.”
The brand’s name is inspired by the location where the cherries are grown, a half mile closer to the moon, sitting at elevations of 2,640 feet and higher, according to a press release. Kyle Mathison, fourth generation cherry grower, has been harvesting the dark-sweet cherries at higher elevations since the early 2000s and expanding his operations over the last two decades, allowing Stemilt to become the main supplier of these Washington-grown dark-sweet cherries for the rest of the season.
“Mathison is a talented grower, and the demand for the A Half Mile Closer to the Moon cherries brand proves that,” added Shales. “These cherries keep a store’s season going with incredible flavors and a unique brand essence. It’s very important to add every week you can with a high-ring seasonal item like cherries. These varieties were carefully chosen for their ability to grow in high elevations and late in the season. Mathison has learned what these varieties need to thrive, using his own custom compost to provide the tree nutrients and harvesting at the right times to ensure quality is maintained and flavor is achieved.”
A Half Mile Closer to the Moon cherries are expected to pack through mid to late August, offering retailers the potential to have them in store throughout the month. The varieties are packed under the brand late-ripening dark-sweet varieties with a strong sugar-acid balance and a firm, crunchy bite.
This season, the cherries are available in branded catch-weight bags and 1 lb topseals. With high-graphic boxes and placing, retailers can build eye-catching displays in high-traffic areas for maximum consumer attention.
“The brand’s name and design is visually appealing and encourages consumers to pause. What captures them is the story behind these high elevation cherries and the flavor and quality result in repeat purchases,” said Shales. “Not only is growing cherries literally half a mile closer to the moon unique, but the fact that they are harvested around the lunar cycles is unheard of.”
Because of the lunar gravitational pull in the growing region, Mathison believes that sugars are pulled through the tree and into the cherries, giving them a boost of flavor right before they are harvested. Each cherry is then hand-picked in the early morning hours to maintain quality, and are then sent through the cold chain process within an hour of harvest and kept cool until they hit shelves.
In celebration of the brand, Stemilt will be launching a consumer-driven digital campaign that will launch in August across several key markets. The campaign is designed to bring awareness to the brand through social media advertising, influencer partnerships, media coverage, and more. Retailers can also celebrate National Chant at the Moon Day on August 15.
“National Chant at the Moon Day is a great way to engage consumers through the storytelling piece of the brand,” explained Shales. “The holiday is focused on the full moon and the reasoning behind Mathison’s harvest tactics. Retailers can have fun in store with Stemilt-designed signage and encourage consumers to pick up a bag and enjoy the last few days of summer by getting outside and chanting at the moon.”
To boost sales, Shales encourages retailers to draw attention ot the unique story of A Half Mile Closer to the Moon cherries, educating shoppers on where and how their produce is grown.
“Not only are they delicious, but A Half Mile Closer to the Moon cherries are mystical and carry a unique story that we love sharing with consumers,” commented Shales. “We hope retailers will use this opportunity as well to create a World Famous experience for their consumers.”
Coming only once a year, now is the chance to offer shoppers the chance to get A Half Mile Closer to the Moon and a whole lot of delicious cherry flavor. So, be sure to reach out to a Stemilt rep today!
LOS ANGELES, CA - Summer brings about some delicious eating opportunities here in the Northern Hemisphere, as the heat inspires wonderful culinary creations to enjoy outside with loved ones. Adding to the array of high-quality fresh produce offerings this season, Progressive Produce has announced the opening of its fields in Northern Baja, where the region's moderate coastal climate produces quality asparagus for consumers.
“Every year, we look forward to our Northern Baja season. As we get through July, where weather is unpredictable down in Central Mexico, it is great to have this reliable region's crop coming into harvest,” explained Sean Barganski, Sales Manager. "We will be able to offer our customers promotable volume in a high-quality pack throughout August. Our team in Mexico is reporting fantastic quality from their first pack outs, and we should expect that to continue for the entirety of this late summer season."
Progressive has been farming the region for more than a decade and continues to add acreage each year to maintain a high-quality supply of asparagus in the area, according to a press release. This year, the produce purveyor is especially looking forward to its purple asparagus offerings from the Northern Baja fields.
Throughout the rest of the year, Progressive offers a full lineup of conventional, organic, white, and purple asparagus for buyers.
"Progressive is a one-stop shop for its customers to get their full offerings of asparagus," added Barganski. "Having this asparagus just across the border from our state-of-the-art cold storage warehouse in Southern California allows for a quick turnaround from harvest to distribution to our retail and food service customers."
Product will be packed in 11 lb boxes, but Progressive also has the capability to pack 28 lb boxes. The company offers a dynamic bag program available in many sizes and styles in addition.
With shoppers on the lookout for better-for-you products and quality fresh produce, Progressive Produce’s asparagus is a great option to add to your aisles, so reach out to a rep today.
For more crop news and seasonal insights, keep a tab open for AndNowUKnow.
MONTEREY, CA - When we talk about trade shows, we often consider how to stay ahead of market trends and best utilize our resources. That is exactly what attendees of Organic Produce Summit (OPS) 2021 will have the chance to do, gaining access to exclusive educational sessions such as the recently announced “Growth of CEA—What’s Real and What’s Hype from a Retail and Consumer Perspective” segment. The session will be moderated by Walter Robb, former Chief Executive Officer of Whole Foods, and panelists include Frances Dillard, Vice President of Brand and Product Marketing, Driscoll’s; Victor Savanello, Vice President of Produce and Floral, SpartanNash; and Shawn Peery, Vice President of Produce and Floral, Albertsons.
“CEA is changing the landscape of food production and providing consumers a variety of new items that will continue to evolve in the years ahead,” said Susan Canales, President of OPS. “OPS attendees will have the chance to hear from retail leadership on how these products are marketed and learn about the challenges and opportunities these new items offer consumers.”
This session is the second of a two-part educational series at OPS, offering a retailer and consumer perspective on the upward trajectory of indoor growing. Among the topics to be discussed in the session are the impact of indoor-grown products on the supply chain, the messaging and labeling of these various items, and the ramifications of what CEA production means for the organic fresh produce industry.
A press release stated that this second educational workshop follows a session exploring the growth of CEA from leaders actively involved in the production of indoor growing. In addition to the educational sessions focused on CEA, a session looking at the organic industry in a post-COVID environment and a keynote presentation by Jim Donald, Co-Chairman of Albertsons, have also been announced.
“Indoor agriculture is increasingly playing a more meaningful role in our fresh produce supply, in terms of volume, variety, and geographical footprint,” said Walter Robb. “The ability of indoor ag to provide predictability and resiliency for supply, coupled with its lower impact on both the environment and resource use, is drawing substantial interest from both investors and consumers. Clearly, the future will be a hybrid one, and our panels will explore how quickly and responsibly this will happen.”
Organic Produce Summit 2021 will take place September 15-16 in Monterey, California. To register for the event, please click here.
We can’t wait to see the insights brought to the table at this upcoming show.
SANTA MARIA, CA - The pandemic has shown us many things, but one idea that stands out is the importance of food safety, something that was already top-of-mind for fresh produce, but has gained even more attention in the past year and a half. To drive forward this key part of its operations, Bobalu Berries has announced that Eric Valenzuela will step into the newly created role of Director of Food Safety for the berry grower.
"I am truly excited for this opportunity to be part of this amazing company and to join a family farming operation. Bobalu has a great structure, and I look forward to being part of their continued success and growth in the world of food safety, quality assurance, and sustainability to be an even better company going forward," commented Valenzuela.
In this new position, Valenzuela will focus his skills on grower support, facility operations, and working with the third-party auditors to optimize food safety practices across Bobalu’s operations. According to a press release, he will also manage the technical and administrative aspects of the food safety system and serve as the primary point of contact with auditors and customers as they communicate their food safety compliance needs.
Valenzuela brings extensive experience developing company-wide food safety programs to the Bobalu team. Recently, he converted his previous company to zero waste, and also served on the United Fresh Produce Association Food Safety & Sustainability Council.
“Adding Eric to our team with his experience in the industry, gives us the opportunity to shine a brighter light on the quality of everything we do in this important area of food safety, sustainability, and reduced food waste. Eric will work directly with our field team, sales and marketing team, and customers as we maintain our focus on the safety of our products and expand our work in the area of sustainability, " said Bobby Jones, Managing Partner.
Michael Cleugh, Vice President of Operations, also shared his excitement for Valenzuela joining the Bobalu team.
“We are excited to have Eric on board providing his leadership and experience to continue to elevate our company food safety and sustainability programs,” he added. “As our operations expand with increased acreage along with elevated customer strategic partnerships, a dedicated Director of Food Safety is essential for our continued growth.”
Cheers to Eric Valenzuela as he takes over this newly created role!
GREENSBORO, NC - As it continues to accelerate its ambitious, long-term growth strategy, The Fresh Market has unveiled a key play, recently announcing it is going public after five years of operation as a private company.
The grocery chain, which operates 159 locations across 22 states, first revealed preparations for its initial public offering (IPO) back in March, according to PYMNTS. Continuing with this strategy, the chain’s parent company The Fresh Market Holdings recently filed an S-1 registration of securities with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
“We have implemented several key strategic initiatives designed to overcome challenges we faced at and after this going private transaction,” the company stated in the filing. “These initiatives included a merchandising refocus on our core premium fresh food; introduction of new curated meal offerings; competitive prices on frequently shopped items such as bananas, avocados, milk, lemons, and butter; improved in-store execution; and investments in omni-channel capabilities and technology.”
The Fresh Market initially went public in 2010, but was taken private in April 2016 by Apollo Global Management. In its recent filing, the grocer states that it incurred substantial debt in connection with the acquisition and the years following. The recent launch of its IPO plans to position the grocer for quick recovery and debt reduction.
In addition to the IPO, the grocery chain is also implementing several other strategies to cement its place in the sector. This includes the recent investment in meal offerings to pilot its new “Kitchen Square” grocerant.
The company has also invested $7 million in its Market Meal Kit walk-around cases, which aims to capitalize on new consumer trends following the pandemic and use ready-to-cook meal kits to appeal to new and existing customers who found a love for cooking at home during the lockdowns.
Wondering what’s next on the horizon for this retailer as it enacts this strategy? We are too, and we’ll report as soon as we find out.
MEXICO - Two distinguished leaders have recently taken the next step in their tenured careers, as The Mexican Association of Protected Horticulture (AMHPAC) announced that Pedro Borboa Salas will be stepping down from his position as Director of Enforcement and Compliance of the Tomato DUMPING Suspension Agreement. As he makes his departure, Gustavo Robles Balderramma will be taking over as the new Director of Execution and Compliance.
Robles has served for years as an External Advisor to AMHPAC in legal matters, according to a press release, which he will continue to do as he takes on his new role. Optimizing his vast experience in the industry and admirable professional strength, Robles will look to take the association to a new level of growth.
Balderramma steps into this new position following the departure of Salas, who officially stopped working with the organization as of July 23.
Salas served as Director of Enforcement and Compliance of the Tomato DUMPING Suspension Agreement for a little over a year, during which his professionalism and efforts delivered excellent results for AMPHAC.
As it undergoes these leadership changes, AMPHAC will continue to work closely with its sister organizations and government authorities to continue offering a quality service in favor of the DUMPING Tomato Suspension Agreement.
Keep reading AndNowUKnow, as we promise to keep bringing you the latest news in the produce industry.
WASHINGTON, DC - Recently, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that Parminder Singh was determined to not be responsibly connected to Woolwich, New Jersey-based Southern Sun LLC. Sanctions were previously imposed on the company in March, 2021 after allegedly failing to pay produce sellers.
Direct from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service:
Southern Sun LLC violated the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) by failing to pay the amount of $436,401 to five sellers for produce that was purchased, received and accepted in interstate and foreign commerce from February to November 2018. As a result, USDA imposed sanctions on the business, including requiring that all principals may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee without USDA approval.
USDA made an initial determination that Paul Ross and Parminder Singh were responsibly connected to Southern Sun LLC and subject to sanction. Parminder Singh contested his initial determination, and USDA has now determined that he was not responsibly connected to Southern Sun LLC at the time of the violations.
As a result, Parminder Singh may be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee.
To find contact information or to read the release in full, click here.
BELDING, MI - In fresh produce, many of us know that diversifying one's offerings is a key way to expand not only operations, but market reach. Recently revealing its acquisition of Michigan Fresh Marketing, a produce sales organization, BelleHarvest has made a pivotal play to bolster the company’s growth potential through the diversification of its portfolio.
"We are excited to formally bring our two teams to build a more comprehensive set of solutions for our customers,” said Chief Executive Officer Milt Fuehrer. “This acquisition allows us to deliver a unified strengthened experience to our retail customers and grower partners."
Through this recent acquisition, BelleHarvest will maximize its strength and position as it continues its growth trajectory, according to a press release. BelleHarvest and Michigan Fresh Marketing originally formed a sales partnership two years ago, which has proven to be successful.
As part of the acquisition, the company will continue to market under both brands while operating from nine fresh apple packing lines. These lines include the existing Michigan Fresh pre-sort line in Comstock Park, Michigan.
The deal will also bring a sizable locally grown vegetable program to BelleHarvest which will be marketed under the Michigan Fresh name.
What will come next as these two dynamic teams come together to drive expansion? AndNowUKnow will keep you in the know.
CANTON, MA - When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, we were all forced to make changes. NRM, a refrigeration optimization solutions partner, worked to support fresh produce operators throughout these challenges, empowering businesses of all sizes to monitor, manage, and control their refrigerated facilities remotely and safely, online, 24/7. To discuss what made this possible, I sat down with Emre Schveighoffer, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, and Dan McCormick, Director of Controls and Automation.
“NRM’s solutions cut energy costs between 30 to 40 percent and allow total visibility into refrigeration operations, allowing facility managers to be proactive rather than reactive, and to address operational issues before there is a temperature out of range or a lost product event. During the pandemic, one of our partnering distributor’s business was down nearly 30 percent, so the company elected to install our controls to manage its 19 refrigeration systems without losing product,” Emre told me. “Now, that partner is almost back to normal as schools and other clients begin operating.”
NRM’s cutting-edge controls and monitoring systems allows refrigerated facilities to slash operating costs, manage their facilities remotely, and to change and adapt instantly and on the fly. The company’s top priority was to provide the ability to implement strategies outside the norm as many businesses (mostly restaurant operations) and schools were forced to shut down. The company’s installed control systems allowed K-12 and higher education facilities to remotely monitor for food safety and equipment supervision. It also enabled them to turn units off when not in use, saving significant labor hours.
In addition to suppliers, several food banks on the system got very busy and, despite a limited number of volunteers, they were still able to provide meals to thousands of individuals. In one case, the system sent a notification for a cooler that went down for a day, which could have been much worse if the warehouse operator had not been notified.
“Refrigeration has never had a ‘check engine light’ to let users know there is a problem, which eventually results in catastrophic equipment failure or product loss,” Dan added. “NRM controls are installed in over 50,000 walk-in coolers and freezers across North America, in Fortune 500 companies and neighborhood businesses alike, helping to keep America’s perishables safe, stable, and sustainable.”
NRM began installing smart refrigeration controls 27 years ago, with a focus on enabling users to gain a better understanding of how refrigeration works and what they can do to stay on top of performance.
How else might NRM’s innovative solutions protect fresh produce? ANUK will be sure to report as we learn more.