BAKERSFIELD, CA - We may be in the 11th hour of the year, but Atlas Produce, a California date grower and packer, is far from taking the remainder of this time for rest. The company is adding two more sustainably fueled packages to its portfolio, expanding its capabilities to shape its offerings to any of its retail partners’ needs.
“We have rolled out a new style of tub offered in 8 oz, 12 oz, 16 oz, and 2 lb options. Made from 100 percent recycled materials and mirroring any of our previous tub offerings, we are really excited about taking strides to be even more sustainable while maintaining the high-quality and vibrant look we are known for,” Luke Fountain, Sales, tells me.
Made with 16 percent less plastic and with 360-degree marketing capability for packing and in-store presentation, this is an easy option to plug in to any in-store layout. And to further enable any retailer to offer a sustainable pack that works with their plan, Atlas is also welcoming a new biodegradable paper clamshell.
“We’re pretty excited about this and the capabilities it can give to even further offer sustainable options, as well as versatility for the shelf,” Luke tells me. “100 percent biodegradable, our new clamshell offers a food-safe paper material and a plastic-like window that allows customers to see the product.”
Note “plastic-like?” Certainly. Luke explains that the material is actually cellulose acetate—traditionally used as a film base in photography and as a frame material for eyeglasses.
“The use of this material, plus water-based inks, allowed us to offer this completely sustainable packaging option that is aligned with the same bright colors associated with our Fresh Energy™ brand. This is really going to jump off the shelf, and we are very excited about growing sales with this new offering,” Luke says.
The last piece of the puzzle is the selling point once the pack has grabbed consumer interest. Luke explains that dates are gaining traction from efforts to educate consumers, and that gravitating toward packaging that continues to do this will ensure ROI for buyers.
“People know why they eat bananas, why they need grapes, and then they try and love them. Dates are a product many are still trying for the first time. So, the opportunity to market on every side of the box makes us that much more excited to spread the word and engage more consumers in another way to obtain the healthy vitamins so many are looking for right now. They might be tired of the usual and looking to explore something new, and dates, which are very rich in potassium and magnesium, are the perfect answer to that,” Luke shares.
Once in hand, it seems nearly impossible to put these packs back on the shelf. And with the bright, skillful marketing of the Fresh Energy™ brand behind these new products, getting them in hand seems as sure a bet as one can make in the gamble that is fresh produce.
IRVINGTON, NY - There is one thing growers, shippers, retailers, and this trade news writer all have in common: we want to get fresh produce into the hands of more shoppers. A new leader is ready to push toward this goal, as the USDA recently named BrightFarms Founder and President Paul Lightfoot as Chair of its Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee (FVIAC).
“I am honored to be elected by my colleagues to serve as Chair of this important committee. I plan to advance the committee’s work on important issues related to labor, trade, food safety, production, and in the creation of jobs related to efforts to combat climate change. In addition, I will recommend that the USDA enact and follow policies to increase fruit and vegetable consumption in the U.S,” explained Lightfoot.
Lightfoot, who was elected to the Chairmanship in October, will begin his term at the start of 2021. The FVIAC is composed of key growers, shippers, retailers, and processors, and advises the Secretary of Agriculture on issues that affect the produce industry, according to a press release.
“Increased consumption of fruits and vegetables would materially improve the United States. Americans would be healthier, happier, and would live longer. Diet-related chronic diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, would decrease, reducing the costs of health case, improving state and federal budgets, and improving our military readiness. Increased consumption of fruits and vegetables would decrease greenhouse gas emissions, helping to turn back climate change,” added Lightfoot.
In addition to leading BrightFarms on its mission to grow fresh, tasty vegetables in a responsible and sustainable way, Lightfoot also founded the Controlled Agriculture Food Safety Coalition and holds a position on the Board of the United Fresh Produce Association.
We at ANUK look forward to seeing how this new appointment changes the world of fresh produce, and we congratulate Paul Lightfoot on his new opportunity!
MCLEAN, VA - Acquisitions must be in the air as yet another industry name has secured a new means for growing its portfolio. This time around, the company is Gladstone Land Corporation, and the real estate investor has announced that it acquired 368 acres of farmland in Ventura County, California.
"This acquisition adds to our portfolio of farms growing fresh produce in the heart of the Oxnard Plain," said David Gladstone, President and CEO. "We are also excited to form a relationship with a new tenant who has a long history of farming in Southern California."
According to a press release, the company secured the land for approximately $20.8 million, which equals roughly $56,522 per acre.
Gladstone Land has also assumed a lease with a large farming fresh veg operation situated on the site.
"We are excited to announce the addition of another quality farm in Ventura County," said Bill Reiman, Executive Vice President, West Coast Operations. "This acquisition is a fine example of our ability to continue adding valuable fresh produce farmland to our portfolio. We are gaining a prominent new tenant who has been in the fresh vegetable business for generations, and we look forward to further expanding our business with them in the future."
AndNowUKnow will continue to follow along as Gladstone and other investors make moves across the fresh produce industry, so be sure to keep checking back.
LAKELAND, FL - We at ANUK are applauding the charitable efforts made by Publix this week, as the company recently launched a new program in support of Feeding America food banks. The six-week program will provide assistance to six of Florida’s largest food banks as the retailer donates a wide array of grocery items including vegetables.
“When we heard from food banks that they were facing a critical food shortage, we knew that, as a food retailer, we had another opportunity to help,” said Publix CEO Todd Jones. “With 90 years of relationships and expertise, we are able to mobilize quickly—sourcing, purchasing, and transporting what these food banks need most—and bring hope and nourishment this holiday season.”
The six participating Feeding America member food banks collectively serve 46 counties in Florida and include:
- Feeding Northeast Florida, serving the Jacksonville metro area
- Feeding South Florida, serving the Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, and Monroe areas
- Feeding Tampa Bay, serving the Tampa metro area
- Harry Chapin Food Bank, serving the Fort Myers metro area
- Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, serving the Orlando metro area
- Treasure Coast Food Bank, serving the Fort Pierce-Port St. Lucie metro area
A press release noted that food banks are in need with some reporting as much as a 300 to 400 percent increase in demand. As we approach the holidays, more than 2.7 million people in Florida—one in eight—are struggling with hunger.
“As federally funded food deliveries decrease, food banks need help to serve our communities,” said Paco Velez, President and CEO, Feeding South Florida. “For decades, Publix has consistently looked for creative ways to support those in need. Their leadership in 2020 has played a vital role in sustaining our clients throughout this most challenging and unusual year.”
This new six-week program accompanies the program Publix launched in April to purchase surplus produce from farmers impacted by the pandemic and deliver it directly to food banks. Through that program, Publix expects to purchase and deliver more than 18 million pounds of produce to Feeding America member food banks throughout the Southeast this year, including more than seven million pounds of produce to the six Florida food banks receiving additional support this holiday season.
Thank you to all of the industry leaders who have made charitable efforts this year!
NEW YORK - It looks like indoor farming will see heightened attention in the near future. Indoor agriculture pioneer Gotham Greens recently announced it has raised $87 million in new equity and debt capital, bringing the fast-growing company’s total financing to $130 million. The capital raised includes Gotham Greens’ recent Series D round led by Manna Tree, which was joined by The Silverman Group and other existing investors.
“Given increasing challenges facing centralized food supply chains, combined with rapidly shifting consumer preferences, Gotham Greens is focused on expanding its regional growing operations and distribution capabilities at one of the most critical periods for America,” said Viraj Puri, Co-Founder and CEO of Gotham Greens. “We’re dedicated to changing how people think, feel, and interact with their food while decreasing the environmental footprint of the traditional produce supply chain.”
According to the press release, Gotham Greens operates one of the largest and most advanced networks of hydroponic leafy greens-producing greenhouses in North America, where demand for indoor-grown produce is rapidly increasing.
As a leader in the indoor farming and plant-based fresh food categories, Gotham Greens plans to use the latest funding to accelerate its mission to decentralize food production and bring more fresh foods to people across the United States through channel and geographic market expansion, increased operational capacity, and new product development.
“Manna Tree brings a global network of investors and shares our mission and commitment to expand access to healthy, sustainably grown fresh produce,” said Eric Haley, Co-Founder and CFO of Gotham Greens. “Our industry-leading crop yields and capital efficiency in building, and operating indoor farms continues to attract strong support from both new and existing investors and underscores Gotham Greens’ value proposition and category leadership position.”
The fresh food company has doubled its revenue in the past year, bringing its fresh produce and food products to retailers in more than 40 U.S. states through its network of high-tech, climate-controlled greenhouses. As noted in the release, Gotham Green’s expansion has driven 80 percent growth in retail unit sales year over year.
“Gotham Greens is the fastest-growing indoor farming company in the United States today with a track record of profitable, commercial-scale production,” said Brent Drever, Co-Founder and President of Manna Tree. “The pandemic has revealed flaws in America’s food supply chain system, particularly in the produce category, and new leaders and innovators need to emerge to ensure a stable food supply for the future. We believe Gotham Greens’ brand, highly scalable business model, and leadership team position the company to be the market leader in the rapidly growing and changing landscape.”
Recently, the brand launched several new fresh, plant-forward products, including new packaged salads, cooking sauces, and grab-and-go salad bowls featuring fresh Gotham Greens lettuce, Gotham Greens salad dressing, and delicious, protein-packed toppings.
By opening new greenhouses in Chicago, Illinois; Providence, Rhode Island; Baltimore, Maryland; and Denver, Colorado, Gotham Greens has doubled capacity in the past 12 months. These facilities have expanded the distribution of Gotham Greens’ salad greens, herbs, salad dressings, and sauces to new regions, including the New England, Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, and Mountain regions.
With massive expansion and investment in the works, how will Gotham Greens continue to grow? ANUK will keep our eyes on the newswire.
UNITED KINGDOM - Shaking up its portfolio in order to spur further growth, UK-based Menzies Distribution has announced that it has acquired Bibby Distribution from the Bibby Line Group as part of a deal that will create over £1 billion ($1.2 billion) in annual turnover.
“For both our businesses’ customers, it will be very much business as usual, and we look forward to supporting their growth in the coming years. Our ambitious plans for expansion underpin our absolute commitment to all our customers across all our markets. We are delighted to welcome our new colleagues to the next chapter of our combined growth strategy,” said Greg Michael, Chief Executive Officer at Menzies.
The acquisition will add 38 new operating sites to Menzies’ network, creating a combined business operation home of almost 5,000 employees, 1,400 of which will come from Bibby; 4,000 vehicles; and 100 depot locations, according to information from Logistics Manager.
Formerly a part of Bibby Line Group, Bibby Distribution specializes in paper, packaging, and consumer products, with customers that include grocery retailers. The company was reported to have had a turnover of over £166.9 million ($224 million) 3PL in 2019, which would significantly add to the growth of Menzies’ business.
“Our shared values of outstanding reliability, strong relationships, and heritage underpin the compelling prospect of an enlarged group taking the lead on quality and innovation in UK logistics,” said Richard Morson, Chief Executive Officer of Bibby Distribution. “Menzies’ smart approach to supply chain solutions for its customers and pioneering investment in electric vehicle technology show it is a truly future-focused business, and we are very much looking forward to embarking on this new journey.”
How will this acquisition affect distribution across the pond? And, will it eventually play a role in U.S distribution networks? Keep reading AndNowUKnow for the answers and the latest updates on all things fresh produce.
TAMPA, FL - In a recent blog post, Reusable Packaging Association (RPA) detailed why COVID-19 is accelerating digital transformation and an urgency for what it calls tech-enabled reusables.
“COVID-19 has been referred to as black swan event,” the post remarked. “A black swan is an unpredictable turn of events that is beyond the expected and has potentially severe consequences. These occurrences are characterized by their severe impact and extreme rarity. To be certain, the pandemic has disrupted global supply chains on an unprecedented scale.”
With this in mind, associations like RPA are especially crucial to strengthening global supply chain networks. Members of RPA in particular offer solutions that provide visibility and real-time insights into tracking container flow. The use of GPS and IoT-enabled reusables is an easy solution, as many of RPA-affiliated providers offer devices, cloud-based tracking systems, and simple user interfaces that deliver immediate insights without the need to integrate with existing IT.
COVID-19 presented challenges that required a nimble response throughout the food and beverage sector, the blog post went on to note. Supermarket and e-commerce sectors felt strong demand and heightened concerns about pallet and container hygiene surfaced during the early days of the pandemic. Technology-enabled solutions that minimize interaction between a delivery driver and receiving personnel have become increasingly popular during the pandemic.
The blog post noted that, although logistics pain points have been created or exasperated by COVID-19, technology-enabled reusable packaging is available today to help supply chain stakeholders create product visibility and to build healthier supply chains.
Check back in with AndNowUKnow for the latest in industry news.
MISSION, TX - If there are two things that I love, it's grapefruit and the excitement of a competition. Winter Sweetz™, a Lone Star Citrus brand, is bringing both of those things together as the company has announced the launch of its “Sweeter in Texas” sweepstakes to celebrate the red grapefruit season in Texas. The new sweepstakes will continue throughout the holiday season and into the New Year.
“This season’s harvest is one of our very best yet and we are thrilled to share our excitement to ignite demand this year by way of this sweepstakes,” said April Flowers, Director of Marketing. “Our grapefruit has been producing low acid with a brix over 10, creating a very nice brix acid ratio and great flavor, making it the perfect sweet treat for shoppers to enjoy through the holiday.”
Grown in the sunny Rio Grande Valley, Winter Sweetz experienced a lighter bloom this summer, which allowed the fruit to increase one to two sizes from previous seasons, according to a press release. What better way to celebrate than by sharing in the delicious crop with shoppers everywhere through a sweepstakes?
Open for entry as of yesterday and lasting through January 15, 2021, the sweepstakes competition offers consumers the chance to win weekly prizes as well as a final grand prize at the end of the competition. Every week, two winners will be randomly selected to receive a free shipment of Winter Sweetz grapefruit, and one grand prize winner will receive a $500 Amazon gift card.
To take the sweepstakes to new levels, Winter Sweetz will be utilizing not only its website, but kwik-lok messaging, social media platforms, email marketing, and influencer promotions to spotlight the grapefruit brand and drive entries.
Give your shoppers a chance to enter the sweepstakes and get their hands on these prime grapefruits while the season lasts, and load your shelves with Winter Sweetz.
TEXAS - In the middle of winter, it might be difficult to conceptualize spring, but I have some insights on the Texas 1015 onion crop that may change your wintry tune. Touching base with Dante Galeazzi, President and CEO of the Texas International Produce Association (TIPA), I learned inside info.
“Texas 1015s are the first sweet onions of the year that are grown in the United States,” Dante explained. “After the long days of the cold winter, the Texas 1015s are a great way to inspire consumers. The flavor profile is mild with a much lower pyruvic acid content than other onion varieties available during winter and spring months, which makes these onions great for use in both cooked and fresh recipes.”
The crop is currently in the ground, as growers patiently wait for the onions to grow. The season typically begins in March.
“The plantings look great, and the forecast is for a dry and mild winter. If that holds true, then we should see a great crop in terms of quality and size,” Dante continued.
Although we may not know what 2021 holds for us as an industry, we should be poised for any outcome.
“As the world emerges from the nearly year-long pandemic, we expect that many Americans will be poised to indulge in restaurant dining, which hopefully means foodservice operators will get to start placing some big orders of Texas onions come March and April,” Dante concluded.
For the latest in fresh produce and industry news, keep reading us here at AndNowUKnow.
DAVIS, CA - Small gatherings have become a necessity in this new era, but that doesn’t mean consumers want to skimp on splurging for their holiday spreads. In a recent interview with Nugget Markets’ Corporate Executive Chef, Stanislav “Stazi” Dulman, he unveils what the grocer is highlighting as the star of the holiday plate this season. Hint: It’s loaded with fresh produce.
“Our herb-crusted filet mignon is crusted with four different herbs. It’s got thyme, parsley, chives, oregano, as well as Dijon mustard and fresh garlic. We have our brand-new offering, our savory corn pudding, our potato gratin, which is very creamy, rich, and delicious," the chef said in an interview with Fox40. "We have balsamic roasted Brussels sprouts and balsamic roasted shallots, which is a great combination for the filet. And last, we have our herbed carrots.”
Nugget Markets’ Contemporary Holiday Meal is only one offering of many on the retailer’s site. Meals can be purchased as a package deal or ordered à la carte.
The retailer is currently taking orders for its holiday meals, meaning that shoppers can simply place their orders today through December 19 (talk about convenience) and then pick up the meal when they’re available. Could the holidays get any simpler?
For more insight on how executive chefs are placing produce at the center of the plate this holiday season, keep checking back with AndNowUKnow.