TUCSON, AZ - Criminals have unfortunately struck again as U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations officers at the Port of Nogales’ Commercial Facility uncovered 650 packages of methamphetamine and fentanyl on October 2. The drugs were unearthed in a tractor-trailer filled with bell peppers, pickles, and cucumbers, and is on record as the largest methamphetamine load in Arizona’s port history.
“This is an enormous amount of very dangerous hard narcotics that Nogales Cargo Officers prevented from reaching communities throughout the United States,” said Area Port Director Michael Humphries.
According to a release from CBP, after stopping the vehicle and doing a thorough inspection, the officers noticed anomalies in the floor of the trailer. The strange appearances ended up to be approximately 800 pounds of methamphetamine and nine pounds of fentanyl, together totaling a value of almost $2 million.
This is the second drug seizure of this magnitude found in less that three months by these officers. The individual carrying the drugs has been charged by complaint, and is continuing to be investigated.
We once again thank the hard-working individuals at the border who keep our beloved produce safe from those who use it for their criminal deeds.
PROVIDENCE, RI - United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI) has struck a deal with Key Food Stores Co-Operative in a partnership that will see expected sales of approximately $10 billion over the next ten years.
“Key Food, whose members operate more than 315 stores, is a rapidly growing organization with a large market share in the New York market,” said UNFI Chairman and CEO, Steven Spinner. “We have recently begun to service their Florida stores and are excited to expand service to their Northeast stores toward the end of 2021. We believe our unmatched product variety and knowledge of today’s consumer will benefit Key Food and its retailers, and we look forward to driving value to their operations.”
In its role as the primary grocery wholesaler, UNFI will supply Key Food stores with conventional, natural, and organic grocery products, along with a wide variety of international items.
“We are excited about our relationship with UNFI,” said Key Food Chief Executive Officer Dean Janeway. “Their unique ability to service the entire store on a single delivery in addition to their industry expertise and buying power gives Key Food members an advantage in the marketplace. We are thrilled to partner with the UNFI team, and our members look forward to offering UNFI’s full line of products to their shoppers.”
According to a press release, UNFI will also be expanding the scope of its distribution network through a new state-of-the-art, Class A facility in Pennsylvania.
The facility, which is currently under construction in Lehigh County, is strategically located to provide an additional 1.3 million square feet of distribution capacity for UNFI’s new and existing customers in the greater Northeast and surrounding areas, including Key Food.
The distribution center is expected to open in fall of next year.
Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow as we uncover the latest in industry partnerships, deals, and more.
CHICAGO, IL - At 30 years old, Produce Pro Software knows a thing or two about growth. Becoming the leader in ERP software solutions and consulting services for the produce and perishables industries was no easy feat. While we’ve expanded significantly over the past three decades, our primary goal has always been to grow your business. But from where we stand, the best is yet to come.
Here’s What’s In Store with Produce Pro Software.
We’ve been in business since 1990, building a network of over 100 employees, nearly 300 customers, and over 7,000 end users. Our employees have extensive background in the produce business, providing a true insider’s perspective. With an all-in-one software solution that grows along with your business, you can count on our solutions to be there for the long haul.
“We are dedicated to providing the best and most robust solutions and support for our customers," Dave Donat, President and one the first programmers at Produce Pro, emphasizes. "As our company continues to grow and the industry changes at the rapid pace we have seen over the past few years, [especially this year], we will evolve and enhance the functionality of our software to support the needs of our customers and industry alike.”
Produce Pro understands the intricacies of buy/sell transactions, lot management, repacking, and traceability. This extensive expertise results in a total end-to-end business solution for accounting, purchasing, sales, inventory, shipping, and management reporting.
Our solutions have evolved with time, delivering results you can see:
- Increase organization efficiency
- Minimize waste and loss
- Reduce operating costs
- Drive profitability
Because our solutions are driven by customers, we deliver a competitive advantage by listening and integrating their objectives with evolving industry trends. That means we’re flexible, adaptable, and available. But above all, our passion is to be the only solution you’ll ever need. And the proof is in the pudding—some of our longest standing customers have overwhelmingly communicated that Produce Pro Software is the best in the business.
Here’s to 30 years young! We look forward to growing together as your software partner for many more years to come.
Thank you for watching What's In Store.
WASHINGTON, DC - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has filed an administrative complaint against North Pacific Canners and Packers, doing business as NORPAC Foods Inc. (NORPAC) for alleged violations of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA).
Direct from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service:
The company, operating from Oregon, allegedly failed to make payment promptly to 145 produce sellers and creditors in the amount of $19,128,784 from June 2019 through January 2020.
NORPAC will have an opportunity to request a hearing. Should USDA find that the company committed repeated and flagrant violations, it would be barred from the produce industry as a licensee for three years, or two years with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond. Furthermore, its principals could not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee for two years, or one year with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond.
The PACA Division, which is a part of AMS’ Fair Trade Practices Program, regulates fair trading practices of produce businesses that are operating subject to the PACA, including buyers, sellers, commission merchants, dealers, and brokers within the fruit and vegetable industry.
In the past three years, USDA resolved approximately 3,500 PACA claims involving more than $58 million. PACA staff also assisted more than 7,800 callers with issues valued at approximately $148 million. These are just two examples of how USDA continues to support the fruit and vegetable industry.
For more information, and to read the press release in its entirety, click here.
SALINAS, CA - Only a few months ago in August of this year, industry veterans Joe Cimino and Doug Fisher strove to reimagine the produce procurement experience under their new venture, Re Fresh. Now, the new company is bolstering its ranks with industry professionals.
"Re Fresh was founded with a philosophy to focus on customer service, relationship building, and a deep understanding of our customers’ needs. This is accomplished by assembling the right people augmented by technology to carry out our vision," stated Joe Cimino, Co-Founder. "With these hires, everything is in place to fulfill these goals."
According to a press release, Jamie Corn, Janette Gomez, and Joey Eubanks will join the team as Business Development Executives. Corn brings with her six years of produce industry experience in account management, purchasing, sales, and logistics. Gomez brings 16 years of produce industry experience in account management, purchasing, and sales. Eubanks brings 17 years of experience in account management, purchasing, sales, and shipping.
The purchasing team will be made up of TJ Ware, Mike Mouisset, and Sean Azzelio and bring a combined total of 67 years of produce experience to the organization. Azzelio will head the team as Director of Procurement. Re Fresh noted that this group ensures that the entire company is proficient in all commodities and growing regions across North America, as well as imports from Central and South America.
Debbie Enos completes the team as Chief of Staff. She is a 12-year produce industry veteran with experience in executive administration, contract management, and human resources.
"We have built a team that reflects our vision and values, and brings with them deep experience and established relationships. These are talented, dedicated, and curious individuals who work tirelessly to remove roadblocks and support our customers and suppliers," concluded Doug Fisher, Co-Founder.
Congratulations to the entire Re Fresh company!
ISSAQUAH, WA - Costco is on an expansion spree as of late, announcing three new locations within the past two weeks. The wholesale retailer will be opening up new sites in several markets including Canada, Michigan, and Oregon.
In our neighbor to the north, a location opened in South Shore of Montreal, Quebec, on September 29. This new location will be Costco’s second Business Centre in the country, following the success of the first Canadian Costco Business Centre in Ontario.
“The new Business Centre will enable thousands of local businesses of all sizes to benefit from reduced operating expenses and the convenience of one-stop shopping, either in person or online, with a convenient door-to-door delivery service,” Costco stated in an email shared with Daily Hive.
Another location slated to open will be in Midland, Michigan. The newest location will be open to the public on November 12 and will be 158,000 square feet. According to a statement provided by General Manager Mark Zuerner to Midland Daily News, the retailer will offer delivery through its website, Costco.com, as well as delivery through Instacart.
The Salem City Council recently approved a site plan review for a new Costco Wholesale store in Salem, Oregon. According to Statesman Journal, plans are still under discussion with the council and residents regarding the use of a site for a new 168,550-square-foot location. No news was released on when the site would open.
For the latest in the retail sector, keep checking back to ANUK.
NEW YORK, NY - With a company’s online presence holding so much weight these days, there seems no better time to make strategic changes. The New York Apple Association (NYAA) is well aware of this, recently announcing the launch of its new website in tandem with this year’s apple crops.
“The New York Apple Association is kicking off this year’s apple crop with a new website, including an expanded section for foodservice, retail, and wholesale partners,” said Cynthia Haskins, President.
Buyer partners will be able to use the website to order and download new point-of-sale and collateral resources including price cards, recipes, how-to cooking videos, and a series of 12 grower-featured videos including images of New York apples and orchards. The website features popular commercial NY apple varieties, including their eating characteristics, availability, and high-resolution image downloads, as well as a NYAA’s Dietitian Toolkit and over 200 apple recipes.
“Retailers can now order point-of-sale directly through NYAA’s website including colorful display pop-ups for convenient setup and easy merchandising, giving consumers a taste of New York’s apple orchards, and Variety Sheets that depict eating characteristics of apple varieties,” Cynthia continued. “The website showcases each of NYAA’s New York apple varieties and their sweet-to-tart characteristic range.”
As new resources are added to the website, NYAA will alert buyers and their support teams so they can access the updates quickly and easily. The website hosts an area within the foodservice and retail section where partners can view a directory of the New York apple shippers and cider makers, making it even more convenient for buyers to survey the premium apple products from New York.
“For consumers, there are 21 how-to recipe videos on the website that will later be available for social media. Plus, there is a series of quick one-minute videos that focus on fun skewer snacks, apple dips, cider beverages, salads featuring New York apples, and apple pairings,” Cynthia told me.
In addition to the new website, NYAA created new 3-lb poly bags this past year. The packaging included vibrant images and colorful graphics in three different colors to complement different apple colorations and help customers quickly find their favorite varieties.
“Our high-graphic tote bags have been a hit with retailers. Totes are convenient and make new crop apple season fun,” Cynthia concluded. “They give the consumer a sense of that freshly picked, off-the-tree experience.”
It seems there is no end to the strategic moves being made at NYAA, so keep checking in on ANUK as we report.
PENNSYLVANIA - With its sights clearly set on expansion in the Pennsylvania region, BJ’s Wholesale Club has submitted a plan for a new 99,000-square-foot store at Newbury Market in the South Fayette Township. The application was set to be reviewed by the South Fayette Planning Commission on September 24.
According to an article from the Pittsburgh Business Times, the new location would sit on a 10-acre site within the Newbury Market plan, and would even include gas pumps. If BJ’s were to move into the new location, it would serve as a major draw to the Newbury Market, as it has been slow to get off the ground.
In addition to its bid to move into South Fayette, the wholesaler is said to be considering a new store at the Block Northway in Ross Township, Pennsylvania.
While the proposed location that BJ’s is scouting has drawn attention from other big-name retailers across several other industries, having a wholesale location would draw further shopper traffic from surrounding areas.
With 219 stores and increasing popularity in the world of wholesale, BJ’s has seen increasing growth throughout the eastern part of the U.S. Going head to head with companies like Sam’s Club and Costco, BJ’s has reported skyrocketing growth in its second quarter results, including a same-store sales increase of 24 percent and with e-commerce sales growth of more than 300 percent.
The application for BJ’s new location does not include a time frame for the project, but ANUK will continue to keep our ears to the newswire, updating you on all of the latest news.
LONDON, ENGLAND - After many roadblocks and discussions, the time has finally arrived—Walmart has completed the sale of its British supermarket chain Asda. Britain’s billionaire Issa brothers and private equity group TDR Capital have bought Asda from Walmart, valuing the chain at 8.8 billion USD and providing the buyers a platform to roll out smaller stores.
“The Issa brothers have a reputation for good brand partnerships, for convenience, and for growth, and that’s really what we were interested in for Asda,” Judith McKenna, President and CEO of Walmart International told Reuters.
With this deal completed, Asda will officially be under British ownership once more for the first time since 1999 when Walmart purchased it for 6.7 billion GBP or about 8.6 billion USD.
According to McKenna’s statement to Reuters, Asda’s new owners are targeting growth by expanding into convenience shops from its large supermarket and online operations, bringing Asda more in line with market leader Tesco and Sainsbury’s. As stated in the release, the Issa brothers will invest more than one billion pounds over three years to keep prices low, develop supply chains, and invest in e-commerce in addition to convenience stores.
British retail veteran Roger Burnley will remain as CEO of Asda in a deal which ratings agency Moody’s said allows Walmart to continue to refocus its international efforts on markets with more long-term upside, such as India and China.
With the sale completed, what will Walmart’s plans be next for growth, both internationally and stateside? ANUK will report when the news surface.
MISSION, TX - For some, the show must go on. For others, the show must evolve! With the numerous challenges presented across multiple industries in the time of COVID-19, some organizations are battening down the hatches while those like the Texas International Produce Association (TIPA) and it’s Viva Fresh Produce Expo are taking the opportunity to bring value and ingenuity to the stage. With that said, TIPA is announcing that the 2021 Viva Fresh Produce Expo on March 26–27 will proceed as a hybrid event to include both in-person and virtual components that offer solutions for all.
“We did not take the decision to move forward with a hybrid model lightly,” remarked Dante Galeazzi, President and CEO of TIPA. “We recognize and respect the choices and challenges before our attendees. One thing was clear as we polled our exhibitors and retail/foodservice attendees: there is not only the ability but also a strong preference to move forward with certain in-person experiences. We will put the utmost emphasis on safety as we balance the concern of today’s world by providing content and engagement opportunities in the virtual space as well.”
As scheduled, the face-to-face portion of the show will take place as at the Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine, Texas. The show will also become more exclusive than previous years as the team limits the number of attendees per company as part of the new safety protocol—so, get on board now!
I was truly excited to hear that the Viva Fresh hybrid model will provide more in-person elements in addition to the trade show and similar to the traditional Viva Fresh Produce Expo, such as the golf tournament and reception. In addition, it will provide virtual elements that both those attending and those joining from home will be able to participate in. These elements include the Clean Eating Challenge, which kicked off October 1, as well as In Bloom and Aggies-for-Fresh, to name a few.
The Viva Fresh steering committee has done its necessary due diligence and spent extensive time and effort this summer and early fall conducting exhibitor, retail, and foodservice attendee research. What the committee tried to learn and understand were the opinions and company regulations surrounding travel and trade show participation, according to a press release. Uncertainties still abound across policies and positions, but the overall perception from those polled was that while business travel might not be ideal today, there is a strong desire to resume important interactions in quarters one and two of 2021.
Additional safety protocols already worked into the show plans include:
- Masks required in all trade show areas
- Temperature checks prior to entry into expo areas
- Sanitation intervals during show
- Contactless payment and registration
TIPA will continue to share more information in the very near future to aid attendees, exhibitors, and sponsors, including lists of events happening online and in-person, sponsorship opportunities, safety features and protocols, exhibitor information, registration, hotel bookings, and more.
Please be on the lookout for future updates from yours truly and the entire AndNowUKnow team!