LISBON - The Judiciary Police force in Lisbon have successfully protected another shipment of fresh fruit that had fallen into the hands of drug smugglers. A massive amount of cocaine was discovered within a shipment of bananas, launching the officials' drug combat operation into high gear.
According to World Today News, the National Unit to Combat Narcotics Trafficking recently reported, “in recent days, it has launched an operation to combat international drug trafficking, aiming at the seizure of a high quantity of cocaine.” Because of this operation, over 826 pounds (375 kg) of cocaine was seized, “in a logistics center located north of Lisbon, hidden inside a container that transported bananas, recently arrived in the territory national, by sea.”
The statement went on to note that, “four national citizens aged between 33 and 56 years of age were arrested in flagrante delicto suspected of being part of a transnational criminal organization dedicated to the introduction of large quantities of cocaine on the European continent, coming from Latin America.”
Additionally, three suspected vehicles have been seized and all individuals involved officially face criminal charges.
For more ways that officials around the world are combatting criminal activity surrounding the transportation of fresh produce, ANUK will be here to report.
SALINAS, CA - What better way to innovate than with the expertise of industry veterans? Doug Fisher and Joe Cimino—each with over 30 years of growing, buying, and distribution experience—have teamed up to form Re Fresh, an innovative new produce procurement company. Re Fresh combines break-through predictive analytics with the more personal old-school way of doing business to enhance produce procurement for buyers and growers.
“Buying and selling produce used to be a simple, trust-based business, where nothing mattered more than personal relationships and integrity,” explained Joe Cimino, Co-Founder. “We believe this is still the best way to conduct business, especially when it is combined with sophisticated modeling and predictive analytics to provide insight into supply, demand, and pricing trends.”
In addition to a focus on personal connections and relationships to better integrate with customer needs, Re Fresh’s business model is based on a culture of accountability, transparency, and a passion for produce combined with deep market intelligence and insights, according to a press release.
With their long history and broad connections in the Salinas Valley, Fisher and Cimino are assembling a Re Fresh team of like-minded, experienced produce procurement experts with deep supplier relationships to join them. Fisher and Cimino are eager to continue utilizing their industry passion and expertise to enhance the produce procurement process.
“We use sophisticated technology and predictive analytics to help us advise clients to make better data-driven business decisions and buying moves. However, we will not let our systems or technology get in the way of boots-on-the-ground experience or personal communication and insights,” added Doug Fisher, Co-Founder. “We will still be visiting with and picking up the phone to talk to our customers and suppliers on a regular basis, as nothing can replace personal connections.”
With innovation at the forefront, these two industry influencers and their new company are ones to watch.
LOS ANGELES, CA - It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s… Giumarra? Yes, The Giumarra Companies has taken to the skies, recently completing a test flight shipment to deliver peaches grown in the San Joaquin Valley to Southern California-based grocery retailer Gelson’s.
The test included Cessna aircraft loaded with freshly harvested Henry III variety peaches at Reedley Municipal Airport on the morning of August 7. The aircraft flew for approximately one hour to Whiteman Airport in Los Angeles.
“Giumarra was established by a grower family with the aim to share delicious, high-quality fruit with the world,” said Tim Riley, President of the Giumarra Companies. “We are uniting our founding values with a commitment to exploring new logistics platforms as we continue to expand our service capabilities. This test with Gelson’s proved successful, and we look forward to future experimentation with this technology.”
John Corsaro, CEO of Giumarra, and John Savidan, Senior Director of Produce and Floral for Gelson’s, were on site at Whiteman Airport to witness the aircraft arrival.
After being unloaded from the plane, the fruit was delivered to four local Gelson’s stores in Valley Village, Sherman Oaks, Century City, and Pacific Palisades.
“We are excited to be the first retailer in Giumarra’s test to offer this exclusive summer fruit to our loyal shoppers at select store locations,” said Rob McDougall, President and CEO of Gelson’s. “Our customers have come to expect Gelson’s to be on the leading edge of grocery innovation, and we are pleased to bring a new offering in the produce department that utilizes airplane technology to deliver enhanced flavor.”
Upon arrival to the store locations, the peaches were showcased in the stores’ weekend produce displays featuring airplane mobiles and signs highlighting the fruit’s tree-ripe flavor and exceptional “flown fresh from the farm” quality, a press relase explained.
To accompany the in-store signage and merchandising, Gelson’s shared the message of the peaches’ unique delivery method with customers using geo-targeted digital marketing, including social media.
“As a grower, it is exciting to be able to offer consumers a piece of tree-ripe fruit the way nature intended,” said Tim Thiesen, Grower for the Giumarra Companies. “This technology helped us swiftly bring a local farm stand experience to grocery stores more than 200 miles away.”
With aircraft delivery, Giumarra’s peaches arrived in stores much quicker after harvest than with traditional transportation methods.
Will wonders never cease? With companies like Giumarra in the game, I expect not.
NORTH CAROLINA - Early on Sunday morning, a 5.1 magnitude earthquake hit Sparta, North Carolina, 100 miles north of Charlotte. It was centered just over a mile south of Sparta near the Virginia border, and reports claim it was the strongest quake to hit North Carolina in more than a century.
According to local news source The Charlotte Observer, Sunday’s earthquake was the strongest in the state since 1916 when a 5.2 magnitude quake occurred near Skyland, just outside of Asheville. It was the strongest of six reported earthquakes centered in that region since Saturday. Others in the cluster ranged in magnitude from 2.1 to 2.6, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
USGS officials on Sunday afternoon estimated there was a 45 percent chance for aftershock earthquakes of magnitude 3 or greater in the next week. The estimates for another quake magnitude 5 or greater are much lower, at 1 percent.
Other than structural damage, there were no serious injuries reported. As of now, there is no known effect on growing regions within the area.
We here at ANUK hope the best for residents in the areas affected and a speedy recovery for the state. Stick with us as we continue to report on the latest in weather events that have the potential to affect trade.
SALINAS, CA - An ever-changing market, new virtual rules of engagement, and more have put all of us in the industry on high alert. Luckily, companies like Ippolito International thrive in this environment. I caught up with Lara Grossman, Sales and Marketing, about Ippolito’s new chopped greens line—and why this is adding value to the sector.
“Our value-added chopped greens are a new player in our product line-up," Lara began. “We have seven SKUs (organic Tuscan Kale and organic Chopped Collards in five ounce; Chopped Kale, Mustard Greens, and Greens Trio in one pound; and Chopped Collards and Turnip Greens in two pounds). So far, the greens have been a very successful product line for us. By increasing the products we can offer our customers, we’re providing them more choices, which helps them offer more diversified items to their customers.”
Thus far, Ippolito has received the best feedback in regards to a sales spike as a result of expanding its product line.
“But, we’ve also gotten feedback regarding our overall efficiencies—we’re getting customers’ trucks loaded with fewer stops. Knowing this has helped us solidify relationships with customers that previously may have only been pulling ‘the short list’ of our commodities,” Lara noted. “Now, we’re in a different game, and frankly it’s exciting to have positive endorsement from customers. We have customers who’ve been delighted to learn that their stop at our cooler now brings additional options in value-added."
Ippolito’s newly diversified capabilities allow it to respond to customers rapidly, a point of pride for the grower.
“Meeting the needs of customers and consumers is our highest focus, and, although COVID is a recent, and very concerning, factor, the market is always going to be in flux. These two facts of life are what drive us. So, every day, we put our energies towards managing our business to address both of these facts—and the value-added portion of our business is a recent result of this mentality,” Lara concluded.
To remain in the know on all things produce, keep reading us here at ANUK.
WENATCHEE, WA - Nothing beats the sweet summer pick-me-up of a juicy, fresh peach or nectarine, and Stemilt knows it! As the season speeds by, the produce titan is continuing its Artisan Organics™ Peach and Nectarine crusade by encouraging retailers to show off their fun displays and continue marketing the exclusive fruit options. To give retailers an added boost, Stemilt is rolling out its Top Pick™ program that features some of the most premium peach and nectarine offerings.
“Summer isn’t slowing down, and neither can retailers when it comes to summer fruit promotion,” said Brianna Shales, Senior Marketing Manager. “Labor Day is about a month away, so retailers should be planning for Stemilt’s Artisan Organics peaches and nectarines to be on ad for Labor Day and anytime during September. We have a great assortment of varieties that will leave consumers with a delightful eating experience.”
Already halfway through the summer fruit season, Stemilt is moving right along as the company prepares to continue shipping its products through the third week of September, giving retailers and consumers only a few more months to partake in the sweet offerings.
According to a press release, Stemilt will be offering retailers the option of both medium and large sizes of peaches and nectarines, and will also have bags available for them to carry. The 100 percent recyclable Artisan Organics tote is made of sustainable papers, and will give consumers a convenient grab-and-go option as they hit the produce aisle.
“It is a durable bag that meets consumer demand for sustainable packaging,” explained Shales. “It holds up to 4–5 pieces of large fruit or 4 lbs. Cashiers will ring the tote bag up via PLU stickers on the fruit. The bags are shipping in a Euro carton, where each Euro holds 8 bags. It also has the ability to display instantly at retail.”
For retailers wanting to give their customers the most premium fruit options, they need look no further than the new Stemilt Top Pick program. Offering only peaches and nectarines grown on the highest part of the tree, the fruit included in these packages display beautifully, showing off great color and rich flavoring. The packaging is just as eye catching, and will wow consumers.
“The Top Pick pack is all about sharing the most incredible peaches and nectarines ever with shoppers,” continued Shales. “It ships at ideal ripeness and with high brix, or sugar, standards. Having a program like Top Pick available in your stores eliminates the customer’s guessing game for buying delicious fruit and helps get your summer fruit category moving in a positive direction.”
Top Pick packages are shipped in 15 lb, single layer Euro cartons, and offer a wide variety of Stemilt’s peaches and nectarines. Currently, Sierra Rich, Zee Lady, and Elegant Lady peaches are ready for retailers. Starting at the end of August and into September, Oh Henry and August Lady peaches will be available. Additionally, nectarine varieties include Honey Royale and Summer Flare with August Bright and Summer Blush rounding out the end of the season.
“Stemilt’s mission is to delight consumers with our World Famous fruits,” said Shales. “Artisan Organics summer fruit always delivers on that promise. They’re flavorful, colorful, and every bite requires a napkin on hand—the exact experience we strive for when growing our Artisan Organics peaches and nectarines.”
If you want to give your customers the delicious variety of Stemilt nectarines and peaches, be sure to stock up before the season is over. I for one am looking forward to biting into one as I enjoy the summer heat!
PLEASANT PRAIRIE, WI - In order to put out a top-notch product, teams have to be at their very best. For Good Foods, this means being named Food Processing’s 2020 “R&D Team of the Year” in the medium-size category.
“Good Foods is driven by innovation,” said Kurt Penn, Founder and Chief Executive Officer. “Research and development is integral to the continued growth of our company and we couldn’t be more proud of our team for receiving this recognition.”
Katie Schmits, Director of Innovation for R&D, and her team of six have various backgrounds that range from culinary expertise to biology and food science.
According to a press release, the team has collaborated on the launch of various new products, such as the plant-based dip line that includes popular flavors like Queso and Buffalo, as well as a new salad dressing line.
“What makes our team so special is that while we have different backgrounds and experiences, we have the same shared mission of providing consumers with simple, safe, and delicious products,” remarked Schmits. “We’re so honored to have our work recognized as Food Processing’s ‘R&D Team of the Year’ and we look forward to continued innovation and development at Good Foods.”
In order to release on-trend products, Good Foods relies on market research and customer collaboration. The R&D team meets regularly each week to collaborate, conduct taste tests, troubleshoot, and revise new products.
Congratulations to Good Foods on this high honor!
UNITED STATES - In May of this year, Amazon made retail tongues wag when people familiar with the matter reported that the e-tailer was looking at J.C. Penney as a potential acquisition. Building upon that rumor, the largest mall owner in the United States, Simon Property Group, has been in talks with Amazon to take over space left by increasingly out-of-demand department stores.
According to a report from The Wall Street Journal, Simon Property Group has been exploring with Amazon the possibility of using these department stores as new fulfillment centers or distribution hubs. People familiar with the matter noted that these talks have centered around the acquisition and conversion of stores formerly or currently occupied by either J.C. Penney or Sears.
Although uncertain how many stores are under consideration, these talks exemplify why Amazon has maintained its position as a retail tour de force. Utilizing the power of e-commerce with the strategic positioning of brick-and-mortar hubs, Amazon is one such competitor always looking to the future.
How will these potential centers help Amazon enter into new markets? Will we soon see grocery blend with traditional department outlets? AndNowUKnow will be here to report.
WASHINGTON, DC - As a part of its efforts to enforce the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) and ensure fair trading practices within the U.S. produce industry, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has imposed sanctions on Double D Sales Company, Inc. (Double D), based out of Visalia, California, for failing to meet its contractual obligations to the sellers of produce it purchased.
Direct from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service:
These sanctions include barring the business and the principal operators of the business from engaging in PACA-licensed business or other activities without approval from USDA. By issuing these penalties, USDA continues to enforce the prompt and full payment for produce while protecting the rights of sellers and buyers in the marketplace.
Double D failed to pay $378,663 to three sellers for produce that was purchased, received and accepted in interstate and foreign commerce from July 2018 to September 2018. This is in violation of the PACA. Double D cannot operate in the produce industry until August 4, 2022, and then only after it applies for and is issued a new PACA license by USDA.
The company’s principal, Derrick Daniell, may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee until August 4, 2021, and then only with the posting of a USDA approved surety bond.
USDA is required to publish the finding that a business has committed willful, repeated and flagrant violations of PACA as well as impose restrictions against those principals determined to be responsibly connected to the business during the violation period. Those individuals, including sole proprietors, partners, members, managers, officers, directors, or major stockholders may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee without USDA approval.
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 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, please visit the link here.
WATSONVILLE, CA - California Giant Berry Farms recently came in full force for the first-ever PMA Foodservice: Delivered event. Foodservice and collaboration come to a head on a global stage, and Tom Smith, Director of Foodservice and Organic Sales, shared his experience and how the team is serving its category.
“It was great to hear from the industry on so many levels on what is most important to each of them right now in this new reality. Attendees from divisions such as corporate research and development to culinary to procurement and buying are facing a new set of challenges, and the grower-shipper community has to be a part of their solution,” Tom shared. “There are new limitations in place, and the grower-shipper community has to be looking at the opportunities we have to help the industry survive.”
With quality at the heart of the berry grower’s operations, California Giant is pushing forth in implementing advancements in food safety, packaging, and value-added applications. The grower is also bringing new items and ideas to the table to help kitchens utilize perishable products to reduce spoilage and shrink.
“California Giant hangs our hat on being a premium quality grower-shipper of all four berries year-round. We’ve put in a lot of time and hard work into building that reputation. It’s not an easy task to deliver fresh berries on a daily basis, but it’s one instilled by our owners, and we take pride in our growers and the work that they do to uphold that premier status,” Tom asserted. “Right now, we have to look at where there are other opportunities in the services we provide in order to alleviate the stress on the supply chain. We have to be listening, and we have to be willing to pioneer these challenges to provide real solutions.”
This type of forward-thinking opens the grower up to possibilities and solutions such as consolidation, cross-docking, and logistics to streamline the supply chain; product innovation to offer value-added items to cut labor costs in the kitchen; or packaging innovation such as smaller volumes or mixed cartons for use.
Since the start of the pandemic, our industry has banded together to face a common obstacle—bringing quality food products to consumers while adhering to safety measures. The collaboration between operators, distributors, and grower-shippers is as important as ever, and that collaborative spirit has spurred innovative thinking and adaptability for California Giant.
“We all have to find ways to continue to work together while we get through this,” Tom explained. “Relationships have always been the most important thing in this industry—that has not changed. If anything, they are more important now than ever before.”
Foodservice will continue to thrive thanks to the innovation and determination provided by industry leaders such as California Giant. Find out more that our industry has to offer right here on ANUK.