DINUBA, CA - Agriculture Capital (AC) recently announced a restructuring of its organization and the addition of new leadership to prepare for rapid growth and continued operational excellence. Under the new structure, AC Foods companies previously led by AC Operations will be divided into AC Brands, AC Farming, and AC Nursery and Genetics, each headed by a CEO with extensive industry experience.
“The AC model of regenerative agriculture and food production was immediately enticing to me and is well-aligned with my personal values,” shared Craig Hope, newly appointed CEO of AC Brands. “I am thrilled to add my skills to this team; help grow our brands across the portfolio; and partner with our valued growers, customers, and employees to create access to food that is better and healthier for their families.”
Led by Hope, AC Brands will lead all five of AC Foods U.S. fresh fruit packing and cold storage businesses, including Suntreat/Legacy Packing and Cold Storage, Cal Valley Citrus, Columbine Vineyards, and Silver Mountain Packing. AC Brands will also manage Sales and Marketing for AC’s citrus and table grape portfolios, including Suntreat®, Sumo Citrus®, I’m Pink®, Columbine Vineyards®, Holiday®, and Milano® brands.
Hope brings over 30 years of experience in general management, sales, and marketing with Kraft Foods/Nabisco, E&J Gallo, Earthbound Farm/WhiteWave Food Company, Country Fresh Holdings (Fresh Food Group), and most recently Diamond Foods.
“Craig’s experience in building teams, leading high-growth businesses, and product innovation make him an ideal fit for the AC Brands team as it pursues strong growth and expansion of our citrus, table grape, and blueberry businesses,” said Tom Avinelis, Co-Managing Director of Agriculture Capital. “He understands what it takes to drive high-performance teams to great business results, and we’re grateful to have him join us to lead our next phase of growth.”
In addition, AC Brands has added Jason Allen as CFO. Jason brings over 20 years of industry leadership at world-class organizations like Olam Americas, Newell Brands, and The Hershey Company. Allen will focus on building out AC Brand’s finance and accounting team, system, and processes to ensure customer service, and accounting supports both customers and growers with timely, transparent information as the company grows.
“We are thrilled to be adding experienced leaders like Craig Hope and Jason Allen and to be moving to a structure that positions our teams to focus on what they do best,” said Rob Hurlbut, Co-Managing Director, Agriculture Capital. “As we plan for investment in future expansion to build out our regenerative, vertically-integrated food businesses, the AC Brands, AC Farming, and AC Nursery & Genetics management teams are ready to scale to meet the dynamic needs of customers, growers, and retail partners.”
According to the press release, AC Farming will be led by Darren Filkins, CEO. With nearly 10,000 acres of citrus, table grape, blueberry, and tree nut farms in California under management, Filkins and his team will be focused on growing the best quality fruits and nuts to delight customers and consumers. With over 15 years in the industry, Filkins’ extensive experience will allow him to apply best practices for efficiency and innovation as AC looks to continue to expand its regenerative farming scale in the Western U.S.
Roger Smith has been promoted to CEO of AC Nursery and Genetics. Including both TreeSource nursery and Columbine Vineyards nursery and genetics programs, Smith will lead the nursery and genetics programs across AC’s citrus and table grape portfolios. With over 30 years of experience, an innovative mindset, and strong business acumen, Smith’s leadership will help support the long-term growth of the AC portfolio with the best possible genetics and plants.
Congratulations to all on their new roles!
OTAY MESA, CA - It is always with a heavy heart that AndNowUKnow must report illegal activities in which our beloved produce is used in nefarious ways. Most recently, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Otay Mesa, California, commercial facility discovered 614 pounds of methamphetamine hidden in a shipment of green onions.
According to a press release, CBP officers pulled over a trailer with a shipment written as “mint leaves and other spices.” After going through an X-ray imaging process, the officers were able to identify suspicious anomalies within the shipment and then sent the truck/trailer to the dock for a more intensive examination. A CBP canine team screened the conveyance and the detector dog alerted to the shipment.
Probing boxes within a shipment of green onions, officers uncovered a crystal-like substance that field-tested positive for the properties of methamphetamine. Of these wrapped packages, 40 were discovered with an estimated street value of $1.4 million.
Keep reading us here at ANUK as we celebrate the officers at the border protecting our produce.
BATAVIA, IL - Aldi has hit quadruple digits here in the States and its market takeover is far from over. The retailer hit the newswire with an epic amount of news to relate: plans to invest more than $5 billion in its latest expansion round and a new project to set up regional headquarters and a distribution center (DC) in Loxley, Alabama.
As part of this expansion, Aldi is set to open 70 new stores by the end of the year, with plans to enter a new market in Phoenix, Arizona. I can’t even handle how much news I just typed out!
“Each new store is an opportunity to serve another community, which is an honor and responsibility we do not take lightly,” said Jason Hart, CEO, ALDI US, in a recent press release. “As we continue to expand, we promise to do everything in our power to offer the lowest prices, every day, without exception. In fact, as food costs are rising across the country, we’re lowering prices on hundreds of items to meet our customers’ increased need for savings.”
This news relates to Aldi’s continuing $5.3-billion expansion plan that it hopes will position it as the third largest grocer in the United States.
Its new DC in Loxley, Alabama, valued at $100 million, will support its growth along the Gulf Coast as it seeks to further penetrate markets in Alabama, Louisiana, and the Florida Panhandle.
“We are ready to bring the Aldi difference to new markets in Alabama, like Baldwin County,” Dan Gavin, Vice President of Real Estate, Aldi. “We’re ramping up our expansion plans to meet the growing demand along the Gulf Coast.”
With a whopping $5.4 billion at the ready, it’s no wonder Aldi is confident in its market attacks. Keep reading AndNowUKnow as we cover the latest in all things retail.
DALLAS, TX - DMA Solutions has been making waves in the produce marketing sector for years now, and its latest innovation only solidifies its position. The company recently created an interactive webinar named “Marketing Matters,” in which it invites fresh produce professionals to learn about the potential opportunities that marketing can bring to their businesses. Each webinar is hosted twice a month on Zoom at 1 p.m. CST.
“Marketers in the fresh produce industry are often faced with similar challenges,” said Dan’l Mackey Almy, President and CEO, in a recent press release. “We launched ‘Marketing Matters’ to create a space for us to come together and gain context and confidence as we continue to proliferate and protect the brands that we serve.”
In each session, Almy will present and offer insight on relevant topics before opening the floor for attendees to ask questions or share thoughts.
DMA Solutions plans to cover other important topics in the near future, such as:
- The current state of social media
- What your CEO needs to know about marketing
- How sales and marketing can work together
- Preparing for a virtual PMA Fresh Summit
Those interested in attending future Marketing Matters webinars can register at the link provided here.
IRVINE, CA - Industry veterans like Dave Puglia are torchbearers for the future of fresh produce. Puglia, the Western Growers President and CEO, has shown a particular tenacity in recent years which has positioned him as one of the industry’s most influential leaders.
Today, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer announced the appointment of Puglia to serve on the Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee.
“I am honored to be appointed to the Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee,” said Puglia in response to his appointment, according to a press release. “International markets are vital to the growth of the fresh produce industry, accounting for more than $23 billion in fruit, vegetable, and tree nut sales in 2019. However, tariff and non-tariff barriers continue to restrict access to key export destinations. I look forward to working with USDA, USTR, and my committee colleagues to help formulate durable trade policies that benefit our domestic growers.”
In this role, Puglia will provide advice to the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative on trade policy matters including the operation of existing trade agreements and the negotiation of new agreements.
With Dave Puglia at the helm of our U.S. fresh produce operations, there is no telling what our future holds! Keep clicking back to AndNowUKnow for more of our industry’s latest and greatest.
IMMOKALEE, FL - We all know that fresh produce presents enormous value for foodservice operators, but how can that value be further explored? This is the question the Produce Marketing Association (PMA) asks each of us every year at PMA Foodservice: Delivered, this year presenting it in a new, virtual format. Lipman Family Farms is more than ready to hit the trade show floor, showcasing an expanded product line in the value-added sector.
As the need for reliable supply grows across the foodservice industry, Lipman will highlight its new line of fresh-cut green beans at the event. Resilient to shifts in the supply chain, Lipman’s fresh-cut line provides surety of supply through continuous partnerships that deliver dependable product to customers year-round.
“Our fresh-cut green beans are part of our year-round program of continuous partnership with customers looking for clean, safe, and reliable product,” said Darren Micelle, Chief Operating Officer, of the expansion. “Handled and cleaned with the utmost care, our green beans help our customers simplify the creation of signature dishes, no matter the season or occasion.”
As part of the expanded product line, Lipman’s fresh-cut green beans are harvested, packed, freshly clipped, and cleaned to eliminate prep time, reduce foodservice labor, help with cost savings, and ultimately provide customers with a high-quality, fresh product that is dependable and safe.
To guarantee product availability, particularly during the holiday months when fresh green beans are in high demand, Lipman’s green beans are grown on exclusive acreage in Guasave, Mexico, and Baja California, Mexico, and distributed by Lipman’s West Coast distribution network.
Offered in both foodservice bulk and retail packaging, green bean shipments are set to begin by October, with organic options available through Lipman’s Grown True label, according to a press release.
Stop by PMA Foodservice: Delivered anytime this week, July 20-24, where Lipman will be showcasing a solutions sampling page, offering solutions to supply chain questions, additional info on its full fresh-cut line, and more! To access Lipman resources and join the live event, register and attend PMA’s Foodservice: Delivered, held online all week long.
We’ll see you there!
WASHINGTON, DC - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) continues its efforts to enforce the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) and ensure fair trading practices within the U.S. produce industry. Recently, the USDA imposed sanctions on Coram Deo Farms Inc. (Coram Deo) in Tubac, Arizona, for failing to pay $221,564 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.
Coram Deo failed to pay $221,564 to four sellers for produce that was purchased, received, and accepted in interstate and foreign commerce from July 2017 to March 2018. This is in violation of the PACA. Coram Deo cannot operate in the produce industry until April 7, 2022, and then only after they apply for and are issued a new PACA license by USDA.
The company’s principals, Adrian Pryor and Oscar Lopez, may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee until April 7, 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 further information, contacts, and to read the press release in its entirety, please visit the link here.
FRANCE - On April 17, Border Force officials discovered a tainted fruit and vegetable shipment coming through the Channel Tunnel terminal at Coquelles, France. After uncovering roughly $1.5 million worth of cocaine hidden by a fraudulent distributor, the officials have now completed their arrest of the perpetrator.
“This individual thought he could hide his criminal activity under the guise of a legitimate business,” NCA Dover Branch Commander, Martin Grace, said. “If undetected, this cocaine would have undoubtedly been distributed in the U.K., where the class A drug trade fuels violence and exploitation.”
Narcis-Bogdan Stoica of Romania had attempted to create a fake distribution business in order to smuggle this shipment of illegal drugs, which had a potential street value of an estimated £1.2 million (around $1.5 million). When his van was searched, officials found two built-in concealments for the drugs which were accompanied by pallets of fresh fruits and vegetables in the back of a van, according to KentOnline.
Stoica recently appeared in court to plead guilty to this crime, ultimately earning him a six-year-long prison sentence.
“Excellent work by Border Force and the NCA has ensured that more than £1M ($1.2M) of cocaine has been kept off the U.K.’s streets and brought a smuggler to justice,” Minister for Immigration Compliance and the Courts, Chris Philp, said. “Illegal drugs fuel crime, violence, and exploitation, which is why our work to prevent them reaching our communities is so vital.”
Thank you to all of our border officials for the continued protection of our fresh fruits and vegetables!
LOS ANGELES - Challenge accepted. These are the words spoken by the team at The Giumarra Companies as our traditional trade shows have gone from handshakes, cocktails, and sore feet to computer screens, home offices, and video meetings. You can’t get an innovative company down in this industry, and Giumarra always helps to elevate the bar as today demands our evolution. With PMA Foodservice Delivered just days away on July 20-24, I took a beat with some of Giumarra’s finest to talk shop and virtual prowess.
“For the inaugural PMA Foodservice: Delivered event, we are participating as a sponsor and are looking forward to the value PMA brings to the stage. PMA has taken a unique approach with this virtual experience and opted to group participating companies into five industry ‘challenges’ identified by buyers,” Megan Schulz, Director of Communications, tells me. “This is a great, solution-focused tactic and will connect the right buyers with the solutions they are seeking.”
Giumarra elected to participate in the Supply Chain Challenges portion. In a nutshell, think of Giumarra for quality produce delivered to customers in the most efficient way possible.
The Giumarra team created various tools and videos for the virtual experience to help members of the foodservice industry learn more about Giumarra and its product and service offerings.
“Beyond being purely informational, we are also including some fun elements designed to lift spirits and share fresh ideas around produce. If you spend time exploring our sponsor page and watching our Chef’s Table session, you’ll spot some familiar faces and even a well-known chef! Foodservice distributors will also find a way to help us support Brighter Bites and give back to local communities,” Megan shares.
For Chef’s Table, Giumarra focused on food as an element that brings people together and gives them an outlet to let those unique personalities shine. Keep an eye out for the session, which features a Cook at Home challenge with five “friends of Giumarra”– various people in the Giumarra network who all have professional and personal connections to food.
Giumarra Avocados from Nature’s Partner on Vimeo.
To say that Giumarra has kept busy would be an understatement.
Expanding on the vision for Giumarra’s foodservice platform, Gary Caloroso, Regional Business Development Director, tells me that the team’s hope is to interact with as many foodservice customers as it can and engage in meaningful discussions centered around important topics in the industry.
“This is a challenging time for foodservice. We want our customers to know that we are eager to support them with our comprehensive services program and 52-week availability on key foodservice items. Our popular foodservice items include avocados, berries, citrus, grapes, kiwifruit, squash, stone fruit, tomatoes, and watermelon,” Gary expresses. “While the current landscape may look different for foodservice, consumers are still seeking unique experiences when dining, albeit in a socially-distanced manner.”
By being solutions-oriented and sharing innovative ideas, Giumarra can help the foodservice industry meet the challenges to come, Megan adds.
“Giumarra has a robust foodservice produce offering, including being one of the largest suppliers of avocados in the U.S. Additionally, we offer comprehensive services to support our product line. These include trucking and logistics, consolidation, and packaging,” Gary says, echoing Megan’s deep passion for the company vision and road ahead.
As we look to the kick-off of the event, attendees can also plan on connecting with Giumarra’s marketing and business development team during Foodservice Delivered.
With their virtual boots on the ground, the Giumarra team is meeting today’s challenges with meaningful solutions. So, swing by and say hi!
GREAT BRITAIN - A certain German retailer has been on an unstoppable momentum of growth and expansion as of late. Last month, Lidl announced plans to expand its England market right before it announced intentions to open a swath of new stores in Italy. Recently, however, the grocery chain made known of an even more ambitious strategy—to have 1,000 stores in Great Britain.
“It is [a] testament to the continued hard work of our colleagues that we are able to continue forging ahead with our expansion plans, despite the challenging circumstances that have been faced over the past months,” Lidl Great Britain Chief Executive Christian Härtnagel said.
According to RLI, Lidl is investing £1.3 billion (approximately 1.6 billion USD) in Great Britain for 2021 and 2022. By the end of 2023, The German discount retailer said it aims to have 1,000 stores in Great Britain.
Plans are in place for the grocer to open one store a week for the next six months, creating up to 1,000 additional jobs in Britain by the end of the year. Lidl said its investment plans in Great Britain will drive the opening of 100 additional stores, creating around 4,000 jobs for the British economy.
“I am incredibly grateful to all Lidl teams for their unwavering commitment to keeping the nation fed, and we very much look forward to welcoming more people into the Lidl family in the weeks and months ahead,” concluded Härtnagel.
Earlier this month, Lidl US announced its East Coast focus for the near future. Will we see more development from the grocer Stateside? ANUK will continue to report.