GERMANY - Lidl is one tour de force grocer. With expansion plans cropping up right and left, the retailer is quickly making moves across the pond and in the States. This time, Lidl’s parent company Schwarz Gruppe announced that it acquired Real.de, one of the largest online platforms in Germany.
“Real.de is an essential component for our future offering,” stated Rolf Schumann, Chief Digitalization Officer of the Schwarz Gruppe. “The combination of brick-and-mortar business and online trading will open up additional opportunities for us. This will also offer new advantages for our customers.”
As one of the largest online platforms in Germany, Real.de will help advance Schwarz Gruppe's standing in the e-commerce market.
According to a report from Ecommerce News Europe, this transaction will bolster Schwarz Gruppe’s digital business and expand the group’s offering for both its customers and trading partners in Germany and abroad.
As digital becomes the space in which retailers go to bat, how will this new acquisition increase Lidl’s competitive edge? AndNowUKnow will keep reporting.
MORGAN HILL, CA - The global seed breeder continues its reach around the globe, this time setting its sights in Israel. Sakata Seed America announced the acquisition of the blocky bell pepper breeding program from Danziger “Dan” Seeds Ltd of Israel. The acquisition, which includes several existing commercial varieties in the market, will enable Sakata’s global, world-class breeder network to combine Danziger’s genetics with existing Sakata blocky bell pepper advancements and bring more outstanding products to market.
“We’re very excited to tap into this resource to better serve the blocky bell pepper market, not only in USMCA, but globally, as well,” stated Bryan Zingel, Senior Sweet Pepper Product Manager for Sakata. “Danziger has an exceptional breeding program and commercial variety portfolio focused on the Mexico mid-tech market, as well as U.S. growers utilizing high tunnel and shade cover growing practices.”
The purchase entitles Sakata to all existing assets of Danziger’s blocky bell pepper breeding program and will further solidify Sakata’s prominent position in the global pepper market.
According to a press release, Danziger developed its blocky bell pepper varieties using fast-track computational breeding technology from seed breeding specialist, Equinom Ltd., an ag-tech seed innovator that integrates cutting-edge technology with data-driven breeding methodology. The technology enables the company to breed non-GMO varieties with high levels of accuracy and efficiency.
“Here at Danziger, we are very happy that our pepper varieties are now in the hands of Sakata, as we are convinced that Sakata will do a great job in maximizing the potential of our breeding program and varieties to create value for Sakata, the pepper growers, and consumers around the world,” Micha Danziger, CEO of Danziger Seeds, commented.
Sakata’s Senior Director of Research and Development, Jeff Zischke, played a key role in the company’s strategic acquisition of the program.
“Sakata has a global network that can expand and amplify this blocky bell pepper program worldwide,” Zischke stated. “We look forward to advancing these exceptional genetics to build a more comprehensive pepper program for the global market.”
Sakata Seed America will call upon its extensive network of global affiliates to continue to develop the program to its fullest potential and increase its reach. All existing Danziger commercial varieties will be made available to the industry via Sakata Seed America, effective immediately.
For more acquisitions, expansions, and innovations in the fresh produce industry, keep checking back to ANUK.
WOODRIDGE, IL - Produce Pro Software is introducing a new tool suite for processing, packouts, and production management. With our innovative business and technology solutions, we aim to help our produce industry partners achieve goals and adapt to future growth opportunities, and our newest solution is no exception. In fact, the Production Planning tools do all the leg work so that our customers can focus on optimization and service.
Here’s What’s in Store with Produce Pro Software…
Production planning is all about visibility and control. The produce industry always needs to know what’s in demand, what’s in the works, and how production lines are performing. Whether you and your operation run just one line or many, Produce Pro Software’s Production Planning tool can empower your leads and supervisors with robust analysis at every level.
Production Planning offers our customers the ability to optimize production opportunities each day; adjust plan quantities; manage resources, demand requirements, and regular and contingent labor with ease; and track real-time progress, completion statuses, and other performance metrics. Our new tool suite also features powerful reporting capabilities, both on-screen and in scheduled reports, that can help you analyze past production for future needs.
With production tools at your fingertips, there’s no problem too big or too small for Produce Pro Software and its fleet of solutions.
Thank you for watching What’s in Store.
WAYNE, IL - The world needs more Mark Clausens. This is the sentiment shared by many as they celebrate the life of a fresh produce industry veteran and advocate who left us too soon. With gratitude and appreciation for the gifts he brought to those in his life as a true industry professional and mentor to many, we honor Mark with this tribute.
Mark W. Clausen of Wayne, Illinois, (formerly of Burr Ridge), left us on October 19, 2019, surrounded by family and friends. He was 55 when he passed away.
Mark began his journey in this life in August of 1964, born to Rose Marie (neé Nowicki) and William Clausen. The Clausens were longtime residents of Mt. Prospect and were very involved with community events. Mark was a 1982 honors graduate from Forest View High School, playing in the symphonic, marching, and jazz bands. He earned a Bachelor's degree in marketing from DePaul University.
Hired straight from graduation by PMI Marketers, Mark entered the company’s executive training program. Through his gift of gab and comedic storytelling, Mark quickly rose through the ranks to become Senior Vice President of Acosta's Fresh Foods Program. Mark’s loved ones share that Mark was well known in the food wholesale supply business and his long term professional relationships were a source of great pride to him.
After leaving Acosta, he became President of MicroTek, a technology education company. He was always the deal maker, always with many irons in the fire, and always using the phrase, "You know I'm in the business."
Another source of great pride for Mark was his children. He is survived by his son Will and daughter Gabrielle, his beloved fiancé and long-time partner Jaime Begley, brothers Mike Lewens (Liz) and Bill Lewens (Kelly), step-father John Flaherty and his eight children (Mark's step-siblings), and countless friends.
Mark was an extraordinarily generous man who enjoyed traveling the world with Jaime, VIP access to rock concerts, relaxing with Jaime and their four dogs in their backyard, and playing Petanque (which Mark mastered quickly) at their country club. He was an avid collector of military memorabilia, many fabulous motorcars, and played a most impressive drum set.
Mark’s Celebration of Life Memorial happened Friday, October 25, 2019, at the Dunham Woods Riding Club in Wayne, Illinois.
In lieu of flowers, the family asked for donations to Mark’s two favorite charities: REGAP of Illinois to help out the retired greyhounds, which were such a big part of Mark’s family, and Boys’ Town of Nebraska. Mark and his late father were big believers in the mission of Boys’ Town. He would always say, "There’s no such thing as a bad boy.”
Mark is missed deeply by his friends and family. We extend our deepest condolences to all those who knew Mark and were touched by his passion and love.
CHICAGO, IL - Hazel Technologies' success is set in stone—stonefruit that is! After beginning its research in the category over two years ago, the ground-breaking industry partner is already making headway with new innovations to help growers, packers, shippers, and retailers protect the quality of their fresh produce.
I chatted with Patrick Flynn, Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer, to find out what’s next for Hazel Technologies as it continues to make a name for itself as a leading technology and packaging provider in the fresh produce industry.
“In addition to our Hazel™ post-harvest line of products, we’re working on developing exciting new pre-harvest quality technologies and, last week, we announced the launch of our Hazel™ Trex pre-harvest quality technology with Zespri, the largest kiwifruit distributor in the world, with over 4,200 growers worldwide. Any technology that helps growers, packers, and retailers have the best possible quality and the lowest possible amount of waste is a technology we are interested in providing,” Patrick shared with me. “We’re also investing in technologies further down the supply chain in order to expand the work we do with retailers. The big selling point with retailers is that over 150 suppliers globally are already using Hazel Tech® and seeing great results, so most retailers have many suppliers already using Hazel.”
One goal of Hazel Tech products is to improve the end-consumers' eating experience—which Patrick noted aligns with retailers’ goals as well. This, in addition to Hazel Tech’s emphasis on ease-of-use and investing in academic research, further differentiates the company as a key partner, especially to those looking to enhance the quality of stonefruit and other fresh produce categories.
The USDA is one of many industry leaders standing alongside Hazel Tech as it continues to make headway in the stonefruit category. In fact, the USDA helps to fund the company’s solutions, which Patrick revealed many growers advocated for because of how integral and functional Hazel Tech products are for the supply-side.
“A lot of the solutions on the market are more complex to implement. Hazel Tech, on the other hand, is about as simple as can be,” Patrick said. “The only thing that is simpler would be not doing anything. But, if you’re a grower or retailer, and you’ve decided quality is a priority, our products are true game-changers, and it’s about as simple and easy as you can get.”
One of the reasons why Hazel Tech has achieved such great results is an emphasis on academic research.
“We began our presence in the stonefruit category and other categories by conducting trials with universities like UC Davis, Oregon State University, and Cornell. We did our first trial with UC Davis in the summer of 2018 that examined the effect of our packaging on apricots from Washington, particularly looking out for quality and color retention, firmness, and shrink over a period of time,” Patrick explained. “Once we saw the results, that was when things started picking up for us in the stonefruit category. We began talking to growers and packers of stonefruit and building out new partnerships.”
With new innovations, partnerships, and ground-breaking research results coming down the pipeline, there’s no doubt that Hazel Technologies continues to be one to watch in the fresh produce industry. For more updates like this, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
STELLARTON, NS - This April, Empire-owned Sobeys launched its new e-commerce Voilà division. As the future of online grocery home delivery continues to trend upwards, the company is now expanding this service to the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). The platform has a freshness guarantee and products at affordable prices with no hidden fees, delivered straight to consumers’ doors in convenient one-hour delivery windows. Starting today, shoppers in Vaughan will be able to order online through Voilà. Service across the GTA will follow in the coming weeks.
“Voilà by Sobeys is the future of online grocery retail in Canada, and now it’s here,” said Michael Medline, President and CEO of Empire. “Ocado’s technology gives us the best e-commerce platform in the country—there’s nothing like it in North America. We can’t wait to share Voilà with our customers in the GTA this summer and across Canada in the future.”
According to a press release, Voilà is powered by Ocado Group’s industry-leading technology and fills orders through its state-of-the-art automated Customer Fulfillment Centre (CFC) in Vaughan, Ontario. Robots assemble orders efficiently and safely, resulting in minimal product handling, while Voilà teammates safely deliver orders directly to the customer’s home.
Voilà is the first and only grocery retailer to offer Farm Boy and Well.ca products through its online home delivery service. Voilà customers will be able to shop for thousands of fresh produce and grocery products from Sobeys, alongside customer favorites from Farm Boy and health, wellness, baby, pet, and beauty products from Well.ca.
“Canadians deserve a better way to shop for groceries online,” said Sarah Joyce, SVP, E-commerce of Empire. “Because Voilà delivers customers’ orders directly from an automated warehouse, we have tremendous control over the freshness and quality of our products and the reliability of our deliveries. Our teammates are ready to provide best-in-class service to our customers.”
At capacity, Voilà by Sobeys will bring approximately 1,500 jobs to the area, including operations, delivery, and customer service teammates. A second CFC is currently being built in Montreal to bring Voilà par IGA to major cities in the province of Quebec as well as Ottawa.
Keep an eye out for our latest reports as we wait to find out where this innovative service will touch down next.
NEWARK, DE - Foodservice: Delivered, the Produce Marketing Association’s answer to the virtual call of trade shows, is already just around the corner. Slated for July 20-24, this free event will offer all of the insights, business connections, and solutions of past trade shows—just in a new format.
“PMA is eager to reconnect growers, business solution providers, chefs, menu planners, foodservice distributors, and foodservice providers of all types,” said Lauren M. Scott, Chief Marketing Officer. “By being bold, working together across the supply chain, and by exploring new ways to incorporate the Joy of Fresh™ produce into foodservice, we can help revitalize the foodservice industry and the communities they serve.”
The event features an enticing menu of activities that attendees can access, a press release noted.
PMA’s Foodservice: Delivered virtual event is designed around a “restaurant week” theme. The menu board will include a:
- Chef’s Menu of main session feature topics each day. Topics include: operator leadership, consumer insights, menu development, global trends, and innovating for the future. During these main sessions, participants will enrich their perspective through learnings from foodservice industry leaders
- Tasting Menu break-out sessions will feature short, interactive experiences where participants can get a taste of topics tailored to the unique needs and interests of various sectors in foodservice. PMA and our guest speakers will tackle pressing issues, challenges, and how produce suppliers and business solution providers can help
- Solutions Sampling features products and services to help buyers across the supply chain solve their top challenges, which include menu, delivery, labor, innovation, and supply chain challenges. Foodservice suppliers will showcase their products, services, and solutions to Foodservice: Delivered registrants through video demos and a comprehensive online listing where buyers can connect with them directly to learn more
- Chef’s Table will provide a behind-the-scenes look at how produce can bring foodservice to life. Participants will explore products, services, and ideas. Suppliers are encouraged to apply to take part in these sessions, designed to provide attendees an insider’s look at how the produce industry makes it all happen. Ideas include virtual farm tours, a look into the supply chain, chef demos of on-trend ways to use produce, innovative uses for products, handling tips, or other interactive activities to help menu developers and purchasers learn more about produce from farm to menus
- Mixers are virtual networking opportunities that will provide an opportunity for Foodservice: Delivered guests to connect with one another across the globe in a relaxed, social way
- Sourcing Meetings will enable participants to develop partnerships that advance their business
More details on each restaurant week feature of PMA’s Foodservice: Delivered will be released in the coming weeks, so stay tuned to AndNowUKnow as we continue to cover the latest.
IRELAND - Another innocent shipment of fresh fruit was caught up in crime over the weekend as officials at the Rosslare Europort in Ireland discovered cannabis amongst a load of melons and oranges.
According to Today FM, 5.5 million euros (upward of $6.19 million USD) worth of the drug was concealed within the fruit containers. The shipment reportedly arrived from Spain and was selected for a random check.
The trailer arrived unaccompanied when officials decided to X-Ray the contents, uncovering 277 kilos (around 610.68 pounds) of cannabis.
The news source noted that the investigation as to who is responsible is still open.
For the freshest news in the industry, stick with us here at AndNowUKnow.
YAKIMA, WA - In partnership with the Washington Apple Education Foundation (WAEF), Superfresh Growers® awarded five scholarship recipients more than $25,000 of educational aid. The Superfresh Growers Kershaw Companies Scholarships awards $5,000 per year, renewable for up to four years of undergraduate studies.
“All of our scholarship recipients do amazing things every day and we are so proud of them. I am filled with hope for our future by hearing their stories and getting to know them,” shared Kristin Kershaw, Superfresh Grower’s Director of Corporate Affairs.
This year, the grower awarded Nick Jacoby, the son of Katie and Jon Jacoby of DSG® Logistics, as its 2020 recipient. He will be a freshman at Grand Canyon University and graduated from LaSalle High School with a 3.7 GPA. Jacoby would like to major in agriculture and live in the Yakima Valley.
According to a press release, in addition to Nick, three other students are actively receiving scholarships: Joselin Marin, Adilene Badillo Hernandez, and Imelda Andrade Anguiano.
In addition, Carli Short achieved renewal of the Brian Kershaw Memorial Scholarship this year.
Joselin Marin will receive her second year of the Kershaw Companies scholarship. She attends the University of Washington (UW), earning a 3.97 GPA in her first term. She is the daughter of Superfresh Growers employee Araceli Badillo Islas.
Adilene Badillo Hernandez has been working for Superfresh Growers as an Export Sales Assistant for the last three years, all while attending college. She is a first-generation college attendee, and plans to be a first-generation college graduate! She attended Yakima Valley College for the first two years, and will continue at Central Washington University. Her work with the export team at Superfresh Growers has inspired her to pursue a degree in International Business.
Imelda Andrade Anguiano is finishing her last year at the University of Washington (UW). She is majoring in sociology with a minor in Spanish. She will continue her education by pursuing a master’s degree in social work. She is the daughter of Superfresh employee Marisol Anguiano Diaz.
Carli Short achieved renewal of the Brian Kershaw Memorial Scholarship. She attends George Fox University seeking a marketing degree with a minor in psychology. She earned a 3.94 GPA in her first term. She is the daughter of Lakeishia and Jay Short of Superfresh Growers.
“This has been a year like none other. The ray of hope and promise for the future these scholarships create means much more than financial support. You are communicating your belief in the potential of these young men and women and your expectation of good things to come,” stated Jennifer Witherbee, Executive Director of WAEF.
Congratulations to the next generation of produce!
WASHINGTON, DC - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has imposed sanctions on Custom Fresh Cuts for failing to meet its contractual obligations to the sellers of produce it purchased from under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA). As part of these sanctions, the Los Angeles-based company and the principal operator of the business will be barred from engaging in PACA-licensed business or other activities without approval from USDA.
Direct from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service:
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.
Custom Fresh Cuts failed to pay $696,769 to ten sellers for produce that was purchased, received and accepted in interstate and foreign commerce from November 2017 to June 2018. This is in violation of the PACA. Custom Fresh Cuts cannot operate in the produce industry until May 26, 2022, and then only after they apply for and are issued a new PACA license by USDA.
The company’s principals, Alejandro Mora and Richard Wise, may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee until May 26, 2021, and then only with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond.
The 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, the 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 the 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.