HEBER, CA - As we continue to navigate through the coronavirus pandemic, it goes without saying that our industry is a vital part of daily living. In order for essential, fresh produce to be brought to market, many businesses have shifted their focus and have implemented new safety procedures with their workers as an even higher priority. To find out about how industry leaders are keeping their workers top of mind, I recently got in touch with Fresh Harvest’s Matt Scaroni and Steve Scaroni to learn more about their company investments and strong adaptability.
“Our employees play a vital role in the success of our operations. That’s why our policy has always been to create a safe workplace. We provide every opportunity for them to be successful so they will keep coming back to work for our company year after year,” Matt, Vice President of Production, tells me. “The COVID-19 crisis has made us rise to a new level of safety protocols that not only address our employees’ health but the communities we work in. We like to say our company is setting the standard—the standard for not only providing value and efficiency to our customers, but also setting the standard for caring for our employees in the workplace.”
To help workers coming to the U.S. for the first time, Fresh Harvest begins assisting new employees with thorough education and care when they arrive.
A team of chaplains help incoming farmworkers by counseling, mentoring, and attending to employees’ needs as they face the demands of being an essential worker.
“We begin our protocol training while they are at the consulate getting their visas to educate them about the virus and how to protect themselves,” Steve, Founder, explains. “It’s a culture shock without this crisis. Now, all the added protocols intensify the transition in their lives. It can be very challenging! Our chaplains have been on staff for several years and have developed personal relationships and a level of trust with all classes of our employees. From H-2A and domestic farmworkers in the field to our truck drivers, mechanics, and professional staff, they are here to help, offer encouragement when needed, and assist with any issues that arise as a result of the demands of being an essential worker.”
Along with enforcing stricter protocols, Fresh Harvest has invested in its own production line as well to keep workers safe. David Scaroni, Vice President of Operations, and his team worked together to install vinyl screens between workers while working alongside machinery. Other implementations include installing 11 thermal imaging body temperature sensors to monitor employees twice a day, increasing sanitation routines, and educating employees on proper safety and health guidelines.
“We have brought in over 2,000 H-2A guest workers since January 1 of this year, making up roughly 30 percent of the farm workforce today. These are essential workers who are irreplaceable. They are also our largest risk profile and must receive a majority of our attention,” Steve continues. “However, just as important as the thousands of workers that we employ in the fields, we have a large number of professional, administrative, accounting, and maintenance staff that help make the wheels of our company turn.”
With movers and shakers like Fresh Harvest at the forefront, our industry becomes that much safer. ANUK will continue reporting developments and updates from our fresh community, so stay tuned.
SURREY, ENGLAND - Lidl is one of the fastest growing retailers in the world. Don’t believe me? All you have to do is take a trip down search engine lane and find our site riddled with headlines that tout the grocer’s expansion in the United States—recently hitting triple digit store counts—as well as its warehouse acquisitions and tech innovations.
As it focuses on growth around the globe, Lidl has now announced that it plans to open 28 stores in Surrey, England, further protecting its expansion claim to fame.
The retailer, according to a post on news source SurreyLive, has been on the lookout for new sites in the area after it recently opened a new store in Weybridge. These new sites all figure in prominent parts of town, a strategic move for Lidl as it continues to build out its brand name.
Where else will we see Lidl’s expansion plans strike next? Although the chain already boasts of 100 stores in the United States, AndNowUKnow is waiting for the day it hits 200—a day that may not be that far off.
NEWARK, DE - The Produce Marketing Association (PMA) has announced the launch of its eLearning certificate course, Essentials of Produce Safety, an entirely online, affordable, and in-depth program covering the key challenges and best practices in produce safety. PMA’s new course was developed in partnership with Intertek Alchemy, the industry leader in produce safety eLearning solutions, and is the first certificate program in PMA’s new educational platform offering, FreshEd Academy.
“FreshEd Academy is our commitment to delivering thought leadership to the produce and floral industries while providing member partners with innovative, yet affordable, educational solutions,” said Gina Jones, Vice President of Insights and Analytics at PMA. “Essentials of Produce Safety is the first of a number of courses and broader initiatives we are launching that pick up where today’s traditional training programs end. Taught by produce safety experts with a real-life understanding of the challenges and risks, Essentials of Produce Safety is available to individual learners and employee groups alike.”
According to a press release, all enrollees will benefit from:
- Enhanced produce safety proficiency
- Improved communication across the organization and supply chain
- Immediate application of learnings to the work environment
The Essentials of Produce Safety course is delivered entirely online via a device responsive learning management system that enables learners to complete the course anywhere, on any device—desktop, tablet, or mobile. The course consists of seven learning modules, a review module, and a certification exam.
“It is critically important for produce safety supervisors and managers to have an opportunity to receive education on why they are doing what they do, and to gain insights into how to do it even better,” stated course author, instructor, and former PMA Chief Science and Technology Officer, Dr. Robert Whitaker. “Essentials of Produce Safety is designed to provide that educational experience; converting staid food safety training into an educational opportunity that cultivates industry-leading food safety professionals.”
Essentials of Produce Safety instructor Afreen Malik, Director of Technical Services at International Food Safety, added, “Understanding the science-based fundamental principles of produce safety can help lead to a safer produce supply chain globally. Essentials of Produce Safety helps us to do just that.”
PMA’s Essentials of Produce Safety is now open for enrollment. Click here to enroll or learn more.
As our industry continues to grow and innovate, AndNowUKnow will continue to report the freshest updates.
SANTA CRUZ, CA - This time of year offers perhaps some of the most exciting produce news. Luckily for us here at AndNowUKnow, Awe Sum Organics is only ramping up the excitement. The grower recently announced the arrival of its organic blueberries from the Pacific Northwest, made possible by partnering with small and mid-sized family farms in Oregon and Washington.
“Since the coronavirus pandemic, organic produce sales have increased,” noted David Posner, President, CEO, and Founder. “I think that’s because people are more health conscious than ever. Organic blueberries in particular are experiencing a major boost in sales likely because blueberries are known to have so many health benefits. Additionally, packaged fruit is a common choice for shoppers during the pandemic.”
The varieties offered by Awe Sum Organics include Duke, Draper, Top Shelf, Cargo, Liberty, and Aurora. The early varieties will be offered in late June with the late varieties finishing out the season in early September. Posner remarked that the organic blueberries are set to hit loading docks in Portland, Oregon, by June 22.
The Pacific Northwest, according to a press release, is known for its fertile soil and optimal climate, which is perfect for organic blueberry production. Blueberries are beloved for their antioxidants and phytoflavinoids, and they are also high in vitamin C and potassium.
This superfood is bound to make buyers sing the blues this summer. Stick around while AndNowUKnow brings the latest in fresh.
WASHINGTON, DC - If you’re not yet counting down to the United Fresh LIVE! event, let industry leaders like Lisa McNeece, Christina Ward, and Nichole Towell boost your anticipation for one of the upcoming virtual forums. The United Fresh Start Foundation’s annual School Foodservice Forum will feature engaging workshops and education sessions, as well as sneak peeks at kid-friendly products offered by United Fresh LIVE! exhibitors.
“I’m proud that the School Foodservice Forum has become an integral component of the foundation’s programming,” said Lisa McNeece, Vice President of Foodservice and Industrial Sales for Grimmway Farms and Chair of the United Fresh Start Foundation. “If we are going to grow produce consumption, we need to ensure children can access fresh produce where they spend most of their day, and this means connecting with school administrators who are deciding what’s on the menu.”
Though the industry as a whole is invited to attend the one-of-a-kind forum, school nutrition professionals are specifically encouraged to participate in order to explore new fruit and vegetable products and take part in education sessions addressing sourcing, serving, and promoting fresh produce to children and their families.
In addition, attendees will have the opportunity to gain a better understanding of K-12 school foodservice opportunities and what schools will need from supplier partners, given the new realities of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a press release.
“We’re looking forward to connecting with school nutrition leaders at United Fresh LIVE!, sharing information about our citrus varieties, the health benefits of our fruit, and seasonal availability, as well as learning how we can better connect with this audience that serves next generation produce consumers,” said Christina Ward, Director of Global Brand Marketing for Sunkist Growers.
Nichole Towell, Senior Director of Marketing for Duda Farm Fresh Foods, added, “Healthy snacking is an important part of our business, and we are committed to finding creative ways to introduce celery and other vegetables to kids. Schools are a unique customer, and as we continue to innovate our retail offerings and talk with schools about their needs, we’re learning more about how to successfully get our products in front of next generation consumers.”
The School Foodservice Forum schedule is as follows:
- Monday, June 15 from 4:00-5:00 pm (EDT) : School Meals 101 Meets COVID-19: Opportunities for Fresh Produce in K-12 School Nutrition Programs
- Tuesday, June 16 from 11:00 am-Noon (EDT) : Selling to Schools: Understanding Fruit and Vegetable Requirements in K-12 Foodservice
- Wednesday, June 17 from 11:00 am-Noon (EDT) : Continuing a Culinary Focus: Prioritizing Fruits and Veggies Before, During and After COVID-19
- Thursday, June 18 from 11:00 am-Noon (EDT) : School Meals During COVID-19: Creative Approaches to Ensuring Students Get Their Fresh Fruits and Veggies
- Friday, June 19 from 11:00 am-Noon (EDT) : The Future of Fresh Produce in Schools: A State Agency Perspective
“The opportunity to connect with leaders in the produce industry, see new products, pack sizes, and what’s trending with fresh fruits and vegetables in commercial channels is a unique experience and not something we typically experience at school nutrition events,” said Jessica Shelly, Food Service Director at the Cincinnati Public Schools. “By providing these interactions, I can consider how to incorporate a greater variety of fresh produce into my district’s meal and snack programs, while sharing the needs of K-12 operators with the produce industry.”
Grimmway Farms, Sunkist Growers, and Duda Farm Fresh Foods are all title sponsors of the School Foodservice Forum, with Del Monte Fresh Produce, DNO Produce, Mastronardi Produce, and Peterson Farms Fresh also sponsoring the event.
Registration is FREE for United Fresh LIVE! and participation in the School Foodservice Forum is available to all registered attendees. To register, click here.
United Fresh LIVE! is already touting a packed schedule of general sessions, workshops, roundtable discussions, social events, and a major online expo taking place June 15-19. ANUK will see you on the interwebs!
RHOME, TX - If there’s avocado involved, I want it, and I know many of my fellow consumers feel the same. This is a sentiment that the Texas-based company ¡Yo Quiero! Brands takes to heart. Continuing its mission of providing small-batch guacamole, salsa, and queso products through the avocado and high-pressure pasteurization industries, the company recently announced the opening of its new 45,000-square-foot distribution facility in Rhome, Texas, as well as a brand new, state-of-the-art facility in the heart of Mexico.
“Since day one, we’ve all had a passion for developing exciting products with healthy ingredients. Combine that with a family-focused culture and innovative team and you’ve got a recipe for success,” said Jay Alley, Vice President of Sales, as he reflected on what differentiates the company.
Inspiration came decades ago, when a Texas restaurateur discovered his talent for creating delicious guacamole and wanted to bring it to the market. He worked diligently at becoming the pioneer and leader in the high-pressure pasteurization process and brought a team of specialists on board, which included Alley. The resulting all-natural guacamole product was a hit with consumers when it launched in grocery stores across the nation. Over the years, this successful team built and created 10 labels in the retail marketplace with distribution in the majority of grocery chains nationwide.
Today the visionaries behind these trusted brands have come together under ¡Yo Quiero! Brands. Comprising a team of industry leaders and innovators in packaged avocado and guacamole, ¡Yo Quiero! is led by Alley alongside partners Jeff Morris, Clyde Forbes, Steve Parnell, and Don Bowden. The team is rounded out by Tara Murray, Chief Marketing Officer.
With a focus on selecting the finest all-natural ingredients to create a line of handcrafted guacamole, salsa, and queso, ¡Yo Quiero! is a leader in these categories, bringing established private-label contracts and state-of-the-art manufacturing and distribution facilities to the table.
According to a press release, ¡Yo Quiero! Brands’ authentic Mexican flavors and Texas traditions continue to be a winning combination in the market. The current product lineup includes: Super Chunky Avocado, Avocado Salsa, Queso, and Salsa as well as DIY tableside kits and snack sizes. ¡Yo Quiero! plans to announce forthcoming products and partnerships later in the year.
As fresh-forward brands such as this continue to expand, follow along with us here at AndNowUKnow.
WIMAUMA, FL - PennRose Farms celebrated Memorial Day by donating 100 percent of the sales proceeds for special flower bouquets purchased during its Memorial Day “Buy Local Produce” event. The Special Operations Warrior Foundation was the selected beneficiary.
“We wanted to acknowledge this holiday in a sincere way and show our support for the community and for a group that does great work with the Special Operations Warriors,” said Brian Rayfield, President of PennRose Farms. “The ownership of PennRose is committed to supporting several local charities in the various geographies we operate in, it is a key component of our culture and always will be, regardless of the circumstances of our produce business at any time."
The event was marked with representatives coming to the site and receiving a $6,000 check from PennRose Farms.
Additional donations included flowers and produce boxes for the Foundation to use for its recipients.
CINCINNATI, OH - When you have a dynamic partnership between two leading companies, it makes sense to continue strengthening it. Kroger, for instance, has recently announced it will continue expanding its partnership with Ocado, laying down plans to construct three new Customer Fulfillment Centers (CFC) in the Great Lakes, Pacific Northwest, and West regions.
“Kroger is incredibly excited to construct three additional industry-leading Customer Fulfillment Centers across the country in relationship with Ocado to bring fresh food to our customers more conveniently than ever before,” said Robert Clark, Kroger’s Senior Vice President of Supply Chain, Manufacturing, and Sourcing. “Through our strategic partnership, we are engineering a model for these regions, leveraging advanced robotics technology, and creative solutions to redefine the customer experience.”
Kroger has partnered with Ocado to accelerate its ability to provide customers with anything, anytime, anywhere. The CFC model—incorporating state-of-the-art automation and AI—will be used to expand Kroger products to a larger footprint.
According to a press release, the new facility in the West will measure 300,000 square feet, the new facility in the Pacific Northwest will measure 200,000 square feet, and the facility in the Great Lakes region will measure 150,000 square feet. The varying sizes demonstrate the flexibility of the Ocado fulfillment ecosystem to best serve the respective markets. When operational, the facilities will collectively create more than 1,000 new jobs, with the potential for hundreds of additional career opportunities. The exact locations of the new facilities will soon be announced.
“Kroger and Ocado are building an e-commerce ecosystem across the U.S. that will deliver unrivaled online experiences to more customers, in more ways, and in more markets,” said Luke Jensen, CEO of Ocado Solutions. “Spanning a range of automated CFC sizes, these three new sites will be key parts of this growing and flexible fulfillment network. Alongside the scale and wider benefits of larger CFCs, smaller format and mini CFCs will allow Kroger to reach more geographies with Ocado’s automation, while also catering to a wide range of options for delivery.”
The newly named locations will complement the retailer’s previously announced CFC sites in Monroe, OH; Groveland, FL; Fredericksburg, MD; Atlanta, GA; Dallas, TX; and Pleasant Prairie, WI. Kroger plans to open one of the country’s first CFCs in Monroe, OH, a suburb of Cincinnati, in early 2021.
With Kroger’s aggressive expansion plan unfolding, how will the retail landscape change? AndNowUKnow will follow Kroger and others in the retail sector to bring you the latest.
NOVI, MI - Lineage Logistics is continuing to expand its operations after acquiring another cold storage dynamo. This week, the provider of temperature-controlled logistics solutions acquired Henningsen Cold Storage Co., adding to its expansive U.S. facility network and bolstering its presence in the Pacific Northwest.
“We are honored to welcome the Henningsen team to the Lineage family and to serve our combined customer bases across additional points in their food supply chains,” said Greg Lehmkuhl, President and Chief Executive Officer of Lineage. “Our organizations share a commitment to excellence, doing business with integrity, and finding sustainable ways to run our businesses, and I look forward to seeing how our strong operational and cultural foundations will propel us into the future.”
Kevin Marchetti, Co-Founder of Lineage Logistics and Bay Grove, added, “We have known the Henningsen family since our earliest days in the cold chain industry and have deep respect for the business, culture, and reputation they have built over generations. When we founded Lineage a little over eleven years ago, we looked to emulate companies like Henningsen that built their company with a long-term mindset. With this transaction, we will bring together two companies with that type of approach and make them both even stronger together.”
As part of the agreement, Lineage will be adding 14 facilities across Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Pennsylvania, North Dakota, and Oklahoma, which builds on its existing 1.9 billion cubic feet of temperature-controlled capacity across 311 facilities in 11 countries.
Henningsen Cold Storage Co., which was founded in 1923 by Waldemar F. Henningsen, Sr., originally operated under the name “Northwestern Ice & Cold Storage Inc.,” and stands today as a fifth-generation family business with a legacy of reliability and long-standing, excellent relationships with customers, according to a press release.
“On behalf of the entire Henningsen family, we are thrilled to be joining Lineage,” said Paul Henningsen, President of Henningsen Cold Storage Co. “We chose Lineage because we believe it will be the best way to strengthen our partnerships with customers by providing access to an unrivaled international facility network, extensive technology and automation resources, as well as a robust suite of supply chain solutions. I am incredibly proud of our organization and the customer and employee centric reputation we have built over many years. I’d like to thank the entire Henningsen team for their continued efforts and dedication to our business, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for us as part of Lineage.”
The transaction is expected to close in the coming months, subject to customary closing conditions.
How will Lineage Logistics' latest acquisition affect the industry's cold storage market? AndNowUKnow will continue to report.
WENATCHEE, WA - Looking to diversify your apple displays even further? Stemilt Growers has the apple program for you with its Artisan Organics™ Lil Snappers® apples. Lil Snappers kid size fruit is dedicated to serving families a healthy snack they can feel good about consuming during the upcoming summer months when convenience is top of mind.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has changed grocery shopping habits, and it’s encouraging to see both produce sales and organic sales up year-over-year,” states Brianna Shales, Senior Marketing Manager. “In fact, apples are among the top four organic items in the produce department, making Lil Snappers an excellent bagged item to carry right now.”
Lil Snappers kid size fruit is available in multiple organic varieties, including Gala, Pink Lady®, Granny Smith, and Fuji, which are all varieties popular among young consumers. Artisan Organics Lil Snappers are available in 3-lb high graphic pouch bags that stand out among other packaged products and stand up in the fridge to help maximize fridge space.
“Lil Snappers packaging is colorful, bright, and extremely eye-catching and easily captures the attention of a young kid scanning the fridge for snack,” explains Shales. “Plus, the size of the fruit is an appropriate serving size for children, which leads to a reduction in food waste. It’s a win-win for any parent.”
Shales encourages retailers to act now to carry Artisan Organics Lil Snappers apples through the summer months. While the summer season is a slower time for apple sales, Shales believes carrying organic Lil Snappers apples is an excellent opportunity for retailers to strengthen the category, especially while consumer habits continue to change, as noted in a press release.
“Lil Snappers market intent and are great for online sales, especially while shopping trip frequency is down,” said Shales. “The larger pack size provides enough apples to feed a family with two kids an apple snack every day for a week. This grab-and-go pack drives apple category volumes during the summer months.”
To promote this item, Shales encourages retailers to plan multi-variety ads and use featured banner ads for an online push. While online grocery shopping continues to rise, retailers should maximize their digital channels and social platforms by promoting Lil Snappers through various assets, including photos, video of product in store, and resources that Stemilt can provide. Shales also encourages retailers to check Lil Snapper product listings online to ensure information is up to date.
“Stemilt has resources that retailers can use to accurately portray product details, and share the story of Lil Snappers and our Artisan Organics brand. It’s important that consumers trust the products they purchase and at Stemilt, we strongly believe in total transparency with the consumer and knowing the stories of our products.”
Stemilt’s Artisan Organics program has a 30-year history that now focuses on growing modern organic flavors that consumers will love. Stemilt’s Artisan Organics Lil Snappers is just one successful result of this change.
“We’re able to carry core varieties of Artisan Organics Lil Snappers year-round,” said Shales. “This brand has become a reliable way for retailers to market to families. The grab-and-go pack offers convenience and quality to attract loyal organic shoppers, and new ones too.”
Check back twice daily for ANUK’s email blasts featuring the latest news in fresh produce.