RANCHO CORDOVA, CA - A fresh produce pot of gold awaits retailers who take advantage of Renaissance Food Group’s latest launch. The company has announced the promotion of its Garden Highway-branded Irish Stew Mix, which is a blend of fresh vegetables and herbs, as buyers ramp up for St. Patrick’s Day merchandising.
“Consumers are increasingly looking for fresh meal solutions to support their busy lifestyles. This is especially true as we enter into a new era of shopping habits as a result of COVID-19, where people are looking to replicate their favorite holiday celebrations and meals from the comfort and safety of home,” stated Nelia Alamo, Vice President of Communications. “Renaissance Food Group is proud to offer our recipe-ready Irish Stew Mix that can be easily paired with corned beef or sausage for a traditional St. Patrick’s Day meal.”
Garden Highway Irish Stew Mix features pre-cut, ready-to-cook ingredients, designed to bring convenience and added value to consumers planning a traditional Irish feast. This festive blend includes green cabbage, red potatoes, baby carrots, yellow onion, fresh thyme, and bay leaves. Topped with a holiday-themed label, Irish Stew Mix can be strategically cross-merchandised in the meat department to help drive incremental sales.
A press release noted that the Garden Highway Irish Stew Mix will begin shipping today, Wednesday, March 10, and is sure to be a lucky charm for retail sales this St. Patrick’s Day.
Opportunities abound in the produce aisle during this beloved holiday, so don’t hesitate to bring exclusive products such as this to your shelves.
LAFAYETTE, LA - Evolving at lightening speed to meet increasing demand, food delivery companies across the industry are making big moves to take up a larger part of the expanding market. The most recent company to make such a pivotal move was Waitr Holdings, which has announced its acquisition of Delivery Dudes, a Florida-based food delivery company.
“Delivery Dudes affords us the opportunity to further expand our footprint in the Florida delivery marketplace,” said Carl Grimstad, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Waitr. “The Dudes have created a strong brand presence in South Florida and we are excited to have them join our team. Their well-trained and friendly staff, combined with reliable drivers, deliver fresh food from top local restaurants—a perfect fit for Waitr.”
The purchase price for the acquisition is approximately $23 million in the form of stock and cash, according to a release.
Both companies expect the deal to close before the end of next week, subject to the approval of closing conditions and variables.
“We’ve been working hard for the last decade and are excited to join Waitr, a company that shares our entrepreneurial spirit and believes in us,” said Jayson Koss, CEO of Delivery Dudes. “With Waitr’s resources, we look forward to growing the South Florida market and working to help Waitr expand their market presence. We believe 2021 will be an exciting year.”
As the food delivery sector continues to grow, AndNowUKnow will be here to bring you the latest news.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI - With consumer focus continuing to shift toward companies with sustainability at the forefront of their business, it has become all the more important for businesses across our industry to develop their environmental strategies. SpartanNash is doing just that as it has announced the appointment of Greg Molloy to Vice President of Environmental Health and Safety, effective March 1, 2021.
In his new role, Molloy will be responsible for developing and leading strategic initiatives within the sector to ensure SpartanNash’s compliance with safety and environmental regulations. As noted by the company in a press release, Molloy will report to Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer Yvonne Trupiano as he takes over his position.
Prior to joining SpartanNash, Molloy served as Group Manager, Corporate SH&E for Nestle USA. While there, he led environmental, health, and safety programs for over 70 sites and 9,000 employees.
Before that, Molloy held roles as Corporate Director, Risk and EHS for Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream and Manager of Safety for General Mills.
"One of SpartanNash's key initiatives in 2021 is improving our associate experience through initiatives related to safety and retention. Mr. Molloy's leadership will be paramount to achieving these goals," said President and Chief Executive Officer Tony Sarsam. "As we continue to build a people-first safety culture, his track record of creating comprehensive programs to deliver compliance and safety results and experience ensuring safety measures and awareness are embedded throughout business processes will enable and empower our success at SpartanNash."
Congratulations to Greg Molloy on his new position!
CORONA, CA - I am what you might call a tomato snob. With a discerning palate, it’s rare that I find one that makes my taste buds sing, but I dare say I’ve found my match in Veg-Fresh Farms’ Sweet King™ Tomatoes. To learn more about this variety, I spoke with Randy Cancellieri, Managing Partner.
“The Organic Sweet King is a proprietary, crimson vine-ripe variety like consumers have never tasted before. Every Sweet King tomato boasts full flavor, bold red color, and perfect slices,” he shared with me.
Bold words fitting for a bold tomato.
“These organic tomatoes taste so particularly good because the plant itself is a shorter vine, which is different than the traditional longer vines. This ensures that the ground nutrients more efficiently and effectively reach each and every piece of fruit. They are also grown and harvested in a short period of time, which keeps that flavor and quality profile so consistently perfect,” Randy noted.
This growing style captures the gorgeous flavor of the Sweet King Tomatoes, making them a certain standout in retail programs.
“The growing and harvest cycle of the Sweet King tomato plant differs from that of commercially grown hothouse vine ripe tomatoes, which are grown for long cycles with vines running miles that can minimize the nutritive properties to the plants,” Randy explained. “Sweet Kings are grown as nature intended—shorter plants with short harvest cycles ensuring a tomato flavor that will remind consumers of tomatoes grown in their own backyard.”
As grilling season approaches, these tomatoes need to be a standard across the produce department.
Keep reading us here at AndNowUKnow as we continue to cover industry news.
THE WORLD - I cannot express enough of my love and pride for the women in this industry. In a scant two-and-a-half years, I have learned more about intelligence, adaptability, and guts than I ever could have imagined. Although International Women’s Day has passed, the all-women editorial team at AndNowUKnow is keeping the spirit alive throughout the month of March, bringing you insights from the bold women who make our industry thrive.
Lisa McNeece, Vice President of Foodservice and Industrial Sales, Grimmway Farms
“On March 11, I will be celebrating my 30th year here with Grimmway Farms. It truly has been an amazing journey. Back when I first started in Sales, there were very few women involved—it was a male-dominated business. I worked hard, I listened to my peers, and earned their respect. Most importantly, I built strong relationships. I love seeing so many women in this industry today, many of whom I am happy to call my friends. If I could offer one piece of advice, it would be to establish strong relationships. Pick up the phone and reach out! Too often, we get caught up with texting or emailing. Put a voice and face to the person on the other end.”
Teri Miller, Senior Category Manager, The Fresh Market
“The disrespect that I was shown by a select few when I first joined the produce industry in 2007 has almost disappeared completely—there are still a few knuckleheads out there *winking emoji.* At my first Produce Marketing Association event, a Juice Representative yelled for me to stop. He wanted me to take a sample to show to my husband. I politely pointed to my badge and clarified that I am the retailer and the decision maker and that I was insulted by his assumption—many similar stories, but this one sticks with me. To those women before me who paved the way and those that are still paving the way, I am forever grateful and adore each of you.”
Christina Ward, Senior Director of Global Marketing, Sunkist Growers
“It’s an honor to be surrounded by the many inspirational women in this industry, from my peers to our growers and the many more talented people within the supply chain. Produce is packed with a strong network of female leaders who mentor and support each other. We’re excited to celebrate the legacies of those who came before us and this generation of women in produce.”
Karen Caplan, President and Chief Executive Officer, Frieda’s
“It’s been great to see so many women earn their way into significant roles in the produce, retail, and agriculture business. When I started my career in produce, I was one of less than a dozen women in produce sales. When my mother, Frieda Rapoport Caplan, started the company in 1962, she was the first and only woman to own and operate a wholesale produce company in the U.S. Now, I’m thrilled to see significant numbers of all sales people in our industry are women and it is no longer unusual for a woman to own and manage a company. It’s an exciting time!”
We stand with these strong women and can’t wait to see more of us enter the fresh produce biz. I, for one, know that when we put our heads together, we can’t be beat!
SALINAS, CA - When I hear the word acquisition, I can’t help but be intrigued. Couple that with the star power of Tanimura & Antle, and you’ve got a story that demands attention. Recently, Tanimura & Antle announced its acquisition of Green City Growers, an operation based in Boston, Massachusetts. This merger builds upon both companies’ passion for creating hands-on educational experiences for consumers and promoting healthy lifestyles.
“Our investment in Green City Growers is our next level of engagement to continue our efforts to impact the lives of all. Our philosophy has always been a learning by doing approach. By reaching children, charitable organizations, corporations, wellness, and community outreach programs, we can have a strong impact on promoting a healthy lifestyle,” said Scott Grabau, President and Chief Executive Officer of Tanimura & Antle. “This partnership and acquisition will also provide our retail and foodservice partners their own opportunity to have an impact in the communities they serve by partnering with us on these programs.”
The combined goal of this partnership is to access and serve individuals and local communities not ordinarily provided with the opportunity to connect with their food, a press release explained, while strengthening the food supply by providing a supplemental, healthy, and independent food source.
Both Tanimura & Antle and Green City Growers are centered around increasing awareness, building engagement, and providing shoppers with education on where their food comes from.
Upon its founding in 1982, Tanimura & Antle—and the two families that give the company its name—created a partnership centered on equality, trust, and ownership. Since then, it has become a leader in first-to-market product offerings and industry innovations regarding how food is produced and delivered. Throughout its tenure, the company has built a culture that focuses on its employees, customers, and suppliers.
Similarly focused on the development of its people, Green City Growers began its business in 2008 by installing and maintaining raised garden beds at people’s homes. The certified benefit corporation (B-corp) then expanded business to include schools, non-profits, corporate clients, and real estate companies. Part of what makes Green City Growers special is that it provides its customers with the infrastructure, tools, and educational resources required in order to grow their own fresh produce—all using the principles of organic, regenerative, and pesticide-free agriculture practices.
“We see innovation in the food production and distribution chains as a societal and environmental necessity. We are implementing creative and realistic solutions that help meet the multiple challenges food systems currently face. We work toward this while at the same time providing local jobs, sourcing local materials, and supporting local economies,” said Chris Grallert, President of Green City Growers. “With a solid business foundation in our proven and robust soil growing technologies, we can now thoughtfully look into how we can expand our custom services in other areas of urban agriculture, including vertical and other indoor technologies. I could not be more excited about this new partnership.”
Under the new ownership, the company will continue doing business as Green City Growers with Chris Grallert as President of this new partnership.
The experience that Green City Growers brings to the table is vast, as it offers consulting on design, workshops, virtual engagement, and educational opportunities, the release went on to note. With this certification comes a mission that combines bottom-line success with environmental and social responsibility. Green City Growers reaches thousands of children and adults with hands-on educational programs about growing healthy food.
To date, Green City Growers has installed hundreds of garden spaces using organic, regenerative, and pesticide-free agriculture practices and currently services over 150 unique farm and garden locations. These operations range from small, raised garden beds to rooftop farms and can be found throughout New England, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New York.
Green City Growers services a rooftop farm on top of Whole Foods Market in Lynnfield, Massachusetts, and is the Red Sox’s “other farm team,” having maintained the rooftop farm at Fenway Park since 2015. In addition to these unique farm and garden locations, Green City Growers also manages garden education programs for public schools, Boys and Girls Clubs, and supports wellness and sustainability programs for property management, real estate companies, and corporations with their own gardens.
Given that Tanimura & Antle’s culture fosters innovation, it is no surprise that it would find a kindred spirit in Green City Growers.
Keep reading us here at AndNowUKnow as we uncover the latest news from the fresh produce industry.
WASHINGTON, DC - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced that it has filed an amended administrative complaint against North Pacific Canners and Packers Inc., doing business as NORPAC Foods Inc. (NORPAC), for alleged violations of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA). The new complaint supersedes and replaces the complaint that was previously filed against the Oregon-based company on September 28, 2020.
The company has allegedly failed to make payments promptly to two produce sellers and creditors in the amount of $152,181 between June and August of 2019.
Direct from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service:
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.
For more information, and to read the report in its entirety, click here.
THE WORLD - Happy International Women's Day, y'all! It's that time of year when we get to give some extra love to the amazing women who keep our industry going through their innovation, creativity, and so much more. We got in touch with some of the powerful women we have the honor of working alongside, so take a gander at what they had to say about this celebratory month below.
Megan Gorgisheli, Director of Marketing Administration, Giumarra Companies
“I feel incredibly lucky to have found a home in an industry that promotes delicious, healthy, and affordable food to all people and supports the valuable contributions women make to our business. Throughout my 14 years working in fresh produce, I’ve connected with a number of passionate female leaders both inside and outside of Giumarra who have guided me toward continuous professional and personal improvement. As our industry grows in the years to come, I look forward to helping mentor the next generation of leaders as we strive to positively impact the lives of consumers everywhere.”
Megan Jacobsen, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Gills Onions
“It’s a privilege to work in agriculture where I am empowered, inspired, and connected to so many outstanding women who make our fresh produce sector so remarkable. Let’s take a moment to celebrate the industry’s diversity, as well as acknowledge the task ahead for us to keep working toward more inclusion at all levels in our companies. As an industry, we are continually faced with various challenges, but together, as individuals and a fresh produce community, we make each other stronger. To the strong and amazing women in fresh produce, we see your hard work and contributions to agriculture!”
Denise Junqueiro, Senior Director of Marketing and Communications, Mission Produce
“Women have made their mark on this industry and continue to do so today. You can see their touch throughout the supply chain, bringing different perspectives and broadening the pool of insights and contributions. Their value is unmatched.”
Crystal Chavez, Marketing Coordinator, Gold Coast Packing
“A fresh female perspective is just what the produce industry needs and I feel so fortunate to be working alongside many amazing women that are helping drive change in the trade. I love this industry and the unique programs it offers for women only. Through these programs, I have met many incredible women. This great group of 'produce gals' that share my same passion for fresh and healthy, are the ladies that I can always count on for guidance and advice. I can’t wait to meet more powerful females, those that helped paved the way for me and those that will keep our female voice loud in the years ahead.”
Today and every day, let's continue working toward a more equitable workforce that honors the immeasurable contributuons of these female leaders.
WASHINGTON, DC - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced that it has imposed sanctions on Santa Fe Springs, California-based Bain Distributors Inc. for violating the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA). The sanctions include barring the business as well as its principal operators from engaging in PACA-licensed business or other activities without approval from the USDA.
Direct From the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service:
Bain failed to pay $322,653 to three sellers for produce that was purchased, received, and accepted in interstate and foreign commerce from September 2015 to August 2018. This is in violation of the PACA. Bain cannot operate in the produce industry until February 8, 2023, and then only after they apply for and are issued a new PACA license by USDA.
The company’s principal, Alfred Lares, may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee until February 8, 2022, 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.
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.
For more information, and to read the press release in its entirety, click here.
TARRYTOWN, NY - Following its recent entry into a new category, Jac. Vandenberg has its sights set on even more growth. The company recently revealed that, thanks to the addition of California to its grower lineup, its SUNRAYS® brand grapes will now be available year-round.
“We are thrilled to now offer SUNRAYS grapes year-round. It was always a goal of ours from the moment we began discussing the idea of expanding SUNRAYS into the grape category,” said Brand Marketing Manager John Paap. “Over the last couple of years, we’ve heard from many of our retail partners the challenges of carrying a multitude of labels and varieties that constantly change week to week, month to month, and season to season. The message was clear—retailers want a single, reliable, year-round grape brand on the shelves, and we are proud to offer SUNRAYS as a solution.”
The expansion of the SUNRAYS brand into the grape category is fairly recent, first launching in December 2020, and retail response to the new program has been tremendous, according to a company release. With the brand already offering grapes sourced from Peru, Chile, and Mexico, the addition of California growers to its lineup allows the company to provide retailers and consumers with a year-round grape brand they can rely on.
“We started with the first SUNRAYS grapes from Peru in December, and we are now in the middle of the Chilean season,” explained Paap. “The growers we’ve partnered with are outstanding, and the quality of the fruit packed in SUNRAYS reflects that. We’ve received a lot of positive feedback from retailers on the program thus far. Their shoppers are really connecting with the messaging of the brand and, of course, enjoying the eating experience of the product itself."
The SUNRAYS grape program out of Mexico will begin around mid-May and transition into California around mid-July. A majority of the grapes packed will be proprietary varieties, such as SUNRAYS’ Pristine, Sweet Celebration, Sweet Globe, Krissy, Jack’s Salute, and Allison varieties.
With a delicious product like this one available all year long, shoppers are sure to make these varieties a staple in their homes.
Keep reading AndNowUKnow as more delicious products pop up in the produce department.