SAN FRANCISCO, CA - Do you believe in magic? Consentio is bringing the closest thing to wizardry to the produce industry with the introduction of Magic EDI, a cutting-edge solution that offers fully automated Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) integration.

"We are thrilled to introduce Magic EDI, a groundbreaking solution that empowers produce businesses to optimize their order processing," said John Grecco, Vice President of Sales. "Our goal is to revolutionize the EDI landscape by offering a cost-effective and highly efficient solution that unlocks new levels of productivity and profitability for our clients."

As a press release detailed, Magic EDI monitors companies' web EDI portals 24/7, downloads and validates orders, and seamlessly passes them to their ERP system, eliminating the need for manual downloads and data entry and providing a significant boost to productivity.

Magic EDI also serves as an EDI consolidator, as it is capable of streamlining multiple web EDI feeds into a company's ERP system, thus further reducing costs and aiding scalability. By providing a seamless and affordable solution for streamlined commercial operations, Magic EDI seeks to transform the way businesses handle their EDI processes.

With cost considerations remaining at the forefront of business decision-making, Magic EDI provides an exceptional value proposition when compared to the high cost of traditional 'Full EDI,' the release noted. The unique solution allows growers, wholesalers, and distributors of all sizes to achieve substantial savings while reaping the benefits of a streamlined, automated workflow.

Contact John Grecco for more information on Magic EDI and how it can improve your business.

And for the latest industry updates, stick with ANUK.

Consentio

KANSAS CITY, KS - Break out the confetti and the nice bottle of bubbly, folks! We’ve got a centenarian on our hands. Balls Food Stores has been serving Kansas City, Kansas, for 100 years, hitting a major milestone in the grocery industry.

As noted in the release, Sidney and Mollie Ball purchased a building on the corner of 16^th and Stewart in Kansas City, Kansas, in 1923. That decision would lead to generations of Balls family members dedicated to working and serving in the Kansas City community through their grocery business.

In 1934, the Balls opened their second store at 21^st and Quindaro Boulevard. This store implemented a new concept in Kansas City, cash and carry. Cash and carry stores allowed customers to pay for and take their groceries home without creating a grocery tab.

By the late ’80s, the company had grown to 13 grocery stores. All three of Sidney and Mollie’s grandchildren—their son Fred’s children—were involved in the business. David, Diane, and Debbie would carry on the legacy of their grandparents.

Today, David, the third-generation Ball to serve Kansas City, leads a company of over 2,500 dedicated teammates. The team is committed to the spirit of serving fresh, local food for fair prices, all while offering great service at 25 supermarkets in the Kansas City area. Under the banner of Hen House Market, Price Chopper, Sun Fresh, and Payless Discount Foods, the Balls legacy lives on.

Congratulations on this amazing achievement!

Balls Food Stores

GARDNERS, PA - Rice Fruit Company is taking its 110^th anniversary as inspiration to fuel its future growth and progress. The company feels a deep sense of gratitude for the journey it has been on and the lessons it has learned along the way. The milestone is a testament to the unwavering commitment, persistence, and dedication of fruit growers that have fueled the company’s success through the years.

“The company’s history reminds us that change is inevitable, but the commitment to endure is a choice—one we gladly make each day and will continue to make for decades to come: to remain a trusted small business in this ever-evolving industry,” said Ben Rice, Chief Executive Officer. “We also plan to share some treats with our team to celebrate this momentous occasion, because what’s a celebration without cake?”

Daniel Rice, a young German immigrant, arrived in Adams County, Pennsylvania, in the 1790s. He and his descendants cultivated apple trees in the scenic foothills of the easternmost ridge of the Appalachians. In 1913, Arthur Rice built the first packing house in Biglerville, Pennsylvania; throughout the ’20s and ’30s, Rice Fruit Company shipped apples all over the world. In the 1950s, a new packing house was built and is still the main heart and soul of the company.

“In 2004, we were the first company to ship Smart Fresh treated apples in the United States. From 2015 to 2021, the packing lines and pre-sizer were re-engineered to include Compaq Spectrim technology, which uses custom-programmed infrared technology to detect fruit defects,” Ben told me. “The most recent innovation is the use of robots for automation in pre-sizing and packing. This has been a paramount development, allowing for speed, accuracy, and employee empowerment to learn new technology and equipment.”

Today, 110 years later, Arthur Rice’s great-grandson and fourth-generation family member, Ben Rice, has been entrusted with maintaining the storied legacy of the family business. Rice Fruit has a mission to assure consumers that every piece of fruit is grown with care, dedication, and attention to detail.

Quality and integrity are at the heart of its core values, but so is the commitment that there is always an opportunity for improvement.

“We are dedicated to finding the newest flavor profiles for the consumer, ensuring a consistently good eating experience—every apple, every bite, every time,” shared Ben.

Rice Fruit Company is focused on delivering fruit at the height of freshness.

“Our proximity to buyer customers also ensures a reduced carbon footprint, moving our sweet-natured fruit sustainably to market, preserving the freshness of the fruit, and our heritage of delivering quality and consistency to our customers with each and every apple,” said Ben.

As a pillar of leadership in the local community, Rice Fruit Company is an example of a company that is committed to local agriculture, as well as the responsibilities that go with it. In its steadfast pledge to economic, environmental, and social sustainability, Rice Fruit Company aims to continue growing and thriving in the years to come.

Congratulations to Rice Fruit on 110 years in business.

Rice Fruit Company

NAPLES, FL - This just in! Naturipe Farms provided us with an exclusive raspberry market update. The company has been working diligently to make sure retailers and consumers have high-quality raspberries year-round as production ramps up through May with promotable volumes for June.

“Market pricing is currently stronger than it was last year, and we expect prices to remain slightly higher than years prior, as increased grower cost on labor and packaging will need to be offset,” said Fernando Aguiar, Director of Business Development. “However, pricing will still be in a range that is very promotable and affordable to our customers and consumers.”

Fernando relayed that the market has been tight. But as volumes improve, Naturipe expects that the market will steady, which will result in promotional volumes. Plus, Naturipe’s newest consumer favorite, the Centennial variety, is ready to pack out the shelf.

Centennial raspberries are a medium to large size, have a solid firmness, and a beautiful and vibrant color. Since consumers can’t get enough of them, Naturipe has more than doubled its volumes for this summer season. Fernando added that the company is also expecting another big increase in the fall.

“The Centennial variety has been a game changer for us, and we’re thrilled to have even better volumes coming. The Naturipe brand has been the fastest-growing brand of fresh raspberries due to this outstanding variety,” Fernando said. “We’re also especially excited to share that we’re able to continue to expand our year-round production with additional acreage in all our growing areas throughout Central and Baja Mexico.”

Look to Naturipe Farms as a supplier for your year-round raspberry needs!

Naturipe Farms

OTTAWA, ONTARIO, CANADA - The Fruit and Vegetable Growers of Canada (FVGC), the Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA), and the Fruit and Vegetable Dispute Resolution Corporation (DRC) have unveiled a critical milestone for the world of produce, announcing that Bill C-280, the Financial Protection for Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Farmers Act, has been passed at Second Reading in the House of Commons.

"The significance of this legislation for the fresh produce industry cannot be overstated," emphasized Ron Lemaire, President of CPMA. "As we proceed to the Committee stage, we eagerly anticipate further deliberations on the topic of financial protection for fresh produce sellers. We are optimistic about a future where the fresh produce sector thrives through a robust financial protection mechanism, fortifying the sector and ensuring enhanced food security for all Canadians."

According to a press release, Bill C-280, championed by Member of Parliament (MP) Scot Davidson, aims to establish a deemed trust, a vital financial protection mechanism for fresh produce sellers in Canada. This mechanism will reportedly help secure payment in the event of buyer bankruptcy, providing stability and support to the industry while safeguarding Canadian food security.

As the release went on to note, the deemed trust proposed by Bill C-280 mirrors the successful model employed in the United States, presenting a financially feasible solution that imposes no additional burden on the government. Establishing this trust allows fresh produce sellers to continue to contribute to local economies across the nation, while providing Canadians with safe and nutritious fruit and vegetable products.

"The successful passage of Bill C-280 at Second Reading is an extraordinary milestone, and we wholeheartedly express our appreciation to MP Scot Davidson for his commitment in propelling this legislation forward," expressed Rebecca Lee, Executive Director of FVGC. "For over three decades, the fresh produce sector has tirelessly advocated for the implementation of a financial protection mechanism. Today, we find ourselves closer than ever to realizing our long-standing goal. This achievement marks a significant leap toward ensuring the security and prosperity of our industry."

To read more about Bill C-280 and what its passing could mean for our industry, click here.

Stay tuned to ANUK for the latest in fresh produce news.

Canadian Produce Marketing Association Fruit and Vegetable Growers of Canada Fruit and Vegetable Dispute Resolution Corporation

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL - Giving your consumers the gift of sweet, tropical produce has just gotten easier. Chiquita is disrupting the pineapple category with the debut of its newest item, the all-new Sunburst Gold Pineapple.

“At Chiquita, we’re always looking for new and exciting ways to provide consumers with innovative and delicious fruits, while ensuring that we are producing high-quality, sustainable products,” said Jamie Postell, Vice President of Sales for Chiquita North America. “Additionally, our commitment to efficient supply chains will ensure a smooth delivery process for all customers and, ultimately, the end consumer.”

The newly launched offering will now become a permanent fixture in the brand’s robust lineup of high-quality fruits, with Chiquita beginning to distribute the premium pineapples to select retailers throughout the country later this month.

Complementing this enhanced pineapple variety are eye-catching, redesigned boxes with neck tags featuring Chiquita’s iconic Blue Sticker overlaid on a golden backdrop. As a press release outlined, the Chiquita Blue Sticker guarantees all Chiquita Pineapples have met the strictest of standards to ensure they are of the highest quality when they hit retailer shelves and consumer tables.

“At Chiquita, our mission is to bring consumers both delicious and nutritious fruits, which is why we are incredibly proud to introduce our new premium Sunburst Gold Pineapple, a testament to that commitment,” noted Tina Varjabedian, Chiquita’s Head of Global Communications. “From a delicious smoothie or quick snack to a satisfying salad or dessert, we’re looking forward to seeing the different ways our fans enjoy the new Sunburst Gold Pineapple; we know it’s as good as gold!”

The Sunburst Gold Pineapple features a sweeter, vibrant tropical flavor, paired with exceptional juiciness, natural sugars, and essential nutrients.

For more info on the latest produce products, keep reading AndNowUKnow.

Chiquita

NEWPORT BEACH, CA - Grilling and barbecue season is coming up, folks! Take a casual stroll through your neighborhood, and you’ll catch the delicious smells wafting from people’s backyards. Side Delights®, a Fresh Solutions Network® (FSN) brand, is amping up shopping baskets as it brings the sizzle to the sides.

“Potatoes are perfect for parties, BBQs, and outdoor gatherings this summer,” noted Kathleen Triou, President and Chief Executive Officer of FSN. “From easy, crowd-pleasing potato salads to colorful BBQ skewers and Grillables™ potatoes wrapped in foil, Side Delights has recipes and products for any occasion.”

Come Memorial Day holiday through Labor Day weekend, we will see and hear consumers breaking out the charcoal and fuel to roast these beautiful spuds. According to a recent study on top summer grilling trends, noted the release, 92 percent of shoppers plan to grill between May and September, and 62 percent of shoppers will grill multiple nights per week during these months.

This summer, more shoppers may search for grilling items in their grocery store aisles. Morgan Stanley reported that packaged food companies expect continued growth throughout 2023 as consumers favor eating at home to save more and spend less. The trend extends beyond the kitchen according to a study on 2023 summer grilling trends and innovations by a grocery research market company, which found that consumers continue to value at-home meals when grilling.

Shoppers can visit the Side Delights Recipe Page for recipes on Red Potato Skewers on the Grill; Grilled Yellow Potato Planks; Red, White, and Blue Potato Salad; and other easy, economical grill-at-home summer recipes.

Stock up on Side Delights’ nutritious, economical products, including Potato Kits, Convenience Potatoes, Petite Potatoes, Fresh-Cut Potatoes, and Organic Potatoes.

Keep an eye out for more releases from ANUK.

Fresh Solutions Network® Side Delights®

WATSONVILLE, CA - There is nothing I love more than creativity. It sparks passion and drives change, and one space where creativity lights up is none other than California Giant Berry Farms’ Chef Invitational. As the date for the fifth iteration of the event nears, I reached out to the chef whose win began it all.

Luis Reyes, Executive Chef of Sysco West Coast Florida, took a beat with me to share how the win has impacted him since.

“It’s impacted me a great deal, both personally and professionally. From the moment I learned that I was a finalist, to the live competition with a great group of chefs and professionals, and right up to winning the first California Giant’s Chef Invitational—that is something I will cherish for the rest of my life,” Luis told me. “Great relationships also emerged from the competition with the California Giant family; the employees, growers, their families; and with the other chefs.”

Luis took home the win with his Berry, Tomato, and Beet Salad, paving the way for berries being featured more prominently alongside savory flavors.

But what really inspired Luis during the event was the chance to meet with the growers on the field tours, something he explained to me was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

“Seeing, touching, smelling, and tasting the berries right from the plant is something that you never forget,” he said. “But what really elevates the berries is the story; the story of the labor of love that is growing, harvesting, and shipping berries for us to enjoy. Everyone involved under the California Giant Berry Farms family umbrella truly loves and enjoys producing the berries. You could see the passion when we met the growers, pickers, and employees alike.”

As Luis noted, growing is not easy by any means. But as we know in the industry, passion for produce is a hard bug to shake.

Luis continues to grow his foodservice prowess, experimenting with different flavors and uses for berries.

“I encourage other chefs to think outside the box, to create dishes where fresh berries are part of recipes where traditionally they may not be. The berries are so versatile, and they can be incorporated into any cuisine, menu, and meal type,” Luis noted. “We will always have them as toppings and sides. Now, it’s time to shine the spotlight and bring them to the center stage as the star. That’s how the consumption increases.”

Keep reading us here at AndNowUKnow as we continue to cover the lead-up to this year’s Chef Invitational, and be sure to cast your vote for the People’s Choice Chef by clicking here!

California Giant Berry Farms

ZAANDAM, NETHERLANDS - The results are in, and Ahold Delhaize has once again achieved a boost in net sales. The retailer recently released its first quarter 2023 financial results, pointing to impressive signs of growth. It was announced that Q1 Group net sales were €21.6 billion ($23.3 billion), up 6.3 percent at constant exchange rates and up 9.4 percent at actual exchange rates.

“Our brands’ ability to adapt their assortments and omnichannel customer journeys to rising consumer price sensitivity is resonating well with customers, and this is clearly reflected in our Q1 results,” said Frans Muller, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Comparable store sales excluding gas grew 6.2 percent in Q1. Leveraging these strong sales, we delivered an underlying operating margin of 4 percent and diluted underlying EPS growth of 10.5 percent. Our strong earnings performance was largely driven by a strong operating performance in the U.S., which partially offset increased energy costs in Europe and the impact of strikes in Belgium.”

Net consumer online sales for the first quarter increased by 5.9 percent at constant exchange rates. Grocery online sales increased 9.7 percent at constant rates, a press release stated.

Other highlights include:

• Q1 underlying operating margin was 4 percent, a decrease of 0.2 percentage points. Strong underlying U.S. margin partially offset declines in European margin and a reduction in GSO insurance gains
• Q1 IFRS-reported operating income was €822 million ($890.3 million) and Q1 IFRS-reported diluted EPS was €0.57 ($0.62)
• Q1 diluted underlying EPS was €0.61 ($0.66), an increase of 10.5 percent over the prior year at actual rates

“The U.S. brands continue to deliver consistent and strong performance. In the quarter, comparable sales grew by 8.1 percent, excluding weather and calendar shifts,” Muller continued. “We also delivered a strong underlying operating profit, driven by better shelf availability, as supply chains are much improved compared to a year ago. It is clear that customers are finding great value through our brands’ various omnichannel propositions. During the quarter, the loyalty programs at Food Lion, Stop & Shop, and Giant Food were named among ‘America’s Best Loyalty Programs 2023’ by Newsweek.”

More from the report can be found here. Keep reading ANUK for more updates.

Ahold Delhaize

NEWARK, DE & WASHINGTON, DC - In one of the International Fresh Produce Association’s (IFPA) latest initiatives, the organization put its members in the spotlight for their efforts to improve sustainability. At the Agriculture Innovation Mission (AIM) for Climate Summit held May 8–10, IFPA spotlighted some of the latest innovations championed by the industry.

“Part of our global sustainability strategy includes IFPA participating in these important food systems conversations, including the United Nations Conference of Paris (COP) 28. AIM for Climate is a prominent forum prior to COP28 later this year and gave us a platform to share with international heads of state and ministerial bodies the important work our members and industry are doing on carbon emissions and other sustainability issues,” said Director of Sustainability Tamara Muruetagoiena.

The summit is a joint initiative by the United States and the United Arab Emirates that seeks to address climate change and global hunger. In addition, AIM for Climate recognizes that diversity, gender equity, and inclusion are critical to the success of its mission and seeks to draw on participants’ diverse knowledge, experiences, and cultures.

According to a press release, Muruetagoiena observed three themes from the summit:

• Climate-smart agriculture innovation, which aligns with current IFPA initiatives such as the second cohort of the Fresh Fields Catalyst Accelerator program, which is focused on delivering climate-smart solutions to the industry’s biggest challenges
• Soil health. Here, reducing tillage, managing nutrients, and utilization of cover crops were cited as the pillars of soil health, along with managing nitrous oxide levels
• Achieving gender leadership equality among agricultural businesses and growing the base of female farmers worldwide. IFPA is addressing this through its inclusion, diversity, equity, and access program portfolio

IFPA sustainability resources also include the Fresh Produce Research Center. This is in addition to ongoing IFPA consumer research on sustainability, numerous resources in packaging, regenerative agriculture, an ethical charter focused on responsible labor practices, and more.

As we continue to watch sustainability initiatives blossom, ANUK will keep you informed.

International Fresh Produce Association