WATSONVILLE, CA - With an already impressive level of category expertise, the California Strawberry Commission (CSC) is upping its prowess even more. The organization recently announced two key hires to advance the industry through research and communications, welcoming Dr. William “Bill” Turechek as the new Vice President of Research and Jeff Cardinale as the new Director of Communications.

“I am honored to join the California Strawberry Commission and I am looking forward to meeting and getting to know the many growers, shippers, and processors in the California strawberry industry,” said Turechek. “As the Vice President of Research, one of my primary goals is to work closely with the industry to identify key research needs, and then make it happen. In leading the Commission’s research efforts, I hope to empower California strawberry growers with the latest research and data to help them make the informed decisions that will advance strawberry farming in California.”

Turechek comes to the CSC after serving as a Research Plant Pathologist at the USDA-ARS Horticultural Research Laboratory in Fort Pierce, Florida. There, he worked on epidemiology and management of strawberry and vegetable diseases.

“We are excited to have Dr. Turechek join the California Strawberry Commission and utilize his expertise to aid the 400-plus family-owned strawberry farming operations in California,” said Rick Tomlinson, California Strawberry Commission President.

The CSC also named Cardinale as the new Director of Communications.

As part of the marketing and media relations campaigns, Cardinale plans to introduce new ways of reaching the media, as well as the local strawberry farming communities to stay engaged with the industry, a press release explained.

“On behalf of the 400-plus California strawberry growers, shippers, and processors, I am excited to join the California Strawberry Commission,” said Cardinale. “There are incredible stories to tell about the California strawberry industry, from the remarkable opportunities for field workers becoming farm owners, to the fact that 97 cents of every California strawberry dollar goes right back into the community. These are just a few of the many great things happening in the California strawberry industry, and I look forward to showcasing those stories.”

Tomlinson also commented on Cardinale’s recent appointment.

"We are delighted to have Jeff on board,” he said. “He brings nearly 10 years of agriculture communications experience as well as extensive work in proactive and crisis communications. The commission is confident Jeff will serve the industry well.”

Click here for more details on these recent appointments. Congratulations to these two strawberry aces!

California Strawberry Commission

OTTAWA, ONTARIO, CANADA - It was recently revealed that the Financial Protection for Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Farmers Act (Bill C-280) has passed by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-food without amendment and with the support of all political parties. Following this announcement, the Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA), the Fruit and Vegetable Growers of Canada (FVGC), and the Fruit and Vegetable Dispute Resolution Corporation (DRC) expressed their approval surrounding the bill’s passing.

"The passage of Bill C-280 at Committee Stage marks another crucial step forward in ensuring the stability and financial security of the fruit and vegetable sector," said CPMA President Ron Lemaire. "It has been a long road for our industry in working toward an effective financial protection mechanism. We are greatly appreciative of the efforts of MP Davidson and the support of all Committee members in helping to move this critical legislation forward."

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

CPMA and FVGC also went on to note that the perishable nature of fresh produce, coupled with the industry’s typically longer payment terms, leaves sellers unable to recover losses when faced with buyer bankruptcy.

"The significance of Bill C-280 for the fresh produce industry cannot be overstated,” emphasized FVGC Executive Director Rebecca Lee. “Our organizations were grateful for the opportunity to speak to the Committee about the importance of financial protection for all fresh produce sellers. Looking ahead to the final rounds of debate and voting in the House of Commons, we are optimistic that all parties will continue to lend their support and work to advance the bill as quickly as possible."

Bill C-280 will be referred back to the House of Commons this fall for Report Stage and Third Reading Debate and votes, and the CPMA, FVGC, and DRC call on all Members of Parliament to recognize the positive impact that Bill C-280 can have on the fruit and vegetable sector and the broader Canadian economy.

For more updates on this pivotal bill, keep reading AndNowUKnow.

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

MOUNT VERNON, WA - From décor inspiration to exotic variety trials, Bay Baby Produce knows how to harness the potential of the squash category. The supplier’s innovative portfolio takes a multifaceted approach to entice consumers, and I recently got an update on some of the company’s latest product developments.

“The Home Décor Box—also known as our Consumer Box—is great for consumers who want to find some inspiration in their home for decorating with our pumpkins,” explained Michele Youngquist, President. “We have put together an offering that consists of four different varieties that decorate together beautifully. This box can be customized based on what our customer believes their consumer needs. It can be an ornamental pumpkin box with our beautiful long stems, or ornamental pumpkins mixed with our painted pumpkins!”

The Home Décor Box also features a QR code that can be easily scanned, directing shoppers to home décor inspiration photos. This allows Bay Baby to drive increased traffic to its website while giving consumers great value with their purchase.

Along the same concept, Bay Baby also offers a Mixed Organic Squash Box, which allows the consumer to try multiple different varieties of squash. This collection includes some more familiar favorites, in addition to Bay Baby’s exotic varieties. The QR code conveniently placed on this box takes shoppers to recipes for organic winter squash.

“One of the goals in developing the new look for our Organic Squash Box and Consumer Box was to promote our farm-fresh feel, as well as to market to the consumer who is drawn to an organic vibe, with a stylistic vintage twist,” added Lindsey Dalesky, Sales and Marketing Representative. “We really wanted the delivery of the pumpkins to reflect what is inside the box!”

For the produce-loving football fans, Bay Baby’s new Sports Pumpkins are Officially Licensed by the NFL and college teams. As shoppers look to show loyalty to their home teams, they will be drawn in by these alluring pumpkins sporting the popular painted logos of their favorite NFL and college organizations.

Beyond its creative portfolio, Bay Baby is also harnessing growth through its social media strategies, which are geared toward consumer education and driving squash consumption.

“Bay Baby Produce is really focusing on highlighting our unique story and sharing our beautiful Skagit Valley with the public,” added Michele. “We are very fortunate to live and farm where we do, and it’s great content to share.”

The company is also strategizing key partnerships focused on social media, aligning with Produce for Better Health and its Have a Plant Movement, in addition to a few local entrepreneurs.

For more of the latest fresh produce news and exclusive insights, ANUK is the place to be.

Bay Baby Produce

LOS ANGELES, CA - In less than a month, we will be kicking off the Organic Produce Summit (OPS) in Monterey, California. As we at ANUK began ramping up for the event, I knew I needed to get in touch with the Giumarra Companies, so I sat down with two of its team members.

“At OPS, we will be showcasing our year-round certified organic avocado program, ensuring a steady supply of high-quality bulk and bagged organic avocados for our customers,” Kellee Harris, Regional Business Development Director, told me. “We will also share the availability of our organic apples, asparagus, blueberries, grapes, kiwifruit, and pears from our wide network of domestic and international family farms. These organic offerings provide consumers with a diverse range of sustainable choices throughout the year.”

Kellee went on to note that in addition to showcasing its programs, Giumarra looks forward to networking with its retail and foodservice buyers who travel annually to the show from across the country. She explained that that event presents valuable opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing.

“We are also particularly interested in the ed sessions offered at the show, where we hear from a cross-section of industry thought leaders on current organic produce and consumer trends,” Kellee continued. “There is an exciting mix of topics at this year’s event, and with the concurrent ed sessions taking place prior to the trade show, we plan to ‘divide and conquer’ our attendance so we don’t miss anything.”

Kristina Lorusso, Regional Business Development Director, also shared with me why all industry members should attend the event.

“OPS has established itself as one of the premier produce trade shows of the year. It presents a fantastic opportunity for organic produce suppliers like us to connect with a wide range of retail and foodservice leaders from the United States and Canada,” Kristina said. “Monterey, with its beautiful setting, serves as an ideal location for the organic produce industry to gather annually in July. We have been participating in the show since its inception and it continues to deliver value year over year.”

As Kristina relayed, Giumarra’s primary objectives at the show include meeting with key retail and foodservice customers, deepening its understanding of current organic produce trends, and creating awareness for its organic products.

“By engaging with our customers, we can strengthen existing partnerships and explore new business opportunities,” Kristina added.

What can visitors to Giumarra’s booth expect? Kellee, an attendee of OPS since its inception, emphasized Giumarra’s commitment to meeting the evolving sustainability goals of its customers.

“We use OPS as a forum for listening to and learning from our customers so we can tailor our product and service offerings to help them reach their unique sustainability objectives,” she said. “In turn, we will continue to communicate our commitment to organic produce, social responsibility, and helping reduce carbon footprint.”

If you will be attending OPS this year, be sure to stop by booth #402 to speak with the Giumarra team. Attendees can contact them to schedule a booth meeting by visiting this link.

Keep reading ANUK for more event coverage as we get closer to July.

Giumarra Companies

WASHINGTON, DC - As required by the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA), Westlake Distributors of Downey, California, has posted a $100,000 surety bond to employ Christopher Martin.

This comes after Los Angeles, California-based VIP Marketing failed to pay multiple reparation awards issued against the company, of which Martin was an officer at the time.

Direct from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service:

Any PACA licensee wishing to employ individuals who have failed to pay a reparation award, or have been subject to a USDA disciplinary action, must post a USDA-approved surety bond. USDA will hold the $100,000 bond for four years and nine months, effective May 22, 2023, providing assurance to the industry that the company will be able to pay for produce purchased and to conduct its business according to PACA rules.

To read the release in its entirety, click here.

USDA Agricultural Marketing Service

FRESNO, CA - California table grape growers are aiming to make a difference in the lives of the next generation by awarding nine high-achieving students with scholarships.

Recently, growers gave out three $25,000 field worker scholarships to students attending four-year universities, according to a release from the California Table Grape Commission (CTGC). Additionally, they awarded two $14,500 bridge field worker scholarships to students attending community college for two years and then transferring to a four-year university.

To qualify for the field worker scholarship, the applicant, parent, or guardian must work in the California table grape harvest.

Growers also awarded two $25,000 agricultural scholarships and one $14,500 agricultural bridge scholarship to students pursuing a degree in a field of study pertinent to table grapes.

To see the list of 2023 recipients, click here.

Cheers to California table grape growers for making an impact on the future of these students!

California Table Grape Commission

BOSTON, MA - If you ask us, fruit is the ideal snack for any given occasion. Ocean Spray Cranberries knows this well, which is why the brand has launched a Snack Medley to further tap into the burgeoning sector. Ocean Spray's Snack Medley offers a fruit snack experience of sweet and tangy dried cranberries perfectly paired with other premium fruits.

"Our team at Ocean Spray is always looking for ways to bring delicious and nutritious options to families," said Kelvin Vuong, Senior Director of Brand Marketing, USA Foods and Snacking, at Ocean Spray. "With Snack Medley, we've created a perfect combination of flavors that will satisfy cravings needed for busy days. We are excited to introduce this delightful new snack experience to our customers."

The fruit-forward Snack Medley is available in three tantalizing flavors: Cran-Blueberry™, Cran-Pineapple™, and Cran-Mango™. According to a press release, the launch of this medley is a continuation of Ocean Spray's expansion into snacking occasions, as well as its commitment to providing families with wholesome snacking options.

The products are now available at Walmart stores nationwide and will be in grocery retailers this summer, including Kroger, Meijer, H-E-B, and Stop & Shop. Each box contains five single-serve, 1 oz pouches, perfectly portioned and packed with big flavors.

The opportunities of the snacking sector await!

Keep reading ANUK as we bring you the latest product launches and portfolio updates.

Ocean Spray Cranberries

WATSONVILLE, CA - Ringing up Katie Bulger, I get an immediate sense for how passionate she is about food. Her knowledge and excitement are infectious, and I can’t wait to see her in action at California Giant Berry Farms’ Chef Invitational.

We both can’t help but gush over her dish, which is the Blackberry Brown Butter Seabass with Strawberry Chimichurri. Apart from the obvious affinity for brown butter we both share, I ask Katie the inspiration behind this recipe.

“When getting ready for the competition, we were told to look at the market trends and pick a few that resonated with us. I love colorful plates and using things in unusual ways. So when I saw brown butter I was like, ‘Yep, that's it,’” Katie, Division Chef for Performance Foodservice - Milwaukee, shares with me. “I also thought it would be really cool to see if I could dye or tint the fish purple. When I cook, I like to use a lot of acidity. I'm that person that I will use acid before salt.”

There’s no denying that Katie’s dish is beautiful, but I think what really makes her cooking stand out is the fun she injects into her cooking.

“When I go into this competition, my strategy is to have a great time,” she says. “This is my first real competition, but I present a lot in my job, so I don’t really have any anxiety about that. Cooking brings me joy. I mean, I just feel so fortunate to be here in the first place. I think by having fun, it’ll really come through in the end product.”

A sentiment I agree with completely. Throughout her career, Katie has done everything from cooking at country clubs to catering. She spent several years working for a casino, an experience that lent itself to a fuller understanding of food concepts across the board. She even spent time selling produce.

“I feel like I’ve been envisioning produce at the center of the plate for a long time. I love meat, but produce is usually my main focus. It was really fun learning how to handle it, how to treat it, and how to store it. It really opened my eyes to trying new things,” she notes.

As Katie says, cooking with fresh produce is adventurous—and what better catchphrase could we ask for?

With the Chef Invitational just around the corner, I extend the best of luck to Katie!

California Giant Berry Farms

ANTRIM, IRELAND - Expansion is on the horizon as Sysco’s Ireland arm broke ground on a new facility. The foodservice distributor is doubling the size of its Northern Ireland business over the next five years with a £23 million (~$29.3 million USD) distribution facility at Nutts Corner in Antrim, Ireland.

“This new, state-of-the-art facility at Nutts Corner represents a strategically important location, allowing us excellent connectivity to serve our customers and further grow our business,” Mark Lee, Chief Executive Officer of Sysco Ireland, commented. “The development is a key part of our business strategy in Northern Ireland and will also ensure that we grow our business responsibly.”

Lee noted the company was committed to growing its business across Northern Ireland, gaining customers, and building a network of local suppliers.

The Sysco Belfast distribution facility at Nutts Corner in Antrim is set to open in early 2025, and when fully operational will manage more than 10,000 food products with guaranteed next-day delivery. The design incorporates solar panels, rainwater harvesting, heat-pump technology, and electric vehicle charging points.

To learn more details, read The Irish Times’ coverage here.

ANUK will keep an eye on the developments in the industry, so stay tuned.

Sysco

LOS ANGELES, CA - The wait is over, industry friends! If you have been plotting on the perfect time to capture the attention of sweet onion lovers, that time has arrived. Keystone Fruit Marketing, a division of Progressive Produce, has announced the highly anticipated kickoff of its Walla Walla sweet onion season. What's in store for retailers this year? You know we had to find out.

"Walla Walla sweet onions are known for their irresistibly sweet and mild flavor. Whether enjoyed raw in salads, grilled to perfection, caramelized in savory dishes, or used as a delectable addition to recipes, Walla Walla sweet onions elevate any culinary creation," said Ryan Conlon, Commodity Manager. "We recommend cross-merchandising in the meat department or alongside tomatoes, salads, peppers, and squash, as it has proven to be an effective strategy in boosting sales."

Boasting impressive flavor, exceptional sweetness, and limited availability, these iconic sweet onions will soon be captivating consumers' taste buds. Walla Walla sweet onions mark the arrival of summer each year. Grown exclusively in the fertile soils and unique microclimate of the Walla Walla Valley, this seasonal delicacy is famous for its exceptional taste and versatility, a press release explained.

Ensuring the premium quality of this beloved variety, local growers employ traditional cultivation practices handed down through generations. The Walla Walla sweet onion is carefully nurtured and hand-harvested by skilled growers who take pride in their commitment to delivering the finest sweet onions to market.

"We are thrilled to announce the start of the Walla Walla sweet onion season," added Conlon. "Our dedicated growers have worked tirelessly to cultivate these exceptional sweet onions, and we cannot wait for consumers to experience their unparalleled taste and versatility. The Walla Walla sweet onion season is a special time for all food lovers."

Due to its limited availability, the Walla Walla sweet onion is highly sought after. Keystone's Walla Walla sweet onions started shipping out of Los Angeles on June 19, with availability through mid-August.

How will you seize the opportunity of the sweet onion category?

For more category updates and insights, stick with ANUK.

Progressive Produce