CHICO, CA - Word of a new venture has made its way across our industry, as respected organic industry advisors Gwendolyn Wyard and Kim Dietz are coming together to launch a new business. The two industry experts have debuted Strengthening Organic Systems (SOS), an advisory firm focused entirely on organic fraud prevention, supply chain investigations, and compliance with the United States Department of Agriculture’s organic anti-fraud regulations.

“As long-time leaders and regulatory experts in the organic space, we are excited to help organic businesses implement measures to ensure the authenticity of the organic ingredients and products they are buying and selling,” said Dietz. “SOS will use its expertise to support the new requirements of the federal organic standards and help set certifying agencies and companies throughout the organic supply chain up for success.”

Wyard and Dietz have over 65 years of combined experience in organic policy, certification, and leadership.

As the company explained in a press release, the new venture was formed with the goal of strengthening the resilience and overall integrity of global organic supply chains by assisting businesses in developing effective organic fraud prevention plans and compliance practices. Its immediate area of concentration will be the support of the implementation of the Agriculture Department’s Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) rule, the sweeping and historic update to U.S. organic regulations announced by the federal government earlier this year to better deter and detect organic fraud.

“The importance of the Agriculture Department’s SOE rule for the organic sector cannot be emphasized enough, and now is the time to get it right,” added Wyard. “Our company was formed to guide organic businesses through the SOE implementation process, and to assure not only the adoption of robust organic fraud prevention plans but to assist in supply chain mapping and the identification of high-risk ingredients and other supply-chain vulnerabilities.”

Strengthening Organic Systems has been recently named a Trusted Advisor for the Organic Trade Association’s Organic Fraud Prevention Solutions. A Trusted Advisor is a category of professional qualified to advise and assist companies with the trade association’s anti-fraud program. Advisors can go in-depth with enrolled participants to carry out a vulnerability assessment and develop an Organic Fraud Prevention Plan, a requirement of the SOE Rule.

To read more about the new venture and the distinguished leaders behind it, click here.

More fresh produce news is on the way, so stick around.

Strengthening Organic Systems

NORTH AMERICA - El Niño has arrived. As warmer-than-average temperatures in the tropical Pacific sea have developed over the past month, El Niño conditions have developed as well, and according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, they are expected to continue into the winter.

As the organization reported in a blog post, the odds of El Niño becoming a strong event at its peak are sitting at 56 percent, and the chances of at least a moderate event are about 84 percent.

El Niño is the warm phase of the El Niño-La Niña climate pattern and changes global atmospheric circulation in known ways, giving researchers an idea of potential upcoming weather and climate patterns. The stronger the phase, the more likely global temperature, rain, and other patterns are to reflect the expected El Niño impacts.

What could this mean for the industry? In an El Niño winter, an extended North Pacific jet stream tends to bring more storms across the southern tier of the United States and warmer air to the northern half of North America. This could mean wetter, snowier conditions later in the year.

To read more about these El Niño conditions, click here.

Stay updated by reading AndNowUKnow.

REEDLEY, CA - Imagine a world where the joy of summer never ends. If you’re attending this year’s Organic Produce Summit (OPS), this idea will soon become a reality. Why? Because Fruit World is hitting the show floor with a robust product portfolio, welcoming attendees to a year-round summer extravaganza.

“We’ll be serving up summer at the Organic Produce Summit this July, one of the best trade shows that can’t be missed,” Bianca Kaprielian, Chief Executive Officer, told me in the weeks leading up to the show. “We're excited to showcase our exceptional organic citrus program and the endless marketing possibilities to relish citrus in every season. Our team can't wait to showcase our flavor-forward grapes, dry farm tomatoes, and delicious summer stonefruit programs that are sure to get consumers’ taste buds tingling.”

2023 marks the sixth anniversary of the organic produce grower and marketer—and I can assure you Fruit World has no plans of slowing down any time soon. The supplier’s continuous growth is driven by a deep commitment to making choices that benefit the planet and its people.

Pushing forward in these strategies, Fruit World has been busy planting new, unique specialty citrus varieties and grape cultivars and is well on its way to achieving Equitable Food Initiative (EFI) certification; EFI certification ensures that the company’s labor conditions, food safety, and pest management are top-notch and that all of its workers are treated fairly and equitably.

“We love deepening our connections with our customers and partners and connecting with like-minded individuals who share our passion for fresh, creative produce,” Bianca adds. “That's why the entire Fruit World team is excited to head to the Organic Produce Summit. See you all there!”

For a high-quality collection of produce that consumers can savor all year long, be sure to stop by booth #812 at the show.

You know where to click for more trade show updates and industry insights.

Fruit World

OVIEDO, FL - When I speak to Duda Farm Fresh Foods’ Nichole Towell about inspiring people to utilize fresh produce as part of their summer experiences, we immediately bring up corn. It’s one of those vegetables associated with summer weather, and the Senior Director of Marketing and Packaging Procurement had several strategies to up corn consumption.

“Sweet corn is a huge program at Duda each summer. Corn is consistently popular with shoppers during this season as shoppers are having pool parties and get-togethers to grill out,” Nichole noted. “Aside from the classic corn on the cob, salads also make a great addition to backyard barbecue menus.”

Duda offers recipe inspiration to help consumers incorporate sweet corn into their summer recipes, such as Sweet Corn, Tomato, and Avocado Salad or Grilled Romaine Salad. Grilling recipes also spark inspiration, such as Pulled Pork with a Sweet Corn Chow Chow or Easy Blackened Corn.

The company also engages with shoppers each summer through its Sizzling Sweet Summer Sweepstakes, with supporting marketing efforts such as consumer emails, influencer support, public relations, and social media.

“We raise awareness each year to encourage sweet corn usage and provide inspiration for shoppers throughout this season. We also work with individual retailers on custom in-store promotions,” Nichole added.

As the summer continues, we’ll keep bringing back ways to increase fresh produce consumption.

Duda Farm Fresh Foods

NEWARK, DE & WASHINGTON, DC - For the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA), helping its members develop in the industry is part of its mission. To empower leaders, the association is accepting applications for three of nearly a dozen programs that are part of The Leadership Path, a series of progressive leadership development courses that serve everyone from entry-level staff to the C-suite.

“At IFPA, we’re committed to growing members’ prosperity, and this leadership development suite of programs is an important component of that commitment,” said Doug Bohr, IFPA Chief Education and Programs Officer. “Powerful leaders are essential to day-to-day business and relationships. And they are key to longer-term strategies of a diverse and inclusive workforce, healthier people, healthier companies, and a healthier planet. IFPA’s Produce & Floral Leadership Path powers the people who power our members’ success.”

In addition to the three programs that have already opened for applications, others will open later this year or are on-demand online, according to a release.

The Produce & Floral Leadership Path is a one-stop shop that builds skills and networks to expand employees’ contributions. These programs work to:

• Advance organizations by developing strong leaders
• Enhance employee contributions
• Showcase a company’s commitment to its employees and their career paths
• Reward star performers with additional opportunities to grow
• Build staff loyalty by investing in them
• Enrich a culture of ongoing learning that drives business success

These programs combine online and in-person options to suit company needs. The three offerings that are now open for applications include Management Fundamentals, Emerging Leaders Program, and Leadership Program.

“We all attend events and pursue education around job skills—all to enhance day-to-day success in business,” Bohr added. “That needs to be balanced with leadership development for strategic, long-term benefits. The Leadership Path makes good leaders better and builds a cadre of leaders at all levels in an organization, preparing them for greater opportunities and ensuring the organization has a strong corps of leaders for strategic work and business continuity.”

To see what other programs IFPA offers, click here.

AndNowUKnow is the place for more industry career development offerings and opportunities, so stay tuned.

International Fresh Produce Association

SANTA MARIA, CA - Bobalu is back with another crop update straight from the fields. This time, the grower honed in on its Santa Maria, California, operations, sharing its strawberry projections for the summer season ahead of us.

“We are back on track this week with normal weather patterns here along the coastal region near Santa Maria,” Bobalu noted in its release to the industry. “We have been focused on cleaning up the fields all week and working closely with our QC team to ensure best quality as we work through rain damage after last week’s unseasonal rain.”

The release went on to note that the rain has impacted volume, but Bobalu expects to return to its normal rotation this week with increased numbers.

In line with the company’s expectations, the Santa Maria crops are peaking later than usual due to early storms. Although this is the case for many regions in the state, Bobalu reports that its crops will be peaking just in time for the Fourth of July.

“We have a long way to go this summer with most of our volume ahead of us here in Santa Maria,” the release continued. “We look forward to working with you to promote our strawberries all summer long.”

With strong supplies and great quality expected throughout June and July, now is the time to promote strawberries for the summer season.

For more crop updates like this, stick with us at ANUK.

Bobalu

UNITED STATES - In Kroger’s recent first-quarter results earnings call, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Rodney McMullen offered an update on the Albertsons/Kroger merger—which we have been following closely here at ANUK.

“We remain on track and continue to expect the transaction to close in early 2024. We are working cooperatively with the regulators and at the same time to identify potential buyers for the stores we expect to divest to obtain clearance for the transaction,” McMullen explained. “We will find well-capitalized buyers with experienced management teams that will maintain competitiveness. We are very pleased with the level of interest received thus far and we'll work toward finding a solution that benefits all stakeholders.”

We reported earlier in the year that both Kroger and Albertsons planned to divest stores to clear the antitrust review. Later, it was revealed that stores would be divested through a newly formed spinoff company named SpinCo.

“We are also committed to not closing any stores, distribution centers, or manufacturing facilities as a result of the merger,” added McMullen. “We are very proud of our ability to make such a commitment, especially at a time when many companies are announcing job cuts. And this is consistent with Kroger's track record in recent mergers.”

McMullen went on to express his excitement for the merger, noting that Kroger’s history of growth through mergers will hopefully put stakeholders’ minds at ease.

To read more about the earnings call, click here.

As always, keep returning to AndNowUKnow for the latest in retail news.

Kroger

OXNARD, CA - The beauty of a salad lies in its versatility, and in the case of Fresh Prep, LLC’s Fair Earth Farms organic line of salad kits and salad blends, their convenience and sustainability too. Featuring two enticing flavors, the line speaks to health and flavor-conscious consumers and shoppers looking for earth-friendly offerings as well, as each bag is fully compostable. To learn more about this exciting range, Deep Silver, Senior Director of Marketing at Fresh Prep, took a beat to share the details.

“The line is committed to building a better future by providing better choices for everyday produce; its compostable, plant-based bags will break down into the Earth’s soil over time, contributing to farming’s regenerative cycle and providing a solution to the current plastic crisis. Fair Earth Farms is also the first in its category to package organic salad kits and salad blends in plant-based, fully compostable bags,” explains Deep. “The salad kits and blends are USDA-certified organic and fresh, and the team worked with Chef Andrew Hunter to create chef-driven flavors and recipes!”

Fair Earth Farms’ USDA-certified organic salad kits come in two delectable flavors: Superfood Crunch and Honey Coconut Cashew. Each includes on-trend ingredients and a mix of fresh organic leafy greens to complement the flavors. The brand also offers its salad blends line for consumers wanting to create their own combinations. Options include Baby Spinach, Baby Arugula, Spring Mix, and Power Greens, all triple-washed and ready to eat.

Each product’s brightly colored, inviting packaging stands out in the produce aisle with its clear list of kit ingredients and the fully compostable promise. For shoppers looking for sustainable items, this is a crucial selling point.

“Our organic salad kits and salad blends are packaged in plant-based, fully compostable bags, printed using water-based inks that will break down into rich, organic soil,” says Deep. “Building a new model for the future, Fair Earth Farms maintains that the foods we eat come from the earth that we must nurture in return. With the rising plastic crisis, Fair Earth Farms is doing its part to reduce waste and educate and encourage consumers to begin composting. We are committed to offering fresh produce coupled with a commitment to sustainable innovation within the category.”

Standing behind its promise, Fair Earth Farms is a member of the Sustainable Packaging Coalition and is certified through the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI)—the global standard for composting, which ensures the compostability of packaging has been adequately tested.

To help customers further when it comes to composting, Fair Earth Farms will have a How2Compost label, a standardized on-package label that clearly communicates composting instructions to the public.

As a recent honoree in Fast Company’s 2023 World Changing Ideas Awards in the Energy and Sustainability category, it is clear that Fair Earth Farms remains dedicated to creating a more sustainable future and giving its partners the tools to do the same.

To get a closer look at this lineup, stop by booth #806 at this year’s Organic Produce Summit.

Boskovich Fresh Food Group

CAPISTRANO BEACH, CA - When the industry converges in Monterey, California, for the exclusive Organic Produce Summit’s (OPS) return, Anthony Innocenti will be coming home.

“I am from Northern California originally and we are proud to strongly support OPS,” the Managing Partner for LIV Produce recently shared. “Not only have we seen great success from participating in the show, its focus on organics further solidifies our own position in the organic marketplace."

LIV Produce has continued to grow in its own right, with the recent addition of further packing capabilities—especially capabilities on potatoes, onions, and citrus—for private label packing for retailers on a national scale.

“We have further expanded not only our packing and processing capabilities, but our boots on the ground to ensure our resources further,” Anthony shared, reflecting on how unique the past several months have been for the industry. “It has been an interesting year in produce, with surprising weather across the nation. But in spite of the big swings, we have stuck to our core principles that got us started, staying the course and pursuing new business, which has seen our buying partners consistently supported.”

In that vein, Carrie Briones, Head of Sales and Grower Relations, reflected on the citrus outlook over the coming summer months and potentially tight supply.

“Citrus has fallen in line with much of California’s broader fruit season this summer, with a shorter-than-usual harvest and light supplies experienced across several commodities, it will be a challenging summer,” Carrie observed. “We have been fortunate to strategize with our grower partners to ensure we provide the best quality timing of their crops to the market.”

Another boon to the company’s delivery is control on the packing side.

“Our packing of all citrus at our own facility really allows us to be nimble to align the two sides. We are already starting to work with our grower partners to look toward fall time and look to be well positioned for a good fall organic season,” Carrie assured me.

Additionally, LIV will offer expanded acreage on potatoes going into the fall, all of which will be highlighted at a new booth approach from the supplier that buyers won’t want to miss.

“We are highlighting value-added especially—we have added so many packing capabilities across the board, particularly in citrus and potatoes, with a modern approach,” Anthony shared. “A booth can be nothing or it can reflect the culture and energy of the company. We are excited to showcase how we reinvent the wheel and enjoy change by how we present ourselves on the show floor.”

I will certainly be swinging by booth #801 to see for myself. As the two industry experts observed, OPS is the place to be to extend organic presence as a buyer and a supplier. See you there at the Monterey Conference Center July 12–13!

LIV Produce

WEST DES MOINES, IA - Vendors across the Midwest are invited to toss their hat in the ring at Hy-Vee’s upcoming Local Brands Summit.

As a supply strategy, Hy-Vee has seen success with past summits. Although the program only began in 2021, the retailer has selected more than 125 new brands to add to its store offerings.

This year’s Best of Local Brands Summit begins August 2, and one of the categories the company is looking for submissions in is produce. For smaller operations within Hy-Vee’s state network of Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wisconsin, this could potentially open up a distribution channel for their products.

Although the success rate of produce brands submitting their products is not known, it’s an intriguing option that Hy-Vee continues to open up to the fresh sector.

The summit could potentially find the next big thing in produce—who knows?

Keep reading us here at AndNowUKnow for all things fresh.

Hy-Vee