THESSALONIKI, GREECE - A shipment of bananas was found to have contained smuggled narcotics recently in Greece. Greek authorities seized 105 kilograms (~230 pounds) of cocaine, arresting 10 people suspected of smuggling drugs from South America to Europe.

Police have reported the arrests were made in coordination with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), which took place in northern Greece’s port city of Thessaloniki. Officials said the drugs were unloaded from a merchant ship several days earlier. The cocaine was hidden in a consignment of bananas from Ecuador that was headed for North Macedonia, police said in a statement.

Thessaloniki is a major gateway for goods heading to markets in North Macedonia and other Balkan countries. The suspects, identified as seven Greek and three Albanian nationals, were arrested after they allegedly removed the drugs from hollow external sections of the shipping containers that held the bananas, continued AP News.

Greek police said the operation was carried out with assistance from the DEA. They said they were seeking the arrest of one more person.

ANUK will continue to report on the updates and the rescues of fresh produce.

WASHINGTON, DC - Organics is continuing to gain steam in the produce aisle. The Organic Trade Association (OTA) recently revealed a survey showing organic food sales in the United States broke through $60 billion for the first time in 2022, with growth pace doubled from the previous year.

“Organic has proven it can withstand short-term economic storms. Despite the fluctuation of any given moment, Americans are still investing in their personal health, and, with increasing interest, in the environment—and organic is the answer,” said Organic Trade Association Chief Executive Officer Tom Chapman. “Organic’s fundamental values remain strong, and consumers have demonstrated they will come back time and again because the organic system is verified, and better for people, the planet, and the economy.”

Total organic sales—including organic non-food products—were a record $67.6 billion, according to the 2023 Organic Industry Survey released Wednesday by OTA.

The organic market grew despite challenging headwinds: inflation pressures tightening consumer wallets, supply chain disruptions caused by the pandemic and global political events, and more. Inflation heated up costs across the organic supply chain and boosted prices in the grocery aisles. As a result, noted the release, the organic sector reflected the overall food sector, with the value of organic sales rising even as the growth in the volume of sales for some categories slipped.

Organic produce, often the entry point for new organic buyers, easily held its position as the top seller of all organic categories. Sales of organic produce totaled $22 billion, accounting for 15 percent of all fruit and vegetable sales in this country.

For more information, click here.

Stick with AndNowUKnow to learn more about the trends and updates in our industry.

Organic Trade Association

BRADFORD, ONTARIO, CANADA - Two industry companies recently joined forces in the name of increased efficiency as Volm and its partner Wyma Solutions collaborated with the Gwillimdale Farms team. Together, they worked to up the grower’s equipment production efficiencies to meet carrot production goals as part of a multi-piece installation.

“It’s a very sustainable farm in taking in different technologies and always looking for new technologies from all over the world,” John Hambly, Owner of Gwillimdale Farms, told Volm team members in a Q&A. “Gwillimdale is a very diverse farm. It grows a total of 5,000 acres of crops, with 1,500 acres of vegetables and 3,500 acres of grains and oilseeds.”

Following the installation, Volm’s Sales Engineer John Moretto and Equipment Product Manager, Dan Husnick visited Gwillimdale’s Bradford, Ontario, facility for a tour, video, and interview. According to a release, the team members were welcomed by Hambly and other key members of the group, Marketing Manager Courtney Enns and Senior Sales and Plant Operation Manager Quinton Woods.

Throughout the interview, Gwillimdale Farms showed the tremendous pride it takes in its day-to-day operations and in producing the highest quality product. The company is forward-focused, working on its sustainable practices and the future of farming.

“We value educating consumers on our product, its nutritional benefits, where it comes from, and the industry-leading equipment and technologies that we use before it is put on the shelf in front of them,” shared Enns. “It is important to us that our customers and consumers know the care, quality, and extra mile we go in everything that we do. Giving back is at the core of our values, and we hope everybody gets to experience the ‘Gwillimdale difference.’”

During the Q&A, Woods explained some of the challenges that Gwillimdale was facing that led to the search for this new equipment from Volm.

“So, the reality is, we’ve tried many different pieces of equipment throughout the last couple of years in our facility. We kept going back to the Wyma equipment time and time again. We had pulled a line in and out of our facility three times, and it was at that point where we realized that Wyma was the equipment that we were after,” he said.

To watch the video, click here.

For more partnership details and collaborations, stick with ANUK.

Volm Gwillimdale Farms

WENATCHEE, WA - On Saturday, May 6, Kyle Mathison and the rest of the Stemilt founding family could be found smiling and waving from a 1926 Ford Model-T and the Stemilt Volkswagen Ladybug as they took part in the Washington State Apple Blossom Parade and annual Stemilt Grand Parade.

“We look forward to the Apple Blossom festival every year, and it’s an honor to sponsor the grand parade,” said West Mathison, President. “We get to celebrate the bloom season in a fun way that involves the Wenatchee Valley community and puts tree fruit into the spotlight.”

Stemilt has sponsored the festival’s main event for 20 years, according to a release. This year, the family was not only celebrating the parade but the beginning of a new apple crop as well.

Lorraine Mathison, the matriarch of the family who celebrated her 95^th birthday last year, led the family in the ladybug. The 2023 festival marked the 104^th year of the Apple Blossom parade and featured trumpeting bands in the Northwest, creative floats, and horseback performances.

What will this apple season have in store for Stemilt and other Washington apple growers? Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow for more updates.

Stemilt

CALIFORNIA & ARIZONA - What coveted produce sector are we exploring the ins and outs of today? Well, the latest insights bring us a look at the current lettuce market. To get a first-hand look at quality and volume for the category, I recently tapped one of our industry friends.

“Between transition and the cool weather we’re continuing to have in Salinas, the lettuce is small and lightweight, so we’re tracking a little behind on acres,” said Tom Bramers, Sales Manager for Church Brothers Farms, in an exclusive statement to AndNowUKnow. “We’re expecting light supplies for the next couple of weeks, but the good news is that quality is looking great.”

According to PRO*ACT’s The Source for the week of May 3, 2023, Iceberg lettuce is currently seeing steady demand. The Huron, California, growing region is nearly finished with production, and Salinas, California, is carrying through with moderate availability for the week. The Yuma, Arizona, region saw late plantings, but the crop is nearing its end due to warm temperatures in this region. Quality for the crop is looking fair overall, with higher pricing across the category.

In terms of leaf lettuce, demand is looking steady for Romaine, as well as green and red leaf. Huron is expected to finish this week, and Salinas is currently producing moderate volumes at best. Noting fair quality and higher pricing, PRO*ACT reports that escalated pricing on value-added items continues with all Romaine and leaf items.

The markets for Italian parsley, cilantro, and arugula are still tight, with Salinas product continuing to be behind schedule due to heavy rains during the planting time frame. Overall, the quality is looking fair, with pricing faring higher than usual.

AndNowUKnow will continue to bring you the latest market updates and crop insights, so be on the lookout for our little apple logo.

Church Brothers Farms PRO*ACT

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - GrubMarket is a produce wholesaler that has effectively disrupted the industry through a seemingly endless string of acquisitions and investments. It seems those efforts have been recognized, as the company was recently named to the 2023 CNBC Disruptor 50 list.

"We are proud to be among the select few recognized on the 2023 CNBC Disruptor 50 list," said Mike Xu, Founder and Chief Executive Officer. "Our inclusion is a reflection of our team's hard work and incredible dedication to digitizing the food supply chain in order to create a more sustainable and equitable food system. As we continue to build on our trajectory as a mission-driven technology enabler and driver of digital transformation for the food industry, we will cement our position as one of the world's fastest-growing and most profitable food tech companies for years to come."

This honor comes on the heels of a remarkable period of growth that includes several significant milestones, a press release explained. These include launching the transformative GrubPay payment platform, establishing GrubMarket's Sustainable California initiative, and surpassing $1.5 billion in revenue while improving on profitability in 2022.

The CNBC Disruptor 50 list highlights the most forward-thinking and ambitious companies that are changing their industries for the better. GrubMarket joins a group of companies that have been featured on the list over the years. All submissions were subject to a comprehensive process of research and evaluation across a wide range of criteria, as well as feedback from CNBC's editorial staff and a global pool of entrepreneurial experts.

Congratulations to GrubMarket on this high honor!

GrubMarket

OXNARD, CA - I’m seeing red in the produce aisle, strawberry red. Mother’s Day is coming up this year on May 14, and the day is notorious for treating Mom to a well-earned meal. Whether it’s breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, dessert, or somewhere in between, Bobalu has your strawberry patch covered to make the most out of that lovely weekend thanks to its California production.

“2023 has been a wild ride, but we are gearing up for Mother’s Day and working with customers on any special orders to ensure consumers are excited for the upcoming holiday,” Cindy Jewell, Vice President of Marketing, tells me. “We are seeing peak production approaching in Oxnard over the next couple of weeks, so hopefully all the stars will be in alignment! Santa Maria is still behind its normal curve, but we are harvesting there now and look forward to any extra volume we get from that region to fulfill orders.”

If you’ve been keeping a keen eye on ANUK these past few weeks, you know that we’ve been keeping a detailed report on Bobalu’s production through the tumultuous weather. So, it stands to reason that the whole office is excited to see these beautiful and flavorful berries make it to store shelves.

“We are still dancing around some minor weather disruptions this week, but we should not have any volume shortfalls as a result,” Cindy continues. “The main issue keeping volume in check is the cooler overall temperatures we continue to see in Oxnard and Santa Maria.”

Weather forecasts show daily highs hitting in the ’60s, which will keep fruit coming on slower and the season stretching out a little longer. All of that is good news, Cindy assures me, as it allows Oxnard to make up for some lost volume earlier in the season.

And, with Mother’s Day coming up this weekend, this creates the perfect opportunity for Bobalu’s strawberry stem program.

“We love promoting our stem program for Mother’s Day, so we created a video to show our consumers all the love and care that goes into harvesting this very special type of berry perfect for moms,” Cindy explains. “Our social media influencer helps spread the word and content around the holiday, and we look forward to this time period serving as the launch for peak season at retail. This is the time of year when we hope to see large berry displays at the front of the department and our retail partners letting shoppers know that our strawberry season is here and will be all summer long.”

I, for one, can’t wait to get my hands on a carton or three, and I know your shoppers can't either. So, be sure to stock up plenty for all the cakes, drinks, and salads consumers will be whipping up, and keep an eye out for more industry updates.

Bobalu

KINGSVILLE, ONTARIO, CANADA - Mastronardi Produce^® has surpassed itself in an area key to produce success, having been named one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies for the 14^th year in a row. As we as an industry continue to seek out how to grow our workforce and strengthen the next generation of produce, the company pointed out how the accolade encourages North Americans to pursue a lifelong career with it in the greenhouse produce industry.

“This recognition is a testament to the talented people building careers at Mastronardi Produce,” said Paul Mastronardi, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mastronardi Produce. “We wouldn’t be here without our employees, and we are proud to offer unique, lifelong career opportunities for people who want to grow with us. CEA is the future of food, and Mastronardi Produce will keep providing sustainable food and jobs in our communities for years to come. That’s why we hope more Canadians and Americans will be inspired to join our Flavor Revolution.”

Mastronardi Produce is now a fourth-generation family-owned business, which has called flavor its driving force since being founded by Umberto Mastronardi in the 1940s. Today, according to a press release, over 800 Canadians help carry on that legacy at facilities in Ontario and British Columbia with additional employees in the neighboring United States and Mexico under one ‘Flavor Nation.’

“The Best Managed program recognizes companies who combine strategic expertise and a culture of innovation with a steadfast commitment to their communities,” said Lorrie King, Partner at Deloitte Private and Co-Leader for Canada’s Best Managed Companies program. “This year’s winners, including Mastronardi Produce, have demonstrated an increased focus on environmental, social, and governance themes as means to drive impactful and sustainable business outcomes. Their unwavering dedication to their core purpose, and to enhancing client relationships, cultivating a healthy culture with their employees, and serving their communities, set the standard of excellence for Canada’s business ecosystem.”

Employees with the expanding greenhouse operator lead a wide range of areas at state-of-the-art greenhouses, offices, and distribution centers, including:

• Research and development
• Sales and marketing
• Operations
• Growing
• Quality inspection

Headquartered still in its home of Kingsville, Ontario, it’s amazing to see how small-town roots have grown into an international network of career opportunities in controlled environment agriculture. With work from that network earning the latest in a number of awards for quality, flavor, and innovation, we send our congratulations to Mastronardi Produce’s entire Flavor Nation.

Mastronardi Produce^®

DEWITT, MI - My family puts asparagus in everything. Breakfast scrambles, sautées, you name it and asparagus is there. I know many consumers maintain this school of thought, and Michigan asparagus growers have the supplies to back them up. The Michigan Asparagus Advisory Board (MAAB) announced the start of the season, promising thick, tender, and firm asparagus—all signs of a nutritious and flavorful harvest.

“Everyone has felt inflation’s impact on consumer buying behavior. Michigan asparagus provides value—a high quality, flavorful vegetable that consumers needn’t worry about going bad in the refrigerator before they have a chance to serve it to their families,” Jamie Clover Adams, Executive Director of MAAB, said.

Asparagus provides essential vitamins and minerals vital to a healthy daily calorie intake, a press release explained. The quality and attributes of Michigan-grown asparagus allow consumers to create restaurant-quality side dishes or mains in their own kitchens.

Consumers can look for “Michigan Grown” labels indicating locally grown United States products. There are more than 100 Michigan farm families committed to providing premium, sustainable asparagus to consumers.

“Michigan asparagus growers and fresh packers are committed to delivering a superior product to the market again this year,” said Sarah Greiner of Todd Greiner Farms and Chair of MAAB. “This Michigan asparagus season is positioned to meet our consumers’ expressed desire to purchase a local and more sustainable product.”

Consumers can rest assured that the industry has devoted its efforts to delivering a fresh and flavorful crop. Growers are aware that asparagus is a staple vegetable vital to grilling and barbecue festivities, and their efforts will drive sales and draw consumers to produce departments.

MAAB is gearing up to support sales for the 2023 season beginning this month. The grower-funded research and promotion agency is making a significant investment in in-store promotion to move volumes, as well as engaging with social media influencers and on-trend recipe creators. MAAB also plans to release a consumer-focused social and video campaign to drive consumption.

Michigan asparagus might be your ticket to increased department sales, so get moving!

Michigan Asparagus Advisory Board

MILLEN, GA - Industry members, start your engines, and get ready to race to this year’s Southern Innovations, being held September 14–16, because the Southeast Produce Council (SEPC) has announced an all-star speaker lineup. As SEPC members race to discover the latest innovations, they will get the chance to hear from keynote speaker Darrell Waltrip, three-time NASCAR Premier Series Champion, and NASCAR Hall of Fame Member, as well as Southern Roots Reception Speaker and keynote moderator Shannon Spake, veteran sports broadcaster for FOX Sports.

“I’m not sure if there is a better choice of speakers to correspond with our theme for this year’s conference—Race to Discover What’s New? at Southern Innovations. What a perfect fit! Darrell and Shannon have both utilized thoughtful innovation within their careers to become two of the most highly respected individuals in the sport,” said Tim Graas, SEPC Chairman of the Board. “Be sure to join us for the race to find new technologies and innovations to achieve a more sustainable world and prepare to be inspired to drive innovation both personally and professionally!”

This year’s event will be held at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, where both Waltrip and Spake will take to the stage, according to a release.

Waltrip won all three NASCAR premier series championships alongside legendary driver and owner Junior Johnson, and is tied with Bobby Allison for fourth all-time in series victories with 84. His 59 poles rank fifth all-time in NASCAR premier series history. His career in the sport lasted 1972–2000 and included a 1989 Daytona 500 victory.

Spake will also be sharing her input and wisdom as Reception Speaker and Keynote Moderator. She is a veteran sports broadcaster and joined FOX Sports in July 2016 as a three-sport star, covering NASCAR, college football, college basketball, and the NFL. In 2019, she was named host of FOX NASCAR’s race coverage, handling all anchor duties for NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR Xfinity Series races and pre-race shows live from FOX Sports’ state-of-the-art virtual studio set in Charlotte.

To learn more about these speakers, click here.

With just four short months between us and Southern Innovations, get your show plans ready!

Southeast Produce Council