NEWARK, DE & WASHINGTON, DC - Twelve days. That is where we are in our countdown to the highly anticipated Women’s Fresh Perspectives Reception, which will take place at The Foodservice Conference in Monterey, California. Attendees will gather for the reception on July 27 for vital industry insights and networking opportunities.

“As part of IFPA’s DEI commitments, we want to be sure that our Women’s Fresh Perspectives portfolio of activities reaches women in our industry where they are,” said Brenda Necic of Pure Flavor®, the International Fresh Produce Association’s (IFPA) Women’s Fresh Perspectives Committee Co-Chair. “This reception at The Foodservice Conference is part of that commitment, giving women the opportunity to network at IFPA events. Our business lives don’t occur in a vacuum, and for IFPA, neither do our programs for women’s advancement.”

As a press release outlined, the popular reception returns to the conference schedule based on attendee demand and IFPA’s priorities around Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).

As an optional, separately ticketed event for those registered for The Foodservice Conference, the conference features business-building ideas from highly recognized speakers and an expo that creates abundant opportunities for produce and foodservice.

“We listen to our members to understand their needs and how IFPA can support them,” said Megan Nash, IFPA’s Director of Education and Talent. “We heard loud and clear that the women’s reception at this conference is important and valued. So, we’re thrilled to bring it back to give attendees a fun time to connect.”

Lauren Mitchell of Produce Alliance commented on the benefits of this anticipated event.

“I attend The Foodservice Conference as a company priority—to do business, whether that’s meeting with supply chain partners, learning from the speakers, or attending the expo,” said Mitchell. “I really appreciate that IFPA makes room in the schedule for me and my colleagues to get together in a relaxed atmosphere. This is where relationships and partnerships are built and strengthened.”

For more information in the lead-up to this industry show, keep coming back to AndNowUKnow.

International Fresh Produce Association

NEW YORK, NY - Bowery recently nabbed a new achievement as it has been named to the inaugural XB100, a definitive ranking of the top 100 private deep tech companies. XB100 is published by XPRIZE and Bessemer Venture Partners.

“At Bowery, we are developing technology to reinvent a fresh food supply chain that is shorter, safer, provides more surety of supply, and is more sustainable,” said Irving Fain, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Bowery. “Agriculture is one of the oldest and largest industries in the world and the second-largest contributor to GHG emissions globally. There is no path to net-zero that doesn’t lead through reinventing Food and Agriculture. This is a necessity to feed our growing population in an increasingly uncertain world, and I’ve never been more optimistic about what’s ahead.”

Bowery serves over 1,800 grocery stores and major e-commerce platforms and grows food wherever it is needed. As noted in the release, the company has demonstrated product-category leadership with the continued broadening of its innovative, pesticide-free portfolio, including high-demand items like salad kits. The company increased its retail footprint by over 15x between 2020 and 2023, all while growing more with less.

The XB100 was launched to celebrate the entrepreneurs who are commercializing scientific research into deep tech and spotlight how they are impacting our society across nine categories. The XB100 evaluation process involved ranking companies across four factors: impact on humanity, valuation, scientific difficulty, and commercial traction.

For more details, check out the release here.

AndNowUKnow will keep a pulse on the newswire, so check back for the latest.

Bowery

PHILADELPHIA, PA - Not long ago, we announced that AgroFresh was hosting a virtual webinar to discuss the latest expansions to its Apple Complete portfolio. Now, the global agtech innovator has unveiled the trio of additions, revealing OMRI-certified CeraFruta® and Teycer™ Originals Prime Elite now join Textar™ DPA as the latest products in its extensive lineup of post-harvest apple solutions.

“At AgroFresh, our team of innovators is always working to develop new solutions to improve the produce system and reduce food loss,” said Sarah Enescu, Commercial Business Director North America at AgroFresh. “We’ve been supporting the apple industry for more than 20 years with innovative and revolutionary solutions, starting with our SmartFresh (1-MCP) technology. Today, our Apple Complete portfolio supports the apple industry from end to end with unparalleled customer support to make our industry both more sustainable and efficient.”

The newest additions to the Apple Complete portfolio include:

• CeraFruta, a bio-fungicide approved for organic use, which has proven efficacy against a broad spectrum of post-harvest fruit decays thanks to its unique, patented formulation of Natamycin, a naturally occurring molecule derived from soil bacteria with a unique mode of action
• Teycer Originals Prime Elite is a new apple coating approved for organic use that helps apples stay more firm, smooth and shiny compared to conventional coatings; the coating integrity remains smooth, without significant whitening, contact-point issues, or notable loss of gloss regardless of dilution rate
• Textar DPA is a trusted scald and CO2 injury inhibitor containing 40 percent Diphenylamine. Its versatile formulation can be used both for fogging and drenching, according to a press release

“Maximizing packouts for the growers and making sure we have a high-quality product for consumers is of highest importance,” added Matt Miles of Allan Brothers Fruit and guest on the recent AgroFresh Apple Complete webinar. “Using tools in the industry, we can get the right product to the consumer at the right time, ensuring the best quality, taste, and texture, providing value to the end customer—retailer or consumer.”

To learn more about these new additions and the full Apple Complete portfolio, sign up here to view AgroFresh’s recent Quality & Freshness MasterClass webinar on Apple Complete.

For more fresh produce news, keep clicking on ANUK.

AgroFresh

NOGALES AZ - Fresh melons are the hallmark of the summer season, and Fresh Farms is ensuring your shoppers will not be missing out. The produce company is making significant strides in the Mexican melon market, driving growth and expansion with its exceptional offerings.

“Quality is amazing, fruit is coming in high in Brix, perfect for summer events snacks; we can expect two more weeks of volume, but overall volume has been lower than forecasted,” Jean P Honorat, Sales Melon Division, commented.

Fresh Farms exclusively partners with local melon growers in Hermosillo, Mexico. These long-standing relationships with growers have been cultivated over the years, establishing them as an integral part of the Fresh Farms family. Fresh Farms remains committed to its vision of providing superior produce while continuously exploring opportunities for growth and expansion. By collaborating with local growers and international partners, Fresh Farms is poised to make a lasting impact in the Mexican melon market.

With a focus on future expansion, continued the release, Fresh Farms has ambitious plans to extend its melon program beyond Mexico. Collaborating with U.S. partners, the melon provider is poised to broaden its offerings.

To connect with consumers, Fresh Farms has implemented captivating marketing strategies. Social media challenges with enticing prizes have successfully engaged consumers, highlighting the unique qualities of its Mexican watermelons.

Fresh Farms acknowledges retailers’ crucial role in maximizing demand and sales. With the current volumes in the season, Fresh Farms advises retailers to capitalize on peak periods through effective retail promotions and merchandising techniques. These efforts will ensure a seamless flow of movement and enable retailers to meet consumer demands efficiently.

ANUK will keep an eye on the produce flow for more updates.

Fresh Farms

CALIFORNIA - Education creates a strong base for future growth, and that is what Congressman Salud Carbajal (D-CA) is looking to promote with his recent introduction of the Community College Agriculture Advancement Act. The bipartisan bill would fund community college workforce training, education, and research programs in ag to benefit future farmworkers.

“The number one industry on the Central Coast is agriculture. But currently, the funding we provide to educate and train our next generation of farmers is not reaching one of our most important local educational resources: our community colleges,” said Representative Carbajal. “Our bipartisan bill puts the training of future farmers first; boosting the resources our community and technical colleges have, and in turn helping more people access the educational and workforce training initiatives that support the backbone industry of our region.”

The legislation will be considered for inclusion in this year’s Farm Bill, according to a release. This bill would amend the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 to allow community colleges to access grant money for agriculture programs. It would establish a competitive U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) grant program wherein the nation’s nearly 1,100 community colleges could apply for money to fund workforce training, education, research, and outreach programs in agriculture.

With the potential program grants, community colleges could use funding to:

• Successfully compete for funds from federal grants and other sources to carry out educational, research, and outreach activities
• Disseminate information relating to agriculture, renewable resources, and other relevant communities
• Encourage collaboration involving community colleges, land grant universities, and other higher education institutions
• Purchase equipment and other infrastructure
• Advance the professional growth and development of faculty
• Develop apprenticeships and other work-based learning opportunities

Carbajal is leading the bill in the House with Representative Trent Kelly (R-MS). Senators John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Todd Young (R-IN), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and Roger Wicker (R–MIS) are leading the bill in the Senate.

Supporters include the Community College Alliance for Agriculture Advancement, the Rural Community College Alliance, the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE), and others.

To read more about the bipartisan bill, click here.

For more updates on this piece of legislation and more, stick with AndNowUKnow.

DES MOINES, IOWA - From brand-boosting events hosted in Wisconsin to recent expansions in Tennessee, Hy-Vee isn’t slowing down when it comes to growth strategies. The retail chain recently announced the opening of a new, reimagined store in Nebraska, bringing its largest store to date to the city of Gretna.

The new store stands at 135,000 square feet and is accompanied by a 6,300-square-foot Aisles Online grocery delivery and pickup service and a 4,250-square-foot Hy-Vee Fast & Fresh convenience store adjacent to the grocery store.

Hy-Vee has invested more than $37 million in the community to build, furnish, and stock the new store, creating more than 628 local jobs.

The store also offers amenities that Hy-Vee has become known for, as a press release explained, including a fresh produce area with over 3,500 items and an expanded floral department. The innovative store also offers a new dining experience for customers with a large, open Food Hall dining area for fast-casual dining.

Bolstering Hy-Vee’s convenience-focused offerings, the store will feature all-digital shelf labels that display product information and pricing; digital kiosks are also available for customers to order custom cakes and fresh prepared foods.

For more information on this massive new store, click here.

For more retail news, stay on the pages of ANUK.

Hy-Vee

BLANDON, PA - What is the summer season without fresh food on a hot grill? Giorgio Fresh is making sure produce stands front and center this summer with its enticing portfolio, complemented by a few merchandising tips from the mushroom experts themselves.

“Mushrooms are extremely versatile, and they have a plethora of nutritional benefits and grilling potential. No matter what the consumer is looking for, mushrooms deserve a spotlight on a summer plate!” shares Bryan Shelton, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “Portabella mushrooms are the ideal mushroom for summer—they are great for grilling and can be enjoyed as a meat substitute for healthier meals. Our stuffed mushrooms are another great summer product as they are easy to make. Encourage shoppers to simply place them on a pan and bake for a delicious dish!”

The strength of the mushroom category is found in its versatility, as they can be used in a variety of dishes from appetizers to entrees and even desserts. Not only can they be prepared in a multitude of ways, but mushrooms are also low in calories and high in nutrients, making them a healthy addition to any meal this summer.

Giorgio Fresh’s newly expanded stuffed mushroom line lures consumers in with a variety of flavors and the convenience of eliminating mealtime prep work through its simple heat-and-serve cooking method.

So, how do you maximize the ROI of an already popular category? Giorgio Fresh recommends cross-merchandising mushrooms—such as its beloved stuffed baby Bellas—by placing them near complementary ingredients such as proteins for the grill, fresh vegetables, and grill kits. This strategy puts a premium spotlight on the mushroom category while encouraging creativity in the kitchen. I mean, what better way to showcase mushrooms as a summer staple while driving cross-category impulse purchases?

“At Giorgio, we strive to encourage our consumers to get crafty in the kitchen and use mushrooms to their full potential,” Bryan adds. “We have numerous recipes on our website for consumers to pull inspiration from and really get creative with their meals during the summer season.”

The summer grilling season is here, which means an abundance of opportunities in the fresh produce department.

Keep reading ANUK as we help you take hold of the latest sales-driving strategies.

Giorgio Fresh

IRVINE, CA - One of the central leaders over at Western Growers has taken over a new role. The organization recently announced the news that Steve Mangapit, current Chief Operating Officer of the Western Growers Family of Companies (WGFC), will be taking on the duties of President of Pinnacle Claims Management.

"I look forward to ushering in a reinvigorated era of collaboration with our partners," Mangapit says. "We are dedicated to building a foundation of communication and trust, and reintroducing Pinnacle's best-in-class service to the community."

According to a press release, Mangapit started as the first COO in the history of the WGFC in January 2022. Prior to that, he worked at Western Growers Assurance Trust/Pinnacle Claims Management from 2010 to 2014 as Director of Administration and Assistant Vice President, Operations. He originally joined Western Growers from AP | Keenan, where he was responsible for three business units: Employee Benefits TPA, Healthcare Analytics, and Large Group Agency Operations (Benefits).

Effective immediately, Mangapit steps in for David Zanze, who retired after 38 years of service to the organization.

“Steve has exceptionally deep knowledge and perceptiveness about our business structure, objectives, processes, and opportunities,” commented Western Growers President and Chief Executive Officer Dave Puglia. "Among his key skill sets are relationship- and team-building, as well as ensuring consistent high quality in the services we provide. I look forward to the results of his engagement with our members, clients, and partners, both current and prospective."

Mangapit holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and an MBA (Finance) from the Lee Business School at UNLV.

Congratulations to this industry leader for his newest role!

For more leadership appointments and industry updates, keep clicking on ANUK.

Western Growers

NEW ZEALAND - T&G Global has launched a new premium, global apple variety! Joining its strong portfolio of Envy™ and JAZZ™ apple brands, consumers will soon be getting their hands on the newest Joli™ variety.

“New Zealand has an enviable global reputation for innovating, developing, and sourcing the world’s best plant genetics and growing world-class premium apples, and T&G’s growth strategy is focused on utilizing this to create value for our growers, regional communities, and economy. This is critical in order to succeed in what is a highly fragmented and commoditized global apple market,” said Chief Executive Gareth Edgecombe. “The launch of Joli builds off the success of T&G’s premium Envy and JAZZ brands, perfectly complementing them by appealing to a different group of global consumers.”

The new variety will be available beginning in 2028, and is the result of over 10 years of innovation, a release explained.

“For growers, Joli has very strong orcharding attributes, including high levels of output and the ability to grow throughout New Zealand. Furthermore, Joli’s harvest profile balances our premium JAZZ and Envy brands, harvesting in mid to late March,” Edgecombe continued. “Over 10 years of development by Plant & Food Research has resulted in this new variety. Using natural breeding techniques, they cultivated the plant material to develop its unique traits and worked with the likes of Prevar and our VentureFruit® team to conduct extensive growing trials to ensure the tree grows well in different environments, copes with various climatic conditions, produces great tasting fruit and that the fruit stores well.”

T&G is the global exclusive license holder for growing, marketing, and selling the variety, and plans to plant 27 hectares on its own orchards over the next three years; T&G is also seeking Expressions of Interest from independent growers across Aotearoa New Zealand to be part of the commercial growing pilot.

“We are excited to be a part of this momentous milestone for T&G, VentureFruit, and Prevar, as well as the New Zealand industry. We look forward to supporting the Joli brand’s global growth plans with ongoing technical support in partnership with Plant & Food Research,” added Tony Martin, Prevar’s Chief Executive.

For more information and comments from the leaders of VentureFruit, click here.

More produce news is on the way to the pages of ANUK, so stick around.

T&G Global

FOLSOM, CA - If you talk to any of my colleagues here at AndNowUKnow, they will tell you that I love a good podcast. While my obsession usually lies within the realm of true crime, I enjoy tuning into industry shows to get insights from some of produce’s many experts and company leaders.

Recently, I was pleasantly surprised to find that Soren Bjorn, President of Driscoll’s of the Americas, took a beat to sit down with Kasey Cronquist, President of the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) and the North American Blueberry Council (NABC) for the organization’s podcast to touch on several key category topics.

In the episode “The Business of Blueberries,” Cronquist and Bjorn not only shared their passion for the blueberry category but also dove into ideas that impact the future of Driscoll’s and the industry as a whole.

According to a release, some topics covered include:

• How prioritizing the customer has impacted Driscoll’s business
• The systems and programs Driscoll’s has created to connect producers and consumers
• Bjorn’s take on the future of the blueberry industry

Bjorn has been a frequent guest of the show. In the past, he has been featured in discussions on episodes 003, 004, 088, and 089. So, if you want to hear more from the Driscoll’s leader, check out his other insights.

On top of talking with Bjorn, the episode includes The Blueberry Crop, an update on crop conditions and markets throughout important blueberry growing areas, with insights from Derrin Wheeler in Georgia, Jody McPherson in North Carolina, Matt Macrie in New Jersey, Pat Goin in Indiana, Elise Oliver in California, TJ Hafner in Oregon, Alan Schreiber in Washington, Mario Ramirez in Mexico, and Luis Vegas in Peru.

Click here to listen to the episode.

For more industry updates, AndNowUKnow is the place.

Driscoll’s U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council