WASHINGTON, DC & NEWARK, DE - The connection between fresh produce and foodservice is one of mutual admiration, and the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) is celebrating nine leading chefs and foodservice professionals to spotlight the relationship between the two sectors. These names will be honored during IFPA’s Foodservice Conference on July 27–28, in Monterey, California, as part of the Produce Excellence in Foodservice Awards Program sponsored by FreshEdge®.

“Fresh produce continues to drive success for the foodservice and culinary sectors, and chefs play a critical role in encouraging consumers to explore produce items,” said Greg Corsaro, President and Chief Operating Officer, FreshEdge. “We are proud of our continued commitment to this exceptional program that honors culinary professionals who are making fresh produce the highlight of their menus.”

The program honors chefs and foodservice operations for their produce innovation, creativity, and all-around excellence in the use of fresh produce in the culinary arts.

The 2023 Produce Excellence in Foodservice Awards winners are:

• Business and Industry: Jeffery David Marlow, Chief Culinary Officer - Executive Vice President, Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma
• Casual and Family Dining Restaurants: Jason Smith, Chef Proprietor, 18 Restaurant Group
• Colleges and Universities: Travis Robert Johnson, Senior Executive Chef, Levy Restaurants at Notre Dame
• Fine Dining Restaurants: Maggie Trujillo, Culinary Director / Chef, Aqua by El Gaucho
• Hospitals and Healthcare: Santana Diaz, Director of Culinary Operations and Innovation, UC Davis Health/Hospital
• Hotels and Resorts: Abel Ace Cabral, Executive Chef, The Grove Country Club
• K-12 School Foodservice: Jeanne Reilly, Director of School Nutrition, RSU #14 Windham Raymond Schools
• Quick Service Restaurants: Kyle Markt, Head Chef, Farmer’s Fridge
• Supermarkets and Retail Operators: Maria Schlueter, Culinary Manager, Oryana Co Op

Winners were selected from nominations submitted by produce companies and foodservice operations. IFPA reviewed each nominee's incorporation and creativity of fresh produce into menu development, use of food safety protocols for proper produce storage and handling, produce-related outreach or special events, and recognition among peers and/or by their company.

Want to see these aces receive their awards in person? Click here to register for IFPA’s Foodservice Conference.

Stick with ANUK for more show updates.

International Fresh Produce Association

NEW YORK - It’s apple blossom time in New York, folks! Recently, the New York Apple Association (NYAA) announced that the state’s apple growers are reporting signs of a blossom a few days earlier than usual this year, with some orchards already experiencing full bloom.

“New York State’s weather hit some high 70- to low 80-degree temperatures in April, followed by some low temperatures; but overall, everyone is optimistic that this year will yield a good crop. We always like to start the new crop optimistically,” says Cynthia Haskins, President and Chief Executive Officer of the New York Apple Association.

So far, New York has had a few days of consecutive rain followed by several sunny days, but the varying temperatures have not affected the crop outlook. According to a release, apple trees in the Hudson Valley typically bloom 5–7 days before Mother’s Day, while Update Central and Western New York see blossoms peaking on the holiday. Northeastern New York follows about a week later, but growers are reporting that the bloom could be about a week earlier throughout the state.

While apples themselves have yet to begin growth, reports of good return bud, pollinator activity, and an absence of damaging spring weather events.

Apple harvest in New York State begins around mid-August with early-season varieties, moving into September and peaking in October. NYAA is reminding retailers that there are still promotable volumes of New York State apples, with good volumes of McIntosh, Red Delicious, Fuji, and more.

NYAA is gearing up for the upcoming fall harvest with new promotions and partnerships.

“We are working with our apple shippers to create impactful promotions that reach customers across the full spectrum of their shopping options, including in-store, online, and through pick-up and delivery services,” added Haskins.

NYAA will unveil a newly redesigned merchandising unit for this fall season and will continue its work with retailers offering e-coupon redemption programs, apple sampling, digital and print cooperative advertising, geotargeted social media advertising, and merchandising support.

In celebration of apple blossom time in New York State, NYAA is also shipping their Partners in Pollination posters to school districts. This comes as New York schools have committed to the 30 percent New York State Initiative. The initiative will provide school food authorities with increased state reimbursement of up to 25 cents per meal for any district that purchases at least 30 percent of ingredients for their school lunch program from New York farms.

To read more about NYAA’s programs, click here.

With spring in the air, keep a tab open for AndNowUKnow for more crop updates and retail opportunities.

New York Apple Association

CHARLOTTE, NC - International expansion is reportedly in the works for Dole Food Company, as the producer has unveiled the start of a pre-planning process for a new €50 million (over $55 million USD) project. Through this investment, the company aims to open a major facility site close to Balbriggan in Dublin, Ireland.

The new facility will be a state-of-the-art food-processing and distribution campus and will create 400 jobs. According to Independent.ie, the entire 73-hectare Courtlough site—13 hectares of which has already been developed—straddles both sides of the M1 south of Balbriggan.

This expansion is an addition to the recent growth we have seen from Dole Food Company, including the launch of five new DOLE ® Chopped Salad Kits as well as the release of a new golden pineapple in response to the heightening consumer demand for a sweeter pineapple-eating experience.

ANUK will keep a close watch to see how Dole Food Company further bolsters its international footprint, so keep reading for the latest and greatest updates.

Dole Food Company

WASHINGTON, DC - After imposing sanctions against WWD Fruits, doing business as B Fruits, in February 2023, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that the Miami, Florida-based business satisfied a reparation order in the amount of $60,725. The order was issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) involving an unpaid produce transaction.

Having met its obligation, WWD Fruits is now free to operate in the produce industry upon applying for and being issued a PACA license. Damian V. Segal was listed as the manager/member of the business and may now be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee.

Direct from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service:

PACA provides an administrative forum to handle disputes involving produce transactions. This may result in USDA’s issuance of a reparation order that requires damages to be paid by those not meeting their contractual obligations in buying and selling fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables. USDA is required to suspend the license or impose sanctions on an unlicensed business that fails to pay PACA reparations awarded against it, as well as impose restrictions against those principals determined to be responsibly connected to the business when the order is issued. Those individuals, including sole proprietors, partners, members, managers, officers, directors, or major stockholders, may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee without USDA approval.

Once a reparation order is fully satisfied and it is confirmed that there are not any outstanding unpaid awards, USDA lifts the employment restrictions of the previously named, responsibly connected individuals. USDA also requires any unlicensed company that fully satisfies all unpaid reparation awards to obtain a license if it continues to operate in the industry.

To read the release in its entirety, click here.

USDA Agricultural Marketing Service

MURRIETA, CA - Having certainly come in like a lion (and then some), the West Coast’s spring is mellowing out for a lamb-like exit, and with it an update on the ever-anticipated avocados. As we look to guacamole-centered Cinco de Mayo kicking off a delicious season of avo-eating, West Pak Avocado’s Director of Sourcing Stephen Sheldon took the time to help me understand what is on the horizon for the category.

“After all of the rain delays, harvesting in California is picking up quickly, with an anticipated volume slightly under last year. The rain and delays in harvesting have allowed the fruit to size up nicely. As we move into harvesting at higher elevations in Mexico, which will continue to have strong volumes of fruit through their typical end-of-crop year, buyers can look forward to more availability and market opportunities for jumbo-sized fruit.”

While California volume will see a dip, demand continues to rise and will likely be further stoked by the quality. Stephen reported that the fruit is very clean due to the good weather and cooler temperatures. While this sounds like it could spell a tighter market to start, he said a more promotional market is anticipated into the middle of summer before tapering off a bit nearing the end of August.

“Since the local crop out of Mexico looks lighter than the year before, we anticipate some changes toward the end of summer and into early fall. Overall, though, we expect pricing will be good for marketing avocados this season,” he confirmed.

As we continue to monitor all dynamic produce categories, keep an eye out for the latest from AndNowUKnow.

West Pak Avocado

SANTA MARIA, CA - We love sharing insights about the fresh produce staple that is celery. As the category continues to draw consumers for its health benefits and versatility, Tozer is backing growers with a wide range of high-quality celery varieties for the primary growing season.

“We are proud to offer a wide range of high-quality celery varieties that have been developed to meet the needs of our United States customers,” said Anthony Stevenson, Area Sales Representative. “Our focus on breeding for yield, disease resistance, and good flavor has resulted in some exceptional varieties that perform well in the field and in the market.”

As the company noted in a recent press release, Tozer breeds for yield, resistance to bolting, good flavor, field-holding ability, and disease resistance. With a commitment to introducing exceptional new varieties each year, the seed supplier continues to be a leader in celery varietal development.

Many of the seed maven’s newest varieties have been created specifically for the U.S.’ various climatic growing regions. For example, Tozer celery varieties include standard green varieties such as TZ 6200, which is ideal for mid-season plantings and performs exceptionally well in the U.S.

In addition, the company also offers newer varieties like Huron, which is compact with good height and does well on muck soils during the first and last plantings of the season due to its improved vigor. Hadrian is the newest darker green celery variety, showing good height, excellent weight, and intermediate tolerance to bolting in trials in Europe and the U.S.

As the company continues to bring resistant, high-quality celery varieties to market, how will the category advance even further?

Keep reading ANUK for the latest in fresh produce.

Tozer

LANDOVER, MD - Giant Delivers. This is both a fact of life and the name of Giant Foods’ exclusive delivery service. The retailer is bolstering its capabilities in this arena, recently opening a new e-commerce fulfillment center in Manassas, Virginia. Standing at 82,000 square feet, the facility will make delivery possible for thousands of new customers in over 140 zip codes.

“Giant is a leader in home delivery, and over the years we’ve continued to expand our services and footprint throughout the region,” said Joe Urban, Vice President, Supply Chain Operations. “We’re proud to continue growing as a local employer focused on making positive impacts for both our customers and the entire Giant family, and with the opening of our Manassas e-commerce fulfillment center, we’re thrilled to be creating 200 new jobs for the community.”

The new facility will house an extensive local assortment. It will also feature the company’s latest batch-picking software and an extensive conveyor system that will enable faster, more frequent delivery options.

This is the second e-commerce fulfillment center for the company, according to a press release. Its existing Hanover, Maryland, facility will continue servicing Giant Delivers customers across its local markets.

“We are continually looking for ways to better serve our communities and our customers. This investment in our newest facility helps us reach even more people with even more convenience,” said Gregg Dorazio, Director of E-Commerce. “By shopping and delivering your orders for no fee between Tuesday-Thursday, and for just $3.95 on weekends, we’re truly living up to our promise to be a one-stop shop, giving customers affordable options to shop so they can get back to the moments that matter the most.”

Giant Delivers requires no subscription. Customers can place a Giant Delivers order online or while on the go through the Giant Food mobile app.

As the grocer continues to expand its footprint, stick with us here at ANUK.

Giant Food

OXNARD, CA - Cool as a stalk of celery. That’s how the saying goes, right? If it didn’t before, it sure does now as Boskovich Farms gets ready for its 2023 celery season. I had the chance to sit down with the grower’s Tom Hassenbein, Sales, to hear what we can expect this season.

“We are currently a few months away from the celery season in Oxnard, California, which ends in mid-June but then transitions to harvesting in California’s Lompoc Valley,” Tom explained to me as we dove into one of Boskovich’s most popular programs.

Last season, as Tom told me, the celery market was relatively steady due to ample supply and favorable weather. Less-than-ideal weather conditions have since made an impact on the crop, though Boskovich has worked to mitigate any challenges.

“The market was extremely challenging and tight due to adverse weather conditions such as extreme rainfall and colder-than-normal conditions affecting growing, harvesting, and planting schedules,” he stated. “Markets in the beginning ranged from $30 to $50 early on in the season compared to a normal season market ranging from $12 to $20 on celery.”

However, as we prepare to kick off the 2023 celery season, Tom divulged that the tides are changing.

“As we approach the end of the Oxnard season, the challenges from seeder issues will reduce overall volume and availability on the celery market, which should continue to be steady and strong allowing the prices to go up in the coming months,” concluded Tom.

AndNowUKnow will continue digging into the celery season throughout the spring, so don’t go anywhere.

Boskovich Farms

SALISBURY, NC - May is here! That signals not only the arrival of springtime weather, vibrant flowers, and buzzing pollinators. It also means that Food Lion is gearing up to open its newest store in Little River, South Carolina, on May 3.

“I’m excited to open this new store in Little River and offer our neighbors a wide product assortment at the everyday low prices they expect from Food Lion,” said Chris Cheers, Store Manager of the new Little River Food Lion. “With the liquor store adjacent to the Little River Food Lion, we will continue to deliver on our commitment to make grocery shopping easy, convenient, and affordable for our customers.”

The ribbon-cutting ceremony kicks off the morning of May 3, welcoming shoppers to a shiny new location with an adjacent liquor store. The newest location will feature an extensive produce assortment, which includes in-store cut fruit, a walk-in produce cooler, as well as a large selection of organic, gluten-free, and plant-based items to choose from.

The store will also offer a wide variety of affordable grab-and-go options to help make any meal easier for its consumers, according to a press release. With an emphasis on local offerings, the new Food Lion store will also provide a vast array of locally sourced items.

The cutting-edge new store also delivers on convenience demands with its self-checkout lanes and Food Lion To Go grocery pickup service.

Click here to read more about the new store.

For more updates on Food Lion’s continued expansion, keep reading ANUK.

Food Lion

WASHINGTON, DC - When our industry comes together in the name of fresh produce advocacy, there is nothing we can’t accomplish. The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) hosted one such gathering recently, bringing together over 250 industry leaders and volunteers at the Spring Policy & Regulatory Forum. After a series of committee and council meetings and education sessions, volunteers met with elected officials, members of the Administration, and Embassy professionals.

“Nutrition, health, climate, labor, farm bill, food safety—all of these are topics of importance to legislators, their staff, and most importantly, the constituents who elected them to office,” said Cathy Burns, Chief Executive Officer. “Your participation in this forum is especially relevant as issues like the farm bill, food safety, labor, trade, and more are being debated in Congress. You are helping us deliver on our vision to be an impactful champion for our industry through advocacy.”

The forum began on April 25 with expert presentations and panels covering topics from traceability to the Farm Bill, a press release explained.

Burns reminded the audience that “a year ago our industry was facing many challenges—ranging from inflation, market instability, global conflict. While we’re still addressing these obstacles, as an industry, our products remain at the center of the conversation when it comes to changing the health of our citizens and the world.”

Members of IFPA’s Government Relations staff were joined by representatives from IFPA member companies, academia, regulatory agencies, and media for discussions on:

• FDA Traceability Requirements
• Nutrition Opportunities via the Supplemental Nutrition Access Program (SNAP)
• Perspectives on Mergers and Acquisitions in Produce Industry
• The Farm Bill as Food Policy

On April 26, leaders discussed industry talking points to prepare to march on the Hill. Teams met with Senators, Representatives, and their staff to discuss industry needs and concerns on Food Safety, Nutrition, Workforce, and the Farm Bill which is up for reauthorization this year.

Next, IFPA will host a series of Fresh Impact Tours which will be regional meetings taking place at member locations September 12–15. Members of the industry can also sign up to join the Advocacy Action Network to be informed on how to act and advocate on behalf of the industry. 

For more from the press release, click here. And, as always, stick with us here at ANUK.

International Fresh Produce Association