Colombia Avocado Board Announces Release of New Handling Guide; William Watson Comments



ORLANDO, FL - The path to avocado category success has been tactically mapped out with the help of the Colombia Avocado Board (CAB). As the sector continues to grow in terms of popularity and production, the association has debuted its first-ever Colombian avocado handling guide.

William Watson, Managing Director, Colombia Avocado Board“While the growth continues to astound us, we recognize that also means we need to prove ourselves as a consistent and high-quality supply region,” said William Watson, Managing Director of CAB. “This is a tool that helps us move the needle forward and provide those assurances that buyers are looking for.”

The guide offers supply chain-wide support sharing vital information from pre-planting to retail, on the best methods for maintaining the appearance, flavor, and shelf-life of avocados from the Colombian region. Developed to aiding growers, shippers, and importers/exporters in achieving and maintaining the highest quality product for the longest possible time, the detailed guide provides in-depth information as to why CAB recommends steps be taken and how those steps will benefit Colombia avocado quality.

According to a press release, the guide is authored by industry expert John Bower, who traveled to the region and followed the supply chain to study the data and the avocados himself.

As the sector continues to grow in terms of popularity and production, the association has debuted its first-ever Colombian avocado handling guide

“Providing everyone with access to this free Colombian Avocado Handling Guide, we hope to move toward industry norms for our fruit,” Watson continued. “Our goal in developing this guide is to enable every person throughout the supply chain to provide the best avocados possible to their customers and build on our reputation as a global avocado leader.”

Colombia is a year-round global avocado producer and exporter that continues to expand acreage, as well as more certified orchards and packing facilities, the release noted.

To download the handling guide, click here.

Stay up to date on the latest industry releases with ANUK.

Colombia Avocado Board


Allen Lund Company Unveils Newest TMS NOW Video; Kenny Lund Shares



LA CAÑADA FLINTRIDGE, CA - If you graced the pages of ANUK last week, then you know Allen Lund Company (ALC) has rolled out an insightful series highlighting the advantages of its AlchemyTMS suite of products. Now, the company has released its latest installment of “TMS NOW.”

Kenny Lund, Executive Vice President, Allen Lund Company and ALC Logistics“Imagine if you could see where all your loads are in real-time,” said Kenny Lund, Executive Vice President, at the beginning of the video. “Here at ALC Logistics, we think about that every day, and we work on that. What we’ve found is you can’t depend on just one system—maybe it’s multiple ways that you gather information on the loads.”

Kenny continued, noting the many ways data can be collected across the transportation industry, including apps, APIs, EDIs, and more.

“We bring that all into one system in AlchemyTMS, so you can see where the loads are and you can react in real-time to help get that load there on time,” Kenny adds.

Eager for more insights from this distinguished transportation operator? Watch the full video above.

And keep clicking on ANUK as we bring you more industry updates and exclusives.

Allen Lund Company


Brighter Bites Holds Inaugural Monterey County Spring Luncheon; Rich Dachman, Tiffany DiTullio, and Alicia Blanco Detail



MONTEREY, CA - Great things can be accomplished when a community comes together to achieve a common goal. Brighter Bites recently celebrated community collaboration in Monterey County, hosting its inaugural Monterey County Spring Luncheon on May 11.

Rich Dachman, Chief Executive Officer, Brighter Bites“Thank you to the companies, organizations, and individuals who are with us today, to ensure we receive the funding needed for long-term sustainability and growth,” said Rich Dachman, Chief Executive Officer of Brighter Bites. “To those that donate produce weekly for our distribution—all of you are working together to create communities of health.”

As a press release explained, the first-ever event highlighted the importance and need of local and national collaboration to help Brighter Bites reach success in changing behavior among children and families through its model of “fresh produce + nutrition education + a fun food experience.”

Brighter Bites recently celebrated community collaboration in Monterey County, hosting its inaugural Monterey County Spring Luncheon on May 11

Bruce Taylor of Taylor Farms, Vic Smith of JV Smith and Companies, Tiffany DiTullio of Blue Zones Project, and Soren Bjorn of Driscoll’s were among the 190 guests and community leaders who attended the event.

Tiffany DiTullio, Executive Director, Blue Zones Project“Blue Zones Project and Taylor Farms are focused on aligning and elevating the great work taking place in Monterey County because we and Brighter Bites are not THE solution—we are three of the many incredibly invested, passionate, committed organizations serving Monterey County,” said DiTullio, Executive Director of Blue Zones Project.

Local and industry partners sponsored the event and attended to join this conversation on food insecurity, including Taylor Farms, Braga Fresh, Church Brothers Farms, Driscoll’s, D’Arrigo New York, JV Smith and Company, Pacific International Marketing, Sysco, River Fresh Farms, The Wonderful Company, Windset Farms, and more.

The event highlighted the importance of local and national collaboration to help Brighter Bites reach success in changing behavior among children and families through its model of “fresh produce + nutrition education + a fun food experience”

“Year over year, Monterey County programming has doubled in size and participation, with 10 schools on the Brighter Bites waiting list as of today,” said Alicia Blanco, Senior Program Director for Brighter Bites Salinas. “We are proud of the fact that Brighter Bites Monterey County has the highest enrollment rate nationally at 94 percent. This means that out of all the schools and head starts enrolled in the Brighter Bites program, almost all of the children participate in Monterey County.”

Click here for more information on the event.

Three cheers for this community for coming together in the name of fresh produce! For more industry updates, keep clicking on AndNowUKnow.

Brighter Bites


Fareway to Open Newest Store in Story City, Iowa; Reynolds W. Cramer Tells All



STORY CITY, IA - For Fareway Stores, the past few weeks have been busy ones as it not only announced the groundbreaking for a new store in Norwalk, Iowa, but it has now unveiled plans for a location in Story City, Iowa. Demolition of existing structures at the site will begin this month, with new store construction starting in early 2024.

Reynolds W. Cramer, Chief Executive Officer, Fareway“Communities depend on a local grocer to offer high-quality products and unmatched service. Fareway values the communities and people it serves, and we look forward to building a new Fareway store in Story City,” said Fareway Chief Executive Officer Reynolds W. Cramer. “We want to thank city officials and economic development for helping make this project possible.”

The new Story City store will sit at approximately 10,800 square feet and will be located at the southwest corner of Broad Street and Factory Outlet Drive, a release stated.

Fareway Stores has unveiled plans for a location in Story City, Iowa

Fareway provides a wide range of grocery offerings including farm-fresh produce, healthy varieties, locally sourced items, and more. This location will also have FastLanes, a self-service checkout option, as well as online ordering and curbside pickup.

A groundbreaking ceremony will take place in early 2024. More details will be forthcoming.

As Fareway continues its expansion, AndNowUKnow will keep you in the loop about its latest locations.

Fareway


Divine Flavor Shares Update on Sonora Grape Season; Carlos Bon Details



NOGALES, AZ - This past winter brought many regions across North and Central America cooler-than-normal temperatures which had a domino effect, leading to delays across the industry. Divine Flavor is one grower working hard to overcome these hurdles, and its perseverance has paid off as its Mexican table grape season is bouncing back to normal production in the month of June.

Carlos Bon, Vice President of Sales, Divine Flavor“We’re finally seeing grape supplies come back to normal,” said Carlos Bon, Vice President of Sales for Divine Flavor. “The pipeline was so dry these past few weeks, which made it difficult to get shelves back in stock with fruit, but grape production is quickly stabilizing. We’re in good shape on greens as most of the early varieties are back online, and we’ll be there soon with the reds too.”

Divine Flavor’s current production is coming from the northern and coastal districts of Sonora, Mexico, a release explained. Volumes are returning to normal, with most early green varieties already stabilized, and reds a few days behind them.

As Bon explained, June typically marks a time of the season when early varietal production is in full swing, but compared to the 2022 season, volume is down 73 percent from this time last year.

After cooler-than-normal temperatures this winter caused delays, Divine Flavor's Mexican table grape production is bouncing back to normal this month

“The late start to the Sonora grape deal and lack of volume put a lot of pressure on all of us, but things are turning around, and we’ll be in a position to do big promotions at the end of this month throughout July,” added Bon.

Back in March, it was estimated that Sonora would produce over 21.5 million boxes. Now, this number is looking to be roughly 20 million in total. Flame seedless, which accounts for a large percentage of Sonoran grape acreage, is experiencing smaller yields and more grape bunches to fill 18 lb retail boxes.

“Typically, it takes around 26 bunches to fill a box. This year, yields are producing smaller berries, and grape growers are needing around 38 bunches,” explained Bon.

To read more about Divine Flavor’s Sonoran table grape production, click here.

For the latest updates from fresh produce providers, stick with AndNowUKnow.

Divine Flavor


Sprouts Farmers Market Releases 2022 Environmental, Social, and Governance Report; Brandon Lombardi Comments



PHOENIX, AZ - I was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, which means bi-weekly trips to Sprouts Farmers Market are a key memory of my childhood. As an adult, my eye is drawn to the innovative growth strategies of the fresh-forward grocer, and the company has just shared exciting updates through its 2022 Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Report.

Brandon Lombardi, Chief Sustainability Officer, Sprouts Farmers Market“I’m proud to share the strong progress we made in our ESG initiatives over the past year. Our success is rooted in our philosophy of ‘doing well by doing good’ which underscores the importance of operating our business in a way that demonstrates care for our team members, customers, communities, vendor partners, and the planet,” said Brandon Lombardi, Chief Sustainability Officer.

The recently released report highlights the grocer’s commitment to taking good care of the planet, people, and local communities, with a focus on offering sustainably and responsibly sourced products, eliminating waste and fighting hunger, reducing its carbon footprint, and plastics reduction.

Sprouts Farmers Market shared updates through its 2022 Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Report, making strong progress in its initiatives over the past year

The retailer reported growth across several key aspects, including Sustainable and Responsible Sourcing, Climate, Waste, Packaging and Plastics, Team Members, and Community.

Some key highlights include:

  • $3.2 billion in sales of products with a social or environmental attribute
  • 26 percent of products sold were organic, and plant-based alternatives sales grew 21 percent
  • 32 million pounds of food donated, equating to 27 million meals, 45 percent of which was healthy produce
  • 87 percent food waste recovery rate and 69 percent total landfill diversion rate
  • Committed to 100 percent reusable bags at checkout by the end of 2023
  • 24 percent of team members promoted and 1,600 new jobs created through new store openings

For more details from the report, click here.

As always, stick with ANUK for more fresh-focused retail updates.

Sprouts Farmers Market


Tom Lange Family of Companies' Becky Wilson and Greg Reinauer Discuss 31st Annual Charity Classic Golf Outing



ST. LOUIS, MO - Few things lift our spirits like seeing fresh produce forces use their power for good. The Tom Lange Family of Companies’ Charitable Foundation recently hosted its 31st annual Charity Classic golf outing on May 19 and 20, hosted by the company’s Dallas, Texas, office.

Becky Wilson, Vice President of Operations, Tom Lange Family of Companies“The annual golf tournament provides an opportunity for associates from Tom Lange, Seven Seas, Lange Logistics, and industry partners to enjoy a weekend of camaraderie,” explained Becky Wilson, Vice President of Operations, shortly after the event. “Many associates do not have any other time when they see one another, and the annual golf tournament provides that opportunity while providing a benefit to the children’s charities in the community.”

Grower-shippers, transportation operators, customers, current and retired employees, and members of key trade organizations were invited to attend this year’s golf outing. Roughly 150–200 people were in attendance for the successful event.

Greg Reinauer, President and Chief Executive Officer, Tom Lange Family of Companies“Since its inception, it has been a tradition that the annual golf tournament be held in a different location each year and benefit children’s organizations in the surrounding area. This year, the Charity Golf Classic was held at the Cowboys Golf Club in Dallas and benefitted Vincent de Paul Rockwall County and Children’s Advocacy Center for Rockwall County,” said Greg Reinauer, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Being a ‘family’ doesn’t just stop with our Family of Companies—we strive to reach further into the communities in which we live and work.”

The initial golf outing was hosted in 1990. Since then, the Tom Lange Charitable Foundation has focused on supporting children’s charities throughout the United States and Canada. The primary goal of the event was to focus on children and help them pursue healthier, happier lives. By moving the golf tournament to a different location each year, Tom Lange is able to expand the reach of this initiative and help as many children as possible. Since the event first kicked off, the produce titan has raised just under $2 million.

The Tom Lange Family of Companies’ Charitable Foundation recently hosted its 31st annual Charity Classic golf outing (Pictured left to right: Tim Rose, Tom Lange–Dallas; Tom Wolfe, Valhalla Sales; Greg Lindsay, CAL Produce; Shawn Holloway)

“Through the years, our supplier partner and transportation provider participation has increased. However, the largest testament to the success and important role the charity golf tournament plays in the Tom Lange Family of Companies is that, as new generations of salespeople and staff have joined the company, they have embraced the importance of this event,” reflected Becky.

“We want to extend a thank you to the Tom Lange Dallas office and, specifically, Tim Rose for hosting,” added Greg.

Three cheers for Tom Lange Family of Companies and its impactful efforts to support communities in need!

For more fresh produce updates, stick with ANUK.

Tom Lange Family of Companies


BJ’s Wholesale Club Opens First Club Location in Tennessee; Christopher Kelly Details



MARLBOROUGH, MA & LA VERGNE, TN - BJ’s Wholesale Club is stretching out its limbs, and it’s finally reached Tennessee. The retailer’s newest club will be setting up shop in La Vergne, Tennessee, and hosting its opening on Wednesday, June 14, 2023.

“We can’t wait to open our doors to the La Vergne community at BJ’s brand-new club,” said Christopher Kelly, Club Manager of La Vergne’s BJ’s Wholesale Club. “We’re thrilled to be a part of this momentous occasion as BJ’s Wholesale Club expands into the state of Tennessee, bringing the unbeatable value and incredible savings to our newest members in Rutherford County. Our entire team is extremely proud to have this remarkable opportunity and impact the communities where we work and live in a positive way.”

Conveniently located 20 miles outside of downtown Nashville at 543 Industrial Boulevard, the new location marks the first BJ’s Wholesale Club in the state of Tennessee. The retailer will now have a total of 238 U.S. clubs, now including its 19th state.

BJ’s Wholesale Club entered its 19th store with its first location in La Vergne, Tennessee

A variety of convenient shopping options are available, including in-club shopping, curbside pickup, in-club pickup, same-day delivery, and standard online delivery. Shoppers will have access to a vast selection of fresh foods, produce, a full-service deli, and much more.

For more information, check out the release here.

More releases are coming through in the industry, so keep a lookout for more updates from ANUK.

BJ’s Wholesale Club


Texas International Produce Association Announces New Board Members



TEXAS - The Texas Produce International Association (TIPA) announced earlier this month that it is welcoming three new Board Members to its Board of Directors.

Jesse Wiggins, Sales, Wiggins FarmsFirst on the roster is Jesse Wiggins, Sales, Wiggins Farms. He is a member of the second generation of Wiggins Farms family, an operation based in Texas that grows, packs, and ships watermelons and a variety of vegetables. According to a release, Wiggins’ responsibilities cover a wide range of duties including planning, operations, and sales. He previously served on the National Watermelon Association’s Board of Directors and has experience running several non-farm businesses including an event hall and hunting lodge. Wiggins served in a volunteer capacity on a number of local charity and event boards in his hometown of Center, Texas.

Jacquie Edigar, Executive Vice President and Co-Founder, Pro Citrus Network and Foremost Fresh DirectThe next Board Member is Jacquie Ediger, the Executive Vice President and Co-Founder of California-based Pro Citrus Network and its sister company, Foremost Fresh Direct, which specializes in cold storage and logistics in Houston, Texas. Throughout her 27-year career in the produce industry, she has served on various committees and boards within her local community. She has a B.S. degree in Agricultural Business from California Polytechnic State University.

Trevor Stuart, Sales, Frontera ProduceTrevor Stuart, Sales, of Frontera Produce is the final Board Member appointed. He was born and raised in the Greater Houston area, and after graduating from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, returned to the Lone Star State to pursue a career in the produce business.

TIPA wanted to acknowledge and thank the leadership of the Board Members who have concluded their service.

Texas International Produce Association (TIPA) welcome three new Board Members to its ranks

A hearty thank you to those who came before goes out to Joseph Bunting of United Supermarkets, Luis Gudino of Sicar Farms, and Craig Slate of SunFed.

Congratulations to this next wave of leadership! We here at AndNowUKnow wish you all the best.

Texas International Produce Association


Dillon D’Arrigo Opens Up About Career With D’Arrigo New York



NEW YORK CITY, NY - We love learning more about industry members, and D’Arrigo New York recently spotlighted one of its own. In a newsletter, the distributor turned the limelight to Dillon D’Arrigo, Director of Fruits Sales and Procurement.

One of the opening questions put to Dillon was why he decided to join D’Arrigo New York.

Dillon D’Arrigo, Director of Fruits Sales and Procurement, D'Arrigo New York“I always watched my father growing up and really admired the work ethic and sense of purpose that he got from it. I worked summers here as a kid and just got hooked,” he explained, echoing a sentiment that many within the fresh produce business share. “There is a real sense of pride that comes with working in a family business.”

The family business is a major source of pride for Dillon, as he goes on to detail.

“The three generations before mine gave me and my cousins the opportunity to come into a successful, stable, and ever-growing business. When the 3 a.m. and 4 a.m. alarms hit me poorly, I think back to the summer of 2012 and how much fun that was as a teenager being able to go to work with my dad, brother, and two best friends,” he noted. “Take pride and look forward to working every day with a great group of employees (top to bottom). [I] appreciate being able to spend 50-plus hours a week with my cousins, sister, dad, and two uncles. I cherish the relationships with my customers and vendors.”

In a recent interview, D'Arrigo New York spotlighted Dillon D’Arrigo, Director of Fruits Sales and Procurement, who discussed his career and pride in the family business

His father Michael D’Arrigo imparted further advice, telling his son to be the first one in and the last out—and to get good rest when you can. Coffee is a must—even from my vantage point, coffee is a staple!

When asked where he sees the company in 20 years, Dillon had this to say.

“Wholesale is really day-to-day business, but based on the past and present, I see the company expanding to different parts of the Northeast and continuing the legacy that the generations before us built,” he remarked. “My grandfather, my father, and my uncles have instilled values into my generation that consist of honesty, integrity, and hard work. The common denominator amongst anyone/anything that is successful is hard work. Love the work, do the work, appreciate the work…so you and generations after you can do the same.”

We’ll continue to report on those making the produce industry tick, so stay tuned to ANUK.

D’Arrigo New York