GLENVILLE, GA - If you haven’t challenged my parents to a cornhole match, you haven’t seen true competition. That’s why I was delighted to see the beloved sport was getting some attention in the fresh produce space. G&R Farms has launched a promotion with the American Cornhole Organization (ACO), which includes the Acing Summer Flavors cookbook and an online showcase of athlete profiles at ACO’s Go the Distance Festival.

“Vidalia® onions are an iconic flavor part of many summer and early fall dining occasions like backyard BBQs, picnics, everyday grilling, summer holidays, and tailgating,” said Blake Dasher, Chief Executive Officer of G&R Farms. “When we thought about our favorite summertime gatherings, cornhole was always a part of the festivities for some extra fun and friendly competition.”

The new cookbook features 12 sweet onion recipes, tips, and tricks for outdoor entertaining, and a few notes to improve your cornhole skills. The cookbook is available for download here just in time for Memorial Day, a press release stated.

G&R also remains steadfast in its dedication to the Growing America’s Farmers program, providing grants and scholarships to FFA students nationwide. Promotions are underway in 2023 regional and national retailers. The program has raised and disbursed more than $350,000 in scholarships to the next generation of farmers.

“We are so excited to partner with G&R Farms and make their Vidalia onions the official sweet onion of the ACO,” said Frank Geers, CEO of ACO. “Cornhole is a sport for everyone, steeped in family, fun, and friendship, and there is no better way to bring everyone together than with food and an onion that’s known throughout the U.S.”

Dasher concluded, “At G&R Farms, we’re committed to creating tools and opportunities that help our partners drive more onion sales and help consumers enjoy more consumption occasions. With great product, new packaging, new promotions, and a connection to community, we are ready for a great season.”

Now, who’s up for a friendly game of cornhole?

G&R Farms

BASEL, SWITZERLAND - With flavor at their fingertips and innovation on lock, Syngenta Vegetable Seeds is bringing another solution for growers to market. The seed provider recently announced that it is launching a “ToBRFV Resistant” seal to indicate Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV) resistant varieties.

“As we continue to add new varieties to our lineup, we’re making sure they still taste great,” remarked Ruud Kaagman, Syngenta Global Crop Unit Head, Tomato. “Consumers love the taste of our tomatoes and choose them when they go to the grocery store, so with the introductions of new resistant varieties, we want to make sure that growers can continue to deliver what consumers expect.”

A press release outlined that the seal symbolizes Syngenta’s focus to deliver varieties that protect yields with disease resistance to not only ToBRFV, but other key diseases as well. The seal also indicates the company’s attention to maintaining high fruit quality, indicated by flavor, shelf-life, consistency, and transportability.

“Growers can lose up to 70 percent of their produce due to the virus, and it’s spreading rapidly,” Kaagman continued. “We’re looking for solutions to ToBRFV without compromising resistance to other critical diseases.”

This year’s Global Tomato Congress will address the research going into solutions for ToBRFV and any other pest that impacts production. As Syngenta noted, this disease has spread rapidly and is present on every continent around the world, spreading yield loss and quality concerns as it goes.

At Syngenta, researchers are looking for varieties that tick off all the boxes: ToBRFV resistance without compromising resistance to other diseases, fruit quality, and flavor. The ToBRFV Resistant seal tells growers they’re getting a full tomato package. Less worry, more peace of mind!

For more information regarding the Global Tomato Congress and the research set to be presented, click here.

Keep reading us here at AndNowUKnow as we continue to cover the latest innovations hitting the industry.

Syngenta Vegetable Seeds

MONROVIA, CA - Stop the presses! We just received word that a new Trader Joe’s Chief Executive Officer will be taking the helm. It was announced this morning that Bryan Palbaum will step up as Chairman and CEO following the retirement of Dan Bane on July 2, 2023.

“We are thankful for Dan’s leadership over the past 22 years. Jon [Basalone] and I look forward to working with all Crew Members to continue to grow Trader Joe’s,” Palbaum commented. “We remain focused on providing customers with exciting products at great values while being true to the seven Values that will continue to guide Trader Joe’s."

Palbaum has been with Trader Joe’s for more than 20 years, a press release stated. For the last 10 years, he has been President and Chief Operations Officer.

In addition to his appointment, Jon Basalone will be promoted to Vice CEO and President. Basalone has been with the company for more than 33 years, starting as a store Crew Member in Southern California. Most recently, he has been President of Stores. He will assist Palbaum at the helm as the two take on their new roles.

Of course, this news comes in tandem with the announcement of Bane’s retirement.

Bane has been with the company for more than 25 years, the last 22 as the Chairman and CEO. The company has since grown to be a national chain of 543 neighborhood grocery stores in 42 states, plus Washington, DC. The release noted that he championed a unique set of seven values that guide the company and help direct all Crew Members.

In a message to Trader Joe’s Crew Members, Bane stated, “…I take great pride that together we have made Trader Joe’s the best grocery store in America. Thanks to all!”

Congratulations to all three leaders as they take these next steps!

Trader Joe’s

NEWARK, DE & WASHINGTON, DC - We are just a few weeks away from the International Fresh Produce Association’s (IFPA) Retail Conference taking place June 7–8. The event will provide numerous insights into the industry, offering four education sessions, networking opportunities, discussion groups, and a golf tournament.

“While every supplier and retailer works to differentiate their products and services, there are common issues they all must address,” said Joe Watson, Vice President of Retail, Foodservice, and Wholesale. “It’s so important to come together in a more intimate venue to look at those issues from a supply chain perspective. That’s what The Retail Conference is all about—that and outstanding networking opportunities with over 50 retailers.”

Scaled properly, produce prescriptions could put millions—if not billions—of dollars toward produce redeemed at retail, a press release stated. IFPA's Mollie Van Lieu, VP of Nutrition and Health, will moderate a panel of leaders in technology, retail, and healthcare to discuss this opportunity.

“We know fresh produce is the solution to many of today’s health issues,” said Meghan Diaz, Senior Director of Local Produce at Sprouts Farmers Market. “I want to know more about how produce prescriptions can work because although they will generate sales, which is great, I believe the real benefit is improving consumer health.”

At the event, retail experts will offer tips to transcend challenges and drive sales momentum in a session moderated by Betsy Folan, Senior Vice President of Organizational and Executive Development at pro-voke.

“Ultimately, we’re all in this together as we strive to grow our sales and grow our industry at all levels,” said Jeff Cady, Vice President of Produce and Floral, Tops Friendly Markets. “Understanding how to improve partnerships with retailers benefits both buyer and seller as we all work toward the same goals—growing sales to consumers.”

Circana’s fresh foods expert and long-time produce thought leader, Jonna Parker, will examine where produce is experiencing unique strength at retail despite disruptive challenges, and how retailers can continue to expand the success of fresh fruits and vegetables for years to come.

IFPA's Ed Treacy, VP of Supply Chain and Sustainability, will review the FSMA 204 Final Rule and what this means, so companies can prepare prior to the starting enforcement date.

Check out the press release here for more info. Stay tuned for more event updates.

International Fresh Produce Association

NEW ZEALAND - A recent update from Zespri™ revealed insights into the quality and volume that can be expected for the 2023 kiwifruit season. While adverse weather events have led to a lower-than-expected New Zealand crop, the supplier reports that quality is up compared to last season.

“Like many others in the primary industries around the world, kiwifruit growers have faced a particularly tough time this growing season, including many weather-related challenges,” said Chief Executive Officer Dan Mathieson. “As a result, we have a limited supply of kiwifruit for our customers this season, particularly Green Kiwifruit where we’re expecting one of the lowest volumes in the past 20 years, with around 42 million Green trays available, which is down from around 61 million trays in 2022. Despite the challenges, our Zespri teams around the world are working hard with our global customers to get the best possible outcome this season.”

Zespri expects to export around 136 million trays of Green, SunGold, and RubyRed kiwifruit to more than 50 countries. According to a press release, this is down from the 171 million trays supplied in 2022, with this season’s crop potentially reducing even further following April’s hail event in Te Puke.

“There’s been a huge effort across the industry and our supply chain to do everything possible to lift quality this season, including making sure we had a really good quality harvest, and that’s been supported by the initiatives that have been established as part of the industry’s Quality Action Plan,” Mathieson said. “We’ve already seen that in our Asian markets and now again over the weekend in Europe where our first shipment of fruit has been distributed to meet the strong demand we’re seeing from local consumers.”

Mathieson continued, “From a supply perspective, we’re expecting significantly more volume in 2024 as growers rebound from this season’s weather-related reduced yields and more of our licenced SunGold Kiwifruit hectares come into maturity. This growth is expected to continue in the years ahead, with our New Zealand supply alone forecast to reach almost 230 million trays in 2027–28. As these increased volumes come into maturity, they will provide terrific opportunities for us to move back into a period of sustainable growth with our customers and sustainable value for our growers.”

For more comments from Mathieson, view the press release here. And stay tuned for more news from ANUK.

Zespri™

CORONA, CA - Index Fresh and Bako Sweet® have revealed a nutritious collaboration in the works. The two California-based companies are championing the combined benefits of high-quality California-grown avocados and sweet potatoes for this delicious season.

“Collaborating with Country Sweet Produce and the Bako Sweet brand to raise awareness about healthy menu options is a great place to be for Index Fresh and the Avoterra brand. Both companies have a rich history in California’s agriculture space, and like Index Fresh, Country Sweet Produce is dedicated to bringing healthy, top-quality produce to family dinner tables worldwide,” said John Dmytriw, Index Fresh Vice President of Business Development.

This year, California-grown sweet potatoes and avocados have claimed the spotlight for breakfasts, dinners, and every plate in between this past Mother’s Day—but the celebration doesn’t stop there! As noted in the release, Index Fresh and Bako Sweet have been collaborating to emphasize and reiterate the simple message that quality counts in food choices.

Both California companies pride themselves on providing consistent quality produce to consumers and building strong relationships based on reliability and adding value. To that effect, the companies are teaming up for sweet potato and avocado giveaways through Instagram @avoterra_by_indexfresh and @bakosweet.

“Avocados from Index Fresh and sweet potatoes from the Bako Sweet family are a great way to guarantee quality ingredients and thoughtfulness for mom. A major perk for menu-building with avocados and sweet potatoes is the compatibility of these nutritional powerhouses that are Whole 30 and Keto friendly, low-carb options, and special requirements for any health-conscious Mother’s Day guests,” said Sofia Castellanos, Director of Marketing and Advertising for Index Fresh.

The release continued noting avocado consumption has doubled over the past 10 years, and sweet potatoes are on the rise with 33 percent of households reporting purchasing them in the last year.

California avocados are in season now, and Bako Sweet’s potatoes are the perfect accompaniment on the plate. Bako Sweet grows its sweet potatoes in “California’s Sweet Spot” on the family farm in Bakersfield, an area known for having some of the best soils in the world.

“We are able to provide retailers with consistent, fresh, and quality sweet potatoes year-round!” said Alexandra Molumby, Director of Marketing for Bako Sweet. “We love the newfound consumer-driven trend to pair crispy toasted sweet potato with creamy avocado. It’s a crowd-pleaser and bends to both sweet and savory flavor profiles for ultimate versatility.”

Both California sweet potatoes and avocados are rich in potassium and important vitamins, while being low in the glycemic index and high in fiber. Both are indicated as positive contributors to heart health and an overall healthy diet and lifestyle.

As more partnerships and collaborations make it to our radar, keep a tab open for ANUK.

Index Fresh Bako Sweet®

FRESNO, CA - Recently, the California Fresh Fruit Association (CFFA) issued a statement in response to the House of Representatives' vote on H.R. 2 – The Secure the Border Act of 2023.

“Make no mistake, the California Fresh Fruit Association has long acknowledged that we have a broken immigration system here in the United States,” President Ian LeMay commented on the vote. “But this is not an issue that we can piecemeal our way through. H.R. 2 does nothing to help U.S. Agriculture and instead throws a longstanding foe in E-Verify in our faces.”

As noted in the release, CFFA will continue to advocate for comprehensive immigration reform, just as it did in 2013 with the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act and more recently in 2022 with the Farm Workforce Modernization Act.

“Congress has long known that they must first address both our current agriculture workforce and modernize our guest worker programs to meet future needs. Only then can U.S. Agriculture interests support an E-Verify policy,” LeMay closed with. “We would like to thank Congressman John Duarte (CA-13) for voting ‘No’ on this measure. The Congressman understands the pressures before our industry and the realities that exist within his district. His call for both sides of the aisle to finally tackle the issue of immigration reform comprehensively is right, and we stand with him to advocate for a policy that does just that.”

ANUK will keep a close eye on the matter to report on the latest.

California Fresh Fruit Association

TORONTO, ON - Two dark pillars stand starkly against the bright background of the Nature Fresh Farms’ Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) booth. To my left, the first domino in the greenhouse growers’ pursuit of a different kind of tomato, Hiiros^™. To my right, the latest.

“YOOM^® has a beautiful color externally with a still-bright red on the inside contrasting with the skin,” Jane Rhyno, Vice President of Marketing and Category Development, shares. “We are working to create our own niche in the industry that started a little over a year ago with Hiiro, named for the word ‘red’ in Japanese. Perfect because the Japanese marketplace treats food as a gift, and we want to inspire North America to do the same.”

YOOM is starting off this mission with strong momentum, leaving the 2023 CPMA show with the Best New Product award and many eyes on its distinctive presentation.

“We see a lot of potential in the cocktail tomato market right now, which is not seeing as much innovation but is very attractive to ‘foodie’ consumers. This used to be a category of high attention, and we are ready to refresh the segment,” Jane explains.

With its dark skin and ripe-signaling star at the stem, YOOM is well positioned to do just that.

“The unique star has a green halo that gets redder as it ripens, so it’s decorative while being nice for cooking, with an earthy to plum-like sweetness,” Jane explains, emphasizing that, with a rounded tomato-centric taste, this is a tomato-lover’s tomato. “We are very excited for this and for even more to come.”

That’s right, there is even more news hovering on the horizon for Nature Fresh Farms. So stay tuned as we report the latest.

Nature Fresh Farms

ROSEMONT, IL - US Foods Holding Corp. revealed the results for the first quarter fiscal year 2023 recently. In it, the foodservice distributor detailed its net sales increased 9.5 percent, or a $400 million increase, from $7.8 billion to $8.5 billion.

“We are encouraged by our start to the year as US Foods delivered strong financial results again this quarter, demonstrating continued execution against our long-range plan,” said Dave Flitman, Chief Executive Officer. “We grew total case volume by nearly 6 percent and independent restaurant case volume by 8 percent, while improving our cost structure and profitability. For the quarter, we grew Adjusted EBITDA by 40 percent and expanded Adjusted EBITDA margin by 80 basis points. I am excited about the significant opportunity ahead, and I am highly confident that executing our strategic priorities will position US Foods for long-term success.”

As noted in the release, net income available to common shareholders was $75 million, an improvement of $91 million compared to the prior year.

Adjusted EBITDA was $337 million, an increase of $96 million or 39.8 percent, compared to the prior year.

“We’re very pleased with what we accomplished during the first quarter,” added Dirk Locascio, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. “Net sales were $8.5 billion in the first quarter, an increase of 9.5 percent over the prior year, driven by case volume growth and inflation. We also drove strong gross profit growth of 19 percent again in the first quarter, which was well above growth in operating expenses. Importantly, we meaningfully reduced our net leverage compared to both the first and fourth quarter 2022 and repurchased $34 million in shares as part of our $500 million repurchase program. Based on the significant momentum we continue to drive against our long-range plan, we are reaffirming our full year 2023 guidance.”

The distributor also noted its total case volume increased 5.7 percent from the prior year, driven by an 8.1 percent increase in independent restaurant case volume.

For more information, check out the release here.

ANUK will keep an eye on the wires for more updates in our industry.

US Foods

DELANO, CA - Four Star Fruit is ending our week with an exciting announcement, unveiling the recent appointment of Justin Dixon. Stepping in as the provider’s newest Director of Imports, Dixon will play an integral role in expanding Four Star's worldwide growing presence and establishing sustainable partnerships.

“I am thrilled to join the Four Star Fruit team and undertake this new responsibility,” said Dixon. “Alongside our growth expansion plans, we want to enhance our value to customers by adding commodities to our portfolio outside of table grapes, such as citrus and stonefruit. As we look into the future, this step will be a significant milestone on our journey toward becoming a fully integrated supplier.”

Dixon settles into this vital role with extensive sales and leadership experience. In his most recent role, he served as a Sales Representative in Kingsburg Orchard’s stonefruit department.

According to a press release, Dixon’s track record in the produce industry has prepared him to lead Four Star Fruit's efforts to expand its presence globally, which will bolster a year-round program and provide the next level of service for its customers.

“Justin is a highly experienced, strategic thinker and brings considerable value to the Four Star Fruit sales team,” commented Jack Campbell, President. “We are pleased to welcome Justin to our team and look forward to seeing him lead and expand our import department.”

As the release went on to note, the distinguished table grape supplier is confident that Dixon’s expertise and leadership will contribute to its continued success by driving the overall business strategy and enabling greater innovation, giving the company a competitive edge.

Congrats to Justin Dixon on this new role! For more fresh produce updates, keep clicking on AndNowUKnow.

Four Star Fruit