WATSONVILLE, CA - Taylor Farms and Driscoll’s are joining forces to bring some much-needed relief to the local communities of Salinas Valley and Pajaro, which have been heavily affected by California’s recent storms.

“Our communities have a tremendous amount of rehabilitation work ahead and we will continue to provide additional help,” said Bruce Taylor, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Taylor Farms. “We remain committed to working alongside our industry, community partners, and first responders to ensure the safety and security of our community. Our thoughts are with everyone impacted, and we thank everyone who has stepped in to help.”

As the companies explained in a release, recent floods and severe weather in these major growing regions have devastated the area, where many of Taylor Farms and Driscoll’s employees, independent growers, farmworkers, and neighbors have lived for decades. Due to these impacts, Taylor Farms and Driscoll’s are calling to further ignite the spirit of giving from other individuals and broader corporations.

The two produce providers have teamed up to deploy disaster relief funds to local non-profit organizations in the area, meeting the needs of thousands of affected residents. Taylor Farms has donated more than $1 million in relief funds across Monterey County Food Bank, Community Foundation for Monterey, the Santa Cruz County Community Foundation, and to Driscoll’s Charitable Fund, which is matching all public donations, dollar-for-dollar, up to $250,000.

In total, Driscoll’s has also raised more than $1 million in relief funds which includes direct donations to Pajaro Valley Loaves and Fishes, the Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Cruz County, Community Bridges, the Santa Cruz County Community Foundation, and the Casa De La Cultura Center.

“Our farming communities in the Pajaro and Salinas valleys provide a vast amount of the produce our nation consumes every day,” said Miles Reiter, Chief Executive Officer of Driscoll’s. “It will be weeks until we fully understand the scope of damage as the flooding displaced thousands of people from their homes and disrupted many local farming operations. I am saddened by the destruction while remaining proud to be part of this community where so many people moved swiftly to help those most in need.”

Donations are still being accepted and matched on Driscoll’s Charitable Giving Platform. To donate, click here. More information on the suppliers’ alliance can be found here.

Stick around as ANUK brings you more industry updates.

Taylor Farms Driscoll's

NEWARK, DE & WASHINGTON, DC - July will be here before we know it, and so will the International Fresh Produce Association’s (IFPA) Foodservice Conference. The show will take place July 27–28 in Monterey, California, and those interested in attending can now register and make hotel reservations.

“The energy at this event is off the charts. When we get buyers and sellers together, business happens,” said Joe Watson, Vice President of Retail, Foodservice, and Wholesale Membership. “What makes this conference unique is that it is designed exclusively for produce in foodservice. It’s the place for connections, insights, and innovations that grow our members’ businesses. In fact, it’s the anchor of the foodservice year.”

On average, the conference brings together more than 1,800 members of the full foodservice supply chain, according to a release. The event boasted a 1:1 buyer-supplier ratio in 2022, creating a great networking environment.

Buyers at the show include foodservice operators, distributors, K-12 reps, and retail foodservice buyers. Those attending will hear expert speakers, participate in field tours, have the opportunity to participate in a buyer sourcing event, and enjoy the expo.

“I’m especially excited about the Buyer Sourcing Meetings, where interested suppliers can get eight to 10 one-on-one meetings with buyers for an additional fee,” added Watson. “Anyone who is interested in participating in these one-on-one buyer-supplier meetings simply needs to contact me at [email protected] or my colleague Andrew Marshall [email protected].”

Foodservice operators and distributor buyers this year include: Compass/Foodbuy/National Produce FB, Denny’s, Dominos, FreshEdge, Markon, PRO*ACT, Produce Alliance, Restaurant Services, Restaurant Supply Chain Services, Simply Good Jars, Sysco, Texas Roadhouse, and US Foods.

To register, click here. More information about the event can be found here.

The countdown to this unique event begins, so stay tuned to ANUK for more insights and updates.

International Fresh Produce Association

WENATCHEE, WA - We may be closing out this year’s Farmworker Awareness Week, but the celebration isn’t over yet! Stemilt joined in on the occasion, highlighting the continuous improvement projects led by Equitable Food Initiative (EFI) leadership teams that improve safety and the work experience for Stemilters across its field and packing operations.

“One hundred percent of our success is driven by the resiliency and focus of our Stemilters both in the orchards and in our packaging and distribution facilities,” says Stemilt President West Mathison. “They take extreme care of our fruit from tree to truck and play a critical part in making fruit world famous at Stemilt.”

According to a press release, over 10 EFI leadership teams exist to seek out small improvement projects across Stemilt’s orchards and facilities. Just this year, the teams added fans to bagging areas on the packing line, created a map of emergency exits, placed cones in the parking lots to guide trucks and cars, and painted designated crosswalk areas for pedestrians in forklift and loading areas.

As it looks to spread awareness during Farmworker Awareness Week, the provider is harnessing social media to highlight recent EFI Team-led projects that have been implemented at its packing facilities. These posts include Instagram Reels featuring EFI team members sharing their team’s completed projects and their stories being long-time Stemilters.

“We’re looking back on our first 18 months of being fully certified with EFI this Farmworker’s Awareness Week to see how we’re progressing toward a bigger change at Stemilt,” says Mathison. “Our Stemilters are the backbone of our success and help make our mission of cultivating people and delighting consumers through excellence a reality.”

Stemilt has met over 300 of the industry’s top standards around responsible labor practices, food safety, and pest management since its certification.

“EFI has helped Stemilt achieve larger change by making small changes to its processes every day,” adds Mathison. “It aligns with our desire to cultivate people through training and development to create communicative, problem-solving, and cross-functional leadership teams.”

As the company explained in the release, EFI’s goal is to transform agriculture and improve the lives of farmworkers by building a culture of continuous improvement and a collaborative team environment.

“Historically, agriculture has had a transactional relationship with labor,” says Mathison. “EFI transforms the hierarchy of management into a system of aligned teams at all levels of the business, from the front lines to the Executive leadership. This certification helps bring authenticity to our working environments and encourages Stemilters to embrace conflict and find resolutions.”

Cheers to another successful celebration of our beloved farmworkers!

Stemilt

SAN JOSE, CA - Labor shortages and the drive for efficiency have given rise to greater interest in automation, and ZAG Technical Services is lending its expertise on the subject to attendees of the upcoming Food Northwest Process & Packaging Expo. At the event, taking place in Portland, Oregon, April 4–6, the service provider will lead an event session on achievable business outcomes with Robotic Process Automation (RPA).

“The real benefit of business automation is not only improved productivity and efficiency, but also the ability to empower employees to engage in more meaningful work and have a greater impact for your business,” said Thuan Ngo, Vice President of Data and Software Services.

Ngo will lead the session titled “How to use software robots to automate repetitive staff workloads in manufacturing,” which takes place 1–2 p.m. in meeting rooms C125-126, according to a release.

The session will be delivered from the unique perspective of robot workers, and to keep things exciting and relevant, examples from real business case studies will be presented to show how companies are leveraging modern technologies like RPA to achieve outcomes including improved profitability, reduced waste, and more.

ZAG will also be exhibiting at booth #725. In addition to Ngo, the company will have Director of Client Strategy Patrick Day; Marketing Director Robert Collings; and Business Strategist, Pacific Northwest Michele Marshall at the event sharing the latest insights on cyber resilience, business automation, and digital transformation.

“We provide solutions for clients across the supply chain, with many involved in the digital transformation of their business,” said Day. “Modern IT is no longer just a guy that gets your computer back online, but a team of professionals who understand how technology delivers on your business objectives. From securing your workplace to providing data analytics and insights, IT, when done well, can be your competitive advantage.”

As technology and automation evolve in the ag sector, AndNowUKnow will share the latest updates and innovations.

ZAG Technical Services

IRVINGTON, NY - Earlier this month, we reported on BrightFarms’ recently announced expansion plan, including four new regional greenhouse hubs. As construction gets underway, I wanted to connect with the team to learn more about what this growth means for the company’s retail partners.

I spoke with Abby Prior, Chief Commercial Officer, to learn more.

“As a leader in the booming indoor farming industry, we at BrightFarms are passionate about transforming how produce is grown and delivered in the U.S.,” Abby explained. “We are excited to make big strides in that transformation through our expanding network of indoor sustainable farms that use far less energy, land, and water than long-distance, centralized, and field-grown agriculture.”

Greens from the new locations will begin shipping in 2024, which will allow BrightFarms to reach two-thirds of U.S. consumers, including consumers in the South and Southeast regions of the U.S. for the first time ever. BrightFarms’ four new greenhouse hubs combined will add up to 200 acres of growing space with the capacity to grow roughly 150 million new pounds of greens per year.

“The first hub—located in Yorkville, Illinois; about an hour’s drive from Chicago—is currently under construction. Hubs in Macon, Georgia, and Lorena, Texas, will break ground in the summer, while a planned hub in the Northeast will begin later in 2023,” Abby noted.

In addition, Abby remarked about BrightFarms’ commitment to adding agricultural jobs to the regions where the new greenhouses are being built.

“We’re proud to employ local farmers and members of the local communities at our new greenhouse hubs. Each of our hubs will create more than 250 jobs in the agricultural sectors once fully built,” Abby added.

As news of this exciting expansion continues to spread, the company also has a swelling product portfolio to share.

“Last spring, we launched our Crunch Kits™ Salads as a first of their kind indoor grown salad kit. With salad kits being the fastest-growing segment in indoor farming and the largest segment in packaged salads, we partnered with our retail customers to develop the kits, capitalizing on flavor trends and consumer insights to develop kits that are premium and delicious,” remarked Abby. “These premium kits are now available across the East Coast and Midwest and will soon be available for new retail partners in Texas and beyond as part of our expansion plans.”

We’ll continue to keep you in the loop regarding the latest in fresh produce, so stick with us at AndNowUKnow.

BrightFarms

FIREBAUGH, CA - A strategic marketing alliance has been formed between two prominent melon suppliers. Westside Produce is joining forces with Classic Fruit to provide retail, foodservice, and fresh-cut customers with cantaloupe, honeydew, watermelon, and mixed melons year-round.

“By joining forces, Classic Fruit and Westside Produce are formalizing a 20-year relationship that will offer our customers top quality melons 52 weeks of the year,” said Garrett Patricio, President of Westside Produce. “A steady and consistent, uninterrupted supply of melons is what most customers desire. This alliance allows both companies to better serve those looking for that option.”

A press release explained that the two firms offer comprehensive food safety and traceability management systems, while incorporating sustainable production practices and safe work environments.

Paul Raggio, President of Classic Fruit Company, also commented on the news.

“What’s unique about Westside Produce and Classic Fruit is that both companies control every aspect and phase of their operation,” said Raggio. “This begins with proper ground preparation, planting decisions, variety choices, cultural practices including inputs, pollination, and pest control. Classic Fruit and Westside Produce also each own and control our harvest, packing, quality control, cooling, marketing, and shipping operations.”

Sales will be led by Tom Ferguson, Tom Conrado, and Mark George—each with over 20 years of experience in melon sales. Both companies have developed trusted relationships across the aisle and throughout the industry.

“Westside Produce and Classic Fruit are respected, vertically integrated grower-packer-shippers and each offers marketing and customer distribution across North America,” said Conrado.

Tom Ferguson commented as well.

“We’ve worked together for nearly 20 years, this alliance just formalizes what’s become a valuable resource in keeping our customers happy,” he noted.

George added, “As our customers ask for more service and support year-round, having a stable and consistent supply of fruit becomes ever more important. The shared values and unique similarities between Westside Produce and Classic Fruit will make delivering on our promises much easier.”

This spring, melons will be available from Arizona, followed by California from July through October. Production will return to Arizona in the fall, and between November and May, in Guatemala.

Cheers to this exciting alliance!

Westside Produce Classic Fruit

PROVIDENCE, RI - A new asset has been added to United Natural Foods, Inc.’s (UNFI) distribution network this week. The foodservice operator has announced plans to open a new 1.3-million square-foot leased distribution center in Manchester, Pennsylvania. Poised to help the company serve its growing customer base in the region, the temperature-controlled facility is currently under construction and expected to be finished over the next 15 months.

“Our York facility, located less than 15 minutes away, has felt the impact of both new and existing customer growth we’ve experienced in this region over the last 12–18 months,” said Erin Horvath, Chief Operating Officer. “Leasing this facility allows us to best utilize our capital and manage company resources all while delivering on our transformation program, to enhance our distribution network by enabling our multi-echelon re-distribution strategy to effectively support our customer growth. Similar to several other UNFI facilities, this new distribution center will implement technology and automation solutions designed to enable greater network capacity, scalability, and profitability.”

Once complete, the facility will provide UNFI with increased network capacity, improved capability to more efficiently deliver its product and services offering, and support continued customer growth in the mid-Atlantic region. According to a press release, the DC is also an important investment in UNFI associates, as it will offer an enhanced overall experience highlighted by a lifestyle center aimed at improving retention and overall employee engagement.

The Manchester facility represents the latest in a series of transactions completed by Scout Cold Logistics, an affiliate of AEW Capital Management, all of which are focused on food distribution and production assets throughout the United States, the release noted.

ANUK will stay hot on the trail of this industry giant, so stay tuned.

United Natural Foods, Inc.

MILLEN, GA - Get your video camera ready! Southeast Produce Council (SEPC) has announced applications are now open for its newest scholarship: SEPC Fresh Chefs.

“We are proud to sponsor the SEPC Fresh Chefs scholarship for another year. For us to fully cultivate the future of produce, we knew we had to include all sectors of the industry, including providing more exposure for the culinary segment,” said Tim Graas, SEPC Chairman of the Board. “There’s no better way to promote the consumption of fruits and vegetables than by supporting those who are professionally trained to do so.”

The second annual Fresh Chefs Scholarship program is open to any full-time college or secondary education student pursuing a degree in culinary arts or restaurant management. Applicants must submit a two-minute maximum video introducing themselves and highlighting the importance of using fresh produce in menus.

Applications will be accepted from now through May 12, 2023, and members of the SEPC Foodservice Committee will oversee the selection process and announce the recipients in June.

Each recipient of the SEPC Fresh Chefs Scholarship will receive one of three $1,500 scholarships toward their educational goals for the upcoming year, a press release explained, in addition to being invited to attend the Southern Innovations conference in Charlotte, North Carolina, this September.

During the event, scholarship recipients will have the opportunity to network with hundreds of produce industry members as well as the nation’s leading retailers and foodservice distributors. SEPC will cover hotel and travel expenses to the event and will also provide an SEPC Fresh Chefs jacket for each recipient.

“After last year’s successful implementation of this program into SEPC’s portfolio, we cannot wait to offer this scholarship opportunity again to other produce professionals beginning their career in the culinary segment of our industry,” noted Stanley Trout, SEPC Board Member and Foodservice Committee Chairman, Idaho Potato Commission. “We’re also eager to reinforce our mission to increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables by supporting young chefs as they become champions in their field striving to promote fresh produce.”

SEPC has partnered with Center for the Advancement of Foodservice Education to aid in the distribution of the program to its member schools. For more information on the program, click here.

For more industry updates, keep frequenting the pages of ANUK.

Southeast Produce Council

FRESNO, CA - Get ready for an uptick in demand for California table grapes! The California Table Grape Commission (CTGC) is setting out to bolster international demand for California table grapes in 16 target markets with the help of its 2023 export marketing campaign.

“In spite of labor and shipping challenges, and inflation and the value of the dollar, California table grapes still found success in export markets last season,” said President Kathleen Nave. “In 2023, the commission is determined to capitalize on that success and plans to expand market share of California table grapes in the target export markets.”

The comprehensive campaign for 2023 is focused on retail promotions, with a variety of retailer incentives. With digital retail promotions planned throughout CTGC’s target export markets, wholesaler promotions are also planned in select markets to reach smaller retailers through promotional activity. These promotional activities align with high-volume months in each market. Campaign expansions will also be offered, including shopper app and social media advertising in all markets, plus work with influencers and retailer-tagged television in select markets.

According to a press release, the 16 target markets for the 2023 season represented 94.4 percent of export volume in June through December 2022; of those markets, El Salvador, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Mexico, New Zealand, and Vietnam increased in both volume and value in 2022 compared to 2021, despite a range of global export challenges.

“While there still may be challenges ahead for global exports, the 2023 export marketing campaign will work to drive demand for California table grapes around the world,” concluded Nave.

How else will CTGC continue to uplift this beloved category? Stick with ANUK to find out.

California Table Grape Commission

ESCOBEDO, NUEVO LEÓN, MEXICO - Dollar General recently entered the Mexican market with its very first store. The retailer celebrated its international expansion as it opens a Mi Súper Dollar General store in Escobedo, Nuevo León.

“The opening of the first Mi Súper Dollar General store in Mexico highlights our teams’ strong dedication to serving more communities with access to affordable everyday essentials,” shared Jeff Owen, Dollar General’s Chief Executive Officer. “I am proud of our team in Mexico and look forward to Mi Súper Dollar General being a force for opportunity as we continue to grow our presence in Mexico.”

Mi Súper Dollar General was developed with a customer-first focus, tailor-made to help consumers find great prices and convenient shopping experiences for all their needs within their neighborhood. According to the release, the brand connotes the idea of a general store focused on serving customers with the products they want and need most.

Each store offers affordable, everyday low prices in convenient locations and includes financial services, a bakery, and tortilleria. Products are sourced primarily from Mexico and include fresh produce, health and beauty products, household essentials, and more.

“We are extremely excited to open our Mi Súper Dollar General doors to provide affordable household essentials to Escobedo residents,” shared Gary Morales, Mi Súper Dollar General’s Director of Operations. “In the future, each store will be tailored to fit the wants and needs of nearby customers so they can provide for their families through a convenient shopping experience.”

Dollar General first announced its international expansion plans in December 2021. Mi Súper Dollar General expects to boost the economic development in the country through the generation of jobs and career growth opportunities in stores, at its Mexico Store Support Center in San Pedro Garza García, and the development of local suppliers.

Stick around with ANUK as we keep an eye on the retail landscape.

Dollar General