WASHINGTON, DC - Recently, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that it had filed an administrative complaint against Sarasota, Florida-based Central Market of FL II. The complaint alleges that the business violated the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) after allegedly failing to promptly pay eight produce sellers a total of $150,383 between November 2019 and May 2020.

Direct from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service:

Central Market of FL II Inc. will have an opportunity to request a hearing. Should USDA find that the company committed repeated and flagrant violations, it would be barred from the produce industry as a licensee for three years, or two years with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond. Furthermore, its principals could not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee for two years, or one year with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond.

The PACA Division, which is in the Fair Trade Practices Program in the Agricultural Marketing Service, regulates fair trading practices of produce businesses that are operating subject to PACA, including buyers, sellers, commission merchants, dealers, and brokers within the fruit and vegetable industry. In the past three years, USDA resolved approximately 3,625 PACA claims involving more than $104 million. PACA staff also assisted more than 7,600 callers with issues valued at approximately $166 million. These are just two examples of how USDA continues to support the fruit and vegetable industry.

To read the release in its entirety, click here.

USDA Agricultural Marketing Service

NOGALES, AZ - You know it’s a party when this group gets together. Between educational sessions, awards, festivities, and a golf tournament that brought out the best of the best, Fresh Produce Association of the Americas (FPAA) has done it again—celebrating its 52^nd Nogales Produce Convention and Golf Tournament.

“It had been a long two years since we last gathered the FPAA family,” said President Lance Jungmeyer. “From the networking to the golf to the education sessions, we received great feedback. We can’t wait to get together again for the FPAA Spring Policy Summit on March 16, 2022.”

The Nogales Produce Convention and Golf Tournament, which ran from November 4–6 at the historic Tubac Golf Resort and Spa, brought together industry members from a range of regions to address the top challenges, opportunities, and milestones within fresh produce today. Welcoming over 400 attendees, representation came from demographics throughout California; Washington, DC; Florida; Iowa; Kansas; New York; Oregon; Tennessee; Texas; and Mexico.

Bringing its best resources to the table, the FPAA kicked off the event with three educational sessions that followed a networking lunch. Each session brought a budding program of information, tools, and insights to the trade table. These sessions included:

• Building Up Arizona, Building Up Your Business: The event featured Juan Ciscomani, Senior Advisor for Regional and International Affairs from the Office of Governor Doug Ducey. Ciscomani shared infrastructural accomplishments for southern Arizona and the strong trade relationship between the United States and Mexico
• Bell Peppers and Squash—A Tale of Two Sectors: This session was presented by Dan Scheitrum, from the University of Arizona. This session provided attendees with the information gathered from a recent study focused on market trends for bell peppers and squash
• FPAA and The Power of Connections: This closing session featured a panel with FPAA members with key roles in national organizations. Panelists included Chris Ciruli, Vice-Chair, National Mango Promotion Board; Board of Directors, United Fresh Produce Association; Sabrina Hallman, Past President of the Arizona Seed Trade Association; Christian Murillo, Vice President, National Watermelon Promotion Board; Craig Slate, Past-Chairman, Texas International Produce Association; Tom Stenzel, President, United Fresh Produce Association; and Leonardo Tarriba, Chairman, Fresh Produce Association of the Americas, Grower-shipper Board at the United Fresh Produce Association

Next in the festivities lineup was the Opening Fiesta. But, before the party kicked off, the FPAA awarded Tom Stenzel with a Lifetime Achievement Award, honoring his dedication to the industry. Jungmeyer touched on Stenzel’s contributions to the evolution of the fresh produce industry. These achievements included testifying before Congress on numerous occasions, his work with U.S. regulatory agencies, his involvement with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Committee of 100 leading trade association CEOs, and the United Fresh Start Foundation, according to a press relese.

The second day of the convention kicked off on November 5 where attendees began their morning with golf and joined the 5^th Annual Culinary Showcase. This showcase was a culinary experience hosted by the FPAA, the Consulado General de Mexico en Nogales, and Visit Tucson.

The FPAA’s Gala Event and Award Ceremony was the icing on the cake for day two. Walter Ram, Vice President of Food Safety at Giumarra Companies was honored this year with The Pillar of the Industry recognition award, which highlights accomplishments for a member who has exhibited a history of volunteering time, effort, and impactful contributions to support the association and the fresh produce industry, the associated notes.

The final leg of the event wrapped with a second day of golf followed by a FPAA-hosted awards ceremony to announce golf winners for the weekend followed by an outdoor BBQ lunch.

Just in case you missed the event in 2021, FPAA has already announced its dates for next year, so mark your calendars now! The 53rd Annual Nogales Produce Convention and Golf Tournament is currently slated for November 3–5, 2022.

Fresh Produce Association of the Americas

QUÉBEC, CANADA - With so many tech providers in existence today, it can be difficult to measure their impact on the world. However, when it comes to Sollum Technologies, the impact is clear to all. As such, the company was recently named a winner of Deloitte’s 2021 Technology Fast 50™ Award in the Companies-to-Watch category.

"This is a highly respected designation, and receiving this award goes to show just how much progress we’ve made, in a short period of time, breaking into an extremely competitive market,” says Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, Louis Brun. “This is only the beginning for us as we continue to grow as a business and get our game-changing LED lighting solution in the hands of more producers.”

Deloitte’s Technology Fast 50 program features five award categories: Enterprise 15™, Technology Fast 50, Companies-to-Watch, North American Fast 500, and Clean Technology. The Technology Fast 50 award is presented to enterprise-level technology, media, and telecommunications companies that have demonstrated outstanding revenue growth over their last four years of operation, a press release explained.

Sollum is adding this award to its growing list of recent accolades, which includes winning a Greenhouse Technology Award and Sapphire Award.

Congratulations to Sollum on yet another win!

Sollum Technologies

UNITED STATES - There is nothing quite as universally grounding and unifying as gratitude. As an act, a perspective, and a catalyst for change, gratitude allows us the chance to pause in our present and build a bridge of connection and abundance with those we hold dear. Thanksgiving provides an invaluable time for practicing such appreciation and, with the opportunity upon us, we want to say thank you to our friends and peers across the fresh produce industry for driving fresh food forward and for allowing us to bring your beautiful stories to life.

With the theme of gratitude gracing get-togethers, tables, and meals this week, we reached out to some of our buy-side and supply-side friends who jumped at the chance to share their words of appreciation for all.

Robby Cruz, Vice President of Produce Sourcing and Procurement, Target

“I want to wish our industry a Happy Thanksgiving. The one thing we know about our industry is that there is constant change and we worked together through it all. I am thankful for my amazing teams who have worked so hard throughout this year and my amazing family who have supported me through all the changes.”

Julie Olivarria, Vice President, Produce, Sysco

“Wishing everyone blessings of health, happiness, and success this Thanksgiving. I believe there is always, always something to be thankful for, and I look for it every single day.”

John Corsaro, Chief Executive Officer, Giumarra Companies

“At Team Giumarra, we’re thankful to work in an industry where we get to share our growers’ bounty with families everywhere. Good food will always serve an important role in bringing people together. Happy Thanksgiving to all of our friends in the fresh produce industry and beyond!”

William Goldfield, Director of Corporate Communications, Dole plc

“It seems all we see these days is uncertainty, tumult, and grief in our world, but there is also plenty of joy. I would ask that everyone take a moment to reflect and affirm on the hopeful, positive, and good deeds that are to be found in our industry and in our personal lives. Be thankful for the bounty we all provide and our many good fortunes. Assist those around you to find theirs. Happy Thanksgiving!”

Christina Ward, Senior Director of Global Marketing, Sunkist Growers

“Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! There is so much to be thankful for, from our citrus growers to those in this industry helping us deliver Peel Good Citrus^™ to consumers worldwide. The produce industry as a whole is doing great things. At Sunkist, we’re looking forward to the collaborations we have in the works, bringing different brands together to give shoppers even more reasons to eat healthy and be happy.”

Chris Keetch, Director, Produce and Floral, The GIANT Company

“I would like to wish our industry members a Happy Thanksgiving this week. At The GIANT Company, I am very thankful for our support, distribution, and store teams for taking care of our customers in what are still uncertain times. I am also thankful for the strong supplier partnerships we have forged. In the ongoing world of a pandemic, we wouldn’t have the in-stock position we do without our supplier community having our backs! And I am, of course, blessed and thankful to have a wonderful and loving family and a close circle of friends.”

Happy Thanksgiving from your friends at AndNowUKnow, The Snack, and Deli Market News!

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA & BENTONVILLE, AR - One of big-box chain Walmart's most innovative partnerships to date is taking flight—literally. After trialing a partnership with DroneUp last year and expanding its relationship this past summer, the pair have announced their first multi-site commercial drone delivery operations to deliver items to eligible Walmart shoppers by air in as little as 30 minutes.

"When we invested in DroneUp earlier this year, we envisioned a drone delivery operation that could be quickly executed and replicated across multiple stores," said Tom Ward, Senior Vice President of Last Mile at Walmart U.S. "Opening our first hub within months of our initial concept showcases DroneUp's ability to safely execute drone delivery operations with speed. We're already hearing great customer feedback at our first site in Farmington, Arkansas, and look forward to opening additional locations."

The three new locations, located at Walmart stores in Northwest Arkansas, will operate from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week, according to a press release. Through DroneUp's delivery operation, Walmart consumers will have access to a safe, convenient, fast, and sustainable delivery option for thousands of items.

With each drone powered by a crew of skillful operators, receiving packages via Walmart's new delivery service is as simple as:

• Verify: Customer enters their address to verify eligibility
• Shop: Customer selects from thousands of items for delivery
• Secure: Operators pack the order and secure the box to the drone using a patented delivery release mechanism
• Deliver: The flight engineer manages a controlled and guided delivery, placing the order gently at the customer's home

Eligible Walmart shoppers in Farmington, Arkansas, can already begin placing orders through DroneUp's website. Additional locations at the Walmart Neighborhood Market #5837 in Rogers, Arkansas, and the Walmart Supercenter #100 in Bentonville, Arkansas, are anticipated to open in coming months.

"Teaming up with Walmart to launch three delivery Hubs marks a significant leap forward in the broader use of UAS to provide last-mile consumer delivery services and supply chain efficiency options," said Tom Walker, Chief Executive Officer, DroneUp. "Walmart and DroneUp provide an unrivaled ability to pick, pack, and deliver via drones directly from the store to consumers offering efficiencies no other retailer can match. We are proud of our team's ability to deliver the technology helping Walmart launch a new era of commercial drone operations."

With over 4,700 stores and 120,000 of the most purchased items located within 10 miles of over 90 percent of the nation's population, Walmart is well-positioned for drone delivery. Likewise, DroneUp's airport "Hubs" feature convenient on-site operations where FAA certified flight engineers can conduct multiple and simultaneous deliveries, making a strong partner for the retailer.

Will Walmart eventually role this innovative service out to all of its locations? Keep reading AndNowUKnow to find out.

Walmart DroneUp

STOCKTON, CA - Buyers, get ready to capitalize on a unique new opportunity in the apple category. JJB Family Farms is bringing the Modi^® apple to retail shelves, presenting the category with a key chance to boost sales.

“The Modi is widely becoming popular, and it’s already on school menus and selling in many supermarkets,” said Derrell Kelso, Manager. “What makes us unique is the fact that our Modi apples are grown in California for Californians. We’re planning on future Modi apple products that we will be bringing to our consumers.”

According to a press release, the Modi apple was developed in the valley north of Venice, Italy, with a goal of producing a new variety with a modern flavor profile and an ecologically responsible approach, according to a press release. Its unique name comes from the famed artist Amedeo Modigliani, who is called “Modi” by his friends, and became famous for his female portraits and his use of bright red colors, similar to the deep ruby red color of the Modi Apples. The delicious variety is a natural crossing between the Liberty and Gala varieties, yielding a crunchy, juicy flesh with just the right amount of sweetness.

Modi apple is unique because it grows in an eco-friendly manner, thanks to its trees with an innate resistance to the main pathogens, the early crop, and integrated crop management in the field. As noted in the release, many actions in the orchard are notably reduced, with a positive impact on environment and a relevant saving of production inputs. In addition, the Modi boasts of CfP, as its carbon dioxide emissions are equal to 0.028 kg CO₂ per kg of product in the orchard, with a reduction of up to 49 percent of gas emissions in the atmosphere.

This juicy and flavorful Italian-born and -developed club apple variety thrives in Mediterranean climates, and JJB Family Farms grows the Modi only on its Grand Island ranch, an island surrounded by the Sacramento River and Steamboat Slough.

JJB’s mouthwatering apple variety is currently available at supermarkets such as Safeway and Food 4 Less.

If you’re looking for a significant boost to the apple category, you may just find it on this page.

JJB Family Farms

GREENCASTLE, PA - There are less than two days left until Thanksgiving, and that means frenzied shoppers will be hitting the produce department to stock up on key ingredients like onions. Keystone Fruit Marketing is ready for the push and has all hands on deck as Matthew Gideon, Commodity Manager, spoke with M. Andrea Scoggs to give retailers the lowdown on the company’s sweet onions and how they can be used to boost register rings during the holidays.

“Well, our sweet onions can be used in a variety of dishes for Thanksgiving. Mayan Sweets can elevate just about any meal,” said Gideon. “I think that is what makes them so versatile and easy to use in your cooking on a regular basis! I will use Mayan Sweets in a sweet onion and goat cheese bruschetta, in my cornbread dressing, in my turkey gravy made from the turkey drippings, and in my sweet onion casserole!”

Is your mouth watering? Because mine sure is, and I’m positive consumers’ will be too if they see these decadent recipes displayed next to sweet onions in the aisles. And we all know that tastebuds are the fastest way to shoppers’ wallets.

With Turkey Day just around the corner, Gideon also shared some of his favorite recipes that could be used to inspire larger basket share across the produce department this season.

“My favorite part of my Thanksgiving meal is the dessert! I have a huge sweet tooth and in a perfect world, I’d just eat dessert! I love all things pumpkin. Pies and cookies... all of it! Being from Texas, we mostly prepare cornbread stuffing, so I enjoy making my grandmother’s recipes and then adding my own personal touch to them,” he explained. “We all have had canned cranberry sauce, but I’d say try making your own fresh cranberry sauce. It is very easy, and it definitely takes your Thanksgiving meal up a notch!”

Sounds like a great opportunity for retailers to add pumpkin pie ingredients to their displays—if they haven’t already—to grab a few extra sales. Additionally, merchandising fresh cranberries along with staple ingredients like onions, celery, and carrots for stuffing could prove fruitful as the big day approaches.

Seeing as Keystone has a year-round onion program in place, according to a release, Gideon hinted that he will be utilizing his kitchen skills to promote the category in the future. Could this be more unique recipes to inspire cross-merchandising and displays?

“I’m collaborating with our marketing team to add some spice to Keystone Kitchen. Soon, you’ll be seeing these chef skills on our website…stay tuned!” Gideon teased.

With ovens starting to preheat and the clock ticking down to Thanksgiving, heed Keystone’s advice and watch registers start lighting up.

Keystone Fruit Marketing

MINOT, ND - Working tirelessly to spread the word about fresh produce and the companies that grow it, FullTilt Marketing needs strong leaders to support its mission. Recently growing its team, the company announced that Kari Fox will be coming on board as its new Creative Director along with Dan Kaho, who will become Senior Project Manager.

Fox brings with her over two decades of experience in the private retail sector, with expertise in managing online and in-store retail marketing for a family-run grocery chain. According to a release, Fox also comes from an agency background and is heavily focused on digital design, specially working within the food and beverage industry at a variety of agencies in Wisconsin and Illinois.

In her new role, Fox will leverage her creative talents to elevate inspired storytelling while also expanding FullTilt’s marketing offerings in the retail space, focusing on digital marketing and client maintenance.

Joining Fox is Dan Kaho, who, before stepping in as Senior Project Manager at FullTilt, served in the same role at Harley Davidson and facilitated onboarding of a new manufacturing line. With a deep understanding of data and tech informed by more than 15 years of experience helping to build and expand digital platforms and improve customer experience, he will be an asset to the team.

Kaho is already using his strengths in digital media and data management to evaluate and create data systems that help FullTilt’s clients leverage more informed selling along with video storytelling.

Melinda Goodman, President, commented on the recent appointment of these new leaders.

“For 10 years, FullTilt has operated as a full-service boutique agency that offers more than creative design, but comprehensive strategic value to every client. Each selection of new team members is meant to grow new and existing relationships and steward opportunities for our clients,” she said. “The food and retail industry is advancing at a breakneck pace, and we must utilize every skillset to expand sales potential and foster the customer journey. Dan and Kari both bring a broad set of talents and strategic mindsets from their past experience to help our clients explore new opportunities to grow their businesses, and I’m excited to have them on our team.”

Congratulations to Kari Fox and Dan Kaho on their new roles!

FullTilt Marketing

UNITED STATES - Recent United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) pricing reports on both broccoli and broccoli crowns caught ANUK’s eye yesterday morning. We reached out to several folks within the industry to learn more details about the state of the market.

So far, we’ve received answers from Ippolito International and Gold Coast Packing.

“The industry is continuing to see an active market with strong pricing for a few reasons. The most prominent issue was, as the industry was looking to finish Salinas and Santa Maria, California, there were a lot of issues from a quality perspective—such as yellowing and pinrot, drastically affecting yields at the field level and thus overall supplies throughout the industry,” Greg Heinz, Ippolito International’s Broccoli Commodity Manager, explained to me.

The USDA pricing report has the cost of broccoli cartons sitting between $26.95 and $30.75. Twenty lb cartons of loose crown cut broccoli shipping out of Phoenix, Arizona, ranges from $32.50—$36.95 per carton.

Heinz also noted that the product projected to be harvested in Yuma, Arizona, and Mexico was trending behind schedule.

“We also saw quality issues on the front end of the Yuma/Mexico season, thus many growers had to wait for sizing to improve for both broccoli bunch and broccoli crowns. As a result, supplies available at market were less aligned with stronger Thanksgiving demand, which resulted in higher FOBs on both the bunch and crown market,” Heinz commented.

Crystal Chavez, Marketing Coordinator of Gold Coast Packing, also offered her insights on the market.

“Pricing for broccoli has been elevated. Currently, it’s a tight supply and high demand situation for the veg. We believe it stems from several issues. One of those goes back a few months when growers were uncertain on how much to plant. Broccoli growers planted less because they were unsure of the demand stemming from COVID, so less is in the ground,” she reasoned. “Also, the desert is weeks behind for this time of year, as the region saw very hot temperatures during typical planting times, so broccoli plants went in later than usual—pushing everything back. To make the situation even tighter, broccoli out of Mexico has had quality issues. The tight supply market is expected to stay this way for a few weeks.”

As the market shifts, ANUK will continue to cover, so stay tuned!

Gold Coast Packing Ippolito International

MISSION, TX - The Texas International Produce Association (TIPA) is raising more than the roof with its latest fresh produce celebration. The organization raised funds to support its endeavors in Washington, DC, and Austin, Texas, at the recent annual Pull-for-PAC Skeet Shoot fundraiser. This year's was a sold-out shoot with every team spot filled.

"Our annual Skeet Shoot PAC fundraiser was the brainchild of Mark Santos of Santos International and Scott Fletcher of Allen Lund, two of our event sponsors," said Dante Galeazzi, President and Chief Executive Officer. "Now in our 5^th year, this event has become more than just about the PAC. It has become a great opportunity for the members to get together, have fun, and enjoy much-needed comradery as we all recover from the impacts of the pandemic."

A whopping 23 teams registered, bringing more than 100 people who were treated to a BBQ dinner and drinks at the event.

        

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A press released outlined the title sponsors for the event, which included Santos International and Allen Lund. TIPA's Tex-PAC Committee, which includes Mary Velasquez of Coast Tropical; Tony Martinez of Primo Trading Services; April Flowers of Lone Star Citrus Growers; Mark Santos of Santos International; and Scott Fletcher of Allen Lund, also played a critical role in the event.

Cooks and servers from Grow Farms Texas and Allen Lund Company, led by pit-master Tommy Wilkins, manned the culinary helm throughout the evening.

"Anyone who's been in the industry for a few years understands the importance government plays for fresh produce. Whether it is international produce shipments crossing the US-MX border or it is labor policies governing the domestic workforce, there are issues at the local, state, and federal levels that the association must be engaged and active on. In order to do that, we rely on events like last night's Pull-for-PAC Skeet Shoot, and judging from the great turnout, our members understand that importance as well," said Mark Santos, Chair of TIPA TexPAC Committee and Partner of the Santos International US Custom Brokers. "Yesterday was a great event, with a phenomenal turnout. Over 20 teams of shooters, more than 100 people, all having a great time. It felt like our best PAC event yet. We even had representatives from our local Congressional and regional offices, such as candidates for the Justice of the Peace and Judgeship."

Even though a cold front with heavy rain swept through the region earlier in the day, the rain subsided and made way for a beautiful evening with great food and industry friends.

Cheers to this beloved annual fundraiser!

Texas International Produce Association