LOS ANGELES, CA - The ringing of the bell that signifies the beginning of a fight may quickly turn into register rings thanks to this long-standing partnership. Recently, Wonderful® Pistachios revealed it will be sponsoring championship boxer Jose Ramirez once again as he enters the ring to face Josh Taylor on May 22 for the junior welterweight unification title.

During his biggest fight yet, Ramirez will proudly enter the ring wearing the Wonderful Pistachios logo on his shorts, with additional branded gear being worn by his team during the fight, a press release explained. The fight will also raise awareness for causes close to the boxer’s heart.

“Now that I’m fully vaccinated, it’s a big lift off of my shoulders as I head into the biggest fight of my life because I know I’ve done my part to keep myself, my family, and my community safe,” Ramirez said. “I dedicate this fight to the farm workers in California’s Central Valley, because they’re the true heroes who have maintained our food supply in a safe and steady way during this hard time; thank you. And thank you to Wonderful Pistachios for continuing to support my dreams in the ring and in my community.”

In the lead up to the momentous fight, Ramirez, who is a Central California native from Kings County, partnered with Wonderful to ensure farm workers were fully supported during the pandemic. Back in March, the boxing champion addressed the employees at the Wonderful Pistachios and Almonds plant in Lost Hills, California, and encouraged them to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

 

 

 

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As a result of Ramirez’s dedication to the cause, now, more than 86 percent of The Wonderful Company employees in California’s Central Valley have been vaccinated. Ramirez’s efforts will be showcased in an upcoming installment of the ESPN docuseries “Blood, Sweat, and Tears,” which will offer a behind-the-scenes look at the fighter’s life leading up to the event, including authentic footage captured in his hometown.

The main event fight will take place at The Theater at Virgin Hotels in Las Vegas, Nevada, and will be broadcast live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes on May 22 at 8:30 p.m. ET.

And so the countdown begins to an exciting event, and the even more exciting sales that will follow.

Wonderful® Pistachios

PHILADELPHIA, PA - AgroFresh is honing in on innovation in the citrus category as it announced the global launch of SmartCitrus™, a new quality platform designed to maintain freshness and reduce food waste. The new platform combines a comprehensive range of post-harvest solutions into a single treatment for citrus products.

“Since Tecnidex became part of the AgroFresh family, we combined forces, created synergies, and connected innovation efforts—because in agriculture and supply chain management, solutions, experience, service, and integration matter,” said Clint Lewis, CEO of AgroFresh. “SmartCitrus represents AgroFresh’s ability to deliver all four in a way that is seamless for our customers. While we honor the indelible legacy of the Tecnidex brand and founder Manuel Garcia-Portillo, we are building on those achievements by strengthening our customer-focused capabilities and bringing new products and technologies into the market.”

SmartCitrus is an AgroFresh branded platform which includes the extensive portfolio of Tecnidex, which AgroFresh acquired in 2017, according to a press release. The platform is powered by Control-Tec™ post-harvest technologies for end-to-end use on packinglines, degreening, and in storage rooms, including enhanced treatment water management and savings.

This Control-Tec equipment is integrated into the FreshCloud™ digital platform to enhance decision-making with rapid, easy data access for operations teams, allowing SmartCitrus to intelligently deploy a wide range of solutions—including broad-spectrum liquid fungicides such as ActiSeal™, Scholar^®, and Tecto^® 500 SC; FreshStart™ disinfectants; and the company’s recently launched VitaFresh™ Botanicals plant-based edible coatings.

“The launch of SmartCitrus and the unification of our products under the AgroFresh corporate umbrella is an important and critical next step for AgroFresh,” said Julian Herraiz, General Manager - Spain for AgroFresh. “The AgroFresh brand name and entire organization are synonymous with quality produce solutions, and unifying under one consolidated brand banner will simplify how we work with our customers and help us all build a bigger and more successful organization. Combining our heritage in the citrus industry with proven near- and post-harvest technologies such as Harvista™ 1.3 SC and the SmartFresh™ Quality System, along with the FreshCloud™ digital technology platform, enables us to provide greater benefits for the industry.”

AgroFresh citrus solutions are developed using certified ISO 14001 environmental management system standards. AgroFresh aims to help growers, packers, and retailers optimize the supply chain and increase sustainability by helping to reduce food loss and preserve citrus freshness. The company’s solutions and technologies currently reduce an estimated 10,000 tons of food waste per day.

What crucial innovation will this industry ally develop next on its mission to optimize the supply chain? Keep reading ANUK as we find out.

AgroFresh

SALISBURY, NC - In a time of retail market shifts, the opening of new store can serve as a sign that a grocer has mastered the changing tides and is able to continue carrying out its expansion strategy. This is the case as Ahold Delhaize banner, Food Lion, has announced the opening of a new location in Warrenville, South Carolina. The store will officially open May 12, serving the surrounding community by providing an extensive product assortment, including local fresh produce.

"I’m extremely excited to open this new store in my local community,” said Brian Kelly, Store Manager of the new Warrenville Food Lion. “I’m proud to welcome my neighbors and family to shop with us and experience our expansive assortment and variety throughout our store. I look forward to seeing new faces, welcoming old friends, and serving my community at our new location.”

The Warrenville location is situated at 2587 Jefferson Davis Highway and offers customers a wide variety of products to choose from. According to a press release, the store will include in-store, fresh-cut fruits and vegetables; grab-and-go meal options for convenience; and locally grown produce from companies like Titan Farms.

In addition to the host of exciting offerings, the new location will also be part of Food Lion's MVP loyalty program, which features personalized Shop & Earn monthly rewards offers, weekly promotions, and ongoing sales.

What part will this new location play in Food Lion’s expansion strategy? Keep a tab open for AndNowUKnow to find out.

Food Lion

DEWITT, MI - There is no clear map when it comes to driving fresh produce sales. Often, the road is filled with twists and turns as retailers determine the best way to highlight the many unique categories that call the produce department home. The Michigan Asparagus Advisory Board (MAAB) is helping grocers to eliminate some of these unforeseen detours and take sales into their own hands this season by divulging a few of the secrets to success in the asparagus category.

“Marketing continues to be the key to increasing sales. Consumers are eager for spring asparagus, and they need the drive to make impulse purchases at retail,” explains John Bakker, Executive Director. “Don’t let sales lag—continue to keep the promotional pressure on through June to achieve maximum sales.”

To help retailers capitalize on the superb quality of Michigan-grown asparagus, the MAAB offers POS materials to draw attention to the unique category, in addition to its retail dietitian and social media toolkits, which will become available to retailers this month. With promotional volumes building up by Memorial Day weekend and beyond, these tools are sure-fire ways to bolster the category and collect shopper dollars as more consumers opt for a healthy and sustainable offering.

“Consumers are eating healthier, leaning into plant-based food, and demanding to know more about where their food is grown and if it's sustainable,” John continues. “Michigan-grown asparagus has the benefit of being watered by nature, so it doesn’t use excess irrigation water, and its overall eco footprint is lower—all of which appeal to shoppers searching for a product. In a strong asparagus market where freight has been high, Michigan asparagus is a good buy.”

The Michigan asparagus season is set to run from Mother’s Day through the end of June, and optimal soil and weather conditions have positioned Michigan asparagus growers with an excellent quality crop.

“Michigan has a wonderful sandy loam soil that aids in growing great-tasting asparagus season after season,” continues John. “Asparagus is one of the most difficult crops when it comes to predicting harvest, but we are optimistic about the coming season as we have had adequate moisture at this point. We also have sufficient help in place as we ready to kick off the season—an issue we know some producers have struggled with.”

As volume for the category ramps up, promotional pushes from May 16 through the end of the month are imperative to boosting sales across the category, but retailers should continue to highlight asparagus after Memorial Day to further maximize ROI.

Buyers, the Michigan Asparagus Advisory Board has given you the compass. It’s up to you to use it.

Michigan Asparagus Advisory Board

PHOENIX, AZ - With the past year presenting numerous opportunities for companies to take a stance on sustainability and corporate responsibility, many across the supply chain have pivoted their strategies to meet new goals. Sprouts Farmers Market is revealing aggressive plans for its next stage of growth, recently outlining some of its investments in a 2020 Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Report, one of which included $100 million in COVID-19 related support.

“This report demonstrates the ‘doing well by doing good’ philosophy in which our long-term strategy is rooted and highlights some of the ways we’re improving our business while caring for our customers, team members, local communities, and the planet,” said Jack Sinclair, Chief Executive Officer. “I’m happy to share the progress we’ve made in building a business that is committed to improving the world we live in. I want to thank not only our dedicated team members, but also our supply chain partners, vendors, and growers who worked collectively to make healthy food accessible to our customers in what was truly an extraordinary year.”

Sprouts’ ESG initiatives overlap with and complement its long-term growth strategies, including creating an advantaged fresh supply chain. To accomplish this, Sprouts is working to position all stores within 250 miles of a distribution center, which will reduce food waste, lower its transportation-related carbon footprint, increase access to local farmers, and provide fresher produce to customers, all of which will strengthen the fresh, local, and organic produce assortment Sprouts is known for.

One central focus in the ESG report was Sprouts’ commitment to the environment. Between reducing refrigeration-related and carbon emissions; diverting landfill material and recovering food waste; and sourcing products responsibly, the retailer set forth ambitious goals for the future of its operations.

In terms of its social responsibility, perhaps one of Sprouts' most significant investments was in its response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Its efforts included:

• Covering 100 percent of the costs for team member COVID testing and paying up to 4 hours of paid sick time off to receive the vaccine
• Paying more than $100 million in team member bonuses
• Creating 2,500 new jobs and promoted 7,200 team members of which 55 percent are female and 49 percent are ethnically diverse
• Delivering 475,000 hours of in-store training
• The Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation awarding $1.6 million in grants and donations to programs supporting youth nutrition education and academic support, and food system equity
• Supporting an estimated 350,000 students with nutrition programs, taught virtually, during school closures

Last, but certainly not least, Sprouts outlined investments as they relate to company governance in the release. These included a focus on diversity across its Board, as well as a new risk management program with a focus on environmental and social matters, a press release stated.

In addition to its ESG, Sprouts has also published a table summary that aligns with the Food Retailers & Distributors industry standards of the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB). The retailer will continue to engage with stakeholders to refine the ESG issues that are most material to Sprouts and determine appropriate goals, metrics, and strategies to implement in response.

Be sure to read Sprouts’ report in full by clicking here, and keep reading ANUK for the industry’s latest and greatest.

Sprouts Farmers Market

SANTA PAULA, CA - In support of Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG), Gill’s Onions will match all donations up to $10,000 for every dollar donated during the month of May. As part of SEEAG’s second annual “Double Your Impact Challenge,” these efforts will help the association continue its agricultural education programming.

“SEEAG provides an important service to the public,” noted Steve Gill, Gill’s Onions President and SEEAG Board Member. “Its education programs teach young students about where their food comes from, much of which is grown right here locally. Middle and high school students learn about career opportunities in agriculture. SEEAG gets kids excited about eating healthy, which will hopefully impact their eating habits for life.”

Gills has been a long-time supporter of SEEAG’s ag education, which thus far has reached over 60,000 elementary school students in central and southern California, according to a press release. All SEEAG programs are 100 percent cost-free to schools and students.

“Gill’s Onions is one of SEEAG’s biggest supporters,” said Mary Maranville, SEEAG Founder and CEO. “After a year of being out of the classroom and our farm field trips put on hold because of COVID-19, we’re beginning to schedule in-person instruction for this year and next. The $20,000 total donation will help us fulfill SEEAG’s educational mission.”

All of the Gill’s Onions “Double Your Impact Challenge” matching donations go toward student learning.

“This school year we had to adopt our programs to live online distance learning presentations, which also included distributing thousands of bags filled with fresh produce and soil and seed giveaways,” added Maranville. “Even during this difficult year, local teachers in Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties registered over 2,200 students for our online distance learning programs.”

In addition to this support, Gill’s Onion also participates in SEEAG’s annual Ventura County Farm Day, which is scheduled for November 6, where farms, ranches, and agricultural organizations open their doors to the community for an inside look at how food is grown in the county.

To learn more about how our industry supports ag literacy, keep reading us at AndNowUKnow.

Gill’s Onions

VANCOUVER, CANADA - It is with a heavy heart that AndNowUKnow learned of the recent passing of Calvin “Cal” Tribiano. A veteran Oppy Sales Executive, Tribiano carved out an impressive career within the produce industry and became a trusted mentor to many.

“Cal loved the produce life and lived it to its fullest,” said John Anderson, Oppy Chairman, CEO, and Managing Partner. “He will be greatly missed for his professionalism, incredible passion for the business, and especially, his investment in the development of others.”

Tribiano was born on December 25, 1949, in Brooklyn, New York. He studied business administration at Wagner College, graduating in 1972 before embarking on his career in produce.

In 1988, Tribiano joined Oppy’s East Coast sales. In the following decades, he helped build the market for Oppy products. He will be remembered as a profoundly talented sales person who understood the intricacies of the fresh produce business like few others do.

According to a release, he preferred to stay behind the scenes and elevate others. His legacy lives on in the members of the sales team to whom he taught his craft. While always mentoring others, Tribiano also thrived on the daily interactions with customers.

“Cal loved his customers and moved mountains to do what was best for them,” said Oppy Sales Manager and Category Director Bill Poulos, who worked alongside Tribiano for more than 30 years. “He set a great example for all of us. That Cal often led the company in annual sales results was really no surprise considering his skill and his hard work, but mostly because he cared so much about the people he was selling to.”

Even on the last day of his life, Tribiano reached out to an Oppy colleague to make sure a customer’s upcoming ad was covered.

While serious about business, his friends and colleagues will remember him for his positive energy and sense of fun.

“Cal had a way of making the day a little better for everyone around him—be that customers on the phone or someone sitting at the desk next to him,” said Brett Libke, Senior Vice President of Sales. “He knew how to lighten the mood with humor or a little mischief, or just in the way he said hello like he was really happy to see you. We relied on him to stir the pot from time to time when there was an opportunity, and he was great at it. He had a really infectious laugh, and it was hard not to laugh with him. Cal was a legend at Oppy. We will miss him terribly and send our heartfelt condolences to his family.”

AndNowUKnow also extends our condolences to Cal Tribiano’s family, colleagues, and friends, as they mourn the loss of this industry spirit.

SALINAS, CA - Offering a plethora of different usages and countless health benefits, there is no wrong time to promote celery in the produce aisle. To get the latest look at the celery market, I got in touch with Duda Farm Fresh Foods to see what the spring and summer seasons hold for the popular category.

“The celery we are harvesting now was grown through the coldest months of the year—the middle of January through the middle of March,” explains Greg Lewis, Senior Director, Western Operations. “The crop is a little behind schedule, but quality still remains very good. While some other shippers are having to navigate seeder issues, our customers and consumers can remain confident that our quality will not suffer.”

Rick Alococer, Senior Vice President of Sales, also jumps in to explain that upcoming months are known for seeders to appear in celery crops, but Duda has taken steps to ensure it doesn’t face these issues.

“Although late April and May are notorious months for seeders to appear in celery, Duda proprietary celery varieties are seeder resistant during this time frame and provide retailers with the same consistent quality they prefer year-round,” describes Rick.

Right now, Duda is experiencing heavy supplies and good quality available in all of its growing districts on the East and West Coasts.

The grower anticipates a steadying of the market as Richard Uchida, Western Sales Manager, explains to me.

“At this time last year, there was a tremendous amount of panic buying due to the pandemic,” says Richard. “As more of us get vaccinated, we should see buying patterns normalize with both foodservice and retail business.”

With promotional volumes and pricing available, now is a great time for buyers to stock up on celery as food-centric holidays like Memorial Day and Fourth of July are right around the bend. So, reach out to your Duda sales reps to get ready for the rush!

Duda Farm Fresh Foods

WASHINGTON, DC - A changing landscape means the need for new insights and adjustments for any industry. To help bolster the success of the foodservice industry, especially after the changes created by the pandemic, the United Fresh Produce Association has released its Spring 2021 issue of its Fresh Insights for Foodservice report. Sponsored by Produce Alliance, the quarterly report spotlights trending foodservice applications for fresh produce in restaurants, at retail, in meal kits, and across a variety of other impactful operations.

“Spring is always an exciting time in foodservice, and this year is no exception,” said Andrew Marshall, Director of Foodservice and Foundation Partnerships, United Fresh. “Whether it’s first-of-the-season produce appearing on menus, dining al fresco with a produce-inspired cocktail, or getting a freshly prepared meal to-go or delivered to your door, the warmer months provide ample opportunities to enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables.”

This season’s quarterly report highlights spring trends, featuring creative menu ideas for artichokes and strawberries, in addition to yogurt and ice cream-based parfaits that can be enjoyed with a plethora of delicious fresh fruit. According to a press release, United Fresh’s “On the Horizon” section of the report also covers trends likely to make an impact this fall, giving foodservice operators time to get ahead of their plans for future menu offerings.

The Fresh Insights for Foodservice spring 2021 report also features the quarterly “Chain Report” which explores the latest national account introductions this season with blueberries, jalapeños, and pineapple. Additionally, the “Kids’ Table” section spotlights carrots and how globally inspired ingredients are being utilized on kids’ menus.

“The restaurant landscape is certainly evolving, but we know consumers still want fresh, flavorful and innovative dishes when looking to dine outside the home or bring-in delivery,” said Katie O’Connor, Marketing Manager, Produce Alliance. “Fresh produce is an essential component of any chef-designed menu, and with the creativity of this industry there are plenty of opportunities for fruits and vegetables to shine.”

Last, but not least, the “View from Above” section showcases the latest research on ghost kitchens, delivery-only concepts, and virtual brands, which have skyrocketed in popularity over the past year, giving foodservice operators the chance to explore the potential outlook of these new formats. To garner more insights, the section also features an interview with Josh Kern, Chief Marketing Officer, SPB Hospitality, to discuss the company’s new ghost kitchen concepts and how fresh produce is being used.

To read more from the Spring report, the United Fresh Retail-Foodservice Board is hosting an interactive webinar on Tuesday, May 11, at 2:00 p.m. EDT. Registration for the webinar is free for United Fresh Members and can be done on the association’s website. The Fresh Insights for Foodservice spring issue can also be downloaded for free by members on the United Fresh page.

For more industry launches and new insights, keep a tab open for AndnowUKnow.

United Fresh Produce Association

SALINAS, CA - A new face has moved into the Gonzales Agricultural Industrial Park neighborhood as Healthy Trailer, a solutions company known for its interior trailer cleaning and disinfection process, has moved in. With its first year-round site officially opened, the company will be able to offer its science- and evidence-based trailer sanitation service to food companies shipping out of this popular California growing region.

As Healthy Trailer sets up shop, the company will be surrounded by well-known fresh produce industry names such as Taylor Farms Retail, Braga Fresh Family Farms, Del Monte Fresh, Dole, and Missionero Vegetables. According to a press release, because so many industry companies call Gonzales home, it is crucial that the company's large processing and shipping have support services to fund an efficient operation.

Since Healthy Trailer is now neighbors with these popular companies, driver customers of the innovator that load at these facilities can avoid congestion and inconvenience by stopping at the Healthy Trailer Salinas facility for washouts.

The new facility has easy access from Highway 101 into Gonzales, making it easy for drivers travelling through the Salinas Valley to north or south loading locations to stop at Healthy Trailer. Already, the company has seen a shift toward its services as companies’ preferred sanitation method.

Gonzales’ city management has invested time and energy supporting the ag community, and participating in food safety initiatives like Healthy Trailer is another step in demonstrating the city’s commitment to developing a comprehensive ag community.

As Healthy Trailer continues to establish its roots in Gonzales, the city will be the home for the soon to be announced Healthy Trailer Gen 4 cleaning machine engineered and made by Heinzen Manufacturing International.

How will Healthy Trailer continue to widen its base in the Salinas Valley? AndNowUKnow will keep you updated with the latest information.

Healthy Trailer