WASHINGTON, DC - One thing that has the power to bring people together is the culinary arts, and that’s not just my role as a trade news writer talking. United Fresh Produce Association is likely of the same mindset as the association has announced the winners of its 2021 Produce Excellence in Foodservice Awards to celebrate those innovative minds in the foodservice industry that continue to highlight fresh produce in their creativity.

“It’s always a privilege for us to recognize culinary stars who are creating Instagram-worthy dishes that thrill customers and lead to a renewed interest and excitement for fresh produce,” said Tom Stenzel, President and CEO, United Fresh Produce Association. “We consistently have a diverse representation of chefs and foodservice professionals throughout the industry who are demonstrating some of the most creative concepts.”

Winners of the award will be honored this June during the United Fresh 2021 Convention & Expo as part of the Produce Excellence in Foodservice Award Program, which is sponsored by FreshEdge™. According to a release from the association, the program honors chefs and their companies for spotlighting fresh produce on their menus, introducing new flavors to diners, and using creativity to enjoy fresh produce.

“We’re thrilled to support this excellent program to celebrate leading chefs and foodservice professionals who are elevating the profile, and increasing the consumption of, fresh produce,” said Steve Grinstead, Chief Executive Officer, FreshEdge™. “We are proud to recognize these nine winners for the important role in showcasing our industry and introducing their customers to a variety of fruit and vegetable concepts.”

This year, winners were selected from nominations submitted by produce companies and foodservice operators across the North America. United Fresh then reviewed each of the nominee’s use of fresh produce in menu development, food safety protocols, leadership in produce-related community service and special events, and recognition by their industry peers and company.

At the end, nine winners were selected, including:

• Business in Industry: Chef Stephen Palm, Director of Culinary, Lifeworks Restaurant Group, Beaverton, OR
• Casual & Family Dining Restaurants: Chef Sachia Tinsley, Chef/Owner, Peyrassol Café at Southport, Renton, WA
• Colleges & Universities: Chef Darren Lewis, Executive Chef, Dining Services, Quest Food Management Services at University of Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN
• Fine Dining Restaurants: Chef Kyle Patrick Hash, Executive Chef, 28 North Gastropub, Melbourne, FL
• Hospitals & Healthcare: Chef Samantha Moore, Head Chef, Goshen Health, Goshen, IN
• Hotels & Resorts: Chef Kristin Butterworth, Executive Chef of Restaurants, Nemacolin Woodlands Resort & Spa, Framington, PA
• K-12 School Foodservice: Lauren Couchois, Culinary Specialist, Greenville County School District, Greenville, SC
• Quick Service Restaurants: Chef Matt Colgan, Culinary Director, MIXT, San Francisco, CA
• Supermarkets & Retail Operators: Sarah Griswold, Prepared Foods Manager, Green Zebra Grocery, Portland, OR

Winners along with an executive from their company will participate in United Fresh 2021, where they will be presented with their awards and featured in a panel discussion.

Congratulations to this year’s winners!

United Fresh Produce Association

MIAMI FL - With the almost overwhelming amount of offerings that can be found in grocery stores today, packaging that demands attention and stops shoppers in their tracks is a vital strategy when it comes to standing out amongst competitors. In light of this, Moxxy Marketing recently received the 2021 Packaging Design Award from Graphic Design USA (GDUSA) honoring its work with WP Produce on the design of a 2 count bag and merchandising display bin to promote the grower's Desbry^® Tropical Avocados.

"It's always an honor to be recognized for great design, but this award is particularly special," said Moxxy President and Chief Executive Officer Karen Nardozza. "We've been working passionately for several years to help WP Produce expand sales and distribution of their Desbry Tropical Avocados—an amazing fruit with very little awareness outside Florida and the North East U.S.”

The GDUSA Package Design Awards were created to highlight the value of strategic and attractive package design. Out of the 2,200 entries received this year, the top ten percent were selected as winners, according to a press release. Moxxy crafted creative designs for WP Produce's 2 count avocado bags and retail display bins, creating an effective marketing tool to differentiate the unique variety from the well-known Hass avocados that currently dominate the category.

"Moxxy's designs for the bags and merchandising display bins needed to achieve multiple goals," said Chris Gonzalez, VP of Sales for WP Produce. "Not only to further establish our premium Desbry brand at retail and increase awareness of Tropical Avocados throughout North America, but also demonstrate to retailers how we are dedicated to supporting this new item in their stores by educating shoppers about this unique fruit, and inspiring purchase and trial with recipes and usage tips."

The bright-colored bags immediately grab shoppers' attention, while creatively explaining how Desbry Tropical Avocados can be used, even featuring a family-favorite, delicious salad recipe created by WP's Founder Will Pardo on the back. The display bins showcase photography that leaves shoppers drooling, featuring serving suggestions as well as tips for determining the ripeness of the fruit.

"Moxxy's designs have helped us develop new opportunities with major retailers across the U.S. and Canada, including in California, Texas, and other western states where Tropical Avocados are practically unknown," said Gonzalez. "Through our partnership with Moxxy, the fruit is taking off both with retailers and foodservice companies."

This is the 58^th anniversary of the GDUSA Packaging Design Awards, as the association has sponsored design competitions to highlight creative professionals for nearly six decades now.

"Package design is more critical than ever, and the depth and breadth of our annual competition reflects that,” said GDUSA Editor Gordon Kaye. “In this era in which audiences are fragmented, communication is cluttered, and brand loyalty is challenged, package design is uniquely positioned to advance the brand promise, inform and persuade, and to forge an emotional connection at the moment of truth."

A showcase of all of this year's winners will be published this month.

Stay tuned as we at ANUK bring you the latest news related to fresh produce.

Moxxy Marketing WP Produce

ONTARIO, CA - Strategic leadership changes are once again taking place in the fresh produce sector as FiveStar Gourmet Foods, the company behind the Simply Fresh™ brand, has appointed an esteemed executive to its team. The value-added supplier recently announced Michael Solomon will be serving as President, effective immediately. As President, Solomon will report to Tal Shoshan, Chief Executive Officer.

“Tal and I have a long history as both competitors and friends. I admire his drive and commitment to growth and innovation in the category,” said Solomon. “I’ve been impressed with FiveStar’s market position and have a strong vision for how we’ll collaborate to take the company to the next level. FiveStar has a modern, state-of-the-art infrastructure, an unparalleled food safety record, and the strongest innovation pipeline in the industry. It’s easy to see that FiveStar has a clear path for major growth, and I am really excited to join as President.”

As president, Solomon will be responsible for overseeing all day-to-day operations out of the company’s headquarters in Ontario, California. He will also spearhead the supplier’s innovations and growth strategies, according to a press release. He joins FiveStar Gourmet Foods from DOLE, where he also held the position of President.

Prior to holding the position at DOLE, the trailblazer served as President at POM Wonderful and President and CEO of Ready Pac Foods, leading the company to several years of record-breaking achievement. In addition to this, Solomon has run a successful business consultancy for over three decades.

“Growth and innovation in the fresh prepared foods landscape have only intensified through the pandemic. We are expecting continued strong performance and Michael’s specific expertise is a driving factor in our future success as a premium producer of smart and delicious fresh-prepared foods,” said Shoshan. “Michael will be working closely with us to streamline operations, identify new strategic partners, and help continue to strengthen our position as the fastest-growing brand within fresh value-added.”

Solomon also earned a degree in Business and Managerial Economics from Union College and a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from the Wharton School of Business.

Congratulations to this decorated leader on his new role!

FiveStar Gourmet Foods

HACKENSACK, NJ - The further I delve into this undeniably complex industry, the more I learn about what it takes to succeed within it. I recently sparked a conversation with Vision Import Group’s Vice President of Sales, Ronnie Cohen, about the current mango market, which resulted in the addition of two new valuable produce industry “keys to success” to my mental keyring—constant adaptation and communication.

“The season began a little earlier this year, and we had good volume considering the first bloom fruit,” says Ronnie, as he provides me a lens into the current mango market. “The first couple of weeks were good, but when the cold front hit and went down into Mexico, demand was affected. An earlier glut of fruit in the marketplace has since cleaned up, and now with Peru out of the market, prices have firmed up and left the market much more active with good demand.”

Because the company is in between its first and second blooms, production volume is lower, causing a tight market for the category. However, higher volume is expected in the weeks to come, priming retailers with the opportunity to fortify their spring displays with the supplier’s vibrant mangos.

“We are expecting a few more weeks with more volume coming online, and I foresee good promotional volumes,” adds Ronnie.

Quality for the fruit has been exceptional, and with volume building over the coming weeks, Vision Import Group will be ready to arm retailers with a delicious advantage when it comes to setting themselves apart and driving traffic to the produce department. The key to marketing the company’s enticing mango varieties? That's right, communication.

“We like to have clear communications with our partners, so all of us involved—including the consumer, ourselves, and our growers—all benefit from marketing mangos at the correct moments within the season,” Ronnie explains. “I like to consider us a boutique marketer. We focus on quality and branding ourselves, and the most important element is constantly communicating in as much real-time as possible, so all parties can benefit regardless of the market conditions.”

Continuously pivoting to meet Mother Nature’s demands and keeping open communication with its partners are only two of the pillars that support this grower’s expanding legacy—and I’m willing to bet there are quite a few more.

For the most recent market updates in the fresh produce industry, keep reading AndNowUKnow.

Vision Import Group

CHICAGO, IL - Retailers left and right are capitalizing on the immense growth surrounding the avocado category. As more consumers flock to the unique flavor of the delicious fruit, Hazel Technologies’ partnership with WP Produce has resulted in significant growth during the peak season of the grower’s Dominican Republic tropical avocados.

“Hazel’s mission is to increase the efficiency of the supply chain through innovative, easy-to-use solutions,” said Aidan Mouat, CEO of Hazel Technologies. “The Hazel™ O technology utilized in Desbry® Tropical Avocados is proven to protect the internal and external quality of both organic and conventional programs. Less food wasted means higher retail sales and a smaller environmental footprint.”

The tropical season saw exceptionally strong sales, according to a press release, with outstanding quality and program growth. Hazel Tech began this partnership with WP Produce in 2020 with 2-count consumer bags. Since then, WP Produce has expanded its distribution of shipments protected by Hazel™ by over 35 percent, and the grower now serves customers throughout Canada and North America.

“We’ve always had strong distribution along the East Coast, but over the past few years we’ve worked hard to introduce Desbry® Tropical Avocados in California, Nevada, Texas, and other western states where the research and data show great potential for growing the avocado category,” said Chris Gonzalez, VP of Sales at WP Produce. “Hazel Tech has been an important part of our expansion, assuring our premium-quality fruit stays fresh all the way to the Pacific coast from Florida and the Dominican Republic. Our customers tell us we are the only supplier that can do so.”

Many major retailers have become motivated by the increased demand for the flavor and diverse cooking uses for tropical avocados, leading them to implement new merchandising programs dedicated to the category’s growth. In addition, popular restaurant chains have also incorporated the Hazel-protected Desbry Tropical Avocados into their menus.

“Investing in new technology that ensures premium quality and extended shelf life is vital to our business,” added Gonzalez. “Consumers expect freshness and flavor, and by protecting our Desbry® Tropical Avocados with Hazel™ O, we are delivering the highest possible quality and shelf life to our retail and foodservice partners.”

As more exciting innovations lead to success in the fresh produce industry, AndNowUKnow will continue to report.

Hazel Technologies WP Produce

UNITED STATES - If you’ve been following along with us here at AndNowUKnow, you’ll have noticed the influx of stories regarding retailers hunting for new suppliers in the recent weeks. This drive from the buy-side for supplier diversity has captured our attention, leading us to consider multiple questions. What does this mean for smaller operations looking to gain a foothold in big-box stores? Where does the onus for product and supplier diversity lie?

Although it’s far too early to assess such questions, I think it’s telling that we’re asking them at all.

In the span of five weeks, Harris Teeter, H-E-B, Schnuck Markets, and Meijer have announced commitments to diversify their product offerings. Many of these announcements came with the promise of “supplier summits,” as buyers invite companies to submit applications for vendor relationships.

Harris Teeter, for example, is hosting its Supplier Diversity Summit in May—and fresh produce is a category included in the search. Less in focus is the search for local products, but the retailer is ramping up its commitment to foster new relationships with suppliers underrepresented in the food world: those who are minority-owned, military veterans, or LGBTQ+, to name a few. This speaks to another one of Harris Teeter’s value propositions—that it is making inclusion and diversity a top priority for its product range.

Giant Food also took a similar step in December of last year, implementing new shelf labels to laser in on minority-owned businesses.

H-E-B is running with the local approach, and for a retailer heavily entrenched in Texas culture, I’d say this strategy is a sound one. H-E-B’s Quest for Texas Best has been around since 2014, but has allowed the retailer to create unique vendor relationships spotlighting the very region in which its shoppers come from.

Both Schnuck Markets and Meijer are taking similar approaches to local fare.

Seeing local suppliers as a way to further connect with its clientele, Schnucks emphasizes local in a way that tugs on shoppers’ emotions. Playing word association with local would probably conjure up phrases like “found in my backyard” or “a neighborhood gem.” It evokes interrelation and attachment—and I think it’s a smart marketing move.

For Meijer, it is doubling down on this by calling for “hyperlocal” products, all at one of its small-format stores. Helping local businesses succeed is top of the list, but the retailer also wants to showcase what the city itself has to offer.

All of these efforts are geared toward diversifying vendor relationships. Will this help smaller scale companies snag a bit of market share?

These major moves to increase supplier diversity are exciting to watch, and you know we here at ANUK will be ready to report on what comes next.

HOUSTON, TX - The versatility of a delicious potato is what keeps consumers coming back. Whether they enjoy them fried, baked, mashed, or loaded, potatoes are one item nearly every shopper has on their grocery list. Drawing well-deserved attention to this flavorful variety, MountainKing announced it has launched new marketing support for its versatile Butter Red potatoes.

“The Butter Reds are particularly popular with younger, health-conscious shoppers,” said Andreas Trettin, Director of Marketing. “Plus they perform very well when promoted with our regular reds. Feedback from consumers continues to be overwhelmingly positive, and we’ve also heard from several restaurant chefs who love the product.”

The new marketing strategy surrounding the delicious, buttery variety includes eye-catching displays, point-of-sale posters and display bins, trial coupons, in-store demos, as well as quarter-pallet display boxes, according to a company release. The company has also developed engaging social media content to call attention to the multifaceted variety, showing how it can be used in salads or for baking and grilling.

The enticing variety, which blends the cooking qualities of red potato with the buttery flavor of a gold potato, comes in 3, 5, and 10 lb poly bags. According to Trettin, retailers can see an average net increase of 18 percent sales growth when promoting these Butter Reds alongside MountainKing’s 5 lb bags of regular reds.

Originating in the Netherlands, this variety is high in vitamin C, potassium, vitamin B6, and dietary fiber. Its dense, waxy texture allows them to hold up to higher cooking temperatures while maintaining the creamy and delicious flavor of a gold potato.

To stay up to date on the newest strategies hitting the retail sector, keep an eye out for ANUK.

MountainKing

PALM DESERT, CA - A deal of epic proportions was finalized today as Sun World Internationl announced an agreement to be acquired by Bridgepoint, an international private equity group. Succeeding a transformative period of ownership from Renewable Resources Group and Vision Ridge Partners, Bridgepoint will serve as a controlling shareholder alongside Sun World’s management.

“Our connection with the Bridgepoint team was undeniable from the first conversation,” CEO David Marguleas, who will serve on the company’s new Board and hold an equity position in the company, said. “They understand and appreciate the extraordinary head start we enjoy in the sector after 30 years of breeding superior produce. And they share our vision of the many ways we can grow. To say we’re ‘excited’ undersells what this new partnership means for Sun World.”

A press release stated that the Bridgepoint investment will support Sun World’s plans to accelerate its growth strategy by building a broad-based genetics and technology platform for specialty fruit growers.

In addition to enhancing its intellectual property portfolio and core grape and stonefruit breeding operations, Sun World has honed in on a number of under-served crops and technology solutions that have strong global appeal. Investments and acquisitions in new genetics and emerging technologies will have the potential to add meaningful value for Sun World growers worldwide.

“In partnering with Sun World, our ambition is for it to become a broader based platform investment in fruit genetics with a considerable runway for long term growth,” said Andrew Sweet, a Partner at Bridgepoint who leads the firm’s investment activities across North America. “Sun World was part of the first wave of genetic innovation for produce, establishing a recurring royalty business model that has enabled it to prioritize its R&D innovation. Today it enjoys a market-leading reputation with the largest growers, distribution partners, and retailers globally, thanks to its cutting-edge molecular techniques and breeding processes. We expect to continue to invest in new technologies that benefit growers and consumers alike.”

To facilitate the company’s expansion, last year Sun World opened its new Center for Innovation in California’s San Joaquin Valley. The facility features a sophisticated fruit breeding and variety development operation, including specialized facilities for tissue culture and molecular breeding and a 160-acre experimental research farm. The solutions provider currently holds 300+ plant patents and views the Center for Innovation as an important advantage in advancing its pipeline of fruit genetics.

Back in 2019, Sun World also divested its substantial farming, packing, and marketing operation to concentrate more fully on its breeding and licensing business. For this most recent transaction, J.P. Morgan Securities served as the exclusive financial advisor. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2021, subject to customary conditions.

As wait to see how this acquisition will accelerate growth for Sun World, keep reading the latest reports from ANUK.

Sun World International

FOWLER, CA - Shoppers look to retail to provide them with immunity-boosting produce, and Bee Sweet Citrus is here to help those buyers deliver. The grower has a strong supply of specialty citrus varieties to meet this continuing demand.

“Adding nutrient-rich foods, such as citrus, into your diet can help keep your body functioning at its best,” stated Director of Communications Monique Bienvenue. “From vitamin C to fiber, citrus fruits are a great source of immunity-boosting nutrients.”

Currently, buyers can count on Bee Sweet to bring citrus varieties such as Blood oranges, Cara Cara Navels, Minneola Tangelos, Meyer lemons, and grapefruit. According to a press release, each variety comes with its own set of unique characteristics that are appealing to a wide range of consumers.

“Food has always played a major role in keeping people healthy, and if consumers are interested in supplementing their diet with fruits and vegetables—citrus is a great place to start,” stated Bienvenue. “Not only is our seasonal line a great source of immunity-boosting nutrients, each variety has its own unique flavor.”

Blood oranges, Cara Cara Navels, and Meyer lemons compliment baked goods, while grapefruit and Minneola Tangelos can act as a sweet, yet tart addition to seasonal recipes. All of its specialty varieties are available in high-graphic bags and cartons.

Be sure to check back in with AndNowUKnow as we cover the latest in fresh produce.

Bee Sweet Citrus

YUMA, AZ - As an entry point for consumers and buyers alike, a website is a handy tool to have in your back pocket. Luckily for Bard Valley Natural Delights®, the company recently launched its newly designed website to better communicate its products and message to a more diverse demographic.

“As the largest provider of Medjool dates in the country, we want to be the best resource for people when learning about growing practices, product usage, and how to find Natural Delights,” said David Baxter, Director of Marketing. “Our website refresh gives us the opportunity to use insights that will not only help us deliver better content, but also work more closely with retail partners to ensure that shoppers are able to find the products they want at their local stores.”

According to a press release, the updated website now focuses on grower stories, the health benefits of Medjool dates, and product usage for every lifestyle. Not only does the website look new, it boasts of effective analytics tools to understand who is visiting the site and what is drawing them in. The insights from these robust analytics will allow the brand to optimize content, targeting, and communication for the most effective marketing across all platforms.

Additionally, an updated store locator helps shoppers find products at retail locations—a tool that will further help Natural Delights drive shoppers to retail.

“We want people to see themselves in the stories that are shared on our new website,” added Baxter. “We want the young mom to feel empowered, the athlete to feel confident, and the college student to feel connected when they reach for our products, and this website is an extension of that vision.”

The company’s new Sweet Sunshine blog will also act as a resource to deliver relevant and helpful content to readers. Natural Delights will make these posts accessible through an e-newsletter as well, allowing for even more brand penetration.

We’ll continue to track the latest news across the industry, so stay tuned to us here at AndNowUKnow.

Bard Valley Natural Delights®