NEW YORK - It looks like indoor farming will see heightened attention in the near future. Indoor agriculture pioneer Gotham Greens recently announced it has raised $87 million in new equity and debt capital, bringing the fast-growing company’s total financing to $130 million. The capital raised includes Gotham Greens’ recent Series D round led by Manna Tree, which was joined by The Silverman Group and other existing investors.

“Given increasing challenges facing centralized food supply chains, combined with rapidly shifting consumer preferences, Gotham Greens is focused on expanding its regional growing operations and distribution capabilities at one of the most critical periods for America,” said Viraj Puri, Co-Founder and CEO of Gotham Greens. “We’re dedicated to changing how people think, feel, and interact with their food while decreasing the environmental footprint of the traditional produce supply chain.”

According to the press release, Gotham Greens operates one of the largest and most advanced networks of hydroponic leafy greens-producing greenhouses in North America, where demand for indoor-grown produce is rapidly increasing.

As a leader in the indoor farming and plant-based fresh food categories, Gotham Greens plans to use the latest funding to accelerate its mission to decentralize food production and bring more fresh foods to people across the United States through channel and geographic market expansion, increased operational capacity, and new product development.

“Manna Tree brings a global network of investors and shares our mission and commitment to expand access to healthy, sustainably grown fresh produce,” said Eric Haley, Co-Founder and CFO of Gotham Greens. “Our industry-leading crop yields and capital efficiency in building, and operating indoor farms continues to attract strong support from both new and existing investors and underscores Gotham Greens’ value proposition and category leadership position.”

The fresh food company has doubled its revenue in the past year, bringing its fresh produce and food products to retailers in more than 40 U.S. states through its network of high-tech, climate-controlled greenhouses. As noted in the release, Gotham Green’s expansion has driven 80 percent growth in retail unit sales year over year.

“Gotham Greens is the fastest-growing indoor farming company in the United States today with a track record of profitable, commercial-scale production,” said Brent Drever, Co-Founder and President of Manna Tree. “The pandemic has revealed flaws in America’s food supply chain system, particularly in the produce category, and new leaders and innovators need to emerge to ensure a stable food supply for the future. We believe Gotham Greens’ brand, highly scalable business model, and leadership team position the company to be the market leader in the rapidly growing and changing landscape.”

Recently, the brand launched several new fresh, plant-forward products, including new packaged salads, cooking sauces, and grab-and-go salad bowls featuring fresh Gotham Greens lettuce, Gotham Greens salad dressing, and delicious, protein-packed toppings.

By opening new greenhouses in Chicago, Illinois; Providence, Rhode Island; Baltimore, Maryland; and Denver, Colorado, Gotham Greens has doubled capacity in the past 12 months. These facilities have expanded the distribution of Gotham Greens’ salad greens, herbs, salad dressings, and sauces to new regions, including the New England, Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, and Mountain regions.

With massive expansion and investment in the works, how will Gotham Greens continue to grow? ANUK will keep our eyes on the newswire.

Gotham Greens

UNITED KINGDOM - Shaking up its portfolio in order to spur further growth, UK-based Menzies Distribution has announced that it has acquired Bibby Distribution from the Bibby Line Group as part of a deal that will create over £1 billion ($1.2 billion) in annual turnover.

“For both our businesses’ customers, it will be very much business as usual, and we look forward to supporting their growth in the coming years. Our ambitious plans for expansion underpin our absolute commitment to all our customers across all our markets. We are delighted to welcome our new colleagues to the next chapter of our combined growth strategy,” said Greg Michael, Chief Executive Officer at Menzies.

The acquisition will add 38 new operating sites to Menzies’ network, creating a combined business operation home of almost 5,000 employees, 1,400 of which will come from Bibby; 4,000 vehicles; and 100 depot locations, according to information from Logistics Manager.

Formerly a part of Bibby Line Group, Bibby Distribution specializes in paper, packaging, and consumer products, with customers that include grocery retailers. The company was reported to have had a turnover of over £166.9 million ($224 million) 3PL in 2019, which would significantly add to the growth of Menzies’ business.

“Our shared values of outstanding reliability, strong relationships, and heritage underpin the compelling prospect of an enlarged group taking the lead on quality and innovation in UK logistics,” said Richard Morson, Chief Executive Officer of Bibby Distribution. “Menzies’ smart approach to supply chain solutions for its customers and pioneering investment in electric vehicle technology show it is a truly future-focused business, and we are very much looking forward to embarking on this new journey.”

How will this acquisition affect distribution across the pond? And, will it eventually play a role in U.S distribution networks? Keep reading AndNowUKnow for the answers and the latest updates on all things fresh produce.

Menzies Distribution Bibby Distribution

TAMPA, FL - In a recent blog post, Reusable Packaging Association (RPA) detailed why COVID-19 is accelerating digital transformation and an urgency for what it calls tech-enabled reusables.

“COVID-19 has been referred to as black swan event,” the post remarked. “A black swan is an unpredictable turn of events that is beyond the expected and has potentially severe consequences. These occurrences are characterized by their severe impact and extreme rarity. To be certain, the pandemic has disrupted global supply chains on an unprecedented scale.”

With this in mind, associations like RPA are especially crucial to strengthening global supply chain networks. Members of RPA in particular offer solutions that provide visibility and real-time insights into tracking container flow. The use of GPS and IoT-enabled reusables is an easy solution, as many of RPA-affiliated providers offer devices, cloud-based tracking systems, and simple user interfaces that deliver immediate insights without the need to integrate with existing IT.

COVID-19 presented challenges that required a nimble response throughout the food and beverage sector, the blog post went on to note. Supermarket and e-commerce sectors felt strong demand and heightened concerns about pallet and container hygiene surfaced during the early days of the pandemic. Technology-enabled solutions that minimize interaction between a delivery driver and receiving personnel have become increasingly popular during the pandemic.

The blog post noted that, although logistics pain points have been created or exasperated by COVID-19, technology-enabled reusable packaging is available today to help supply chain stakeholders create product visibility and to build healthier supply chains.

Check back in with AndNowUKnow for the latest in industry news.

Reusable Packaging Association

MISSION, TX - If there are two things that I love, it's grapefruit and the excitement of a competition. Winter Sweetz™, a Lone Star Citrus brand, is bringing both of those things together as the company has announced the launch of its “Sweeter in Texas” sweepstakes to celebrate the red grapefruit season in Texas. The new sweepstakes will continue throughout the holiday season and into the New Year.

“This season’s harvest is one of our very best yet and we are thrilled to share our excitement to ignite demand this year by way of this sweepstakes,” said April Flowers, Director of Marketing. “Our grapefruit has been producing low acid with a brix over 10, creating a very nice brix acid ratio and great flavor, making it the perfect sweet treat for shoppers to enjoy through the holiday.”

Grown in the sunny Rio Grande Valley, Winter Sweetz experienced a lighter bloom this summer, which allowed the fruit to increase one to two sizes from previous seasons, according to a press release. What better way to celebrate than by sharing in the delicious crop with shoppers everywhere through a sweepstakes?

Open for entry as of yesterday and lasting through January 15, 2021, the sweepstakes competition offers consumers the chance to win weekly prizes as well as a final grand prize at the end of the competition. Every week, two winners will be randomly selected to receive a free shipment of Winter Sweetz grapefruit, and one grand prize winner will receive a $500 Amazon gift card.

To take the sweepstakes to new levels, Winter Sweetz will be utilizing not only its website, but kwik-lok messaging, social media platforms, email marketing, and influencer promotions to spotlight the grapefruit brand and drive entries.

Give your shoppers a chance to enter the sweepstakes and get their hands on these prime grapefruits while the season lasts, and load your shelves with Winter Sweetz.

Lone Star Citrus

TEXAS - In the middle of winter, it might be difficult to conceptualize spring, but I have some insights on the Texas 1015 onion crop that may change your wintry tune. Touching base with Dante Galeazzi, President and CEO of the Texas International Produce Association (TIPA), I learned inside info.

“Texas 1015s are the first sweet onions of the year that are grown in the United States,” Dante explained. “After the long days of the cold winter, the Texas 1015s are a great way to inspire consumers. The flavor profile is mild with a much lower pyruvic acid content than other onion varieties available during winter and spring months, which makes these onions great for use in both cooked and fresh recipes.”

The crop is currently in the ground, as growers patiently wait for the onions to grow. The season typically begins in March.

“The plantings look great, and the forecast is for a dry and mild winter. If that holds true, then we should see a great crop in terms of quality and size,” Dante continued.

Although we may not know what 2021 holds for us as an industry, we should be poised for any outcome.

“As the world emerges from the nearly year-long pandemic, we expect that many Americans will be poised to indulge in restaurant dining, which hopefully means foodservice operators will get to start placing some big orders of Texas onions come March and April,” Dante concluded.

For the latest in fresh produce and industry news, keep reading us here at AndNowUKnow.

Texas International Produce Association

DAVIS, CA - Small gatherings have become a necessity in this new era, but that doesn’t mean consumers want to skimp on splurging for their holiday spreads. In a recent interview with Nugget Markets’ Corporate Executive Chef, Stanislav “Stazi” Dulman, he unveils what the grocer is highlighting as the star of the holiday plate this season. Hint: It’s loaded with fresh produce.

“Our herb-crusted filet mignon is crusted with four different herbs. It’s got thyme, parsley, chives, oregano, as well as Dijon mustard and fresh garlic. We have our brand-new offering, our savory corn pudding, our potato gratin, which is very creamy, rich, and delicious," the chef said in an interview with Fox40. "We have balsamic roasted Brussels sprouts and balsamic roasted shallots, which is a great combination for the filet. And last, we have our herbed carrots.”

Nugget Markets’ Contemporary Holiday Meal is only one offering of many on the retailer’s site. Meals can be purchased as a package deal or ordered à la carte.

The retailer is currently taking orders for its holiday meals, meaning that shoppers can simply place their orders today through December 19 (talk about convenience) and then pick up the meal when they’re available. Could the holidays get any simpler?

For more insight on how executive chefs are placing produce at the center of the plate this holiday season, keep checking back with AndNowUKnow.

Nugget Markets

BENTONVILLE, AR - 2020 feels like living in an episode of The Jetsons. Decades ago, we would have never expected to see phones that recognize your face, accessories that monitor your heart rate, or cars that quite literally drive themselves. For our industry trailblazers, however, evolving technology is vital to expansion. One retailer is no stranger to this, as Walmart announces a new milestone, expanding its partnership with Gatik to carry out a driverless supply chain operation in Arkansas.

The company began the autonomous vehicle pilot last year, where the vehicles operated on a two-mile route between a store that is not currently open to the public and a Neighborhood Market in Bentonville, Walmart revealed in a press release. Now, more than 70,000 miles later, the retailer will be working even harder with Gatik to stay on top of the use of driverless vehicles in the industry.

The pilot is being expanded to a second location, where a longer delivery route will be tested, and the autonomous vehicles will be used to deliver items from a Supercenter to a Walmart pickup point. The operation is set to begin next year on a 20-mile route between New Orleans and Metairie, Louisiana, allowing shoppers who live further away from the New Orleans location to enjoy the benefits of the retailer’s popular pickup service.

Just how far will this company go with nobody in the driver’s seat? Keep checking with AndNowUKnow as we find out.

Walmart

OXNARD, CA - Mission Produce knows avocados through and through, and the green gold maven is giving an inside look into the company’s state-of-the-art ripening centers and skilled ripening process. Requiring sensitive practices, the program created by Mission not only reduces shrink, but will provide value to avocado programs across retail, wholesale, and foodservice as well.

“We have experts on both the science and on the art. The science behind ripening is key, but there is an art to how you handle the fruit,” explained Director of Operational Excellence Jason Payne. “You must know the science to create the art. The art is knowing the timing, age, dry matter, and operation of the rooms.”

Due to to the fact that avocados come from various regions around the world, conditions like seasonality, origin, age, and handling practices in each location affect the outcome of the fruit and require skillful ripeners to be able to balance the different factors.

According to a press release, a master avocado ripener will be able to carefully balance each of the effects while also taking into account dry matter, temperature, and humidity. With so many factors playing a role in the success of each avocado crop, Mission has become an expert in skillfully handling each avocado that it comes in contact with.

“Mission’s goal is to provide its customers with the best product available,” said FDC Manager Stacy McFann. “We continually develop, research, and educate our staff on new industry techniques to provide increased shelf life and have continued to adopt innovative practices within the ripening process. Mission strives to be the industry standard in service and product excellence.”

Mission has 11 operational, state-of-the-art ripening facilities across the globe, and is now building its 12^th and largest facility in Laredo, Texas.

Each of the nine locations in North America are strategically located no more than 24 hours via truck ride away from customers, ensuring maximum freshness.

“When I ripen fruit, I think of how I would want to receive the fruit as a retailer, wholesaler, and as a consumer,” said Ripe and Inventory Manager George Bahamonde. “You must love what you do, as well as take pride and ownership in the end result. I think what sets Mission apart in the industry is primarily its commitment from everyone here to ensure we deliver the best fruit to our customers. The commitment, drive, devotion, knowledge, passion, training, and ownership of everyone has been the key to Mission’s success.”

How will Mission continue to expand its avocado ripening programs as it looks to grow the category? AndNowUKnow will continue to bring you all of the latest news and updates.

Mission Produce

ZAANDAM, THE NETHERLANDS - Ahold Delhaize recently announced a refinancing strategy that will allow it to better advance its sustainability goals, such as lowering food waste, reducing carbon emissions, and promoting healthy eating with its shoppers. This €1 billion ($1.2 billion) Sustainability-linked Revolving Credit Facility (Facility) is a line of credit that refinances the retailer’s existing 2015-dated €1 billion facility.

“This is an important facility for Ahold Delhaize that ensures we maintain our financial flexibility. After having issued the first euro-denominated Sustainability Bond in the Retail industry in June 2019, we believe that linking this facility with our significant Healthy & Sustainable ambition will deliver a positive outcome for all stakeholders,” remarked Natalie Knight, Chief Financial Officer.

According to a press release, Ahold has previously announced several initiatives regarding sustainability, all of which this current line of credit helps to promote. For example, Ahold plans to cut both food waste and carbon emissions in half by 2030.

A breakdown of the retailer’s goals from this Facility milestone include the following:

• Food waste reduction: as measured by percentage reduction in tons of food waste per million Euro food sales
• Carbon emission reduction: as measured by percentage reduction of Scope 1 and Scope 2 CO2-equivalent emissions and aligned with Ahold Delhaize SBTi-certified 2030 targets
• Promotion of healthier eating: as measured by percentage of own- brand food sales from healthy products

Through this Facility, Ahold Delhaize draws a connection between its cost of borrowing and its achievements of the above goals.

As sustainability-linked goals become more common due to the fact that interest rates are cut if the borrower meets their intended targets, will we see more of this financial strategy across grocery? AndNowUKnow will report.

Ahold Delhaize

DONNA, TX - As I look back on the hubbub surrounding Thanksgiving, my mind instantly turns to the new year and the excitement to come. Before we know it, 2021 will be at our doorsteps, bringing along with it new opportunities. For Kingdom Fresh, that door is opening up a little wider as its programs in Puebla, Torreón, and Culiacán, Mexico, are coming to a head.

“So far, we’re seeing phenomenal pulls in our green bell peppers and eggplant productions. We have high yields coming from our Puebla farm, and quality has been pretty steady,” Jaime García, General Manager, tells me. “Our yellow squash, cucumber, and zucchini programs from our Torreón location are also looking great as well.”

Known for its tomato program, Kingdom Fresh is pushing its doors open for more opportunities. With the addition of new items to its ever-growing portfolio, the grower has its eyes set on becoming a one-stop shop for retailers, complementing its year-round tomato category with dry veg items.

“We have a good foundation to work with. Right now, we are building on those strong bones by selling more items in the same program for retailers,” Jaime explains to me. “We want Kingdom Fresh to grow by adding in new and different items so we can have a wider window of products to meet all of our customers’ needs.”

To prepare for the next holiday rush, the grower has already started harvesting its eggplants, bell peppers, and zucchinis in Culiacán, with grape tomatoes soon to follow. Demand has been great for cucumbers—selling in 36 packs and bushels—and there is also extra demand for squash and zucchini this season.

With Thanksgiving come and gone, Kingdom Fresh saw a good tomato market for the past month. And as Christmas rounds the corner, the market, as Jaime puts it, could go up again around mid-December.

Opportunity is knocking, and fresh produce is at the door! Retailers, stock up now while you can on the freshest produce and industry insights as ANUK brings you the latest.

Kingdom Fresh