BAKERSFIELD, CA - Whether or not we are ready for the seasons to change, Mother Nature has her own plans, and with them comes the need for companies located in California’s Central Valley to transition their crops to the desert in the southwest. Cal-Organic Farms is one such operation that is preparing to move its bunching greens and lettuce crops from the San Joaquin Valley to the Coachella Valley in the coming weeks. With quality and supply looking ideal, the company expects a successful season with new opportunities to expand production.

“We expect to have our complete line of Cal-Organic vegetables transitioned to the desert in the coming weeks,” explained Bob Borda, Vice President of Sales. “Our crops are harvesting about a week ahead of schedule in both the San Joaquin Valley and Coachella desert which makes for a seamless transition from one region to the next.”

Because the Salinas Valley faced high heat and an extreme fire season in California this year, Bob shares with me that the supply of organic lettuces was tighter than normal. Harvesting in San Joaquin Valley, Coachella Valley, and on their acreage in the Southeast, Cal-Organic is seeing ideal quality and supply for its fall leafy greens and lettuce crops.

“In California, mild late-October weather has led to strong supplies and premium quality across our full line of Cal-Organic vegetables,” continued Bob. “In the Southeast, temperate weather has led to good supplies of bunching greens, herbs, and leaf lettuces.”

Along with the company’s upcoming transition, Cal-Organic will be working to extend its seasons as it looks to continue expanding its organic acreage in the Pacific Northwest and Southeast.

“This is our second year of growing organic crops in the Southeast and we’re looking to broaden this regional portfolio to include a comprehensive lineup of our Cal-Organic vegetables,” said Bob. “Diversifying our growing regions has allowed us to widen availability windows for seasonal commodities and recognize efficiencies that will help us meet increasing demand. It also reduces food miles for our customers and helps us deliver fresh produce to stores faster.”

As fall draws to a close and winter takes its place, AndNowUKnow will continue to bring you the latest updates from across the fresh produce industry.

Cal-Organic Farms

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - Exciting news is in the air at McCartney Produce, the fresh produce and specialty foods distributor, as it has announced that it will be joining FreshEdge™ and its family of companies. The addition of McCartney will serve to further diversify the group’s customer base and expand its offerings in the Midwest and Southeast. In joining FreshEdge, McCartney will be welcomed into the fold of companies that include Get Fresh, Indianapolis Fruit, Piazza Produce & Specialty Foods, Garden Cut, CIBUS Fresh, and Papania’s.

“By teaming up with FreshEdge, McCartney will expand its selection of specialty items and fresh-cut processed products such as fresh salads, sandwiches, and healthy snack items—while continuing to provide its exceptional customer service,” said Raymon Randolph, President of McCartney Produce.

The deal closed on November 18, but terms of the transaction were not disclosed, according to a press release. The deal positions the group of companies as one of the largest independent produce and specialty foods distributors in the United States.

“We are pleased to continue to build our family of ‘Best in Class’ fresh food distribution companies that are supported by our collection of vertically integrated value-added operations,” said Steve Grinstead, CEO of FreshEdge.

McCartney was founded in 1947 and distributes its products from its facility in Paris, Tennessee. As the company joins FreshEdge, Randolph will continue to lead McCartney as President, and operations will continue from the company’s current location.

“We are excited to have McCartney join the FreshEdge family,” said Greg Corsaro, President of FreshEdge. “We believe combining our operations in Tennessee with McCartney’s strong market presence will enhance FreshEdge’s ability to serve foodservice and retail customers in the South and Southeast.”

FreshEdge is backed by Rotunda Capital Partners, a Bethesda, Maryland-based private equity firm. The Firm is known for investing equity capital in already established lower middle-market companies and provides opportunities for management teams to achieve strategic, operation, and financial objectives.

As FreshEdge continues to expand its family of companies, ANUK will keep its fingers on the newswire to bring you updates.

FreshEdge™ McCartney Produce

THE E.U. - The value of produce is being spotlighted on the world stage once again. And unfortunately, once again, it is in a political tug-of-war. Earlier this month, the European Union (E.U.) placed tariffs on a number of U.S. items ranging from 15–25 percent, with the latter amount being placed on several produce categories, including grapefruit, sweet potatoes, and table grapes, as well as tractors and orange juice, among other items. The latest list amounts to nearly $4 billion in U.S. goods.

“A 25 percent tariff certainly makes exporting very challenging. We expect some level of impact on our market, but it remains to be seen how great it will be,” April Flowers, Marketing Director for Lone Star Citrus, shared on perceived impacts of the move.

This is the latest in a series of moves related to a dispute between the U.S. and the E.U. over the subsidizing of aircraft production. In response, the Farm Bureau Federation noted in a release that it is frequently the case that U.S. food and agriculture are being “dragged into a dispute that they had nothing to do with.”

In a BBC News report, E.U. Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis said the E.U. wanted to see both sides remove their respective tariffs and end the ongoing feud between our two countries.

"Removing these tariffs is a win-win for both sides, especially with the pandemic wreaking havoc on our economies," Dombrovskis said, going on to refer to the most recent U.S. Presidential election. "We now have an opportunity to reboot our transatlantic cooperation and work together toward our shared goals."

Will we soon see this hatchet buried? AndNowUKnow will continue to report as we keep our fingers crossed over our keyboards.

WESTBOROUGH, MA - With a year as topsy-turvey as the one we’ve had, it’s always grounding to hear that the industry is carrying on as best it can. The retail landscape has had its fair share of surprises, and BJ’s Wholesale Club Holdings is celebrating a positive one. Recently, the retailer announced a record third quarter fiscal 2020 result, citing comparable club sales, excluding gasoline sales, which increased by 18.5 percent.

“The third quarter was another remarkable quarter with robust comp growth, significant market share gains, and record profitability. As we look ahead, we are confident our business will continue to thrive given the structural shift in consumer behavior; our market share gains; and our strategic investments in digital capabilities, membership, assortment, marketing, and geographic expansion,” said Lee Delaney, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Our team members across our business are working hard to execute at the highest standards and meet our members’ increased demand for our products and services. We remain grateful for their continued dedication and hard work in helping us drive industry-leading results.”

As noted in its release, the wholesaler’s gross profit increased to $743.3 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2020 from $617.6 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2019. Merchandise gross margin rate, which excludes gasoline sales and membership fee income, increased by 10 basis points over the third quarter of fiscal 2019. Continued execution of the company’s category profitability improvement was offset by distribution costs associated with the coronavirus pandemic.

Other key takeaways for the third quarter of fiscal 2020 include:

• Income from continuing operations increased by 122.6 percent year-over-year to $122.9 million
• Adjusted EBITDA increased by 57.1 percent year-over-year to $242.2 million
• Net cash provided by operating activities was $802.0 million and free cash flow was $675.1 million
• Operating income increased to $190.4 million, or 5.1 percent of total revenues compared to $100.9 million, or 3.1 percent of total revenues in the third quarter of fiscal 2019

For more information, click here for the release.

ANUK will continue to keep you apprised of the latest news, so keep a tab open.

BJ's Wholesale Club

PROVIDENCE, RI - Brandishing the name Master is not to be taken lightly. Several of our industry-leading retailers were recently honored with the title, with United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI) naming the 30 category winners of its annual Master Marketer competition. In a virtual awards show broadcast on Wednesday, November 18, the company recognized best-in-class marketing efforts by independent grocery retailers served by UNFI’s wholesale distribution business.

“In a year of great change and challenges, we’re proud of how our independent grocers are continuing to make powerful connections with their customers and local communities through effective marketing and merchandising programs,” said UNFI President Chris Testa. “We’re thrilled to continue our Master Marketer awards program, albeit virtually this year, and recognize those grocers who are truly excelling at building their brand, their customer relationships, and their overall business. Congratulations to all the nominees, winners, and to Foster’s for their achievement as this year’s Grand Master Marketer recipient.”

This year, 275 marketing programs were submitted for the 2020 Master Marketer awards which are judged based on the creativity, clarity, and effectiveness of the stores’ marketing efforts. Entries were assessed by professors and grad students from St. Joe’s University, University of Wisconsin, and the University of Minnesota, according to a press release.

The full list of store winners by category is as follows:

Tier 1: Stores 30,000 square feet and smaller

• Website/Social Media: Supervalu, Warren, Arkansas
• Fresh Department: Handy Foods, Ottawa, Illinois
• Natural, Organic, Specialty: Food Bowl Market, San Diego, California
• Extra Effort Advertising: Hall's Great Valu Supermarket, Colonial Beach, Virginia
• Grand Opening/Anniversary: Bill’s IGA, Staunton, Illinois
• Industry Promotion: Babbs Supermarket, Spencer, Indiana
• Public Service/Community: Vintage Grocers, Malibu, California
• Radio Spots: Island Foods, Chincoteague, Virginia
• TV Commercials: Baesler’s Market, Sullivan, Indiana
• Tier 1 Master Marketer: Food Bowl Market, San Diego, California

Tier 2: Stores larger than 30,000 square feet

• Fresh Department: Dorothy Lane Market, Dayton, Ohio
• Natural, Organic, Specialty – Wholesome Choice, Irvine, California
• Grand Opening/Anniversary: Oakes Farms Seed to Table, Naples, Florida
• Extra Effort Advertising: Baesler's Market, Terre Haute, Indiana
• Private Brands: Lynn’s Superfoods, Hardin, Montana
• Industry Promotion: Chris Food Center, Sandstone, Minnesota
• Public Service/Community: Mackenthun’s Fine Foods, Waconia, Minnesota
• Website/Social Media: North Branch County Market, North Branch, Minnesota
• TV Commercials: Baesler’s Market, Terre Haute, Indiana
• Tier 2 Master Marketer: Oakes Farms Seed to Table, Naples, Florida

Tier 3: Store groups with five or more locations

• Website/Social Media: The Fresh Market, Greensboro, North Carolina
• Fresh Department: Myers Group Corporate, Clinton, Washington
• Natural, Organic, Specialty: Ingles Markets, Black Mountain, North Carolina
• Grand Opening/Anniversary: Coborn’s, Inc., St. Cloud, Minnesota
• Extra Effort Advertising: Foster’s, George Town, Grand Cayman
• Private Brands: Super One Foods, Duluth, Minnesota
• Industry Promotion: Karns, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
• Public Service/Community: Pay-Less Market Inc., Hagatna, Guam
• Radio Spots: Food Depot, Stockbridge, Georgia
• TV Commercials: CUB, Stillwater, Minnesota
• Tier 3 Master Marketer: Karns, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

In addition to the category winners, Foster’s, a family-owned and operated grocer with five stores and a distribution center on Grand Cayman in the Cayman Islands, was named the 2020 Grand Master Marketer for overall consistent performance over the years.

UNFI associates were given the opportunity to vote for the first-ever Master Marketer Associate’s Choice Award. In this category, 12 nominees in the TV commercial category were given another chance at being recognized for their TV spots. Winning this category was CUB in Stillwater, Minnesota, for its “Chalk Art” TV commercial.

Click here for the full video with Paul Pliachik, Strategic Advisor, and Jeff Swanson, Vice President of Communications and Media Relations, to watch as they discuss the awards.

Congratulations to all of the leading grocers who were awarded!

United Natural Foods, Inc.

CHARLOTTE, NC - With more consumers than ever making their way into the kitchen to whip up exciting new recipes for themselves and their families, it seemed like the perfect time for Dole Food Company to announce its “Now We’re (All) Cooking” initiative to encourage aspiring chefs. The most recent virtual event welcomed bloggers and influencers to try their hands at preparing dishes inspired by Disney and Pixar’s film Ratatouille. Taking place on November 12, the virtual cooking class was a success and has inspired Dole to make plans for similar events in the near future.

“As it turns out, going virtual allowed us to share our healthy recipes and cooking tips with aspiring chefs and Dole and Disney fans from California to Connecticut and from Omaha to Las Vegas,” said Nutrition and Health Communications Manager Melanie Marcus, who led the event by walking participants through the recipes. “It also showed the appetite that many families have for being in the kitchen and cooking together, regardless of the pandemic. We’re already planning expanded encore virtual cooking classes for 2021.”

During the class, Marcus helped several dozen participants through the preparation of Little Chef Potato-Leek Soup, the company’s take on the classic dish that started Remy and Linguini’s relationship in the animated film.

According to a press release, the group also took on Oui Oui Wafer Banana Macarons made with DOLE^® bananas, kiwi, Mandarin oranges, and vegan cream cheese. Participants were also provided with in-depth knowledge of the collaboration between Dole and Disney which has been in effect since the 1970s.

The recipes that were featured during the virtual class are just two of 20 created by Marcus for Dole’s “Now We’re (All) Cooking” initiative. All recipes are available online along with DIY recipe videos, digital downloads, and other family-friendly activities.

What other events will Dole reveal in the coming months? Keep a tab opened for AndNowUKnow as we bring you the answers.

Dole Food Company

OXNARD, CA - Many say that it’s best to go big or go home, and it seems that Mission Produce is sitting in that first camp. The company recently announced the launch of its new Mission Jumbos, a pack full of larger, shareable avocados. Led by the tagline “More to Eat, More to Love,” these avocados are sure to have consumers clamoring.

“Consumers shop for their avocados based on how they plan to use them and who they’re feeding, and now they’re shopping for more people while making fewer trips to the store per week. That’s where the Mission Jumbos shareable serving avocado comes in,” says Denise Junqueiro, Senior Director of Marketing and Communications. “Avocados have become a dietary staple in consumers’ minds, and we are excited to be able to expand our product offering to meet evolving consumer preferences.”

Mission Jumbos expand the company’s existing lineup of avocado offerings, which includes Mission Minis and Emeralds in the Rough.

A press release noted that Mission Jumbos was created in response to consumer trends indicating that people are increasingly incorporating avocados into their everyday diets and preparing more meals themselves. This shift in behavior and lifestyle has changed consumer buying habits, causing them to prefer and purchase multiple, larger sized avocados to last through the week.

“Mission’s products and programs are based on consumer preferences, designed to draw consumer attention and grow sales,” said Brooke Becker, Sales Director. “Retailers featuring any of the products from our lineup are seeing the profits.”

Mission Jumbos are the first bag to be launched under Mission’s new reduced plastic initiative. Boasting a plastic reduction of 12 percent, Mission Jumbos contain less plastic in their netting and film than the average avocado bag.

As part of the company’s continued investment in sustainability, Mission is working with its vendors across the supply chain to reduce the amount of plastic used while maintaining product integrity.

“We’re always looking for more sustainable ways to do business,” said Patrick Cortes, Senior Director of Business Development. “We spent countless hours perfecting the Mission Jumbos avocado pack with our (research and development) R&D team and are extremely proud of the end product, which is something that both consumers and retailers can feel good about.”

For more jumbo-sized news across the produce industry, keep checking in with us at ANUK.

Mission Produce

SANTA MARIA, CA - Employee appreciation is key to the overall success of many organizations and leads to a passionate and driven culture in nearly any company. In order to celebrate its employees, Bobalu Berry Farms recently held a celebration to mark the official end of the 2020 fresh strawberry season in Santa Maria. On November 13, the company’s leaders Bobby and RC Jones hosted their annual party, followed by a raffle that gifted two loyal employees with new cars.

“There is always strong demand for the best employees, and we deeply appreciate the caliber of employees we have on staff here. Many have been with our family for more than 40 years and we value their commitment to us. We also respect and care for them like family, and so many others that return year after year” said RC Jones, Managing Partner.

A celebration of the grower’s employees was welcomed as this year has provided another layer of challenges facing workers and companies due to the pandemic which required new forms of training and food safety practices, according to a press release.

However, for the Jones brothers and Bobalu, the hard work paid off. To celebrate the loyalty and dedication of its employees, RC and Bobby announced during the middle of the summer harvest that the car raffle would be held at the end of the tough season. This is the third year that the owners have offered exciting additional incentives to workers as a way to encourage them throughout the season.

This year’s event was not the usual large, in-person gathering due to restrictions, but instead a local radio station helped provide a virtual event featuring prizes, music, and announcements. At the end of the event, Bobalu employees Guillermo and Eva were able to drive off the ranch in the new cars as the winners of the company raffle.

Congratulations are in order to Guillermo and Eva for their hard work and raffle win. What other new ways will companies like Bobalu use to support their dedicated workforce? ANUK will bring you the answers.

Bobalu Berry Farms

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - Convenience is top of mind for consumers in 2020—this we know. From in-store signage to digital campaigns, both buy- and supply-sides have been working to make fresh produce aisles more convenient than ever, and Fresh Solutions Network’s (FSN) Side Delights^® brand of fresh potatoes is leading the charge. I recently had the chance to sit down with Kathleen Triou, President and CEO of FSN, who told me that the company’s exclusive “How To” and “Tater Tricks” videos have seen a surge in consumer usage as of late, with Side Delights’ new “How To Mash a Potato” video drumming up excitement ahead of the holidays.

“Our data shows that these videos have become essential to consumers’ eating experiences, as we’ve seen a 95 percent watch-through rate on average,” Kathleen told me. “This shows that our videos resonate with shoppers and are well-tailored to their needs.”

With consumers seeking out new and exciting ways to enjoy produce, Side Delight’s recipe videos not only increase brand awareness, but drive sales. So, what are you waiting for, retailers? Demand continues to rise as we head into the holiday season, and Side Delight’s expansive resources are ready and waiting for you.

Studies published on 2020 Thanksgiving spending and meal favorites showed that almost 75 percent of Americans plan to spend the same amount of money or more on Thanksgiving this year. Statistics from multiple studies show that mashed potatoes lead the side dishes that will be served on Thanksgiving. Last year, among U.S. adults who celebrate Thanksgiving, 51 percent cited mashed potatoes as one of their three favorite side dishes. The 2020 results are now in and mashed potatoes are again the clear winner, according to studies titled The Best 8 Thanksgiving Side Dishes and Popular Thanksgiving Sides in Every State.

Capitalizing on these trends, Side Delights has launched its new mashed potatoes how-to video, which can be viewed above. The 30-second video provides simple steps for preparing potatoes to be mashed and served, with Side Delights’ branded offerings bringing even more convenience to the recipe.

“You can also cook a bag of Side Delights® Steamables™ in the microwave for eight minutes,” noted Triou. “Then just pour them into a bowl, add milk and butter, and mash!”

I said it once and I’ll say it again, buyers should not hesitate to take advantage of Side Delights’ impactful promotions. Click here to check out the brand’s list of helpful FAQ’s, and get in touch with FSN today to use the company’s exclusive video assets in your own holiday marketing programs.

For all of the latest fresh produce innovations this holiday season, stick with us here at ANUK.

Fresh Solutions Network Side Delights®

SALINAS, CA - Our industry thrives on great leadership and innovation. The California Ag Leadership Foundation (CALF) recognizes this too and is continuing its efforts in highlighting outstanding leaders in the industry. Recently, CALF recognized Ag Leadership Program alumni for their leadership actions with its annual Profiles in Leadership Award. Craig and Sara Jane Underwood of Class 5, Holly King of Class 24, and Rich Peterson of Class 25 are this year’s Profiles in Leadership Awardees for their work in bettering the industry, community, business, government, education, and/or the environment.

“We could not be more proud or inspired by this group of leaders,” said CALF President and CEO Dwight Ferguson. “The impact they’ve made, and continue to make, on agriculture in California provides tremendous examples to all of us.”

Craig and Sara Jane Underwood of Class 5 offer a wide variety of farm-related activities and events designed to educate the public about their sustainable farming practices while cultivating a relationship between customers and farmers. They are known for sharing their love of community through education, outreach, and as generous donors.

“Sara Jane and I are honored to be recognized by CALF,” said Craig Underwood. “The organization has contributed so much to the California farming industry and influenced me greatly. I vividly remember the many varied lessons we learned in traveling and sharing—many of those stretched me outside my comfort zone. It would be hard to enumerate all the interactions that opened my eyes.”

Holly King of Class 24 worked for 20 years in agricultural lending and as Director of Agricultural Programs for the Great Valley Center. As Chair of the Almond Board of California (ABC), she worked with industry leaders and the United States Department of Agriculture to secure two rounds of trade assistance to help offset losses due to tariffs imposed by China. According to the release, she also oversaw the creation of ABC’s Almond Orchard 2025 Goals, which serve as a roadmap for continuous improvement in the industry in the areas of water, pest management, air quality, and zero waste.

“I am humbled, honored, and elated,” said King. “Leadership is a responsibility—people depend on you. It is an opportunity to enhance lives. What could be more gratifying? Leadership is not always easy; the going can get tough, and that is when people learn what you are really made of.”

Rich Peterson of Class 25 served as Executive Director of the California Prune Board for 25 years. Following retirement, he organized a world congress for the International Prune Association for more than 100 people from seven prune-producing countries.

The release noted Peterson has served in leadership positions for many organizations that support the distribution of food to those in need including, PlacerGROWN, the Food Bank of Contra Costa, the Placer Food Bank, and St. Vincent de Paul. He also volunteers at local Stand Downs—events organized to provide vital services, such as food, shelter, clothing, and health screenings to homeless and at-risk veterans.

“I’ve always had compassion for people in need,” said Peterson, “but Class 25’s trip to India, Pakistan, and Nepal inspired me to become more proactive. This experience led me to expand my outreach with a focus on leadership positions in my church and nonprofits. Ag Leadership showed me how to apply my skills in improving the lives of the disadvantaged in my community.”

Congratulations to all on their outstanding life’s work and achievements!

California Ag Leadership Foundation