CORONA, CA - As we move toward the middle of October, Veg-Fresh Farms is thinking ahead to the winter season. The grower’s winter citrus season is about to ramp up, and Veg-Fresh will be packing organic lemons, grapefruits, Minneolas, and sweet limes from the D3 region under its Good Life Organic label, which is entering into its sixth citrus season.

The D3 region of Riverside, Coachella Valley, and the Imperial Valley of California will be starting its harvest this month and will go into early spring. D3 organic lemons will start now and will continue to harvest through February 2021, with peak season in November and December. Veg-Fresh anticipates sizes to peak on 140/115 count and to be limited on larger sizes. Overall, the D3 lemon crop is down 25–35 percent compared to last year. Promotions will be available throughout the entire season.

For Veg-Fresh’s D3 organic grapefruit, the crop will begin in mid-October and go through March 2021, with peak season in November, December, and January. Veg-Fresh expects sizes to peak on 48/40/56 count, which is the ideal sizing for bag business.

One of the newer items in the past few years for the Veg-Fresh Family is the D3 organic minneolas, which will start in mid-December and run through February 2021, with peak season expected in January for the D3 crop. Minneolas will be great for promotions the entire month of January, stated the press release. Peak sizes are expected on 100/80/64 count and will be packed in bulk and in bags.

Veg-Fresh Farms’ D3 sweet limes—a lime variety boasting less acidity and yellow in coloring—will be available starting mid-October and run through February 2021. Reach out for promotional availability as the D3 crop season is underway. Veg-Fresh anticipates peak sizes on jumbo/large/mammoth sweet limes.

A great 2020/2021 citrus season is underway! In addition to the D3 crops this winter season, Veg-Fresh Farms offers a year-round organic and conventional citrus program with its geographically diverse grower base out of California and Mexico. The program offers Navels, Valencias, grapefruits, lemons, limes, Minneolas, and sweet limes. Retailers, don’t wait to take part in the citrus sales opportunities!

Stay up to date with the latest in fresh produce with AndNowUKnow.

Veg-Fresh Farms

WOODLAND, CA - When I picture Syngenta’s YOOM® tomatoes, I imagine a secret gem hidden in the foliage. This striking, dark purple fruit is unlike anything I’ve ever seen, and I suspect consumers will say the same. Eager to pull back the curtain on this unprecedented fresh produce offering, I had the chance to sit down with some of Syngenta’s vegetable seed representatives.

“YOOM is an innovation with a savory and sweet taste. The maturation takes place in the plant, and the range of colors indicates its optimal point of maturation and consumption, from black to characteristic purple, giving the tomato a firm texture,” explained Jeroen Iprenburg, Technical Sales Representative for active greenhouse crops. “In addition to the excellent flavor, YOOM contains a higher level of anthocyanins compared to other tomatoes, which will help consumers take care of themselves as part of their daily routine. Its size and texture, crunchiness and juiciness, makes YOOM an affordable gourmet experience for consumers.”

A YOOM crop was grown in high-tech greenhouses in California this summer and supplied to the supermarket channel in the West and central regions of the country. To continue this supply, the next YOOM tomatoes will be grown in Mexico this winter with a different growing partner. YOOM tomatoes are also grown in Australia, Belgium, Denmark, France, Greece, and Spain, with a complete list provided here.

YOOM tomatoes can be grown in many different climates in greenhouses and don’t need particularly special management, Jeroen said. To reach its full color and optimal taste, YOOM benefits from a lot of sunshine and ideal light conditions. The crop is quite grower friendly, and Syngenta takes the utmost care in supply-side partnerships, advising its growers on how to pick the fruits at the right stage of coloring and flavor to guarantee maximum quality. YOOM is an interesting addition in Syngenta’s well-established range of snack tomatoes in red, yellow, ivory, orange, and pink colors.

“YOOM is a project started 10 years ago with the ambition to create an original variety with good taste and healthy nutrients,” Luis Ortega, Tomato Breeding Team Lead, relayed. “After many years of traditional breeding work, in 2014 the YOOM variety was created. Trials in Spain and later at other locations (The Netherlands, Mexico, France, and Australia) were organized in order to characterize the value and fruit quality of the variety. After several years of trialing in different agronomical environments and seasons, the variety became commercial in 2019 and first arrived to consumers in 2020.”

YOOM tomatoes are a unique and tasty product with which selected growers and retailers can distinguish themselves from the competition and expand their brand presence. As we know well, consumers eat with their eyes first, so these unique tomatoes are sure to stop shoppers in their tracks. Most of those who taste the fruit were surprised by its pleasant aroma, savory flavor, and absence of sour notes. Jeroen explained that in order to tell if a YOOM fruit is ready to harvest, growers can check the top of the fruit, or under the “crown,” for a little orange star shape that indicates perfect ripeness.

Now, you may be wondering, will we be seeing YOOM tomatoes at this year’s Produce Marketing Association (PMA) Fresh Summit? Quite to my delight, we most certainly will.

“We are excited to share our newest innovations and breakthroughs with the produce industry at this highly anticipated event,” Jeroen concluded. “Our goal is to make valuable connections and share ideas with key stakeholders throughout the value chain represented at PMA Fresh Summit.”

For more information on YOOM, visit the official website by clicking here. Keep an eye out for this gem of a tomato as Syngenta works to expand its presence in the market. We at ANUK will continue bringing you the latest news, so stay tuned.

Syngenta

WASHINGTON, DC - After previously lisiting Suncrest Produce Solutions as being restricted from operating in the produce industry, The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has made a correction regarding its press release No: 162-20 issued on October 5, 2020.

Direct from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service:

Jason Turner, the sole principal of Suncrest Produce Solutions, is not restricted from employment or affiliation with any PACA licensee as previously stated.

PACA provides an administrative forum to handle disputes involving produce transactions; this may result in USDA’s issuance of a reparation order that requires damages to be paid by those not meeting their contractual obligations in buying and selling fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables. USDA is required to suspend the license or impose sanctions on an unlicensed business that fails to pay PACA reparations awarded against it as well as impose restrictions against those principals determined to be responsibly connected to the business when the order is issued. Those individuals, including sole proprietors, partners, members, managers, officers, directors, or major stockholders, may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee without USDA approval.

By issuing these penalties, USDA continues to enforce the prompt and full payment for produce while protecting the rights of sellers and buyers in the marketplace.

The PACA Division, which is in the Fair Trade Practices Program in the Agricultural Marketing Service, regulates fair trading practices of produce businesses that are operating subject to PACA, including buyers, sellers, commission merchants, dealers, and brokers within the fruit and vegetable industry.

In the past three years, USDA resolved approximately 3,625 PACA claims involving more than $104 million. PACA staff also assisted more than 7,600 callers with issues valued at approximately $166 million. These are just two examples of how USDA continues to support the fruit and vegetable industry.

For more information, and to read the release in its entirety, click here.

USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service

MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO, CANADA - As retailers continue to grow and expand, naturally new associates are needed to help keep the ship running smoothly. For Walmart Canada, the retail giant is seeking to fill its crew by immediately hiring 10,000 associates through, for the first time ever at Walmart Canada, a new texting method.

“Walmart is all about people. It’s our people who make Walmart special and who represent us with our customers in communities across the country,” said Horacio Barbeito, President and CEO. “Walmart is a place where you can make the most of your talent and skills, and I’m eager to welcome these 10,000 new associates to the team.”

According to the release, interested applicants can text 780780 to land right on the application page for a variety of roles or apply directly online.

“Every Walmart store and warehouse across Canada is part of the local community. If you are looking for a way to serve your community, are customer-oriented, and want to work with a winning team, we want to hear from you—just text us,” said Nabeela Ixtabalan, Executive Vice President, People and Corporate Affairs. “Walmart is a great place to work, and we’re very proud to be able to offer new jobs to Canadians in communities across the country.”

The hiring news follows a major $3.5 billion investment into all aspects of the business to generate significant growth and to make the online and in-store shopping experience simpler, faster, and more convenient for Walmart’s customers.

This investment, over the next five years, will lead to the use of advanced technologies working alongside associates in a state-of-the-art facility to move products as quickly as possible.

New associates are needed for many important roles, such as:

• E-commerce Store Associate
• Fresh Food Associate
• Merchandising Associate
• Customer Experience Associate
• Warehouse Associate
• Drivers

With retail giants like Walmart incorporating more technology into their operational strategies, what can we expect next from the sector?

AndNowUKnow will keep a pulse on the newswire to bring you the latest developments.

Walmart

LE GRAND, CA - History, like the path of a story, reveals the true heart of our experiences. With Live Oak Farms, its history also showcases a family legacy and a commitment to the industry in which it thrives and the communities in which it lives.

The Live Oak Farms’ family farm has come a long way since it first packed tomatoes under a Live Oak tree. As the team evolved its program, Live Oak has continued growing with new products, new growing regions, a longer season, and much more to come. Home to many a vision, Live Oak Farms is where the company’s research and innovation are teaming with the enthusiasm of a growing team of employees to bring even more value to its partners and the industry.

What hasn’t changed after the family’s more than 90 years in this industry, is the Live Oak Farms’ commitment to excellence.

The company continues to challenge itself to do more—for its customers and its community. Live Oak Farms is researching the products today that the program will be offering tomorrow while further expanding its operations—all while maintaining a strong focus on food safety and sustainability.

As a company and a family, Live Oak Farms has always cared for the land it lives on. The team has called Le Grand home for 90 years now and it doesn’t take from the soil, but invests back into the land. It is sustainable agricultural production that benefits Live Oak Farms’ many employees and ensures that its tomatoes and peppers will only get better with time.

As the next generation of Live Oak Farms takes hold, the team is excited to ensure it remains the most trusted and cutting-edge partnership for its customers’ tomatoes and peppers. Join Live Oak Farms for a new century of evolution, as the company branches out to discover greater heights for those its serves.

Live Oak Farms

OHIO & INDIANA - The ghost kitchen concept is expanding, which ANUK deems delightfully fitting for the month of October. This time the format is being championed by Kroger as it partners with technology startup ClusterTruck. The two recently announced the launch of two on-premise kitchens at stores in Metro Indianapolis, Indiana, and Metro Columbus, Ohio. The kitchens will provide a variety of freshly prepared meals on-demand with no service or delivery fees.

"Kroger remains focused on providing our customers with fresh food and experiences enabled by industry-leading insights and transformative technology," said Dan De La Rosa, Kroger’s Group Vice President of Fresh Merchandising. "The new on-premise kitchen, in partnership with ClusterTruck, is an innovation that streamlines ordering, preparation, and delivery, supporting Kroger as we meet the sustained customer demand for quick, fresh restaurant-quality meals, especially as we navigate an unprecedented health crisis that has affected every aspect of our lives, including mealtime."

Kroger and ClusterTruck’s on-premise kitchens were developed from the momentum and insights of an informative pilot launched in December 2019 in Carmel and Indianapolis, Indiana, and Columbus, Ohio. Different from the off-premise concept, the new concept will repurpose approximately 1,000 square feet at each participating store to create a culinary space for ClusterTruck staff to prepare meals for quick delivery and in-store pickup. Customers can order from a menu of more than 80 meals, spanning a variety of ingredients, and best characterized as food quality you can get at a sit-down restaurant with the personality of street food.

The expansion of Kroger’s relationship with ClusterTruck reflects the retailer’s ongoing investments in providing a variety of prepared fresh food options and creating a seamless experience for customers.

According to a press release, Kroger experienced a 127 percent digital sales lift in the second quarter of 2020, as customers continued to use digital ordering options, including pickup, delivery, and ship to home.

"ClusterTruck combines leading software, high-quality ingredients, and delicious variety to elevate the prepared food delivery experience," said Chris Baggott, ClusterTruck Co-Founder and CEO. "As the prepared food delivery category continues to explode, we’re thrilled to play such a pivotal role in Kroger’s fresh and forward-thinking meal delivery strategy."

Indianapolis-based ClusterTruck is a pioneer in the ghost kitchen space, building a proprietary software system that creates custom algorithms to optimize kitchen and delivery operations and removes the pain points of the third-party delivery model. ClusterTruck’s systematic approach to meal delivery allows the company to ensure all orders are delivered to the customer within just seven minutes of preparation—and on average, less than 30 minutes of ordering. The combination of ClusterTruck’s innovative technology platform, optimization of meal delivery, and launch at Kroger stores has the potential to create a new and more sustainable model.

Kroger’s first on-premise kitchen is now open in Fishers, Indiana. Later this year, the second location will open in Dublin, Ohio.

Who would be ghoulish enough to miss out on this opportunity? Certainly not Kroger.

Kroger

ARVIN, CA - While having a plethora of delicious applications, potatoes have also woven their way throughout history, playing an integral role in the lives of people around the world. Tasteful Selections® and RPE have partnered to add to the rich history of this category through new innovations and products. Over the past year, the two growers have joined forces to introduce not only a host of new offerings, but a 10-month celebratory campaign to honor 10 years of Tasteful Selections in the industry.

“This year is groundbreaking for so many reasons,” said Tim Huffcutt, RPE Vice President of Sales and Marketing Operations. “Our teams at Tasteful Selections and RPE are eager to share their successes at this year’s first-ever, virtual PMA Fresh Summit.”

To announce the success of the two partners, Tasteful Selections and RPE will display the Tasteful Selections American Blend center stage at this year’s virtual PMA Fresh Summit. According to a press release, the product originally debuted over Memorial Day weekend, but is making a triumphant return in celebration of the success of the product and partnership.

“A huge success for the category, American Blend gained phenomenal traction in its first seasonal appearance,” added Huffcutt.

If you want to get in on the excitement and innovation that this duo is bringing to the illustrious potato category, make sure to check out their showcase at this year’s virtual PMA Fresh Summit, and get your hands on American Blends so that your customers can celebrate along with you.

Tasteful Selections® RPE

MURRIETA, CA - The avo-opportunities this October are only as limited as your imagination. That is what George Henderson, Marketing Manager for West Pak Avocado, tells me as we approach Produce Marketing Association’s (PMA) Fresh Summit on October 13–15, 2020, and its new virtual format. Nimble and agile as always, West Pak is taking the new experience by the horns and bringing an extensive program tailored to the needs of its buy-side customers.

“We are excited to open the dialogue around our one-stop-avocado-shop come PMA Fresh Summit. In addition to our variety of conventional and organic bagged avocado brands, we are showcasing fresh Avo-Opportunities with our marketing and sales support for retailers,” George shares with me. “We design personalized materials for packaging, retail, marketing, sales, and education and can customize our brands to suit any retailer’s needs. To help retailers decide what brands and Avo-Opportunities might be best for them, our team is conducting avo-audits throughout PMA Fresh Summit and beyond.”

Additionally, West Pak’s branded bag program provides solutions to empower retailers while optimizing the excitement of avocados geographically, seasonally, demographically, and by use.

“West Pak Avocado’s Avo-Opportunities retail program taps our in-house creative team’s talent to customize solutions for avocado retailer marketing and sales strategies. We’re experts in creating effective packaging, POS, marketing, sales, and educational materials and can design an Avo-Opportunity for any need,” George reflects.

Also, with the understanding that virtually connecting through video conference rooms is the new normal these days, West Pak is paying homage to this reality in the sales team’s video titled Zooming in on Avo-Opportunities: Sales Solutions at West Pak.

As the industry rides the wave of change and innovation, West Pak is rallying members to find the silver lining and come together with a common perspective and outlook.

“In light of PMA’s virtual Fresh Summit event, our message is about unity as an industry, transparency as a company, and sustainability as a good global neighbor,” George wraps up. “We can look at the negative impacts and the challenges of today, or we can use them to shine a light on the advantages and benefits that we offer despite the roadblocks and hindrances. We stand behind our message and look forward to the rising tide of the industry’s best."

PMA Fresh Summit is nearly upon us! Mark your calendars and your target lists for West Pak Avocado and see what amazing opportunities are just a computer click away.

West Pak Avocado

KINGSVILLE, ONTARIO, CANADA - Growth and expansion are top of mind for the market-driving greenhouse grower. Mucci Farms continues to crank out new products, packaging, and more, and it seems that the momentum cannot be stopped. As we round the corner to PMA Fresh Summit, I sat down with Joe Spano, VP of Sales and Marketing, to find out more about the company’s plans for the show.

“Our key messaging is centered around our Canadian and U.S. expansions, as well as our GreenhouseGrown365 Winter Program. We recently announced that two new warehouse distribution facilities were being built in Michigan and Texas that will help us reduce food miles and allow us to sort and redistribute product in a timely manner. This offers consumers maximum shelf life and premium product quality,” Joe explained. “Additionally, we are completing the final phase of our 75-Acre Ohio expansion, and we’re currently in the middle of doubling our 36-acre strawberry farm to 72-acres.”

The GreenhouseGrown365 program is another name for Mucci Farms’ winter program, supported by its significant investments in lit culture technology.

“We have the largest grow light acreage in the greenhouse industry with multiple varieties of tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce growing under lights. We are also trialing bell peppers under lights, which could become a significant advancement in our industry,” Joe noted.

Bringing this message to bear on the industry, Mucci Farms will be highlighting key products that align with its aggressive growth plans:

• Paper Top Seal – An award-winning package that addresses global concerns and consumer demand for less plastic. Mucci Farms replaced the plastic lidding film with a paper film, which converts the entire package to 100 percent fully recyclable
• Zukies Mini Zucchini – A new Italian mini zucchini that you can eat raw. An innovative item as zucchinis aren’t typically grown in greenhouses
• Teeny-Tiny Smuccies – Building off the success of the award-winning Smuccies™ Sweet Strawberries, this bite-size favorite is a big hit with kids! Perfect as a snack or salad topper!
• Cucumber Paper Band – With an emphasis on maximizing its sustainability efforts, this paper band helps Mucci Farms reduce the plastic on its cucumber club pack

“During this time, we’ve reemphasized our vertically integrated capabilities that reduce the burden on our partners since we are the point of contact from seed to retail,” Joe continued. “Our supply has remained largely unchanged and as a result of growing in greenhouses, we’ve been able to maintain our obligations efficiently. Our team of essential workers have been instrumental in keeping the supply chain going, and we’ve done a great job of being nimble and able to adjust on the fly. From a consumer education standpoint, we also launched our own podcast, ‘Spill the Greens,’ which seeks to educate consumers and supply chain staff alike on all things greenhouse grown. Additionally, our expansion plans—particularly with local lit culture—provides security for our partners that they will receive quality produce throughout the winter.”

As Mucci Farms takes to the virtual platform, buyers will be greeted by a 3D digital replica of the greenhouse grower’s actual trade show booth. Innovation runs at every level for this company, so be sure to get inside the world of this industry powerhouse.

Mucci Farms

NEW ROCHELLE, NY - We all know “3” is a powerful number, but multiply that by ten and you’ve got a legend on your hands. LGS Specialty Sales has certainly earned its title as a legendary brand, recently ringing in 30 years of providing the U.S. with fresh, quality fruit that consumers can trust.

“It’s hard to believe that 30 years ago we imported our first shipment of clementines as a company,” said Luke Sears, President and Founder. “I believe LGS’ success is attributed to our hardworking, dedicated employees, long-term innovative suppliers, and great retail partners that continue to push us to perform at the highest level. Our company was built on establishing and maintaining great relationships with growers from around the world. We’re so grateful to our growing partners for three decades of success and look forward to continued growth.”

As stated in a press release, LGS was founded on the desire to bring the world’s best tasting citrus to U.S. shoppers. It all began in 1990 when LGS imported its first shipment of clementines from Spain, and one year later the Darling Clementine® brand was formed. Today, LGS is one of the largest importers of clementines in the U.S., and offers shoppers a variety of fruit, such as oranges, lemons, minneolas, cara cara oranges, avocados, grapes, and persimmons.

Not only was LGS a pioneer in developing a year-round Mandarin program, but the company was also one of the first in developing the production and planting of W. Murcotts in Chile. Additionally, after avocados were approved to come to the U.S. in 1997 from Mexico, LGS was one of the first importers to bring the popular fruit to U.S. shoppers, a program that quickly evolved with Peru, Chile, and Colombia.

“Founding LGS in 1990 was the second best decision I’ve made in my life,” added Sears. "The best decision I ever made was marrying my wife Jane a year earlier. Her unwavering support and advice guided me in growing the business for the past 30 years."

Looking forward, LGS plans to continue developing its categories and production of navels, grapes, lemons, minneolas, and cara cara oranges. The company also plans to expand its own production of W. Murcotts.

Cheers to another 30 years!

LGS Specialty Sales