WENATCHEE, WA - Many consumers with children are still adjusting to a new schedule during this time, whether students are learning remotely or back in the classroom. Starr Ranch Growers is seeking to make the transition a little easier and more fun this year for families by launching its Back to School Sweepstakes to spur creative apple usage.

“Back to School is here, and despite the changing landscape of what this looks like for families everywhere, one thing we do know is that back to school is still happening—just differently,” said Dan Davis, Director of Business Development. “Starr Ranch Growers knows and understands our consumers’ values and needs during times of transition and change. We want to support them with helpful tools and creative apple content to keep the entire family connected, refreshed, and ready to conquer the school year ahead.”

As part of the sweepstakes, Starr Ranch Growers is partnering with companies such as Litehouse Foods and CamelBak to give away themed gifts. The CamelBak Eddy water bottle, for example, pairs well with Starr Ranch Growers’ apple and pear snacks for outdoor activities.

Retailers can get in on the action by showcasing Starr Ranch apples front and center to attract shoppers’ eyes during the sweepstakes run. The Back to School Sweepstakes (#B2SS) showcases weekly school subjects on the company’s social media channels and blog that features life hacks, quick time-saving apple recipes, and DIY projects that busy parents and their kids will enjoy—whether they’re back in a classroom or virtual at home—with fun prizes that coincide with each weekly theme.

“We hope the sweepstakes will build upon the subscriber list we generated when we launched our Harvest Home blog and help further our brand recognition,” Davis said. “We also want to generate buzz for apples overall and increase our social media following and engagement levels.”

 

 

 

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It’s back to school season! While this fall semester may look and feel a little different for us all, we want you to know that no matter where you are this busy back to school season, we are here to help make it a little lighter, brighter and extra sweet Each week, we’ll be rolling out new Back to School with Starr Ranch Growers 'School Subjects' with recipes and hacks that parents, rockstar teachers and kids alike can get excited about...and did we mention weekly giveaways? Don’t forget to check back in for chances to win starting later today! #StarrRanchGrowers #BacktToSchool #Giveaway #Sweepstakes

A post shared by Starr Ranch Growers (@starr_ranch_growers) on Aug 17, 2020 at 9:08am PDT

According to the press release, the sweepstakes will run through September 21 and will be featured on the newly updated main page on the company’s website, which also highlights other current activities at Starr Ranch Growers and a new video featuring CEO Brett Reasor and Owner/President Jim Thomas telling the company story.

With more consumers seeking easy and fun ways to engage while staying at home, events like these are great opportunities to spur more fresh produce consumption. To stay up to date with more ways to connect, keep checking back to AndNowUKnow.

Starr Ranch Growers

PHARR, TX - U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Agents at the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge cargo facility have announced that they recently uncovered a load of drugs concealed within a shipment of avocados arriving from Mexico. The estimated street value of the drugs is around $6,622,000.

“Significant narcotics interdiction enforcement actions like these have direct and immediate impact on the smuggling organizations who operate in our area,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Port of Hidalgo/Pharr/ Anzalduas. “CBP Field Operations maintains a robust enforcement posture while continuing to facilitate and process legitimate trade and travel, which is a delicate balance.”

According to a press release, within the tractor/trailer hauling the avocados, agents discovered 48 packages of alleged methamphetamine weighing 326 pounds (148 kg) as well as one package of what is believed to be heroin weighing 2.41 pounds (1.09 kg).

The agents utilized non-intrusive imaging to inspect the truck and its contents before unveiling the suspected drugs. Since then, both the narcotics and the driver of the truck have been detained by Agents with Homeland Security Investigations for further inquiries.

We thank agents who work to keep our produce safe from these illicit substances and activities. As more information becomes available, AndNowUKnow will continue to report.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

MASON, OH - Online grocery services are continuing to climb in both popularity and utilization as consumers are shopping more from home. H-E-B is staying ahead of the curve with a new partnership, tapping Swisslog to support the company’s growing demand for online fulfillment. Swisslog is working with H-E-B to deploy a number of automated micro-fulfillment centers to support the chain’s curbside pick-up and delivery business in its Texas home state.

“Swisslog is pleased H-E-B put its trust in us to automate and support its facilities with state-of-the-art automation and software,” said Mitch Hayes, Vice President of E-Commerce and Retail, Swisslog Logistics Automation, Americas. “COVID-19 and anticipated behavioral changes have created increased urgency around the need for automation within many grocery operations. E-grocery automation is no longer an option—it’s a requirement for survival and continued growth.”

The automated micro-fulfillment centers will enhance H-E-B’s leadership in the industry by streamlining online fulfillment and moving it closer to the customer. According to the press release, it will allow the retail chain to efficiently meet the growing demand for curbside pick-up without negatively impacting customer experience in the store.

H-E-B’s new micro-fulfillment centers feature AutoStore empowered by Swisslog’s SynQ software and pick stations. This goods-to-person solution is one of the most flexible automation solutions available for order fulfillment in e-grocery where density, operator productivity, and lead time are important factors. With more than 170 installations worldwide, Swisslog is one of the largest and most experienced integrators of the AutoStore system, as stated in the press release.

With more than 2,000 installations around the globe, Swisslog has invaluable experience in multiple flexible, scalable, and modular automation technologies. The company offers a range of automation solutions and software to fit grocers’ online fulfillment strategies, whether it’s a hub-and-spoke arrangement, a bolt-on store automation approach, micro-fulfillment centers, or a fully automated grocery store.

To learn more about this innovative partnership, click here for the full press release.

How will the retail landscape continue to evolve? Keep checking back to ANUK as we report more on the latest in the industry.

H-E-B Swisslog

CORAL GABLES, FL - Both sustainability and social awareness have been ever-increasing subjects on the minds of consumers as they reach for products on the shelves. They can now rest assured that Fresh Del Monte Produce is doing its part as it has been awarded first place in the Green and Environmental Stewardship category at PR Daily’s 2020 Corporate Social Responsibility Awards. The honor has been bestowed upon Fresh Del Monte following the brand's recent commitment to sustainability across all of its operations.

“Now, more than ever, it is important for companies to become a force of good in the world,” said Hans Sauter, Chief Sustainability Officer. “Sustainability is one of our key pillars and is deeply embedded in our company DNA. We are thrilled to have our efforts recognized by PR Daily and will continue to work arduously in achieving our sustainability objectives and communicate them accordingly.”

The award from PR Daily is highly respected and recognizes global companies that have been the most successful with their impacts regarding CSR campaigns. According to a press release, Fresh Del Monte has been presented with the award due to its achievements with carbon neutrality within its tropical farms.

Fresh Del Monte currently owns and conserves 9,400 hectares of forest in Costa Rica where it houses its pineapple and banana operations. The land where the crops are grown is home to a diverse variety of animals and plants, some of which are endangered and under the protection of the company. Due to the sensitivity of the life that inhabits the land, Fresh Del Monte has worked hard to achieve carbon neutrality, and in 2019 was formally recognized by SCS Global Services for achieving that goal.

Since its recognition in 2019, Fresh Del Monte has continued to work toward creating a more sustainable future for the company. It has announced that it plans to achieve carbon neutral farms across all of its global operations as well as continue reforestation of the areas in which it operates.

Fresh Del Monte currently works with local communities to host tree-planting programs that educate those who attend about the importance of achieving a carbon neutral world and how they can work together to achieve that goal. To date, the company has planted over 700,000 native trees in local communities in the course of three years and is looking to reach 2.5 million by 2025.

Congratulations are in order for Fresh Del Monte as it has achieved such an outstanding goal. We look forward to seeing the future success of these important programs as the company continues to set the bar higher.

Fresh Del Monte Produce

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced that San Antonio, Texas-based company, The Chop Shop Produce Co. LLC, has satisfied a previously cited reparation order in the amount of $7,111. The order was issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) involving an unpaid produce transaction.

Direct from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service:

The San Antonio, Texas, company can continue operating in the produce industry upon applying for and being issued a PACA license. Jamie Gonzalez and James Smith were listed as members and managers of the business and may now be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee.

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.

Once a reparation order is fully satisfied and it is confirmed that there are not any outstanding unpaid awards, USDA lifts the employment restrictions of the previously named, responsibly connected individuals. USDA also requires any unlicensed company that fully satisfies all unpaid reparation awards to obtain a license if it continues to operate in the industry.

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 3,500 PACA claims involving more than $58 million. PACA staff also assisted more than 7,800 callers with issues valued at approximately $148 million. These are just two examples of how the USDA continues to support the fruit and vegetable industry.

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

USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service

BAKERSFIELD, CA - Atlas Produce continues to take the industry by storm. After an incredible summer, which saw the launch of its organic line and its entry into the grape market, it’s clear that the date provider has big plans for its future. Most recently, the team shared a Medjool date crop update for those retailers looking to start stocking up.

“Our Medjool Date crop is looking very good this year. We have had no late rains, which is a blessing so far. We should be in the harvest heavily in the next eight to 10 days,” Robert Dobrzanski, Founder, explained in a press release. “The weather has cooled down a bit, and the nights are cool. Without high humidity, we will have excellent quality. So far this year the size looks to be bigger than the previous year. All in all, it should be one of our best crops in the last five to seven years.”

Atlas’ fruit, which is packed and distributed under the Fresh Energy brand, continues to grow at a double-digit rate, Dobrzanski noted.

“Atlas Produce is committed to growing and packing the best tasting and most nutritious, large Californian Medjool dates in an ecologically sustainable manner. We are excited to continue to service our valued retail partners throughout the world,” he concluded.

Keep reading AndNowUKnow for the latest updates on organic produce, crop updates, and more.

Atlas Produce

IRVINE, CA - California Governor Gavin Newsom recently announced his official endorsement of Proposition 15. In response, Western Growers President and CEO Dave Puglia issued a statement pertaining to how the association foresees this initiative will impact the fresh produce industry.

“California farms and businesses are withering under a hostile and worsening legal and regulatory climate that has been compounded by the COVID-19 economic shutdowns. It is therefore very regrettable that Governor Newsom endorsed a ballot initiative that promises to hike the property taxes of business and farms by $11.5 billion,” Puglia stated. “We need relief from the massive weight of California regulatory and tax policies that are increasingly motivating business owners to escape to friendlier states and countries. Prop 15, if passed, will add even more fuel to the motivation to quit California. As a business owner himself, the Governor certainly understands this and should have started a badly needed realignment of the state’s policies toward business enterprises by opposing Prop 15. Despite this setback, we are confident that the voices of the people who drive California’s economy will persuade the voters to reject Prop 15.”

As one of California’s largest industries, propositions such as this pose the possibility of significant changes to our operations.

For more information on how our industry is navigating legislation such as this, keep following along with us at AndNowUKnow.

Western Growers

WASHINGTON, DC - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has imposed sanctions on Genaro Produce Incorporated, based in Miami, Florida, for failing to meet its contractual obligations to the sellers of produce it purchased under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA). These sanctions, according to a press release, include barring the business and the principal operators of the business from engaging in PACA-licensed business or other activities without approval from USDA.

Direct from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service:

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.

Genaro Produce Incorporated failed to pay $284,981 to ten sellers for produce that was purchased, received, and accepted in interstate and foreign commerce from September 2016 to October 2018. This is in violation of the PACA. Genaro Produce Incorporated cannot operate in the produce industry until August 10, 2022, and then only after they apply for and are issued a new PACA license by USDA.

The company’s principals, Teodoro Aragon and Genaro Aragon, may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee until August 10, 2021, and then only with the posting of a USDA approved surety bond.

USDA is required to publish the finding that a business has committed willful, repeated, and flagrant violations of PACA as well as impose restrictions against those principals determined to be responsibly connected to the business during the violation period. 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.

The PACA Division, which is a part of AMS’ Fair Trade Practices Program, 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 3,500 PACA claims involving more than $58 million. PACA staff also assisted more than 7,800 callers with issues valued at approximately $148 million. These are just two examples of how USDA continues to support the fruit and vegetable industry.

To see the full press release directly from the USDA, click here.

USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service

SANTA PAULA, CA - It has been a year of moving pieces into place, especially within the bounds of Limoneira. The company seems to be continuously strategizing, and in its latest fiscal quarter even more has been put in motion.

“We achieved revenue and earnings growth in the third quarter driven by lemons, avocados, and oranges. Our overall business continues to be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic; however, we are experiencing strong volume in grocery retail as consumer buying patterns are focusing on at-home dining instead of foodservice venues,” said Harold Edwards, President and Chief Executive Officer. “We continue to be a leader in foodservice and export and are well positioned as dining out continues to improve. Our real estate development project, Harvest at Limoneira, has now closed on 354 lots since inception, including 144 new closings this fiscal year. This has exceeded our expectations and we are very pleased with the strong interest in this beautiful development.”

According to a release, highlights for the fiscal year, and the third quarter in particular, include:

• Total net revenue was $53.6 million, compared to total net revenue of $50.9 million in the third quarter of the previous fiscal year
• Agribusiness revenue was $52.4 million, compared to $49.6 million in the third quarter of last fiscal year
• Record fresh lemon volume in Q3 2020 with 2.0 million cartons sold
• Avocado volume increased to 6.1 million pounds in Q3 2020
• Sales of 144 Harvest at Limoneira Lots closed during the first nine months of fiscal 2020

The company continues to expect record lemon volumes in fiscal 2020, as well as having continued a trend of real estate moves.

“We generated $5.3 million of adjusted EBITDA in the third quarter due to strong revenue and focus on expenses. In addition, we recently closed on the sale of a non-strategic property for $6.0 million in the Central Valley of California, strengthening our balance sheet for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020. Looking forward, we are very excited about our growth opportunities in fiscal 2021 as we have dramatically increased our sales in grocery this year and believe we are very well positioned for foodservice growth as restaurants and bars begin to reopen,” Edwards said.

To see a further breakdown of the fiscal quarter and year up to now, read the full financial release here.

With much still underway as the company continues to make necessary pivots in an unpredictable year, AndNowUKnow will continue to keep our ear to the ground for all the latest.

Limoneira

GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Appointing a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is a powerful move, especially in the retail industry. SpartanNash Company has recently invested in such a power move, appointing Tony B. Sarsam as the new President and CEO. Sarsam will assume the role and join the Board of Directors effective September 21. Interim President and CEO Dennis Eidson will continue in his role as Chairman of the Board and will serve as Executive Chairman for a period of thirty days to ensure a smooth transition with Sarsam.

“I am honored and humbled to be selected to lead this incredible organization,” said Sarsam. “I think of SpartanNash as over 100 years young, with a rich history and a promising future. I am looking forward to working with our 19,000 dedicated associates to further strengthen our company and extend our success well into the future.”

Sarsam is an accomplished CEO who has a unique blend of consumer products and supply chain expertise in the food industry, which positions him especially well to lead SpartanNash Company.

In the past, Sarsam served as CEO of Ready Pac Foods, Inc., where his focus on innovation and service transformed that business into a growth engine, delivering a 60 percent revenue increase in less than five years. Earlier in his career, Sarsam enjoyed over 20 years in progressive leadership roles at PepsiCo before joining Nestlé, where he served for three years as President of Nestlé’s Direct Store Delivery Company, a $4.5 billion pizza and ice cream business.

Sarsam most recently served as CEO of Borden Dairy Company, Inc. where he led business growth and positive trends in a challenging industry. He successfully led Borden through its recent restructuring and restored the business to a new foundation for future growth before his departure in July 2020.

Sarsam holds a master’s degree in management from Stanford University and a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Arizona State University.

“SpartanNash’s Board of Directors has conducted an extensive search over the past year, and we are extremely confident we have recruited an exceptional leader to continue the legacy of our company as a trusted provider of grocery products,” said Eidson in a company press release. “Not only does Tony possess the background and expertise to lead SpartanNash in the coming years, his core values and history of visionary thinking and strategic execution are in direct alignment to achieve our vision to be a best-in-class business that feels local, where relationships matter.”

Lead Independent Director Doug Hacker noted, “On behalf of our board, the SpartanNash executive leadership team, and the company’s family of 19,000 associates, we’d like to thank Dennis for his leadership and commitment to the company since he joined SpartanNash in 2003, and particularly these past thirteen months serving in his interim role. The board is confident that we have found an exemplary successor to Dennis in Tony Sarsam and we look forward to a bright future for SpartanNash.”

Congratulations to Tony Sarsam on this exciting appointment!

SpartanNash Company