TEMPLE, TX - McLane Company, one of the leaders in providing supply chain services and solutions to grocery and foodservice operators, recently announced a new executive on its foodservice roster. Susan Adzick was appointed as the newest Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of McLane Foodservice, effective January 6, 2020.

The company noted that Adzick will be transitioning to the role of President of McLane Foodservice in July of this year, succeeding Tom Zatina.

“McLane Foodservice is positioned to support the supply chain needs of our strategic partners today and tomorrow,” said Adzick. “I’m excited about helping to further shape the future of our business.”

According to the press release, Adzick has been with McLane Foodservice for 20 years. She has held various leadership positions including her most recent role as Senior Vice President of Sales and Strategic Relationships, which she has held since 2018. A few of Adzick’s duties included elevating the McLane Foodservice brand to higher visibility within the industry, growing market share with existing brands, and adding new customers in the casual dining and fast-casual segments. Adzick also provided strategic direction, business development, and customer relationship management for the entire portfolio of McLane’s foodservice business.

“Susan Adzick is an experienced supply chain industry executive who is well respected by all who know and work with her,” said Zatina, current President of McLane Foodservice. “I have the utmost confidence in knowing Susan will be a steward of the values of our business and keep our company a great place to work, a great place to trade, and a great place to invest.”

Additionally, Adzick serves on the National Restaurant Association Board of Directors, National Restaurant Educational Foundation Board of Directors as Vice Chair, Restaurant Leadership Conference Advisory Council, and served on the Women’s Foodservice Forum (WFF) Board of Directors as chair in 2018.

Prior to joining McLane Foodservice, Adzick worked with PepsiCo as Vice President of Operations before being promoted to Senior Vice President, National Accounts. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Engineering and MBA, both from Vanderbilt University.

Congratulations to Susan Adzick on her recent promotion! For more exciting developments in the industry, keep reading AndNowUKnow.

McLane Company

SAN DIEGO, CA - One of America’s largest family-owned organic banana brands, Organics Unlimited, just got a little larger. The team recently welcomed new Logistics and Operations Assistant Jose Miguel Naranjo.

“I am truly excited to be here where I can continue my professional development and have a tremendous opportunity to grow and put into practice what I have learned so far in my career,” Naranjo said. “My ability to improve the shipping process by implementing new methods and ideas has me ready to put those skills into practice.”

Naranjo will help with the important daily tasks of coordinating Tijuana-San Diego border crossings and warehouse coordination of product, along with gaining greater efficiencies throughout all operations, according to a press release.

Before joining the team, Naranjo worked in various roles for NAVESA, Grupo P.I. Mabe and Pacificnor, bringing seven years of logistics and import-export experience to his latest role. A graduate of Universidad Iberomericana (IBERO) in Tijuana, Baja California, he has a degree in International Business and Trade.

“We are very happy to add Jose to our organization,” shared Mayra Velazquez de León, President and CEO. “He brings practical, real-world experience transporting products internationally and that type of professional is in high demand in a competitive, global marketplace such as produce.”

The company said that teamwork and communication are keys to success in any job, and it’s no different for Naranjo and his new position.

“They have a lot of experience in the international market and this company with its vast organic growing knowledge has a wide path to become one of the largest companies in the world,” Naranjo concluded. “Persistence and responsibility along with being open to learning new things have helped me to become who I am, and I look forward to incorporating that mindset into my job here.”

We congratulate Jose Miguel Naranjo on this new position with a team that presents global opportunities for him to help make a positive impact on the produce industry.

Organics Unlimited

GEORGIA - As the first part of the year gets under our belts, retailers and consumers alike look to spring for many things, including the annual availability of the coveted Vidalia onion. With the premium category comes much discussion, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) announcement that Vidalia onion producers voted to continue their marketing order program for sweet onions grown in Georgia.

Of the eligible producers who voted in the referendum, 97 percent voted in favor of continuing the marketing order, according to a press release. As the USDA notes, those voting in favor of the continuation represents 99 percent of the volume produced by those voting.

This order allows the industry in Georgia and the Vidalia Onion Committee to fund production research, marketing development projects, and marketing promotion programs, including paid advertising. These benefits under the marketing order support the industry’s ability to thrive in a hyper-competitive arena.

The marketing order requires that a referendum be held every six years to allow producers to decide whether the marketing order should be continued. A referendum was held October 7-28, 2019.

We look forward to ramping up for the Vidalia onion season in just a couple of months with our grower friends and their retail partners!

U.S. Department of Agriculture

TEXAS - It’s that time of year again. Not the time of year where I break a New Year’s resolution—sorry, no caffeine pact—but the one in which I get pumped on the upcoming Texas 1015 season. To help me fill in the gaps, I spoke with Dante Galeazzi, President and CEO of the Texas International Produce Association.

“The Texas 1015 has been enjoyed by American consumers for generations,” Dante began. “Since our regional growers plant during the winter, the Texas onions are the first domestically grown onions available in the new year. Our season runs from March into early July. But it’s not just the 1015s that buyers should be looking out for. Texas onion producers grow the whole gambit of yellows, reds, and whites—all of which enjoy a mild flavor profile along with a range of specialty varieties like flat yellow and Italian reds.”

Dante noted that by purchasing onions in Texas, buyers can pair their onion orders with a wide assortment of other Texas-grown items, such as cabbage, cilantro, watermelons, and citrus.

As the industry preps for these sweet onions to hit retail, I ask Dante what retailers should do to merchandise them.

“Highlight their FRESH aspect! The mild/sweet flavor of Texas onions are at their best when enjoyed fresh. Harvested, packed, and shipped within days, these onions bring consumers back to store shelves all spring long,” he explained. “And the flavor profile means shoppers can enjoy them in a much wider range of cuisines than many people typically consider. Grilled with a little seasoning salt and Worcestershire sauce at a BBQ, baked with a little butter and bacon bits (add some jalapeño for the spice connoisseurs), or even simply used fresh for sandwiches and salads, the Texas onions fit everyone's menu as a standalone dish or as the traditional onion ingredient.”

With the season and quality shaping up well, it’s time to hop onto the Texas 1015 train!

Keep reading AndNowUKnow for the latest in all things fresh.

Texas International Produce Association

SALINAS, CA - They say that life imitates art, and nowhere is that more true than in the fresh produce industry. Many of the biggest fruit and veg players have likened their craft to that of a painter or sculptor. Moxxy Marketing has exemplified this philosophy through its products, recently being honored with a silver Davey Award from the Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts (AIVA). The award was specifically earned by Moxxy’s work on the Peterson Farms Treats brand of sliced apples and apple sauce for school foodservice programs.

"We’re always suggesting ways to help our clients increase consumption of fruits and vegetables. Utilizing packaging to inspire interest is a great strategy, and these bag and lid designs engage students and encourage them to eat more healthy snacks," said Karen Nardozza, President and CEO. "We love when our clients are open to stand-out packaging, and our clients love the results."

Moxxy developed a line of whimsical sliced apple bag designs for school lunchrooms to feature throughout the year including winter, back-to-school, autumn, spring, and patriotic themes, among others. As part of the packaging program, Moxxy also developed an apple character named "Corey," who changes appearances with each theme, according to a press release. An extensive line of flavored apple sauce packages complements the sliced-apple bag designs, with Corey appearing alongside other fruit characters such as mixed berries, strawberry-banana, and watermelon. The agency’s designs were selected from more than 4,000 entries to this acclaimed annual awards competition.

"Our customers and their students have so much fun with Corey!" shared Sarah Schlukebir, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer for Peterson Farms. "Our customers appreciate how customizable the packaging is—new themes and designs are created throughout the school year, and unique designs have been created for some school districts—plus students love seeing what’s next for Corey while they eat more fruit with their lunches."

Brand leadership, customer satisfaction, and increased sales are the ultimate measure of successful results, and awards help recognize how smart strategy is realized through great design. Moxxy has received numerous awards from national and international competitions for its work on packaging, websites, brochures, and other sales collateral, tradeshow exhibits, and marketing materials. Prior awards have recognized design and communication excellence for bags, clamshell labels, and display-ready cartons (DRCs) for Josie’s Organics; wine labels for Paraiso Vineyards; and mini sweet pepper bags and DRCs for Uesugi Farms.

The Davey Awards are presented and judged by AIVA, a 600+ member trade organization focused on honoring creativity, facilitating the exchange of new ideas and trends, and promoting innovations in communications and design thinking. AIVA’s members are visual arts professionals hailing from a wide range of acclaimed media, communications, advertising, and marketing firms.

Congratulations to Moxxy Marketing on this incredible honor!

Moxxy Marketing

TRAVERSE CITY, MI - North Bay Produce, Inc. is encouraging its team members to put the pedal to the metal—of an elliptical. The produce provider is ready to face the New Year with new, healthy habits, and it’s encouraging its employees to do the same.

North Bay Produce has begun promoting its on-site gym, and has developed a wellness program that features healthy recipes using the company’s fresh produce.

“We are blessed to bring to market amazing fruits and vegetables every day,” Regional Marketing Manager, Sharon Robb, said. “When developing recipes, I love that I can focus on our fresh ingredients, making them the star of each dish. This sets the tone for a healthier finished recipe along with offering a serving (or two) of fresh fruits and vegetables!”

North Bay Produce has created a series of healthy recipes that feature fresh produce and dried fruit from the company, a press release states. The recipes inspire employees and consumers to come up with new ideas on how to use fresh produce, which is also an excellent way to showcase North Bay Produce products.

The provider’s new headquarters, built in 2017, also includes a full on-site gym and locker room, complete with individual showers. Having access to an on-site gym encourages employees to use the equipment, because it is so convenient.

“I love having access to a gym and locker room facilities at our office. It makes it so convenient to work out, and I can even squeeze in a workout on my lunch break,” Sarah Quackenbush, Sales & Export, commented.

In addition to the exercise equipment, North Bay Produce is encouraging its employees to get active and join its fitness challenge. The initiative challenges team members to be active at least twice a week for 30 minutes each session. The challenge runs from February 1 through April 30, and it will be promoted across the company’s social media platforms. To keep everyone motivated, employees are encouraged to send photos of their workout—pictures scenery, the gym, and fitness classes have all been shared.

The challenge is intended to provide a good starting point for keeping the company’s employees healthy and happy—North Bay Produce values its team members’ health and wellness above all else.

North Bay Produce

IRVINE, CA - When Amazon began teasing a new, separate-from-Whole Foods brick-and-mortar concept, the industry was understandably intrigued. Then last fall, the retailer confirmed the new concept and revealed further details about the Amazon Fresh format, along with several proposed locations. Now, Amazon has made major strides in Irvine, California, to cement its spot in the city as the first stage of growth for the fresh-forward format.

Amazon had previously secured a lease in the area, as well as several others throughout the state, including Woodland Hills, Studio City, Orange; and is actively scouting for locations in New York, Chicago, and Philadelphia. The leases allow Amazon flexibility in the design of the new stores, The Wall Street Journal reported, with permission to make changes to the facade, electrical system, light fixtures, fire sprinklers, and an expansive kitchen.

However, according to The Mercury News, Amazon has been quickly moving forward with the Irvine location, recently applying for a liquor license, though the retailer would not comment on the development of the site.

What will be the next step in Amazon Fresh’s planned expansions? And will this commitment to a fresh-focused store create more opportunities for suppliers in the area? Keep reading AndNowUKnow for more updates

Amazon

GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Back in August, Meijer announced that it would open a new, smaller format store called Woodward Corner Market. Set to open in Royal Oak, Michigan, the new format was touted as having a focus on fresh, local, and convenient foods. The company recently made an update to that report, claiming that the new store has officially opened, measuring up to its rumored 41,000 square feet.

"At Meijer, we are committed to being a good neighbor," Executive Chairman Hank Meijer said. "We are excited to join the innovative Woodward Corners by Beaumont commercial development and share our newest fresh market with the community."

According to a press release, this is the first small format store opened by Meijer in the Metro Detroit area. In addition to a fresher focus on food, the new store will only offer sustainable bag alternatives that are made to be reused up to 125 times.

"We've been looking forward to offering our new, local grocery store for quite some time," Store Manager Natalie Rubino said. "Woodward Corner Market is unique, and our team has been hard at work to ensure we have the best products on our shelves to meet the community's needs."

The market's first day of business featured a ribbon-cutting event with comments from Rubino, Meijer, Royal Oak City Commissioner Patricia Paruch, and Beaumont Health Chief Operating Officer Carolyn Wilson. The market also demonstrated its commitment to the community by awarding $5,000 donations to three community organizations: Yad Ezra, Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, and the Royal Oak Youth Assistance.

The store offers a wide assortment of fresh and prepared foods, as well as an expansive international food aisle with eight ethnic backgrounds, including Middle Eastern, kosher, Hispanic, European, and Asian foods. Featuring open-air elements with 25-foot ceilings and a pedestrian-friendly design, the Woodward store also has an outdoor fresh produce and floral area to operate in warmer months. It is the largest tenant in the Woodward Corners by Beaumont commercial development.

"We knew it was important to have a grocery store in this development for our patients, families, staff, and, of course, our neighbors. We were impressed by this neighborhood market concept. We love that Meijer has committed to filling its shelves with local fresh and healthy products. That local connection was so important to us," Wilson commented.

Where will Meijer’s small concept be touching down next? Follow along with us at AndNowUKnow as we report on the latest.

Meijer

WASHINGTON, DC - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) previously announced it had imposed sanctions on Texas produce company, RR & Tequila Limes LLC, under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) for unpaid produce transactions. The company has now satisfied a reparation order in the amount of $11,600 issued under PACA, and the sanctions imposed on RR & Tequila Limes LLC have been lifted.

Direct from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service:

The McAllen, Texas, company has met its obligations and is now free to operate in the produce industry. Victor Rivera was listed as a member 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 a reparation order being issued that requires damages to be paid by those not meeting their contractual obligations in buying and selling fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables. The USDA is required to suspend the license on a 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, the USDA lifts the employment restrictions of the previously named, responsibly connected individuals.

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, the 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 further information, contacts, and to read the press release in its entirety, please check out the link here.

USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service

OXNARD, CA - Sustainability is no longer a buzzword in the fresh produce industry. Instead, it’s a crucial part of growers’ way of life and retail and foodservice operators’ way of business. For the industry, this ensures that there is a community of growers, buyers, and sellers of fresh produce for years to come. For Gills Onions, this encourages its team to constantly learn and evolve in ways that will preserve the earth and its health for many years down the road.

“Our commitment to sustainability is more than a decade old now. But one thing we’ve realized is if you think you are 100 percent sustainable, well, you’ve missed the whole point,” Megan Jacobsen, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, told me. “There needs to be a continual conversation about sustainable practices. For Gills Onions, our sustainability story starts before the seed even reaches the ground.”

Gills Onions has undergone a multitude of initiatives to ensure its operations as a whole are sustainable. This has included implementing regenerative agriculture practices—which Whole Foods Market predicted would trend in 2020.

“How growers treat the soil is very important. When we feed our bodies fresh fruit and vegetables, we’re less likely to get sick—and the same thing goes for the soil. When you’re feeding the soil the right nutrients at the right time, you grow a really strong plant, the likelihood of root growth accumulates, and you have more healthy plants that are robust and reliable,” Megan explained. “In addition, healthy soil helps water and land conservation programs. We’re aiming to grow more onions on less land, with robust root systems helping us use less water, as well.”

A highlight of Gills Onions sustainability program is Onion Power. The company's plant can process up to a million pounds of raw onions each day, creating an average of 150 tons of onion waste. In collaboration with innovators across the United States, including UC Davis, Gills Onions developed and launched the Advanced Energy Recovery System (AERS) in 2009, which converts onion waste into ultra-clean, virtually emissions-free electricity. The AERS provides the equivalent of enough power to supply 460 homes for an entire year. It also eliminates 14,500 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions each year.

“Each day at Gills Onions, we are learning more about sustainable ag practices and how we can protect the environment. By nurturing the land where our farmers grow our onions and conserving our resources, Gills is able to consistently produce onions of the highest quality without compromising valuable resources,” Megan added.

And, these days, you can’t have too long of a conversation about sustainability without solar popping up—another sustainable solution Gills Onions has incorporated into its operations.

As more growers follow in the footsteps of Gills Onions, AndNowUKnow will continue to report on the produce’s biggest sustainability pioneers.

Gills Onions