MONTEREY, CA - The year has only just started, but the calendar is already filling up with events and shows to bring leaders of the produce world together. Come July, the fifth annual Organic Produce Summit is set to take place in Monterey, California. The lineup for this year’s festivities already looks to be an event to remember.

First up on the itinerary is the educational seminar featuring Steve Lutz, Senior Vice President of Insights and Innovation for Category Partners, and Laura Batcha, Organic Trade Association’s President. Tonya Antle, Co-Founder of the Organic Produce Network, will be moderating the Organic Fresh Produce Sales Data and Analysis session.

Lutz will update OPS attendees on the latest organic retail sales data, analysis, and trends while providing an overview of increased sales opportunities.

“How are consumers aligning their increased demand for organic fresh produce into actual purchases at the store? What are the key purchase barriers and ways to convert potential customers into consistent buyers? We will explore the trends and opportunities that lie ahead for all OPS attendees,” Lutz said.

Organic Trade Association’s President Laura Batcha will also be discussing research done in conjunction with the Natural Marketing Institute (NMI) on messaging to organic customers. She will also be touching on the development of a toolkit for organic industry members to use based on the findings of the research.

“As organic fresh produce sales continue to grow and outpace conventional produce sales, there is outstanding information and data to be shared among OPS attendees on where opportunities for further growth lie, as well as areas where new customer acquisition can come from,” said Antle.

The fifth annual OPS's exhibition space is already sold out, according to a press release. This year, 152 of North America’s organic fresh produce growers, shippers, and processors exhibiting their products to over 250 retailers and buyers. Field tours at several of the nation’s leading organic producers are also available for qualified retailers and wholesalers at OPS. sweetgreen’s Co-Founders Nicolas Jammet and Jonathan Neman will be one of three keynote presenters this year along with a host of educational seminars.

Among other educational sessions on tap for OPS 2020 are:

• Obstacles and Opportunities for Organic in Foodservice
• Is Regenerative the “New” Organic?
• How Do Independent Retailers Handle Organic?

The announcement of the first educational session announcement is part of six breakout educational sessions for OPS attendees. For more information on how to attend, click here.

Keep checking back to AndNowUKnow for more updates as the event draws nearer.

Organic Produce Summit

VANCOUVER, CANADA - As the weather stateside spreads a chill, the Southern Hemisphere is heating up, and in this ideal winter growing region, import programs are well underway. Oppy is one company grabbing hold of southern growing opportunities as a way to follow up to an excellent domestic season.

“We are coming off a California season which featured very good demand in the autumn months and we’re hoping this will transition into the import season,” Director of Import Grapes and Stonefruit, Bill Poulos, commented. “Because Oppy has an increased number of new varieties, more than ever before, with a better eating and size profile from South America, we are optimistic that these excellent grapes will be leaving store shelves in good volumes all winter and spring.”

This is the time of year when many growers and retailers are transitioning from domestic table grapes to imported grapes—often from South America. Oppy follows the same pattern, and with its extensive and long-standing connection with South America, the company has positioned itself as one of the top importers of Peruvian and Chilean table grapes in the world. Diversity of growing regions is key, and while Chile is facing a drought that could impact crops, Oppy has an extensive presence in the rest of the Southern Hemisphere that can fill the gaps.

While its operations in Peru and Chile are its primary source of table grapes—accounting for 98-percent of Oppy’s Southern Hemisphere volume—the distributor also grows and imports grapes from Brazil and South Africa.

“Currently we have grapes from Brazil and South Africa en route and although they are smaller than Oppy’s more established programs from Peru and Chile, they do equip us with a distinct differentiation,” Bill stated. “Indeed, having this diversity in sources provides us with a resilience that empowers Oppy to weather fluctuations in the market and is something that we are looking to increasingly build and develop into the future.”

The ample volume of fruit imported from Peru has given retailers an alternative choice during the winter months of December, January, and February—a time when table grapes have traditionally been in short supply. The evolution in the grape category has added to the surge in supply, as new varieties offer better yield and size. The entire foundation of how the table grape category is marketed is being rewritten as a result of the significant change in product mix. In response, Oppy has changed its SKUs from traditional to newer varieties, emphasizing the larger and sweeter grapes that consumers demand.

“Oppy offers a wide range of table grape varieties that mirror the overall trend in the industry, most notably we are transitioning out of older varieties into a different direction based on the ever-changing needs of the consumer,” Bill told me. “We are seeing a transition from seedless grapes into more premium varieties that have higher brix levels. The sizing of the grapes is also much larger than the varieties that they are replacing.”

This season, for the first time, Oppy is marketing several new SunWorld Innovations varieties, including Sables, Midnight Beauty, Scarlotta, and AUTUMNCRISP®. Oppy also provides other new varieties, including Sweet Celebrations, Timco, Jack’s Salute, Flame, and many more. Refining its product mix based on the needs and demands of its customers is of chief importance to Oppy, and its insightful marketing strategies help retailers make the most of the booming category.

“There will be opportunities in February and March for both red and green ads when timed with certain occasions, such as Valentine’s Day, for example,” Bill explained. “We do feel that April, as it has been for the last several years, will continue to be an excellent opportunity to run promotions on new varieties of reds from Chile.”

What does the future hold for the table grape category? Keep reading AndNowUKnow to find out.

Oppy

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - C.H. Robinson has honed in on strategic growth opportunities of late, initially by bringing on a new Chief Financial Officer in August and a new President for Robinson Fresh in December. With its most recent announcement, the logistics company will advance its expansion from a different angle, acquiring the major distribution company Prime Distribution Services from Roadrunner Transportation. The agreement is subject to certain customary closing conditions, including regulatory approval.

“Prime Distribution Services is a high-quality growth company that brings scale and value-added warehouse capabilities to our retail consolidation platform, adding to our global suite of services,” said Bob Biesterfeld, C.H. Robinson Chief Executive Officer. “Prime has an outstanding track record of success, a talented and experienced team, and a focus on delivering great value to its customers and carriers.”

According to a press release, Prime had $108.7 million in total revenues for the fiscal year 2019, and C.H. Robinson intends to purchase Prime for approximately $225 million in cash. The acquisition is expected to be slightly gradual in 2020 and will be financed through cash on-hand and funds drawn from C.H. Robinson’s existing credit facilities.

“Prime Distribution brings capabilities and synergies to our North American Surface Transportation business and allows us to provide a strategic advantage for our customers delivering to retailers,” said Mac Pinkerton, President of North American Surface Transportation of C.H. Robinson. “We are excited to welcome the talented team at Prime to C.H. Robinson, and we will work hard to create even more value for our combined set of employees, customers, and carriers.”

Prime Distribution Services provides a comprehensive suite of retail consolidation solutions, including distribution, fulfillment, and inventory management, and currently operates as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Roadrunner Transportation. Founded in 1990 and headquartered in Plainfield, Indiana, Prime employs approximately 270 people and has five fulfillment and distribution facilities totaling approximately 2.6 million square feet across the U.S., currently serving approximately 140 customers.

“In joining C.H. Robinson, Prime begins an exciting new chapter,” said Bill Vechiarella, President of Prime Distribution Services. “We believe this combination will position us well to continue to provide excellent service to our customers and foster growth by leveraging C.H. Robinson’s scale, expertise, and core service offerings.”

Once the deal closes, C.H. Robinson will integrate Prime Distribution Services into its North American Surface Transportation division and single global, multimodal technology platform, Navisphere®.

To see how C.H. Robinson continues to grow in 2020, stick around for reports from AndNowUKnow.

C.H. Robinson

ENGLAND AND SPAIN - While it certainly has not abandoned its stateside expansion plans, Lidl is adding extra momentum to its growth in Europe. The grocer recently invested in a slew of new projects, including its first zero-emission store, a massive $110 million-dollar facility in Ireland, and plans to open dozens of new stores in France. Now, Lidl has set its sights on strategic expansion in England and Spain—opening 55 new stores in the former, and erecting the Mediterranean’s largest logistics center.

"As part of ongoing national expansion plans, our dedicated property teams are working hard to identify suitable locations across England, Scotland, and Wales,” a Lidl spokesperson commented to SurreyLive. "This is for both new stores where there is demand for a Lidl, and existing stores that we would like to remodel for customers, which may require a relocation to do so.”

The grocer has selected Surrey and Hampshire in England as regions where it plans to build the 55 new stores, looking to establish a stronger presence in the market in those areas. Lidl is still somewhat flexible on the selection of locations, and is looking for cities and towns with the infrastructure to support a new grocery store, including access to parking and/or public transportation and size requirements, among others listed on Lidl’s website.

Elsewhere in Europe, Lidl has targeted Spain as a new source of growth, and its latest facility will serve to establish new infrastructure that can support further expansion. The grocer’s new logistics center is said to be Lidl’s most advanced, sustainable, and strategic logistics facilities in the region, according to CdeComunicación, Logística. The news source reports that Lidl invested over $60 million (55 million euros) in the new facility. Spanning 51,000 square feet, the logistics center will dedicate nearly a third of its space for cold storage. The facility has the capacity for more than 30,000 pallets and has 140 unloading docks.

Where in Europe will Lidl target next? Keep reading AndNowUKnow.

Lidl

SANTA MARIA, CA - Rice, pizza crust, bagels, and more—is there a carb out there that cauliflower can’t replace? Aside from serving as a crunchy, tasty snack all by itself, cauliflower has taken hold among consumers as an enormously versatile veggie, and the forward momentum of the cauli-train won’t be slowing down anytime soon. With demand at an all-time high, the supply-side has its work cut out for itself to satiate consumer cravings. As cauliflower expert Gold Coast Packing continues its year-round growing operations, Crystal Chavez, Marketing Coordinator, detailed the ins and outs that come with this exciting category. And even though the grower experienced some rough waters early on, there is expected to be smooth sailing ahead.

“This year we have had slight issues with cauliflower due to early rainfall. We got wet weather in Santa Maria earlier than we did last year, and that caused some issues with harvesting and with our planting schedules. Due to the delays, we will see some gaps in our spring harvest,” Crystal shared with me.

While Gold Coast grows cauliflower year-round, at the moment, it is harvesting and planting the vegetable in the grower’s Santa Maria fields—where Gold Coast grows 100 percent of its cauliflower. At the moment, the market is a little tight and supply is light, but in a category experiencing an increase in both price and demand, Gold Coast is ready to meet and exceed the demands of its customers, with heavier volumes in the next few weeks.

Suppliers can expect the popularity of cauliflower to continue, because it is a tasty vegetable option that has endless uses. And if there’s one thing consumers love, it’s versatility.

“Cauliflower is still a very on-trend vegetable,” Crystal said. “Some believe that cauliflower has had its time in the spotlight, but it is here to stay! Innovation is helping bring new presentations for cauliflower from carb substitutes to a center of the plate favorite.”

For more news on the hottest categories spicing up the produce aisle, keep reading AndNowUKnow.

Gold Coast Packing

WASHINGTON, DC - In October 2019, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that it had imposed sanctions on Academy Fruit Company as part of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA). As the company has now satisfied a reparation order in the amount of $104,195 issued under PACA, the sanctions imposed on Academy Fruit Company have been lifted.

Direct from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service:

The Clovis, California, company can continue operating in the produce industry upon applying for and being issued a PACA license. Jayson Paul Scarborough 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 the 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. The 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, the USDA lifts the employment restrictions of the previously named, responsibly connected individuals. The 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, 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

WASHINGTON, DC - We’ve been diligently reporting on the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA), following in the footsteps of key players like Randy Giumarra who have taken to Washington DC to see the events unfold in real time. Another boots-on-the-ground report has surfaced from Tom Stenzel, United Fresh Produce Association’s President and CEO.

“As I attended the signing ceremony this morning at the White House, I was reminded that finalizing this agreement has not been easy or without controversy, but is based on compromise and consensus across many views,” Stenzel remarked in a statement. “Passing a bipartisan trade agreement in 2020 with the United States’ two largest trading partners is a critically important trade policy development. The results show that Republicans and Democrats can compromise when it is in the best interest of the country. And, by modernizing and building upon the NAFTA agreement, our three countries have shown a commitment to free and fair trade that provides certainty to companies doing business across our borders.”

Stenzel commented on potential issues within ag communities, and particularly how this agreement may affect fresh produce companies.

“The agreement does not make everyone universally happy. Are there competitive issues in produce that won’t go away? You bet! But USMCA demonstrates a commitment to consumers in all three countries to allow our free enterprise system to work its magic, providing access to goods and services that consumers want,” he said. “We do not want artificial trade barriers that government installs, nor tariffs and regulations that skew the balance between market demand and market supply. USMCA provides a clear roadmap that brings certainty to growers, buyers, and consumers across our supply chain. Is there still a need for government oversight? Of course. No one approves of giving unfair advantages, whether in subsidizing one competitor or protecting another. Signing USMCA is not the end of trade disputes whether in auto manufacturing, timber, or produce—it is the clarification of the rules so all players know the game, with an expectation that all will abide by those rules.”

Stenzel concluded by reflecting on United Fresh’s role in the coming months, and where he sees the future of fresh produce headed.

“I personally appreciate the role that the United Fresh Board of Directors played in carefully examining all views and reaching its own consensus positions. Their leadership enabled us to speak clearly about this process over the past several years, whether to the industry, or to the Mexican, Canadian, and U.S. governments,” Stenzel commented. “Despite the challenges in finding consensus on trade policy, imports and exports are critical to both producers and consumers in all three countries. We now have an agreement that will serve producers and consumers in all three markets, as well as allied trading partners across the globe. The future of our industry in North America is bright.”

Keep reading AndNowUKnow as we cover the latest in all trade news.

United Fresh Produce Association

ANAHEIM, CA - As consumer trends continue to build, we’re seeing more often that fresh produce is making its way into other departments of the grocery store. Companies from all different categories are using their grower power in order to bring better products to market. AYO Almondmilk Yogurt is one of such companies, tapping the Billings family’s organic almonds to create its non-GMO certified collection of naturally-flavored AYO Almond Yogurt. The company will show out at the Fresh Ideas Organic Marketplace at the New Products Showcase as well as booth #F115 on March 4 from 11am-4pm in Anaheim, California.

“AYO Almondmilk Yogurt truly is nature’s perfect treat,” explains company Founder and fourth-generation Farmer Matt Billings. “Each batch is made with care from clean ingredients that nourish the body and feed the soul.”

This on-the-go snack boasts 20 sustainably-harvested organic almonds in every single-serve cup, proudly nurtured from seed to spoon by fourth-generation family farmers in California’s San Joaquin Valley. AYO yogurt features rich, hearty flavors such as all-natural vanilla, strawberry, blueberry, and peach almond yogurt that are vegan and 100-percent dairy and soy free. Achieving balanced nutrition in a way that cares for and sustains the planet is a top priority in 2020. According to a press release, these sun-grown almonds from the Billings family farms are sustainably and organically grown.

AYO Almondmilk Yogurt shines as a low-sugar morning treat, hunger-busting mid-day snack, or post-workout pick-me-up. Carefully harvested, churned, and cultured, AYO products help maintain digestive balance as every spoonful supports nutrition.

Check out AYO’s premium plant-based yogurt at the upcoming Fresh Ideas Organic Marketplace. And, as always, keep checking in with us at ANUK.

AYO Almondmilk Yogurt

BAKERSFIELD, CA - Investing in the future of the fresh produce industry is inevitably good for business, and the Grimm families of Grimmway Farms know this well. Recently, the Board of Trustees of the California State University approved the establishment of the Grimm Family Center for Agricultural Business at CSU Bakersfield, made possible by an endowment created by Barbara Grimm-Marshall and Kari Grimm Anderson that reflects their abiding commitment to the future of the region’s leading industry.

“The Grimm family believes that lives are transformed through education, and that certainly applies to agricultural education,” said Grimm-Marshall. “Ever-evolving technologies and more sophisticated business practices mean that students who wish to pursue a career in agriculture must spend as much time in the classroom as in the field. The center will allow students to work with the best minds in agribusiness today to secure our region’s position as a pioneer and global leader in the industry that has created opportunity and prosperity for so many.”

The $5 million pledge of support for the center is the single largest gift in the 50-year history of the university, as stated in a news release. The gift coincides with the 50th anniversary of family-owned Grimmway Farms and honors the legacy of the company’s founders, Rod and Bob Grimm.

“With this commitment, our family is affirming our belief that agriculture is the economic and cultural cornerstone of our Valley,” Grimm Anderson said. “Kern County has always been a leader in innovative and advanced farming practices. Building on that legacy requires investment in agribusiness education, and we are proud to work with CSU Bakersfield to ensure the center advances knowledge and expertise while honoring the ingenuity of the generations of growers who have made our Valley the envy of the world.”

During its regularly scheduled meeting at the Office of the Chancellor in Long Beach, the Board of Trustees voted unanimously to establish the Grimm Family Center for Agricultural Business at CSU Bakersfield. In remarks at the meeting, President Lynnette Zelezny of CSU Bakersfield said the new center will revolutionize the study of agriculture in the top crop-producing region of the nation.

“The Grimm Family Center for Agricultural Business represents a transformative opportunity for CSU Bakersfield students, our local workforce, economy, and the very future of farming,” President Zelezny said. “With their $5 million, three-year pledge, Barbara and Kari will allow CSU Bakersfield to offer a world-class agribusiness education to thousands of Valley families who have worked the land through the generations, as well as students from all over the country, who will be eager to take advantage of this opportunity, found only at CSUB.”

Grimm-Marshall, Grimm Anderson, Brandon Grimm, and President Zelezny joined CSU Chancellor Timothy P. White at the podium for remarks and the presentation of a resolution honoring the Grimm family’s generous gift.

“What a wonderful legacy for your family,” said Chancellor White, who noted that the Grimms have touched thousands of Kern County families through the power of their philanthropy.

Grimm-Marshall said the gift was the result of a family conversation focused on how to thank the region upon the 50th anniversary of Grimmway Farms.

“We hope, in a small way, that our gift will help the great state of California continue to feed the world with fresh ideas, healthy food, and an abundance of talent.”

The Grimm Family Center for Agricultural Business will offer unprecedented educational opportunities to CSUB’s agribusiness students, who will learn by doing, getting experience directly out in the field, working with experts immersed in the day-to-day enterprise of running successful agribusinesses. Grimm Anderson continued, noting the relationship between her family’s business and the university.

“As our fledgling carrot company grew, so did Cal State Bakersfield,” she said.

The center will create a nexus for conversation and collaboration with the region’s best and brightest agricultural minds and bolster the university’s existing Business School program, led by Dr. Angappa Gunasekaran, dean of the School of Business and Public Administration.

“Agribusiness is an extremely sophisticated and complex world, and change is constant,” Dr. Gunasekaran said. “How to use emerging technologies to advance the industry as well as the regulatory environment that dictates so many day-to-day decisions drive the need for a well-rounded education in this dynamic field.”

The center will be operated by an executive director, who will create a strategic plan, build a regional network of professionals and experts, and oversee the development of curriculum, events and programs, including a lecture series, forums and workshops, professional development, research, and scholarships for students.

“The Grimm family is a pacesetter in the worlds of agriculture and philanthropy,” said CSU Bakersfield Vice President for University Advancement Victor Martin. “To work with such visionary leaders will distinguish the center and attract students from all over who wish to achieve an unparalleled education in agribusiness.”

He continued, “But beyond the Grimms’ reputation in the world of agriculture, there is something more meaningful behind this extraordinary gift. The Grimms are saying to all of the families in our region that farming remains an excellent career as well as a proud tradition that connects us with a way of life that has become a cherished part of our collective heritage.”

The Grimm families and Grimmway Farms have long been dedicated to serving the needs of the community they call home. The Grimm families serve the children of Kern County on a daily basis through two Grimmway Academy charter schools and the Robert A. Grimm Children’s Pavilion for Emergency Services at Memorial Hospital. Additionally, Grimmway Farms has been awarding the Rod and Bob Grimm Memorial Scholarship since 1997, bestowing more than 680 scholarships valued at $1.7 million in tuition support for students who have a parent or guardian employed by Grimmway.

For more heartwarming initiatives taking place across the industry, keep checking in with us at AndNowUKnow.

Grimmway Farms

BENTONVILLE, AR - The biggest game of the year just got a whole heckuva lot bigger with the addition of Walmart to the Super Bowl’s all-star commercial lineup. For the first time ever, Walmart will be airing an ad during the Big Game. This ad—dubbed Famous Visitors—will not only highlight the convenience of the retailer’s Pickup service but will also feature a few celeb partners from some of the biggest intellectual properties in entertainment.

“Famous Visitors brings 12 ‘visitors’ from popular TV shows and movies—and their creative transportation methods—together for the first time ever as they touch down on Earth to conveniently pick up everything they need curbside at Walmart,” Janey Whiteside, EVP and Chief Customer Officer, wrote in a press release. “From Flash Gordon and Buzz Lightyear making their way to Earth to Bill S. Preston, Esq. of Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure arriving to a Walmart parking lot via his iconic telephone booth, these famous visitors all travel long ways—even across the galaxy—to experience the out-of-this-world convenience of Pickup.”

As one of the biggest eating, marketing, and sporting events of the year, it’s no wonder that Walmart pulled out all the stops to make its game-day debut one to remember. While the campaign plays off of one launched last year, Walmart is upping the stakes by including beloved characters from Star Wars, Arrival, Blade Runner, Guardians of the Galaxy, The LEGO Movie, Mars Attacks, Marvin the Martian, Men in Black, and Star Trek.

In addition to the 60-second spot, Walmart is doubling down on its marketing efforts on social media and beyond, with Whiteside teasing new content to come following the Big Game. Each effort is rooted in introducing tens of millions of sports fans and grocery shoppers to the possibility of Walmart Pickup reinventing the shopping experience.

As big-name retailers continue to up the ante of grocery, AndNowUKnow will keep reporting on all the freshest news.

Walmart