SALINAS, CA - 2020 is almost upon us! What better way to ring in the new year than by enjoying a handful (or more!) of delicious blubes? The berries are known for packing a huge amount of antioxidants and nutrients in a tiny package, and are loved by many as not only delicious but versatile too in a variety of uses. So, in honor of this humble fruit, the year 2020 will henceforth be known as the Year of the Blueberry, and Naturipe Farms, a leading purveyor of blueberries, is excited to wish a “Happy Blue Year” to all.

“We’ve celebrated blueberry’s color and flavor since we began growing blueberries over 85 years ago, so you can imagine our excitement when we saw that the blueberry was finally getting the attention it deserves,” said CarrieAnn Arias, Vice President of Marketing. “We’re excited to amplify the blueberry’s classic blue palate and taste that we’ve always known and loved.”

Naturipe’s Blue Year kicked off with a New Year’s countdown on December 27 on its Instagram account, leading up to a big announcement—which is set to come in early January. According to the press release, the Year of the Blueberry is supported by two recent announcements: Pantone’s “Classic Blue” as 2020’s Color of the Year and Firmenich’s “Classic Blueberry” as 2020’s flavor of the year.

“We couldn’t agree more with Firmenich’s description of the blueberry as ‘timeless and enduring,’ and consumers certainly feel the same way. Blueberries have so much versatility, nutritional benefits, and burst of flavor,” said Arias. “We’ve seen an increase in blueberry consumption in recent years and with growers across the world, we produce quality blueberries for consumers year-round to support this increase in demand.”

Pop some clamshells instead of champagne tonight to get a jumpstart on the new year! Keep reading ANUK as we bring you more fruity news.

Naturipe Farms

NEW KENSINGTON, PA - In the 42^nd Annual Label Awards Competition, Yereic Label took home not one, not two, but five 1^st place awards alongside a Best in Class award. The solutions provider certainly knows how to end 2019 on a high note.

“Winning Best in Class is an extraordinary honor in the print industry,” said President, Art Yerecic, in a recent press release. “The Explore the Flavors of Chef Curtis Stone label showcased how quality printing can entice, inform, and inspire shoppers.”

The company submitted five entries in the contest, and every single one received first place recognition. The Explore the Flavors of Chef Curtis Stone label took first place in the Coupon or Expanded Information Label category along with Best in Class for the Extended Categories. Yerecic’s Veal Summer Grilling label took first place in the In-Store Promotion category.

“For over 15 years, Yerecic Label has diligently worked on becoming one of the best printers for multi-layer labels,” said Marketing Director Kristin Yerecic Scott. “It is incredible to see our Easy Fresh Cooking^® program recognized for its technical difficulty and high quality.”

The final three 1^st place winners were all in Digital categories, a new venture for Yerecic Label. The press release noted that, alongside digital print expansion, Yerecic accomplished another first by taking home the first wine label recognized in a national award competition. The company won first place awards for the front and back label for Triumph by 1849 Wine Company in the Digital Ink Jet, Wine & Spirits, Color Process – Prime and Non-Prime categories. The Delallo Martini Collection label, featuring an image of olives in a martini glass, won first place in the Digital Ink Jet, Pressure Sensitive, Color Process – Prime category.

“To be recognized with three first place awards in the digital printing categories is an incredible accomplishment since Yerecic Label installed our first digital press in 2018,” said Vice President of Production, Brian Hurst. “Our Domino Domino N610i and ABG Digicon 3 truly print award-winning labels.”

Congratulations to Yerecic Label on this stunning achievement! Here’s to more 2020 wins!

Yerecic Label

CAMDEN, NJ - Cold supply chain solutions provider, NFI Industries (NFI), recently announced its completed acquisition of G&P Trucking Company (G&P). Based in the Southeast, G&P is a logistics provider specializing in asset-based transportation, port drayage, and non-asset brokerage solutions. This acquisition will serve to expand NFI’s footprint in the Southeast, while strengthening its asset and non-asset solutions.

“G&P is a well-respected, family-owned transportation company with a deep-rooted history, and our shared values of family and integrity create a perfect cultural fit,” said Sid Brown, CEO of NFI. “Unifying the talents of both NFI and G&P teams, we are excited to bring even greater value to our customers through our robust suite of solutions. Together, our combined footprint will distinguish us as one of the largest dedicated transportation providers in North America.”

Headquartered in Columbia, South Carolina, G&P has more than 83 years of experience in offering transportation services for customers across its 14 locations, according to a press release. NFI’s expanded presence in the Southeast increases the company’s footprint to over 300 locations throughout North America and more than 12,600 employees. The acquisition will also serve to enhance NFI’s industry expertise in diverse industries such as retail, automotive, tires, and textiles.

“Powered by the same philosophies as G&P, NFI will allow for greater opportunities for our employees, partners, and customers,” said Clifton Parker, President and General Manager of G&P. “We look forward to the future and are eager to continue our growth and success with NFI.”

NFI’s drayage presence will expand to include G&P-operated ports in Savannah, Norfolk, and Charleston, and with G&P’s 120 owner-operator partnerships, NFI’s drayage fleet will grow to include more than 1,500 tractors. The company’s expanded drayage presence will cover major ports, terminals, and logistics hubs across the U.S., allowing NFI to offer its customers a full suite of supply chain solutions that includes transloading, consolidation, deconsolidation, and customs exams. The acquisition will also enhance NFI’s brokerage service offerings.

With the recent acquisition, NFI’s asset-based transportation fleet, predominantly providing dedicated contract carriage solutions, will grow to more than 3,000 tractors and 12,500 trailers. G&P’s asset-based transportation solutions include dedicated, regional, long-haul, and Mexico border crossing, and with this acquisition, NFI’s asset-based fleet will be operated by 2,700 company drivers and utilize the services of 400 owner operators.

For more news on industry acquisitions, keep reading AndNowUKnow.

NFI Industries

LADY LAKE, FL - Now that 2019 is closing its final chapter, retailers are looking ahead to 2020. Although Earth Fare has announced that it is backing out of the Indianapolis market, this seemingly opened up new opportunities for the grocer to expand elsewhere. According to news source, Village-News.com, the organic retailer is on track to open its newest location in Lady Lake, Florida.

This new location follows a flood of new Earth Fare locations announced in October of this year. At the time, CEO Frank Scorpiniti declared that the retailer had ample opportunity to double its presence in Florida.

This new store is set to open in 2020, although exact dates have not been announced.

Will Earth Fare begin a store-opening frenzy? Is it prepped to find additional stores in new markets? 2020 is looking bright, and AndNowUKnow will continue to report on all things affecting the retail landscape.

Earth Fare

WATSONVILLE, CA - Sweet, sweet vitamin D. It’s often associated with that big boiling star in the sky, but otherwise, sources of this immune booster are few and far between. But we’ve got friends in high places, because according to Monterey Mushrooms^®, mushrooms are one of the only fruits or vegetables that naturally contains vitamin D. Working on nine farms across North America to provide fresh, locally-grown mushrooms to grocery stores, restaurants, food manufacturers, and institutions, the company has developed an innovative method to enhance its products with even more natural vitamin D.

“Vitamin D is critical to overall health and is a major contributor to the immune system,” said Lindsey Occhipinti, Marketing Manager. “Now, through exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, Monterey Mushrooms can naturally increase the stable level of vitamin D within mushrooms to well above 50 percent of the FDA’s recommended daily value.”

Lindsey continued, explaining that there are two types of natural vitamin D: vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) found in mushrooms; and vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) from animal sources. Monterey Mushrooms exposes its products to a precise wavelength of UV light, converting the naturally-occuring previtamin D into vitamin D2. This photochemical process is similar to the process by which vitamin D3 is produced in human skin. This process is controlled with a specific time and intensity of light exposure in order to obtain ideal levels of vitamin D2 in the mushrooms.

“Unfortunately, dietary sources of vitamin D are limited to certain types of fish, animal livers, eggs, and fortified foods,” noted Lindsey. “Mushrooms are the only fruit or vegetable that naturally contains vitamin D. Until now, that has been at very low levels of less than 2 percent of the daily value per serving.”

Mushrooms specially labeled as being high in vitamin D are the only mushrooms that contain a significant level of vitamin D. Monterey Mushrooms’ high in vitamin D products are available to customers nationwide in 8-ounce and 16-ounce packages of sliced whites, sliced baby bellas, and whole portabella caps.

For those looking to bolster their produce aisle with a boost of vitamin D this flu season, be sure to check out Monterey Mushrooms’ line of vitamin D-enhanced products. Keep a tab open for us at AndNowUKnow as we uncover the most innovative initiatives in produce.

Monterey Mushrooms

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL - What would the world be without bananas? The yellow berry (yes! They are!) is as ubiquitous as an iPhone and can be used for a two-ingredient pancake or the base of a nutty banana bread. Chiquita Brands International, one of the world’s leading banana companies, understands the popularity and demand, so what better way to provide more b-a-n-a-n-a-s news than with a new business-to-business website?

“With this new website, we are aiming to ensure that the user experience is consistently improved and optimized to enable our customers to meet constantly changing consumer needs,” said Jamie Postell, Director of Sales North America. “The website showcases Chiquita’s signature bold, fun style while ensuring that the necessary information to ensure store success is readily available.”

The website will offer relevant resources and content to help grow the banana category in partnership with Chiquita, including a product and services catalogue, details of quality standards, and category leadership material with white papers available on best practices, sustainability initiatives, and more. According to the press release, customers and sales teams will have access to all the information needed to present and sell Chiquita’s iconic products. Additionally, the site offers a restricted access section that requires a login for specific stakeholders seeking out sensitive information such as Chiquita’s online training certification, the full display catalog and the shopper marketing solution and promotional details.

The following portals will be available:

• Products catalog
• Services catalog
• Quality standards
• Category leadership
• Best practices
• Sustainability
• News, fairs, events

Quite a-peal-ing, is it not? For more fruity news in the fresh produce sector, keep an eye on AndNowUKnow.

Chiquita

UNITED STATES - As our holiday dinners settle in our bellies, a storm is brewing that could impact the entire country. Weather experts are reporting a cross-country weather system that is anticipated to spread throughout California, starting Christmas Day, and move through the Rockies, Plains, Midwest, and Northeast, bringing with it heavy rains, snow, ice, and thunderstorms.

According to The Weather Channel, Southern California is set to receive another bout of heavy rains starting on Christmas and persisting through Thursday. Most of San Diego County and the Los Angeles Basin are expected to receive about an inch of rain, which has the potential to trigger some flooding in areas like freeways and ramps, and may contain some debris flows in areas recently affected by wildfires. The news source also reports that winter storm watches have been posted by the National Weather Service over some of the Southland mountains, including Big Bear Lake, where over a foot of snow is predicted for regions over 3,500 feet in elevation throughout Thursday night.

The Rocky Mountains, including parts of Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico, and the adjacent Plains region are expected to receive snow as well, which is anticipated to fall starting Thursday and Friday, and continuing through early Saturday at least. The Weather Channel predicts as many as six-plus inches of snow, but is not sure how quickly the snow will exit the region.

Moisture from the storm system will move into the Plains and Midwest on Friday night, continuing into Saturday, overlapping with some slightly cold air, creating areas with freezing rain, sleet, or snow. This precipitation may stick around in the Midwest through Sunday, and from there could potentially spread into the Northeast. Forecasts predict that the Interstate 95 Boston to Washington corridor may see rain, but likely no snow or ice. Even the Southern Plains, mid and lower Mississippi Valleys, may see heavy rain and thunderstorms.

However, despite the doom-and-gloom forecast, The Weather Channel predicts the winter storm system to be more of a nuisance than a danger. According to the news source, only a marginally cold air mass appears to be in place east of the Rocky Mountains, and the jet stream is expected to weaken in the Plains and East before being caught in a northern-stream jet disturbance and quickly sweeping east.

For more news on crop- and transportation-impacting weather, keep reading AndNowUKnow.

LOVELAND, CO - Because greenhouse growing is up-and-coming in the U.S., industry leaders in this sector have the ability to leave a widespread impact. Dave Fahrenbruch is one of such leaders, having spent 26 years with Sun Valley Farms (SVF)—which was acquired by Houweling's Group in 2015. Fahrenbruch recently announced his retirement, which leaves a hole in the sector that’s been full since 1993.

He began as the Vice President of Sales and Marketing with Colorado Greenhouse, which put him in charge of over 260 acres of production in Colorado, New Mexico, and Mexico. He left after six years and co-founded SunBlest Farms, a niche 12-acre greenhouse operation in Payton, Colorado, and stewarded the company’s expansion by acquiring most of the Colorado Greenhouse’s assets from bankruptcy protection, growing SunBlest to 194 acres.

“I’ve spent 23 years working with Dave and couldn’t have had a better mentor to work with throughout my career. His passion for detail and never-ending desire to be the best was his trademark and he wouldn’t accept anything less,” said Craig Olson, Vice President of Sales at SVF. “Dave’s ability to adapt to an industry that has changed immensely over the course of two decades and build a successful company with high-level retail partners is nothing less than a gold medal achievement in my books. I will miss seeing him every day in the office, beyond our excellent working relationship over the years, I’m proud to call him my best friend.”

Following his time at SunBlest, Fahrenbruch then shifted gears from growing operations to greenhouse marketing, starting Sun Valley Farms. By 2007, SVF marketed for 170 acres of greenhouse operations in Arizona, Colorado, Nebraska, New York, Virginia, and Mexico. At the time, the company was listed as the 5^th largest greenhouse producer in the U.S. As the industry shifted and the smaller greenhouses were acquired and consolidated by larger industry players, Fahrenbruch revised his model and began working with large greenhouse producers in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico to sustain SVF’s position in the industry and meet its retail customers’ demands.

When SVF was acquired by Houweling’s Group, Fahrenbruch stayed on as the CEO until his retirement this month. Craig Olson will follow in his mentor’s footsteps as he has been named General Manager of Houweling’s Colorado.

Having counted Fahrenbruch as a competitor, customer, and colleague over his career, Houweling’s Group CEO Kevin Doran shared, “Dave is a formidable entrepreneur and leader who has contributed greatly to our business, he will most certainly be missed. He leaves behind a great team in Loveland, Colorado, and with the leadership going forward of Craig Olson, the successes are sure to continue.”

In retirement, Fahrenbruch will have the opportunity to spend more time with his wife Deidra, daughters Shallyn, Kaelyn, Ashlyn, and step-son Denton, while continuing to foster his passion for classic cars and motorcycles.

We at ANUK wish Dave Fahrenbruch the best of luck in this next chapter of life. Stick with us for more of the latest news in produce.

Houweling's Group

LOS ANGELES, CA - Growing up, Smart & Final was always my place to go for gigantic bags of soda and small containers of mini butterscotch cookies. And now, the people of Los Angeles get to feel my wonder at the grocery warehouse store because come January 8, Smart & Final will open its doors at Jordan Downs Plaza.

“We’re proud to be providing jobs and bringing convenient and easy access to fresh and healthy foods to this neighborhood,” said Aldo Duran, Store Manager of the new Smart & Final location. “We’re excited to be part of the redevelopment of Jordan Downs, and we’re looking forward to serving the community for many years to come.”

The brand-new grocery store is a vital part of the redevelopment of Jordan Downs, according to a press release. In an area that has faced the challenge of convenient access to nutritious food, the new store will not only provide employment opportunities in the community, but will establish easier accessibility to fresh, organic, and quality foods—the top three things for us here at ANUK.

Located at 9850 S. Laurel St., the 31,000-square-foot Smart & Final Extra! will provide shoppers with fresh produce, organics, frozen and packaged grocery items, as well as personal care and household products. The new store will create 50 full- and part-time job opportunities.

“The Los Angeles South Chamber of Commerce welcomes Smart & Final to the community, and we are excited about our new partnership to help build and sustain our local economy,” said L.A. South Chamber President Dexter McLeod. “South Los Angeles, particularly Watts, has a high rate of unemployment, wealth disparity, and food insecurity. By providing local jobs, healthy food options, and community outreach programs, Smart & Final will be a beacon of hope in the community.”

Store features will include:

• Organic offerings from Smart & Final’s Sun Harvest® brand
• Wide assortment of fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables, as well as a fully stocked deli department
• Goods tailored to business and household customers like paper products, assortment of beverages and snacks, as well as cleaning supplies
• Extensive variety of both household and club-sized products without requiring a membership
• Floral department
• Online delivery in two hours or less

For more retail news, keep reading ANUK.

Smart & Final

PLEASANT PRAIRIE, WI - Good Foods is getting into the holiday spirit in the very best way: The plant-based dip provider just donated $65,000 to the No Kid Hungry campaign to help end childhood hunger in America. Not only is Good Foods’ giving heart a perfect example of the produce industry’s generosity, it is also a key part of the company’s charitable mission, which aims to educate communities on fresh, better-for-you food and empower students with a passion for food to promote the growth of safe foods.

“We are so honored to make this donation toward the No Kid Hungry campaign,” said Kurt Penn, Founder and CEO. “Both Good Foods and No Kid Hungry share a dedication to bring communities together around food, and we are extremely proud of this campaign partnership.”

Throughout the months of October and November, Good Foods partnered with the University of Wisconsin’s football team to “Sack Hunger” and raise money to support No Kid Hungry, according to a press release. As a result, each time the opposing team's quarterback was tackled by the Badger’s defense on their home turf, a $1,000 donation was made to No Kid Hungry—and, by the end of the season, the donations amounted to over $65,000.

“This campaign was such a great opportunity to partner with our very own Wisconsin Badgers football team while being able to make a difference and give back to a cause near and dear to our hearts,” said Danyel O’Connor, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “Knowing that each sack put us one step closer to giving more dollars toward ending childhood hunger in America gave us even more of a reason to cheer on the Badger defense.”

Good Foods’ season of giving extends as far back as September, during which the plant-based company donated 10 cents for each branded deli cup sold as well as provided a QR code to educate shoppers on childhood hunger in America. This initiative ultimately made up about 75 percent of the total donation to No Kid Hungry, as noted in the press release.

Merry Christmas, produce fam—may your holiday season be as giving and bright as all of you!

Good Foods