BENTONVILLE, AR - If you’ve ever wondered how grocery giants like Walmart, Amazon, and more seem to always be one step ahead of the grocery retail market, you’re not alone. The ANUK team was beginning to think retailers just constantly keep their heads on a swivel to stay ahead of the trends. This week, Walmart let slip one of the key strategies it uses to always be moving forward—and it’s pretty unique in the world of retail.

Every year, Walmart aims to fully remodel 500 of its stores around the country. This includes thousands of special projects geared toward updating its brick-and-mortar shopping experience. In a press release, the retail giant revealed how it accomplishes this feat: teams of full-time associates (dubbed SWAT teams) responsible for receiving and assembling store fixtures and moving and setting merchandise.

“The underlying intent for these positions is for them to be a training and development program that helps to put talent back into stores,” said John Clarke, Vice President of Real Estate, disclosing that the positions were temporary before Walmart realized the teams were a strategic way of retaining its workforce while still gunning full speed ahead with its expansions plans.

Since this program’s inception, more than 1,000 associates have been hired to work on 30-people teams in key urban markets. Now, Walmart plans to hire over 400 more remodel associates in 15 markets early next year, with the goal of finishing 100 remodels in 2020.

As Walmart continues to innovate the inner workings of its operations, how will this keep it ahead of the grocery curve? AndNowUKnow will continue to keep an eye out for intriguing movements in the retail space.

Walmart

FRESNO, CA - The California Fresh Fruit Association (CFFA) recently announced the appointment of Caroline Stringer as its new Director of Trade, effective January 6, 2020.

Having previously served as the Public Affairs Representative at Pacific Gas & Electric and the Senior Specialist on Global, Technical, and Regulatory Affairs for the California Almond Board, Stringer brings a wealth of experience to this new role.

She is a graduate of San Francisco State University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in International Relations. She also earned a Master of Arts in International Trade Policy from the Monterey Institute of International Studies.

“We are very pleased that Caroline has agreed to become a part of the team at CFFA,” stated Randy Giumarra, Chairman of the Board for CFFA and Vice President of Sales at Giumarra Vineyards. “Her personal background and education, as well as her extensive experience working in the area of trade will bring immense value to our membership.”

Ian Lemay, CFFA President, added, “We are extremely fortunate to have Caroline joining the CFFA team. The issues of trade and access into foreign markets is of paramount importance to our membership, possibly now more than ever. Caroline brings an extensive educational and professional background to this position and we are excited to see the work she does on our member’s behalf. We believe that Caroline is a natural fit, along with our current staff, to continue to bring value to CFFA members and to serve the California fresh fruit industry.”

Congratulations to Caroline on this new position!

California Fresh Fruit Association

CALIFORNIA - The Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement (LGMA) is continuing to fight the good fight, with Dr. Oz enlisting the association to join his show's discussion around food safety. In a recent episode, the talk-show host featured a conversation about romaine safety that included statements and information from the LGMA.

“Although the show contained some concerning dramatic effects to illustrate how romaine may be contaminated in the field or processing facilities, we were very encouraged to see the show’s producers relied heavily on information provided by the LGMA to describe actions being taken by the industry to protect consumers,” the LGMA said in a statement. “More importantly, the overall point of the segment encouraged continued consumption of leafy greens—in particular iceberg lettuce.”

In addition to the television spot, the Dr. Oz Show also featured a Q&A provided by the LGMA, which is posted on the series’ website.

“Although we will continue to be measured in our response to inquiries from the Dr. Oz Show, we are pleased the show's producers are relying on the LGMA as a credible source of information for their audience,” the LGMA continued.

As industry leaders like the LGMA continue to help the ongoing investigations regarding the concurrent E. coli outbreaks, AndNowUKnow will report on the latest news.

LGMA

CHICAGO, IL - What do you get when two of our industry’s most esteemed problem solvers put their heads together? A successful trial with a bounty of results that those along the supply chain can implement, of course! This week, Hazel Technologies and the University of California, Davis exemplified just what we can accomplish if we pool together our knowledge as the two reported the successful completion of peach, nectarine, and plum supply chain quality trails.

“We are extremely pleased to report that UC Davis researchers saw significant increases in peach, plum, and nectarine firmness or color retention with Hazel^™ compared to control fruit, even after 22 days in storage,” said Adam Preslar, Co-Founder and CTO of Hazel Technologies. “Maintaining perfect stonefruit quality in the fresh supply chain can be a challenge for packers and retailers, and the consumer eating experience can suffer as a result. We are thrilled to offer both the conventional and organic stone-fruit industry products that can help packers and retailers provide top-quality fruit to the market, reduce waste, and increase sales. We look forward to partnering with UC Davis on trials in the future.”

According to a press release, researchers found that Hazel Tech® packaging can maintain post-harvest characteristics such as firmness and color retention in seven different varieties of peaches, plums, and nectarines in standard supply chain conditions. The trial was conducted on eight varieties of the aforementioned fruits, which were grown by HMC Farms in Kingsburg, California.

“In our trials, we were able to show conclusively that in seven of the eight total varieties, there was stronger skin and firmer flesh due to Hazel^™ treatment,” said Dr. Barbara Blanco-Ulate, Professor at the Department of Plant Sciences at UC Davis. “The Blanco Lab is committed to researching new post-harvest technologies related to fruit ripening and quality, and we are pleased to be working with Hazel Technologies on this new shelf-life solution for peaches, plums, and nectarines."

As part of the trial, Hazel was applied to commercial peach, plum, and nectarine varieties following harvest and packing. The fruit was then stored in simulated retail supply chain conditions at UC Davis for up to 22 days and periodically assessed by a team of researchers for standard quality traits such as firmness and color retention.

“We are always evaluating potential cutting-edge technologies that will allow us to continue to further elevate the consumer experience of the products we grow,” said Jon McClarty, General Manager at HMC Farms. “Our research with UC Davis and Hazel Tech is a testament to our commitment to innovation.”

For more updates on how our industry is pushing produce forward in all the best ways, keep reading AndNowUKnow.

Hazel Technologies

SPAIN - By now, we should all be familiar with the tired attempts to smuggle drugs hidden amongst fresh produce shipments. This week, though, we got word of a new drug smuggling strategy. And while no produce was harmed in the heist, the perpetrators did their best to use bananas as a scapegoat. That’s right. These smugglers used fake bananas in an attempt to smuggle roughly 37 pounds of cocaine.

According to Stock Daily Dish, Spanish officials seized the illicit substance during an operation in the coastal cities of Malaga and Valencia. All in all, police discovered 57 fake bananas stuffed with about 15 pounds of cocaine, which were unsuccessfully hidden among real bananas. An additional 22 pounds were found within cardboard boxes that accompanied the shipment.

Fortunately, the smugglers were met with justice as two were detained on the basis of drug trafficking and a third individual is now under investigation in relation to the operation. Another day, another crime against our fruits and veg is put to rest. For more stories of produce triumphing over drugs, keep reading us at AndNowUKnow.

MANCHESTER, CT - Ahold Delhaize has been in the newswire quite a lot recently, most notably after it announced its $480 million investment plan. That investment includes the 15-year lease of a two-million-square-foot facility in Manchester, Connecticut, which will up the company’s supply chain efficiency along the East Coast.

Ahold plans to acquire the property in April 2020, after which it will spend the majority of the year renovating it to suit its distribution needs. The facility will service about 200 Stop & Shop supermarkets in New England and New York.

Chris Lewis, Executive Vice President of Retail Business Services—Ahold’s service company—noted that this new warehouse will create about 500-700 jobs in Manchester.

In a report from NBC Connecticut, the news source also explained that this facility is one of seven that the retailer plans to add to its self-distribution model. This model will cut down on the amount of time trucks spend traveling to stores. By doing so, Ahold will save roughly a million dollars ever year.

Will Ahold continue to add more warehouses to its roster? AndNowUKnow will keep you up to date on the latest in retail news.

Ahold Delhaize

MONTEREY, CA - The Organic Produce Summit is giving out its holiday gifts a week early by opening up retailer registration for the fifth annual Organic Produce Summit—now!

“We are thrilled with the tremendous feedback and response from the organic community the past four years, and we’re looking to make OPS 2020 the best yet,” said Susan Canales, President of the Organic Produce Summit.

Following the overwhelming success of the past four Organic Produce Summits, OPS 2020 will retain a similar format, including an informative series of educational sessions, engaging keynote presentations, and a sold-out trade show floor, featuring over 150 organic growers, shippers, and processors from across North America, according to a press release.

“We’re putting together a dynamic program that features impactful and relevant educational sessions touching on important industry issues and objectives, and a series of keynote presentations from leaders in the organic retail community,” continued Canales. “Our sold-out trade show floor has been slightly enlarged to accommodate 10 more booths than last year, but we will retain the intimacy and energy our attendees are seeking. We’ll be releasing components of our program in the coming months and expect another outstanding event.”

In addition, OPS 2020 will also include a tour of the nation’s largest and most respected organic fresh produce organizations—an opportunity retailers and buyers would be silly not to take advantage of!

As we wait with bated breath for the full schedule and more details, be sure to mark your calendars for July 8-9, 2020, when OPS 2020 will take place at the Monterey Convention Center in Monterey, California.

General attendee registration for OPS 2020 will open January 7th. For further information about the fifth annual Organic Produce Summit, click here.

AndNowUKnow will continue to keep you ahead of the latest on our industry’s trade shows.

Organic Produce Summit

NEW ZEALAND - They say that there is no more profitable investment than investing in yourself. This may seem obvious, but when companies set out to invest in themselves, there are many paths they can take. T&G Global Limited, for example, recently invested in itself by acquiring the domestic fresh produce division of Freshmax NZ, to boost its New Zealand business. The purchase deal, valued at $30 million, shows a strong commitment to its domestic business, and is in line with the company’s strategy for growth.

“We are proud to lead the consolidation of these two strong businesses which we believe will be a welcome catalyst of change to drive more efficient and effective ways of working with New Zealand growers and retailers,” said T&G CEO Gareth Edgecombe. “Freshmax NZ brings a strong team, operations, and facilities and a large distribution services business which are all complementary additions to T&G’s NZ Produce business.”

The acquisition is a significant opportunity to expand and strengthen the company’s presence in New Zealand, according to a press release. The agreement will allow T&G to deliver better service to growers and customers, provide a platform for an enhanced supply chain, and supply the highest quality fresh produce to customers year-round. Edgecombe went on to explain that the move will deliver an enhanced product offering with the aspiration of becoming the partner of choice for growers and customers.

“This acquisition demonstrates a strong commitment to our domestic business on which we were founded 122 years ago and signals the importance of having a vibrant home market for our Kiwi-based company with a global footprint,” he said.

The acquisition is expected to bring excellent trading relationships and strong ongoing supply relationships in key categories. The purchase deal includes three market sites (Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch) and distribution services throughout New Zealand.

“We’re excited to bring together the combined strengths of the Freshmax and T&G teams, suppliers, and customers into our business, and build a stronger combined presence in the New Zealand market,” said Managing Director of New Zealand Produce at T&G, Andrew Keaney. “We’re confident the acquisition will present opportunities for operational improvements for the wider fresh produce industry, deliver enhanced services to growers, and open up new commercial avenues for our collective trade partners.”

The deal has been signed and is subject to a number of conditions, including review by the Commerce Commission. Both Freshmax NZ and T&G Global’s NZ Produce business will continue business as usual until the necessary conditions are satisfied and the transaction closes.

Congratulations to T&G Global on this exciting acquisition!

T&G Global Limited

SACRAMENTO, CA - Good morning, AndNowUKnow readers!

Today, I am bringing you some of the category and weather news from around the industry. Check back twice weekly to see the latest around all growing regions.

FOUR DAYS OF RAIN TO HIT CALIFORNIA STRAWBERRIES

Look for production out of California to possibly be impacted all next week due to rain. The forecast is for back-to-back storms to move into California starting Sunday and remain at least through Christmas day. Look for daily rain totals to range between .25” to .50”.

If the growing areas of Oxnard, Santa Maria, and Irvine do receive the predicted rain, look for production to be curtailed and potential quality issues on product harvested next week.

Besides strawberries, these regions are currently producing celery, broccoli, cauliflower, lettuces, and other berries. You may want to load up on product later this week or over the weekend to avoid any quality issues after Christmas.

COOL DOWN FOR MEXICAN PERSIAN LIME REGION

Martinez de la Torre, Veracruz, the lime capital of the world, may see a decrease in production this week. A storm will come through the region today bringing up to .25” of rain and cooler temperatures for the remainder of the week.

Maximum temperatures which have been in the mid-80°s will cool to 71° today and will be 65° tomorrow. These cooler temperatures in the 60°s will remain through Saturday. Minimum temperatures, which were in the 70°s yesterday, will cool to the mid-50°s starting today and lasting through next Tuesday, Christmas Eve. These temperatures would be considered a cold snap for this part of the world.

These cooler temperatures, coupled with the Christmas season—which is notoriously a tough time for farm labor in Mexico—may lead to a further reduction of limes out of this region.

FLORIDA COOLDOWN STARTS TOMORROW

Florida temperatures the last week have seen highs in the upper 80°s and lows in the upper 60°s. This will change starting tomorrow as showers come through the area bring cooler temperatures. Expect maximum temperatures only in the mid-70°s through at least Christmas and minimum temperatures in the mid-50° to lower 60°s. There is more chance of rain for Saturday through Monday.

These cooler temperatures will hit the growing regions of Plant City, Immokalee, and Belle Glade. These are your major winter growing areas for everything from strawberries, vegetables, and tomatoes.

CALIFORNIA CITRUS SAW FREEZING TEMPERATURES LAST TWO NIGHTS

The last two nights in the citrus regions of the San Joaquin Valley saw minimum temperatures drop down to near freezing. The city of Visalia saw the minimum temperature on Sunday and last night get down to 33°. The minimum temperatures will remain in the 30°s through Friday. This should not affect the citrus production, but I wanted to bring it to your attention. This region of California is also expecting some rain next Monday through Wednesday.

Thank you as always! We will be back later this week with another report.

Weathermelon

FRESNO, CA - As the West Coast continues onward through a wet December, growers are bracing their operations to keep supply and quality on the up and up. Baloian Farms, in particular, is one grower doing the absolute most to keep its pepper production on schedule.

With the California season nearing its conclusion, the Sonora season in the middle of its run, and the Sinaloa season kicking off now, Jeremy Lane, Sales Manager, sat down to chat with me about how Baloian Farms’ team is staying on track despite Mother Nature’s barrage of rain.

“Our operations teams have gone above and beyond—both working ahead of weather systems and, after they have passed, doing everything they can to prevent problems and mitigate any that might develop,” Jeremy revealed to me. “There has been quite a bit of rain in the production areas, both in California and Mexico. That normally isn’t ideal for peppers, especially in shade houses where it is difficult to vent.”

Despite the weather, Jeremy noted that Baloian Farms’ pepper crop is experiencing excellent color and conditions out of its California operations.

“And, considering all of the weather we’ve experienced in our Mexico operations thus far, quality is surprisingly very nice, which is a real credit to everyone in operations from harvest to post-harvest handling,” Jeremy complimented his team. “Right now, we’re anticipating the same volumes of supply as last year, but as we come off the promotional volumes on retail grade, our supply will lighten. This is because the Sonora growing regions yield more foodservice-grade peppers. Sinaloa is relied upon to service a majority of retail businesses with a fixed supply of retail grade.”

Despite challenges this season both by Mother Nature and low pricing at market, enormous efforts continue to ensure quality peppers are planted, farmed, packed, cooled, and shipped by the strength of providers like Jeremy and his team.

Keep checking back with AndNowUKNow for more market updates like this.

Baloian Farms