CASTROVILLE, CA - This time of year marks the ever-important transition period for produce companies, as they transport their operations to warmer climes. Ocean Mist^® Farms, which is in the midst of transitioning its artichokes and Brussels sprouts, took the time to share with me the ins and outs of this venture. I spoke with Joe Angelo, Sales Manager, to find out more.

“Arctichokes started to transition a few weeks ago out of Castroville to Oxnard, California, and Baja Mexico. Coachella will start the week of December 8,” he shared with me. “We are currently growing artichokes in three regions and our Brussels sprouts will not transition to Coachella until the middle of December. All other crops will transition from Salinas to Coachella this week and next.”

Although the state of California has experienced slightly chilly conditions, Joe assured me that the growing conditions in Coachella have been ideal.

“Eastern Yuma did receive some rain recently, but we do not expect there to be any significant issues going forward,” Joe remarked.

Throughout the transition, I asked Joe what fluctuations he’s seen in the market and how quality has fared.

“Due to an overlap in growing regions, we have seen markets decline over the last few days and expect that trend to continue into the Thanksgiving holiday week. However, good, steady supplies and excellent quality are expected for the next several weeks,” he stated.

Due to strong promotable volume on most of Ocean Mist’s categories, Joe urges retailers to buy with confidence. With strong quality in the new growing regions, there’s no time like the present.

Keep reading AndNowUKnow for the latest in all things produce.

Ocean Mist® Farms

RALEIGH, NC - The Fresh Market is strengthening the roots it first planted in 1982. This week, the fresh-focused specialty grocer announced it is investing $5.4 million into its hometown of Greensboro, North Carolina, as it expands its headquarters operations.

“Greensboro has been our home for the past 37 years, and we are thrilled to be able to make a long-term commitment to staying in this community and building on our vision,” said Larry Appel, President and CEO of The Fresh Market, in a press release. “We are excited to be able to unite all of our headquarters team members in one building and provide them with as welcoming a place to work as it is for our guests to shop in our stores.”

As part of its latest plan, The Fresh Market is consolidating its corporate headquarters operations from two separate buildings to one new, modern location in downtown Greensboro. The move will create 53 new jobs and support its footprint growth as it continues to enter new markets.

“We’re proud that The Fresh Market has chosen to expand its operations at home in Greensboro, where the company began as a single store and continues to grow,” said Governor Roy Cooper. “In this week of Thanksgiving, I’m grateful to all the hardworking North Carolinians who make up our workforce and help us attract great paying jobs like these.”

According to the press release, a performance-based grant of $500,000 from the One North Carolina Fund, which provides financial assistance to local governments to help attract economic investment and create jobs, will help facilitate The Fresh Market’s expansion in Guilford County. Companies receive no money upfront and must meet job creation and capital investment targets to qualify for payment.

Since its inception in 1982, The Fresh Market has grown to operate 159 locations across 22 states.

As more retailers expand, grow, and transform, you can bet your bottom dollar AndNowUKnow will continue to bring you the latest.

The Fresh Market

CALIFORNIA - The season for giving and gratitude is becoming one of concern for a core aspect of our industry: romaine lettuce growers. While I am thankful that we are not struggling under a wide net cast out over the entire category, it isn’t without hopefully watching for a quick recovery by those on all sides affected by the most recent E. coli scare. But action and resilience continue to ring in the tone of the industry as it already works to answer the call of this challenge.

“No one is more frustrated than the producers of leafy greens that outbreaks continue to be associated with our products,” Scott Horsfall, CEO of the California Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement (LGMA), said in a press release. “For the past year, producers have been voluntarily labeling romaine lettuce with information on harvest date and growing region. Today, this information provides consumers, retailers, and foodservice operators with assurances the products they are purchasing have been identified as safe for consumption. We are hopeful these actions by industry will minimize withdrawal of safe product from stores and restaurants and reduce food waste.”

As we reported yesterday, a recall announced by the USDA on November 21, 2019 shared that Missa Bay, LLC had recalled approximately 75,233 pounds of salad products that contain meat or poultry because the lettuce ingredient may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. The products recalled have “Use By” dates ranging from October 29, 2019, to November 1, 2019, according to the FDA and CDC.

For full reports on the most recent info regarding the romaine warning, please click through here: FDA and CDC.

The root cause of this outbreak, as well as other recent ones linked to romaine lettuce, are still unknown, though LGMA reminded us of the continued concentrated focus on safety by leafy greens producers and government regulators.

“We are very hopeful that what we learn from these recent outbreaks will help us to strengthen our food safety practices,” said Horsfall, who emphasized that since an outbreak linked to romaine last Thanksgiving, California and Arizona leafy greens producers made several changes to the food safety practices required of farmers. The changes include updated protocols for irrigation and increased buffer zones between leafy greens farms and adjacent animal operations.

The Western Growers Association (WGA) is among those trying to help growers stay as ahead of the current outbreak as possible, informing members that the Canadian government has taken actions related to the import and sale of romaine lettuce in Canada.

According to a statement from WGA, additional documentation is now required to confirm the growing region of romaine lettuce and ensure product from the Salinas growing area, including Santa Cruz, San Benito, Monterey, and Santa Clara counties of California, does not enter Canada. Required documentation includes a Certificate of Origin and an attestation in writing, dated and signed, indicating the growing area.

“We have not heard of major issues or delays at this point; however, to avoid border rejections and delays, we strongly encourage Western Growers members to provide documentation via advance notice,” the WGA statement noted.

As the LGMA pointed out, leafy greens in central California is transitioning to growing regions in southern California and Arizona. It appears that romaine lettuce involved in this outbreak was likely harvested in the Salinas Valley growing area in September and October.

The question on everyone’s mind when our team at ANUK asks about the thought that keeps them up is nearly always food safety, no matter the strides taken in the past year and beyond. Weeks like this one are what we all fear and prepare for, no matter the role.

“The situation is heartbreaking. I have a very young family and the products we grow go to my family’s dinner table. My children consume the very same products we are sending out to consumers across the nation. That’s something I think about every day,” Dan Sutton, a farmer from Oceano, California, who serves as Chairman of the LGMA, said. He added that farmers never want outbreaks to happen, and that the team will continue to do everything possible to improve current required practices, the way leafy greens are farmed, and to ensure the safety of these products being put out to consumers can be improved.

Romaine from the following regions are currently considered safe: Yuma, Arizona; Phoenix, Arizona; Southern Arizona; Northern Arizona; Northern California; Santa Maria, California; Southern California, Imperial Valley, California; Coachella, California; and Central Valley. Product from Mexico and other states is also cleared, and hydroponically and greenhouse-grown romaine both were not implicated in the outbreak.

As the industry continues to strive for a seamless and safe output of all products, we hope for minimal impact as we look to keep you up to date on the latest for this developing story.

LEAMINGTON, ON - Following through on sustainability efforts has led to truly innovative solutions and surprising partnerships. NatureFresh™ Farms is partnering with Hiram Walker & Sons Limited for its own innovative solution, using the whisky producer’s whisky cull barrels as a renewable fuel source.

“We are in an industry that has the capacity to produce significant positive change,” said Dave Froese, Energy Manager at NatureFresh Farms “Teaming up with Hiram Walker & Sons gives us the opportunity to continue to make a difference by reducing the amount of materials that end up in landfills.”

In 2018, Hiram Walker & Sons reached out to NatureFresh Farms for help in reducing its surplus of whisky cull barrels. Each month, the greenhouse grower receives approximately 400 barrels that are then shredded and stockpiled for colder seasons, according to a press release. Those wood chips are fed to the biomass boiler’s fire box, heating the water that gets pumped through rails among each row of plants to warm the greenhouse. To date, Hiram Walker & Sons have provided over 25,000 barrels to the grower, equaling about 1,125 tons of wood, producing about 20,000 gigajoules equivalent to nearly 520,000 cubic meters of natural gas. Burning the barrels saves NatureFresh Farms 520,000 cubic meters of natural gas, which is enough to heat the average Canadian home for 192 years, saving a total of 1,000 tons of CO₂ emissions.

Due to the massive success of the partnership, the two companies have expanded the program, so in addition to the whisky cull barrels, Hiram Walker & Sons has begun sending other scrap wood material, including used bungs, wood shavings, and damaged pallets.

“The partnership between Hiram Walker and NatureFresh Farms can best be described as a win-win situation for both companies,” commented Darren Taylor, Customer Service and Planning, Bulk Operations at Hiram Walker & Sons. “Hiram Walker has an environmentally friendly way to dispose of barrels and NatureFresh Farms receives a good supply of clean-burning oak wood.”

Both companies will continue to work together to recycle wood and metal whisky barrel rings, which will ultimately reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. Through this partnership, NatureFresh Farms and Hiram Walker & Sons can both maintain their values of sustainability while uncovering new opportunities to integrate eco-friendly alternatives within their operations.

This partnership is just one part of NatureFresh Farms’ overall energy strategy. The grower has prioritized sustainability to make impactful efforts in the world of produce, and that commitment has only become stronger. After 20 years of growing, NatureFresh Farms is still an innovative industry force that continues to introduce more viable and sustainable growing and packaging solutions.

For more news on the latest sustainable innovations, keep reading AndNowUKnow.

NatureFresh™ Farms

YAKIMA, WA - The excitement of the holiday rush is upon us as suppliers look to build premium programs with their retailer partners. With Thanksgiving and Christmas closing in fast, we cannot say enough about how essential preparation is for retailers, as well as truly partnering with growers to bring the best of the best to produce departments this winter. Superfresh Growers^® is one of those companies making an impact this season as it looks to bring more value to the table.

“This season, two of our hallmark items are Organic Honeycrisp and Autumn Glory apples,” Catherine Gipe-Stewart, Communications Manager, shares with me. “Both make excellent additions to cheese and charcuterie platters. Organic Honeycrisp pairs well with Gouda, cloth-bandaged Cheddar, and apple-smoked Cheddar. Autumn Glory pairs well with goat cheese, blue cheeses, Stilton, and sharp Cheddar. Autumn Glory also makes an excellent apple pie and, due to its naturally high sugar content, added sugar isn’t needed. Consider cross-merchandising these items across departments to offer inspiration for shoppers and build the consumer’s basket.”

Currently this year, volume is healthy and promotable and there are plenty of organics for Superfresh promotions—both apples and pears. Granny Smith apples have increased in demand as well.

“We are seeing excellent quality. This past summer was moderate in weather with our signature hot days and cool nights. Fruit colored up beautifully. We are seeing fruit a bit smaller than last year,” Catherine expresses. “We are planning on a 138 million box crop, which is comparable to the 2017 crop two years ago."

On the pear side of things, organic continues to increase as orchards transition—providing additional value to what Superfresh brings to partners.

So, what other ideas does this apple mega-marketer suggest? Co-merchandize apple and squash combos for recipe and decoration collaboration. Apple and squash recipes have been trending on social media, as Catherine adds.

“They both are great table decorations as well. We also have recipes on hand. Reach out to your Superfresh rep for more info and happy holidays,” she shares.

It is never too late or too early to plan the retail holiday spread. With more companies like Superfresh joining the holiday conversation, check back with AndNowUKnow for updates on the opportunities yet to come!

Superfresh Growers®

KEENE, NH - Here at AndNowUKnow, we believe in the power of people. Without the dedicated individuals across the buy- and supply-sides, business as we know it would be a different ballgame. People are so integral to companies that they have an entire department dedicated to supporting them, known as Human Resources. C&S Wholesale Grocers recently made a move to strengthen its Human Resources team, appointing Miriam Ort as the next Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), effective December 2, 2019. She succeeds CHRO, Asad Husain, who is retiring as of December 31, 2019. Miriam will report to Mike Duffy, Chief Executive Officer.

“Miriam is a highly experienced Human Resources leader that has driven transformational programs and initiatives that support long-term business growth for a variety of companies in complex industries,” said Duffy. “She brings the right approach, skills, and focus to continue evolving our culture and talent priorities, as we evolve on our journey to become an employer of choice. We look forward to Miriam joining the C&S Family.”

According to a press release, Ort has been Senior Vice President, Human Resources of the Americas at Avis Budget Group since 2017. Prior to this, she held positions of increasing responsibility at PepsiCo and Avon Products. Ort earned a master’s degree in Human Resource Management from Rutgers University and a bachelor’s degree from Thomas Edison State College. She is an accomplished author that has written many thought-leadership publications, and is a frequent contributor to HR publications and forums, including Harvard Business Review online and The Conference Board. She is the co-author of the bestselling book One Page Talent Management: Eliminating Complexity, Adding Value by Harvard Business Press.

Congratulations to Miriam Ort on this exciting new role!

C&S Wholesale Grocers

TAMPA, FL - IFCO, one of the world’s leading operators of Reusable Plastic Containers (RPCs), recently announced that Washington-based Bybee Produce has extended its use of the company’s RPCs for its dry onion products. This will bump the extension—now in its third year—through 2020.

“Our customers are like family and we are pleased Bybee Produce, a family-owned and operated business, has agreed to continue the RPC partnership with IFCO,” said Dan Martin, President of IFCO North America. “We value our relationship with Bybee and know our collaboration will benefit both companies in the months and years to come.”

Bybee Produce is a family-owned and operated farm in the Columbia River Basin in Washington state. It uses more than 130,000 IFCO RPCs throughout the year to ship its yellow, white, red, and organic onions to retail locations throughout the United States. The company noted that IFCO’s RPCs are designed to facilitate maximum airflow during shipping, an important benefit that keeps Bybee’s onions in peak quality during transport from farm to grocery.

“IFCO RPCs have proven to be an ideal packaging solution for our dry onions,” stated Jason Walker, General Manager of Bybee Produce, in a press release. “They help us deliver high-quality produce to retail customers and their shoppers throughout the year.”

Congratulations to IFCO and Bybee Produce on a fruitful partnership. Stick with AndNowUKnow as we continue to seek out the latest news in produce.

IFCO Bybee Produce

IDAHO FALLS, ID - Thanksgiving is only a couple of days away, which means those of us in the industry are working at high-speed to ensure that Turkey Day runs without a hitch. Category Partners took a deep dive into consumer behavior for this holiday, highlighting what those in the supply chain need to know.

In a new national consumer survey of 1,000 consumers, Category Partners asked participants how they plan to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday. A key area of inquiry was whether consumers host a Thanksgiving meal at home, travel away from home to celebrate with family/friends, or to not celebrate the holiday at all.

Some of the results of the survey, according to Cara Ammon, Director of Research, were surprising.

“We were surprised that for 20 percent of survey respondents, the traditional home-cooked Thanksgiving meal is not part of holiday,” Ammon remarked in a press release. “For 9 percent of individuals, they say they either don’t celebrate Thanksgiving at all or there is no unique holiday meal. An additional 11 percent said that they will either travel to a restaurant or the Thanksgiving meal will be store-bought or catered.”

Nearly one-half of respondents said they plan to host a Thanksgiving dinner with a home-prepared meal for themselves and/or family members, while 30 percent of households indicated plans to travel to someone else’s home for a home-prepared Thanksgiving meal. However, household demographics reveal that there are significant differences linked to age, income, household size, and other factors.

Ammon also noted that there are significant demographic differences that appear to impact decisions around hosting Thanksgiving events.

“Having children in the home significantly impacts the celebration plans,” said Ammon. “64 percent of households with children said they plan to celebrate Thanksgiving at home compared to only 41 percent of households without children. 21 percent of households without children said they will go to a restaurant or skip Thanksgiving altogether.”

Household income also plays a significant role in decisions to host Thanksgiving at home. The study showed that in households reporting income in excess of $200,000 per year, 73 percent plan to host a Thanksgiving at a home event versus only 47 percent of households with $50,000 in annual income.

“We were also surprised to see that for people living alone, many may stay alone on Thanksgiving,” said Ammon. “Nearly 30 percent of individuals living by themselves do not experience a traditional Thanksgiving and say they will eat at a restaurant on Thanksgiving or skip the holiday all together. It seems like a good reminder that on Thanksgiving a lot of people have no place to go. An invitation to join you for your Thanksgiving meal—especially among those people living alone—just might make all the difference in the world.”

In the spirit of the holidays, reach out to those in need. And from all us here at AndNowUKnow, have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Category Partners

NEW YORK CITY, NY - Walmart continues to up its competitive standing in the world of grocery, aggressively expanding overseas and rethinking the way it does fresh produce. Now, the company has made another move by pulling the plug on Jet.com’s fresh grocery delivery service in New York City.

According to a report from Bloomberg, this move includes the closure of Jet’s 200,000-square-foot facility in the Bronx, per several unnamed sources.

Walmart’s connection with Jet began in 2016, when the retailer purchased the delivery company for over $3 billion. Many saw the acquisition as a direct strike against major competitors and as a decisive move to penetrate urban markets where Walmart's brick-and-mortar presence was lacking.

In a statement, Walmart confirmed the closure.

“We learned a lot by testing Jet fresh grocery delivery in New York City, and we recognized the important role of our stores in providing an efficient way to offer groceries to customers through pickup and delivery,” the retailer disclosed. “We will focus our grocery pickup and delivery in markets where we have this incredible opportunity. Jet will continue to offer millions of dry grocery and general merchandise items to customers in major metros like New York City. And we’ll continue to test bold concepts that can offer convenience to our customers.”

What’s next for Walmart’s plans in New York City and other urban markets? Will we see an uptick in its brick-and-mortar presence rather than a rise in e-commerce? AndNowUKnow will continue to report the latest in retail news.

Walmart

FOWLER, CA - The cold is officially here to stay in sunny California, and to brighten up our chillier days, Bee Sweet Citrus is bringing its variety of specialty citrus to retailers and consumers across the nation. With California’s domestic citrus season in full swing—running between the months of October and June—the buy-side will have the chance to sweeten up its produce aisles with every kind of citrus imaginable, from staple to exotic varieties.

“Throughout the winter months, consumers can expect to see several different citrus varieties available at their local retailer,” said Joe Berberian, Sales Representative. “Right now, we have mandarins and Navel oranges available, as well as several specialty citrus varieties such as Pummelos, Meyer Lemons, and Cara Cara navels.”

But what makes specialty citrus varieties so...well, special, you ask? Bee Sweet noted that distinct characteristics and exceptional flavors are what set these varieties apart from more traditional ones. This includes category favorites like specialty lemons—Meyer lemons are often sought out as a flavorful ingredient for seasonal cuisine—and Cara Cara navels—which catch consumers’ eyes with their vibrant pink color and antioxidant properties—both of which are returning to the produce aisle en masse thanks to Bee Sweet Citrus.

“California’s Mediterranean climate is ideal for growing citrus,” added Keith Watkins, Vice President of Farming. “Because citrus is sensitive toward extreme temperatures, we’re able to harvest citrus year-round and focus on specialty varieties during the winter months.”

According to a press release, all of Bee Sweet’s specialty citrus is grown under the close watch of the company’s farming department and meets strict quality standards to ensure consumers an exceptional piece of fruit.

“The domestic season is an exciting time for our team because we have the opportunity to showcase amazing varieties,” continued Berberian. “While there’s no doubt that citrus has become a staple for many homes, our specialty varieties are here to remind consumers why California’s citrus is so special.”

Bee Sweet Citrus’ specialty varieties are only available for a limited time, so get ‘em while they’re hot! For more of the sweetest produce news, stick with us at AndNowUKnow.

Bee Sweet Citrus