NEW YORK - Back in August, we reported on a monumental lawsuit that took the industry by storm. After at least seven fires broke out at Walmart stores, the company found that Tesla’s solar panels installed on the roofs were at fault, and demanded that they be removed at over 200 locations. Walmart filed an official lawsuit against Tesla, claiming “widespread, systematic negligence,” according to Reuters. The dust has finally settled this morning, as the two companies released a joint statement announcing the lawsuit’s resolution.

Tesla provided the statement early this morning, as Reuters reported, stating that the company was “pleased to have resolved the issues raised by Walmart” and that it anticipates “a safe re-energization of [its] sustainable energy systems.” Walmart previously sued Tesla for breach of contract on August 20, 2019, demanding that the solar panels be removed at over 240 of its stores. This has now been retracted.

This settlement is another win for sustainability initiatives across the industry. Because these two major companies came to a respectful agreement, they set an example for all environmental efforts moving forward. We extend our congratulations and thanks to Walmart and Tesla on setting this precedent.

For all of the latest updates in the industry, keep reading AndNowUKnow.

Walmart Tesla

CASTROVILLE, CA - Ocean Mist^® Farms is getting into the holiday spirit in a big way this season, after forming a new partnership with one of the biggest names in gift baskets. The grower has teamed up with well-known gourmet gift company Harry & David to offer long-stem artichoke gift packs throughout the holiday season.

“Over the years, shoppers have increasingly asked where they can find long-stem artichokes,” Diana McClean, Senior Director of Marketing at Ocean Mist Farms, commented in a press release. “Because not all retailers carry long-stem artichokes, our partnership with Harry & David is a great way for us to make this item easily accessible during holiday season when we see interest spike.”

This seasonal partnership is part of Ocean Mist Farms’ continuing marketing initiatives to inform and educate consumers while promoting artichoke consumption. The grower’s marketing efforts work together to drive demand for Ocean Mist artichokes at the retail level.

Each Harry & David long-stem artichoke gift pack costs $29.99 and contains four long-stem artichokes. Shoppers can purchase the new gift packs through the Harry & David website, as well as using the grower’s Destini locator tool on its website to find this and other Ocean Mist products.

For more seasonal produce news, keep reading AndNowUKnow.

Ocean Mist^® Farms

MONTEREY, CA - The annual Organic Grower Summit is almost upon us! OGS will be held this year on December 4 and 5 in Monterey, CA, and California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) and the Organic Produce Network (OPN) have been teasing incoming attendees with what’s to come. Most recently, CCOF and OPN will be honoring long-time organic growers Lundberg Family Farms as the recipient of the third annual Organic Grower Summit’s Grower of the Year award.

“We are honored to present the annual Grower of the Year award to the Lundberg family. Their decades-long work exemplifies what hardworking, passionate organic farming is all about,” said Greg Milstead, Director of Sales, Southwest Region for AGCO, the sponsor and presenter of the award.

According to the press release, Lundberg Family Farms was selected based on the company’s ongoing commitment and dedication to excellence in organic production and organic industry leadership and innovation. Grant Lundberg will accept the award on behalf of the entire Lundberg family at OGS.

“Not only has the Lundberg Family’s decades of work to encourage water conservation, rotate crops, grow cover crops, and use natural methods for pest control made them leaders in organic rice production and wildlife-friendly farming, but it has always found ways to share information about those practices with other organic farmers. This dedication to the environment and community is what makes the organic sector special, so the Lundberg Family could not be more deserving of the title of Grower of the Year,” said Kelly Damewood, CEO of CCOF.

Lundberg Family Farms has been committed to producing premium quality organic rice and rice products with earth sustainability in mind since 1937. Today, the third and fourth generations carry on the family heritage by using eco-positive farming methods that produce wholesome and organic rice-based products, while improving and protecting the environment for generations to come. The Lundberg Family will join Thaddeus Barsotti of Capay Organic (2017) and Vernon Peterson of Peterson Family Farms (2016) as the winners of this amazing award.

Attendee registration for OGS is $499, with discounts available for CCOF members. Registration to OGS is all-inclusive, and includes admittance to the opening reception, educational sessions, keynote presentations, breakfast and lunch, and trade show floor. Attendees can also receive CEU for their attendance in a series of educational sessions on December 4-5.

Over 50 sponsors have confirmed their support of OGS and the tradeshow floor is sold out. Exhibitors include soil amendment, bio-pesticide, seed, packaging, food safety, Ag technology, and equipment manufacturers who will be connecting with organic field production staff, supply chain managers, pest management advisors, and food safety experts.

Don’t miss out on this exciting event! Keep following us here at AndNowUKnow as we bring you more updates to come.

California Certified Organic Farmers Organic Grower Summit

Organic Produce Network

HOUSTON, TX - Over the last fiscal year, Sysco undertook multiple acquisitions, facility expansions, and new product offerings—which we reported on our sister site, Deli Market News. All of these developments seem to have placed the foodservice distributor in an advantageous position to start out 2020, after it recently revealed that its first quarter fiscal 2020 results has improved both of its top and bottom lines.

“We saw improved financial results in the first quarter with adjusted operating income growth that was in line with our expectations, as we remain focused on accelerating local case growth and maintaining our strong track record of expense management,” said Tom Bené, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer, in a recent press release. “As we look forward to celebrating our 50th anniversary this fiscal year, we remain committed to meeting the changing needs of our customers and supporting their continued growth.”

Highlights from the first quarter included:

• Sales increased 0.6 percent to $15.3 billion
• Gross profit increased 1.4 percent to $2.9 billion; gross margin increased 15 basis points Operating income increased 6.4 percent to $668.3 million; adjusted operating income increased 7.3 percent to $741.9 million
• EPS increased $0.06 to $0.87; adjusted EPS increased $0.08 to $0.98

So where is the company's next strike against possible decline? In the company’s earnings call, Joel Grade, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, noted that the quarterly results fall in line with Sysco’s current expectations. Notably, growing cases in customers segments, increasing Sysco brand penetration, and a strong track record of managing expenses has only kept Sysco on track to meet its three-year financial plan.

To view the entirety of Sysco's financial report, click here.

Sysco

PHILADELPHIA, PA - We all know that health is an important aspect of life, but sometimes we forget to check in with our bodies to make sure we’re actively staying healthy. So, when events that focus on pursuing that comes along, the industry jumps on board. On October 26, the Retail Dietitians Business Alliance (RDBA) in partnership with Fleishman Hillard hosted What’s In Store, an event geared toward retail dietitians, the people working on the front lines to ensure that shoppers find that healthy balance. Limoneira was able to partake in this massively successful event and benefitted from the discussions, networking, and resources available to colleagues across the country.

“We were excited to hear from the 50 plus retail dietitians that attended the What’s In Store event. They are passionate about their work and were happy to hear how Limoneira can support their efforts,” John Chamberlain, Vice President of Marketing at Limoneira, shared with me from his day at the event. “Retail dietitians are on the front lines in the effort to get grocery shoppers—and consumers in general—healthy.”

RDBA serves as the professional group to the more than 800 retail dietitians throughout the U.S. and Canada that work for or consult to supermarket chains, helping customers and employees with food, culinary, and nutrition issues.

“Because most buying decisions are made at the point-of-purchase, retail dietitians can have a direct impact on healthier food options ending up in the grocery cart,” Annette Maggi, MS, RD, LD, FAND, and Executive Director of RDBA, said. “This event provides an opportunity for companies like Limoneira to partner with these retail health influencers for positive health and business outcomes.”

The organization’s mission is to foster the continuing business education and career development of current and future retail dietitians because it believes retail dietitians are uniquely positioned to profoundly impact public health while at the same time supporting the business of food retail. And Limoneira took note. The company’s new app, The Produce Department is Nature's Pharmacy™—part of Limoneira’s campaign, Take A Healthy Stand™— was featured prominently to much appreciation.

“At Limoniera, we know that good health and maintaining balance continues to be important to all of us, and that produce and citrus can be critical to this balance,” said Harold Edwards, President and CEO of Limoneria. “We understand that people are busy and looking for solutions that are easy to incorporate into their busy lives, and The Produce Department at Nature's Pharmacy app does just that.”

Limoneira cross-tabulated 57 health concerns (such as the need to increase good cholesterol, prevent cardiovascular disease, or ease insomnia) as well as desired outcomes (including improving energy levels or reducing wrinkles) with 74 fruits and vegetables commonly found in grocery stores. These items contain essential vitamins and minerals that address these concerns or help with desired outcomes. By selecting a concern or outcome, the app then generates foods in the produce aisle that can help consumers achieve their health goals.

“The app is just one of several educational platforms to be launched as part of Limoneira’s new Take a Healthy Stand platform, which showcases the many ways that citrus and produce can play a role in helping to alleviate serious health issues and enhance personal appearance and wellbeing,” John explained. “The foundation underpinning Limoneira's Take A Healthy Stand is consumer-friendly messaging supported by research by the Institute of National Health and other objective organizations.”

Essentially, the app is pretty much a game changer: By consuming all the health benefits right at the source, shoppers will be able to focus more on their shopping needs. This convenience is available at their fingertips, thanks to the app, right in the produce aisle.

“The Produce Department is Nature's Pharmacy and Take a Healthy Stand are important components of the Food as Medicine movement taking hold nationwide,” said Megan Roosevelt, a Limoneira nutritionist and Founder and CEO of Healthy Grocery Girl®. “Food as Medicine maintains that fresh, healthy produce such as lemons can help avoid an expensive and perhaps less effective trip to the grocery department's supplement aisle.”

The app can be found on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. For the latest in produce meets tech, keep reading ANUK.

Limoneira

YERINGTON, NV - Out in the onion fields of Yerington, Nevada, it’s calm…too calm. But like the eerie silence blanketing a long winter freeze, the composed landscape often paints a deceptive picture of what’s to come—like a sudden snow flurry or, say, a holiday shopping scramble. As I chatted with Jessica Peri, Retail Sales Manager, one cold October morning, I got the impression that Peri & Sons Farms is facing a similar scene to the above mentioned as it awaits the expected craziness of the winter holidays.

“Harvest is wrapped up, with no major issues to report. We don’t have this season’s crop fully in storage just yet, but we’re getting close. Everything looks good: quality, yields, and sizing—except for the fact that business hasn’t quite kicked in yet since Thanksgiving is later this year,” Jessica shared with me. “There’s a lot of supply, but not enough demand. I’m looking forward to demand picking up in the next couple of weeks, which will give pricing a lift as well.”

Like a dining room prepped for a Thanksgiving meal, Peri & Sons Farms has everything immaculately in place for a great onion season. In addition to good quality, yields, and sizing, Jessica revealed that the grower recently increased its acreage, which resulted in more onions ready to market this year than last.

Even the weather hasn’t thrown a wrench into Peri & Sons Farms’ season. Jessica noted that the company just experienced its first cold spell, but it is too early to tell if it will have any effect on the onions. This is partly because Peri & Sons Farms hand-harvests its onions, meaning the current onions in the field are in burlap sacks—i.e. they’re exposed to the cold but have an extra layer of protection. This, Jessica explained, will help the grower’s supply and market stay steady once the holiday season officially ramps up.

“While the market isn’t very active at the moment, we’re expecting to not experience a slowdown until February. In a week or two, Thanksgiving shopping will pick up, followed by the winter holiday demand, then the health and wellness push in January. Since we’re already at those high levels of production, we’re not going backwards and will instead stay pretty steady until well into February,” Jessica said.

And the holidays aren’t the only thing Peri & Sons Farms is celebrating this winter. This year, the company also rang in its 40^th anniversary via a brand refresh and the launch of a new consumer awareness program for Nevada Whites™.

“Our white onions are what we’re known for, so it was a natural fit to introduce a new program,” Jessica noted, before concluding: “We’re also doing special promotions through the holidays. A few of our popular varieties like our Sunions and Sweetie Sweets are joining the holiday fun and experiencing good growth, so we’re excited about that this season, as well.”

As that deceptively calm onion landscape breaks into sweet holiday chaos—the good kind that means shoppers are buying the crucial variety in droves—AndNowUKnow will continue to report on the state of the market.

Peri & Sons Farms

IRVINE, 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.

COACHELLA VALLEY SAW FREEZING TEMPERATURES LAST WEEK

We knew it was going to get cold, but not this cold. Last Thursday and Friday, isolated locations in the Coachella Valley saw minimum temperatures dip below the freezing line. Thursday’s mininimum temperature at the Thermal Airport was 32° while Friday saw the minimum temperature drop to 30°. Saturday and Sunday saw minimum temperatures in the mid 30°s. Please check with shippers to see if any commodities were damaged. Green beans and bell peppers coming from this region potentially. Things will change this week as the desert region enters another warming trend.

WARM TEMPERATURES RETURN TO CALIFORNIA THIS WEEK

After a week of normal to below normal temperatures, California will experience another warming trend.

The Coachella Valley, which had minimum temperatures in the 30°s last week as mentioned above, will begin to rise starting today. Maximum temperatures this week will be back into the 90°s and minimum temperatures back up into the upper 50°s. These warmer temperatures will last through Sunday before dropping back into the 80°s for next week, which is normal for this time of year.

In the coastal growing regions of Santa Maria, Salinas, and Oxnard, warmer temperatures will return this Friday and last through Sunday. Expect to see maximum temperatures in the 80°s for the weekend. Temperatures will drop a few degrees come next Monday, but maximum temperatures will remain in the mid 70°s all next week, which should be good for berries and veg from these regions.

Baja, CA, and regions of San Quintín will also see warmer temps this weekend.

HOT TEMPERATURES CONTINUE IN SOUTHERN FLORIDA

The growing regions of southern Florida including Belle Glade, Immokalee, and Homestead continue to see maximum temperatures near 90°s with minimum temperatures in the lower 70°s. These temperatures are well above normal for this time of year. In fact, the entire month of October saw temperatures well above normal. This region has now seen 15 continuous days with maximum temperatures above 90° going back to October 21.

Temperatures will finally begin to cool down to normal starting Saturday as maximum temperatures drop into the low 80°s and minimum temperatures into the mid 60°s.

Look for production out of these regions earlier than normal due to the above average October temperatures. Look for good supplies of green beans for Thanksgiving.

COOLING TREND COMING TO GEORGIA

The southern Georgia growing regions of Moultrie and Bainbridge, which are still shipping fall veg items and some mature green tomatoes, will see temperatures drop by 15° overnight this Friday as a storm front comes through. Maximum tempeartures are currently hovering around 80° with minimum temperatures around 60°.

On Friday, look for maximum temperatures to only get into the mid 60°s while minimum temperatures will be in the low 40°s and a possible temperature in the 30°s in isolated areas. Also, look for up to .25” of rain on Friday. These cooler temperatures will last at least through next Wednesday, November 13.

Look for production out of this area to slow.

HURRICANE CENTRAL

Currently, there are no storms forecast in the Atlantic for the next 48 hours.

In the Pacific Ocean, there is a disorganized disturbance with rain several hundred miles south-south west off the southern tip of Baja California peninsula. The storm is moving north-north west approximately 15 mph and is not anticipated to make landfall or affect any Baja, CA, growing regions.

Thank you as always for your support. We will be back later this week with another report.

Weathermelon

ANAHEIM, CA - Is it just me, or is everyone else still recovering from Fresh Summit, too? After an eventful 2019 show, I’m still finding the words to describe the industry’s impressive variety of wares. I spoke with celebrity chef Roger Mooking briefly, and he enlightened me on a couple of SUNSET’s new and exciting products that made their debut.

“Right now I’m really excited about the Kaboom!™ peppers,” said Roger Mooking, Culinary Director at SUNSET. “They’re black jalapeños—it’s a new category that SUNSET’s introducing into the marketplace. What I love about it is that the color is really unique. It’s a really dark and deep color with a more robust and full flavor than just the heat of the regular green jalapeño.”

Along with this inventive new variety, the company also rolled out a line of multi-color peppers to accompany its beloved tomato variety.

“There’s the Wild Wonder® peppers—they complement the Wild Wonder tomatoes,” continued Roger. “What’s great about it is that it has a very small amount of seeds, but a very sweet, bright flavor, and they come in a multi-color pack. Every good dish starts with great ingredients. So, if you have accessibility to the best possible ingredients to start with, you’re way ahead of the grain.”

Thanks again, PMA, for putting on a great show! And thanks to you, Roger, for filling me in on SUNSET’s new pepper varieties. For more of the latest news in the industry, keep reading AndNowUKnow.

SUNSET®

OXNARD, CA - Fair Trade USA is an industry program to get behind as fresh produce companies look to raise the bar of social and corporate responsibility across their business platforms. Over the last few years, companies like Freska Produce International have helped to lead the charge as the company has seen, first hand, how the Fair Trade USA certification has impacted its business.

“In 2018, Freska Produce had an incredibly strong first year with Fair Trade Certified programs that were revealed in the Fair Trade Impact Report, contributing over $116K back to workers,” Jesus "Chuy" Loza, Partner, Freska Produce shares with us. “We currently have 200 workers who participated in Costco trainings in 2018 and the value and contributions of the program have been incredible at every level of the business and for them each personally as well. In 2019 fiscal year, we are going to at least triple the dollars generated for our Fair Trade employees along with bringing in more of our work force into the program."

With Freska’s mangos produced in Mexico now bearing the Fair Trade USA certification logo, the company will be able to help ensure that basic human rights for farmers and workers—and even more so, that they are enforced. Additionally, farmers and workers earn extra money with every sale.

Here is some of the amazing feedback that the program and Freska has received from the 2019 Magmar Costco Training Program:

Tomasa Ruiz Enriquez, Packhouse Worker

“I learned new things and can now put them in practice and take new precautions to prevent risks. I also liked their recommendations for how to protect the fruit.

Lizbeth Altamirano, Packhouse Worker

“The video trainings are very clear…I liked the video about finance and how to plan and manage our earnings so we do not spend more than we make.

Joel Trujillo Cruz, Packhouse Worker

“I have worked here for 14 years. I know all the company processes and have been treated well. All the training themes were very interesting and good learnings.”

Fair Trade USA certified goods are produced according to rigorous social, environmental, and economic standards, so the consumer can make a huge difference in the lives of workers all over the world by purchasing products that go through this rigorous and coveted certification.

“These employees are seeing the benefits of Fair Trade USA and how it is changing the atmosphere and the culture of our operations,” Chuy continues. “We are incredibly excited for the program to continue to take root and for our team to grow.”

Freska Produce, one of the largest Fair Trade Mango shippers in the U.S., has gained Fair Trade USA certification at its Mexico packinghouses over the past few years.

Freska Produce International

LOS ANGELES, CA - The Wonderful Company’s latest innovation has finally arrived on the produce aisle scene! After months of anticipation, Wonderful Seedless Lemons are officially available seasonally at grocery stores across the U.S. and Canada and online at Amazon Fresh, now through May!

“We are excited to introduce Wonderful Seedless Lemons to consumers who will love this new premium variety of lemon that is naturally seedless and Non-GMO Project Verified,” said Adam Cooper, Senior Vice President of Marketing.

Originally discovered in Australia, the Wonderful Seedless Lemons variety is the product of one farmer’s quest to find the perfect seedless lemon. Using innovative breeding techniques for a number of years on thousands of lemon buds, said farmer finally developed a seedless lemon tree in his orchard, which eventually—literally—bore the fruit of his labors.

"They’re just as juicy and have all the flavor of conventional lemons, but with none of the annoyance of seeds, saving you time in the kitchen," Cooper emphasized.

To truly highlight how convenient the new variety is, The Wonderful Company made sure to time Wonderful Seedless Lemons' debut just right to align perfectly with the start of the holiday season. Because of the lack of seeds, consumers can take shortcuts when baking, cooking, and squeezing ahead of holiday entertaining.

According to a press release, The Wonderful Company commissioned a third-party study to survey lemon buyers. In this study, the company found that 83 percent were likely to purchase a seedless lemon while 81 percent believe lemons would be more convenient without seeds. Additionally, 79 percent stated they use lemons as an ingredient when baking and cooking, while another 73 percent confirmed they use lemons for making drinks. This encouraged The Wonderful Company to debut its new variety as a means of helping at-home chefs simplify the entertaining occasions—from concocting alcoholic elixirs or mocktails to baking and cooking.

“Consumers who love lemons will have fun discovering this one-of-a-kind variety that is easily identified in stores with an eye-catching branded logo and packaging, as well as colorful in-store displays,” continued Cooper.

The new brand, which joins the likes of Wonderful® Halos®, Pistachios, and Pom Wonderful®, will be supported by a robust consumer marketing campaign that will include in-store POS displays and digital and influencer marketing initiative—all highlighting the variety's unique one- and two-pound bags.

Congratulations to The Wonderful Company on this exciting new product launch!

The Wonderful Company