OXNARD, CA - The leaves are falling, the temperature is lowering, and growing regions are experiencing a turn of fate. Not only does the holiday season usher in a new period for produce providers, but it signifies a shift in supply for many categories. Boskovich Farms is one of such companies, as the change in weather inevitably impacts its celery crop. I checked in with Russ Widerburg, Sales Manager at Boskovich, to find out what’s in store for the celery market.

“The current celery market is trending up. The Thanksgiving Holiday demand is beginning now and will continue through the end of December. Weather conditions will determine whether the market continues to slide up, or eases off because of better supplies,” Russ explained. “Coming off of a $60 to $70 per box celery market last year, it will be interesting to see how much volume will be committed to contract pricing this season. We have aggressively sought after more contract pricing for the upcoming season with our increased volume.”

Ramping up for the holidays, Boskovich is planning ahead and charting commitments and projected sales of its celery. The Oxnard harvest has just begun, according to Russ, though the company will harvest in Lompoc for another week. The Oxnard season will continue through the end of June 2020.

“Quality is very good in Oxnard to start, although there has been discussion about some Fuserium ground disease being prevalent in the Oxnard region,” Russ told me.

Although Russ is expecting a dryer and colder winter than last year, he confidently assured me that it won’t be a problem for Boskovich. In fact, he said that volume for the celery program will increase by ten percent, which is a normal annual growth increase for the company.

Stay tuned in to ANUK as we cover categorial market updates ahead of the holidays.

Boskovich Farms

ANAHEIM, CA - When wandering the show floor, I often find myself gravitating toward the Allen Lund Company (ALC) booth. But it’s not just the warm and inviting team members I get to chat with that draws me in, but also the company’s penchant for growth and exceptional customer service. Kenny Lund, Executive Vice President, shared with me his unique insight into the company that continues to grow in ways that benefit the entire industry.

“Whether a customer does three, 300, or 3,000 LTL shipments a month, we have the right module and the right software to help them do that,” he said.

ALC Logistics has experienced another record-breaking growth year—which is exciting to the company for many reasons. ALC has grown the number of companies it works with, and all the current companies and customers have all added on to the systems. The company started with a solid, yet humble, foundation and has continued to grow and expand into an entity with the power to offer premium programs.

“We started off with just five modules, and have grown to 15 modules,” Kenny commented. “We can do yard management; we can do dock scheduling; we can do multi-area dock scheduling, inbound and outbound; and we just keep adding to what we’re able to do for our customers.”

Of course, it all comes down to what the customer wants and needs, so when one comes to ALC asking, “Can you help us do this?” the company has what it takes to meet those needs. With ALC’s current business model, it is more effective and proficient than ever before, while developing strategies that benefit the entire supply chain.

“Using the buying power of grouping together all our customers in the marketplace, we can deliver their products at a lower cost than what they can do working by themselves,” said Kenny.

For more exclusive content from the best in the biz, keep reading (and watching) AndNowUKnow.

Allen Lund Company

NEW ORLEANS, LA - The parent company of BI-LO, Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket, and Winn-Dixie grocery stores announced today that it’s stepping into the digital world, the grocery digital world that is. Southeastern Grocers will be expanding its e-commerce shopping technologies to include online ordering and grocery delivery services for Louisiana customers in partnership with online grocery marketplace leaders Instacart and Shipt.

“We are always looking for additional opportunities to meet the evolving needs of our customers in each community we serve,” stated Andrew Nadin, EVP and Chief Customer Officer of Southeastern Grocers. “As we embrace digital advancements, we are excited to expand our e-commerce partnerships to offer added conveniences for Louisiana shoppers. Partnering with marketplace leaders will provide our customers with simple options for the same quality products and value, which will help make their lives a little easier.”

It appears that Winn-Dixie shoppers will be able to reap the benefits soon in Louisiana, allowing customers to purchase fresh produce, meat and seafood, health and beauty goods, pet products, consumable baby items, and more. The press release states that e-commerce technologies provide an added resource to tackle complex consumer demands. Recent SEG survey results show that more shoppers are heading to the internet to do more grocery shopping, indicating that 88 percent of those shoppers had their orders delivered. This goes to show that Southeastern Grocers acknowledges the value of time and convenience most shoppers are looking for.

Southeastern Grocers is rolling the program out officially in Louisiana stores in cities including Baton Rouge, Covington, Mandeville, New Orleans, Slidell, the Westbank, and other areas. Which retailer is going to follow suit next? Stay with AndNowUKnow as we cover more developments concerning everything fresh.

Southeastern Grocers Instacart Shipt

BARD VALLEY, CA - Natural Delights has announced the results of its most recent harvest, and the grower couldn’t be happier. Perfect weather conditions helped the crop develop high-quality fruit, large volume, and a size trending larger than usual for the 2019/2020 season, resulting in a season that far exceeded expectations.

“Due to having zero carryover from our 2018 fruit, we are delighted to say we are already shipping out new crop fruit, ensuring our customers are getting the freshest dates on the market.” David Baxter, Brand Manager, said in a press release. “Being a co-op gives us the ability to work directly with our growers to ensure that we are following the most stringent growing practices producing the highest quality fruit.”

Over the last five years, Natural Delights has doubled its volume and sales and continues to aggressively pursue growth with the exceptional fruit for its upcoming campaign, and it seems as though the crop will be well received.

“Demand has exceeded supply the last two seasons; this crop positions us to supply additional volumes on a global basis,” said Baxter.

The Natural Delights line offers Whole, Pitted, Organic, and Pitted Organic Medjool Dates; Premium Chopped Medjool Dates; and Medjool Date Rolls with flavors such as Coconut, Almond, and Cacao with Pecans.

For more news on the produce world, keep reading AndNowUKnow.

Natural Delights

FORT WORTH, TX - Less than one month after breaking ground on a distribution center in Alabama to extend its reach in the Southeast, Ben E. Keith Company has set its sights on the Southwest, breaking ground on another new foodservice distribution center in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

"As we continue to expand, Ben E. Keith Foods is honored to have the opportunity to serve the communities of the Southwest and support the rich culinary traditions so unique to this part of the country," said Mike Sweet.

Construction of the 261,000-square-foot distribution facility will commence immediately and is estimated to be completed and operational by November 2021, according to a press release. The new facility will feature several innovations, including a state-of-the-art Frick Refrigeration System and security systems, Dematic Multi-Shuttles, LED Lighting, a modern test kitchen, exclusive WMS Systems, and a training center.

The facility is expected to generate 90 jobs over the next five years, in addition to the more than 100 individuals the company already employs through its current distribution center in Albuquerque.

What does Ben E. Keith’s rapid expansion mean for its competitors? AndNowUKnow will continue to report.

Ben E. Keith

GRAND RAPIDS, MI - ’Tis the season of giving, and consumers aren’t the only ones getting in the spirit. Retailers and growers alike are forming strategic partnerships as a way to give back to their communities. SpartanNash and CMI Orchards are doing just that—partnering up to support military service members, veterans, and their families. Working with CMI Orchards, more than 135 SpartanNash retail stores will carry the American Dream® apples, with a portion of proceeds slotted to benefit American heroes.

“Customers have a growing appetite for these new and popular apple varieties—and we can’t wait for our store guests to try them,” said Tom Swanson, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Corporate Retail. “On top of that, each purchase supports Operation Homefront and our nation’s heroes. This is the type of partnership that means so much to us at SpartanNash, because it allows us to support our troops and veterans while delivering what our store guests want, when they want it—fast and friendly.”

According to a press release, SpartanNash is a leading distributor of grocery products to U.S. military commissaries around the world and sees firsthand the sacrifices that military families make to protect our freedoms. Therefore, the company is committed to raising awareness and vital resources year-round for those who served or continue to do so. With every bag of American Dream apples, SpartanNash is proud to support the national nonprofit organization Operation Homefront and its mission to build strong, stable, and secure military families so they can thrive in the communities they have worked so hard to protect.

Store guests at SpartanNash’s corporate-owned stores in eight states can choose from some of the top branded apples from CMI, including Ambrosia Gold®, Kiku®, Kanzi®, Jazz™, and Envy™. Family Fare, D&W Fresh Market, VG’s Grocery, Dan’s Supermarket, Family Fresh Market, and other SpartanNash stores will carry the five varieties of apples. The American Dream program, developed by CMI Orchards, has donated more than $40,000 to veterans organizations to date.

“SpartanNash is committed to serving our military heroes and their families, both at home and abroad, and this Veterans Day—and every day of the year—this is just one small way we can say ‘thank you for your service,’” said Meredith Gremel, Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Communications. “Our military heroes make the American Dream possible, and we are proud to support them with this partnership."

In addition to the American Dream apples, which will be in stores on November 10, SpartanNash will honor current servicemembers and veterans of the Armed Forces by offering an 11 percent Veterans Day discount on all eligible products. The 11 percent discount will be offered Sunday, November 10 and Monday, November 11. All active duty, Reserve, National Guard, and veterans who present proper identification at any SpartanNash company-owned store on November 10 or 11 will receive this discount.

For 17 years, Operation Homefront has provided critical financial assistance, transitional and permanent housing, and family support services to prevent short-term needs from turning into chronic, long-term struggles. Recognized for superior performance by leading independent charity oversight groups, 92 percent of Operation Homefront expenditures go directly to programs that support tens of thousands of military families each year.

SpartanNash has partnered with Operation Homefront in the past, granting more than $205,000 to the organization through SpartanNash Foundation fundraising campaigns. In 2018, the SpartanNash Foundation also supported more than 40,000 military families, granting more than $400,000 to nonprofit partners such as Operation Homefront, Fisher House Foundation, Vetshouse, and Warriors at Ease.

Hats off to SpartanNash and CMI Orchards on this generous partnership. For more of the latest news in produce and retail, keep reading AndNowUKnow.

SpartanNash CMI Orchards

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.

FREEZING TEMPS COMING TO WEST FLORIDA TOMATO REGIONS

Starting today, look for temperatures in and around the Quincy, Florida, growing regions to begin a downward slide that will culminate next Tuesday with minimum temperatures touching the freezing mark.

Look for the minimum temperature to only reach 43° tonight, which is a drop of 20° from yesterday. Today’s maximum temperature will only reach 66°. These cooler temperatures will continue through the weekend. Next Tuesday, a storm will come through the area dropping the temperatures even more in which will see the minimum drop to 32° on Tuesday and Wednesday. Come Thursday, the minimum temperatures will be back into the 40°s, but by then the damage will be done. Could cause serious damage to plants.

Although Central and Southern Florida are coming online with their winter tomato crops, western Florida is still a significant player. Expect growers to go in and pick heavy before the cold temperatures come next week.

SOUTHERN GEORGIA TO FREEZE NEXT WEEK—THANKSGIVING GREEN BEANS MAY BE LOST

The first frost of the season is coming to Georgia next week. The same cold weather hitting northern Florida next week will take its toll on southern Georgia as well. The regions of Sumpter County, Moultrie, and Quitman will all see freezing temperatures next Monday and Tuesday night. Tuesday, November 12, will be the coldest of the two nights with forecast temperatures to drop to 30°. Wednesday night is expected to be 32°.

Look for the green bean crops to be wiped out. Other items currently coming from this region are bell peppers, sweet corn, cucumbers, eggplant, greens, and squash. If you are pulling from these areas, take precautions and stock up now.

EXPECT HOT TEMPERATURES TO EXCELERATE YUMA LETTUCE

After a cooler than normal October and first few days of November in Yuma, things have changed and temperatures are really heating up.

October saw a significant amount of days with average daily temperatures below normal in Yuma with the coldest temperatures coming in the last seven days of the month and the first few days of November. Average temperatures for these days were more than 10° below normal.

Temperatures began to make the change this past Monday and now appear to be on a hot streak for at least the next ten days. Look for maximum temperatures to be 90° over the next ten days with minimum temperatures in the low 60°s. You couldn’t ask for better weather. Look for production of lettuce and other crops to start within the next ten days.

Coachella Valley is experiencing the same weather. Look for product to start there within the next week.

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

Weathermelon

SANTA MARIA, CA - It seems like only yesterday I was discussing end-of-summer plans and somehow I’ve arrived at the holidays. How time flies! The produce industry understands how quickly days can slip into months, which explains how Babé Farms already had its head in the game as it looked toward the seasonal holiday push. While consumers are preparing for holiday meals, I asked Matt Hiltner, Marketing Coordinator, about the grower’s carrot crop, and how buyers can take advantage.

“In our coastal growing region in Santa Maria, California, we are fortunate to be able to grow, pack, and ship our colorful selection of carrots year-round. At Babé Farms, we grow six varieties of baby bunched carrots, including our French variety, an orange carrot, yellow, purple, pink, and white carrots, and Thumbelina, our round carrot. In addition, we offer hand-peeled carrots in French and mix-color offerings. These are available in a 5 lb “ZIP” bag as well as bulk, multi-color carrots with no tops in 25 lb sacks,” Matt explained.

Noting that the current carrot market is steady and active, it’s a perfect time for retailers and foodservice operators to continue stocking up as the holiday season begins.

“Right now, we are seeing strong supplies coming in on nearly all our baby bunched carrot offerings,” he remarked. “Now is a wonderful time to stock up as chefs begin their holiday menu planning.”

The Santa Maria weather, Matt shared with me, has made for excellent carrot quality. Babé Farms expects to see great supplies and quality throughout the holidays. And it would be remiss to not mention the company’s other specialty items, which includes its celery root, baby beets, kohlrabi, fennel, and radishes. All of these hearty vegetables elevate holiday cuisine.

“With low-carb and keto diets trending, celery root and kohlrabi are godsends in the kitchen when looking to recreate mashed potatoes, gratins, soups, stews, and other fall/winter favorites. And no Thanksgiving dinner is complete without the stuffing. Elevate your stuffing game this season by adding fennel to the mix. Fennel provides a lovely aroma and licorice flavored crunch that will make stuffing a standout on a crowded Thanksgiving dinner plate,” Matt noted.

Retailers can facilitate these ideas by making grab-n-go recipe cards available to customers and cross-merchandising these vegetables with corresponding recipe ingredients, he shared with me. Consumers may also be intimidated by unique vegetables like celery root and kohlrabi, so it’s important for retailers to educate them with signage or even in-store cooking demos.

As the holiday season continues, AndNowUKnow will keep you abreast of all things related to produce.

Babé Farms

NYSSA, OR - While the average person may rely on the convenience of their weather app to determine the day’s climate, I prefer scrolling through my social media feeds and seeing the snow flurries, storm clouds, and sunshine in the backgrounds of my friends’ posts. Lately, my friends in the Pacific Northwest have been bundled up under November’s rainy skies, with Owyhee Produce being no exception.

I chatted with Shay Myers, General Manager, to find out how Owyhee Produce’s onions have been faring in the colder climes this season.

“Harvest is completed, and we are packing our storage crop of onions,” Shay began. “It was a challenging harvest this season for a few reasons: a late start date, rains, and early freezes. On our farm, around 10 percent of the crop has had potential freeze damage. Fortunately, our new optical grader has assisted in helping us maintain our high-quality standards while minimizing the shrink from the frozen crop, with most of these onions graded and run across our sorting line. Other than that, quality looks excellent. We are looking forward to having good quality through the duration of our season as we continue to pack from our bulk storages all the way till May.”

In terms of volume, Shay forecasted average volume this year, as a result of Mother Nature freezing that extra 10 percent of crop late in the harvest. Despite this minor setback, the Owyhee Produce team is expecting to turn its onions into onionade (…like lemons/lemonade) with the promotable volumes it does have.

“We will see tighter supplies as a result of the freeze somewhere down the line. As far as seeing any spikes or dips in demand currently, it’s just the normal status quo, although our onions are generally consumed at a higher-level during November, December, and even January,” Shay shard with me.

As demand begins to ramp up around the winter holidays, Shay pointed to Owyhee Produce’s new palletizer and bagging system—which will be installed within the next couple of weeks—as well as its new growing fields in California as a way of keeping up with voracious consumer demand.

“We are excited to be California onion growers! We are just getting started planting this week. This will close the loop in our supply system to be able to take care of our customers the same way that we do during the 10 months of the year when we are running our Idaho packing facility,” Shay explained. “We are hoping the outcome of this new expansion and partnership in California will add value to the customers we serve with a true year-round onion program.”

For more of the freshest produce news straight from the fields, packinghouses, and growers themselves, stay right here with AndNowUKnow.

Owyhee Produce

CALGARY, ALBERTA - What’s the holiday season without an onion or two? Flavorless, absolutely flavorless. Fortunately, consumers, retailers, and foodservice operators won’t have to endure a flavorless winter this year as Thomas Fresh’s Canadian season has officially begun, adding to its U.S. operations and bolstering its supply of the 12 unique onion varieties it offers year-round.

To find out more about how Thomas Fresh is preparing for one of the busiest grocery shopping time periods of the year, I tapped the grower’s Andrea Dubak, Marketing Specialist, and Heron Espino, Potato and Onion Buyer.

“As a Canadian-based company, we see a strong push for our onions during Thanksgiving, which starts during mid-October. Demand stays elevated until the Christmas season—when shoppers are entertaining and generally cooking more from home due to the colder Canadian weather,” Andrea shared with me. “Onions are a staple offering at Thomas Fresh, and so we provide our customers with dozens of pack sizes and bulk variations to help them find the right onion product for their store.”

This season, that right onion product could be any of Thomas Fresh’s varieties, which Heron noted are sporting good overall quality from all regions the grower actively sources onions from.

“Our volume of sales has increased compared to last season. We have seen steady volume with our medium yellow, sweet, and red onions, as well as our tri-colored bag, which is a convenient mix of red, white, and yellow onions,” Heron said. “Mother Nature has been a challenge for the last few years, with cold weather potentially impacting our volumes in some regions this season. However, it is still too early to confirm, so we are not expecting any volume concerns to supply our commitments with our customers.”

Heron went on to describe the onion market as steady with the potential to become volatile in the next few weeks, based on a careful analysis of source reports in a number of regions. As a result, a spike in pricing is expected to occur sooner rather than later as we head further into the fall season.

“The increase is due to growing pressure in some regions to fill customer demand as the holidays approach,” Heron explained.

In addition to the upcoming holidays, this season is also expected to be an exciting one thanks to a few new Thomas Fresh packaging options and labels, including its second year of its Think Pink Onion program—this time as an organic onion—and its new eye-catching wine tag label for its 3lb sweet onion and yellow onion.

“Compared to our previous design, our new tags provide a bolder look for consumers. We look forward to offering this exciting new packaging during the holidays,” Andrea told me. “Another hot item is our 7 lb red onions, a new product launched in April. The 7 lb bag is a useful size for big holiday gatherings, as red onions are fantastic to caramelize or roast with butter, honey, and balsamic vinegar for Christmas dinners!”

It might only be the beginning of November, but I don’t think anyone in the supply chain will have to worry about anything but a holiday season bursting with flavor thanks to Thomas Fresh and its team. As AndNowUKnow continues to bring you the latest news from fresh produce fields around the world, stay right here.

Thomas Fresh