The Industry Mourns the Loss of Bob Nunes of the Nunes Company



PEBBLE BEACH, CA - It is with our deepest condolences that we share the recent passing of one of the industry’s own. Frank Robert (Bob) Nunes peacefully passed away at his home in Pebble Beach, California, on November 6, at the age of 88—a short distance from California’s Salinas Valley where he was raised and lived out his passion and grew an amazing career.

Bob founded the Nunes Company in 1976 with his brother Tom, building the company into one of the most recognized and respected fresh produce companies in the United States and beyond. As an industry pioneer and visionary in the marketing of fresh produce to consumers, Bob was the recipient of numerous awards for his significant contributions to the industry as well as his extensive giving to philanthropic organizations throughout California over the past 40 years.

“My great-uncle Bob was a true gentleman, a visionary, and a beacon in our industry,” Tom Nunes V, President of The Nunes Company, said. “He had an incredible passion and love for the people that helped build our company. I am so grateful for the mentorship and guidance he blessed me with. Bob never stopped looking ahead. He was never afraid of bold moves, and he laid the foundation for the Nunes Company's future success. He was the light of our company—a light that will forever shine bright for all of us.”

Bob was the child of Portuguese immigrants and, from those humble beginnings, he grew to live a rich, full, and wonderful life. Bob was raised on a farm in Chualar, California, and through hard work, family love, and education, he enjoyed personal independence, culminating in a creative and determined vocation in the produce industry.

Bob founded the Nunes Company in 1976 with his brother Tom, building the company into one of the most recognized and respected fresh produce companies

A graduate of Salinas High School, Bob headed to Stanford University, majoring in economics. Following college, he became a vegetable inspector with Monterey County before joining a Salinas grower-shipper as the bookkeeper. Bob joined his brother Tom In the early 1960s and handled sales and marketing for Growers Exchange before founding Nunes Bros. of California Inc. in 1966. Bob believed that marketing to consumers was the key to success.

The formation of Nunes Bros. allowed the company to begin experimenting with cutting-edge marketing ideas aimed at the consumer, becoming one of the first companies to film wrap lettuce. Bob’s innovative ideas helped him land a seat on the Board of Directors of the Produce Packaging Association, which later evolved into the Produce Marketing Association. In 1968, United Fruit Company (a.k.a. Chiquita Brands) bought Nunes Bros. as one of five Salinas Valley vegetable grower-shippers that were to become Interharvest. Bob and Tom briefly ran that company until resigning in 1972 and taking a five-year hiatus from the produce industry. In 1977, they restarted and launched The Nunes Company.

Throughout Bob's many successes, he lived by the simple philosophy, “When the cup runs over, spread it around”

With an eye for innovation and ingenuity, Bob’s approach to selling the company’s products focused on celebrities as spokespersons for the newly named “Foxy” brand vegetables, right out the gates. Over the next 20 years, he would utilize model and actress Brooke Shields, actor Paul Newman, and Dr. Dean Edel, among others, to promote the health and nutrition of Foxy brand products. Working with his brother Tom, The Nunes Company built the highly recognizable Foxy brand into a mainstay on retailers’ shelves across the Northeast.

“In addition to being a mentor, a friend, and a role model, Bob was the most innovative person I’ll ever know,” shared Organic Produce Network Co-Founder Matt Seeley, who worked for 30 years with Bob at The Nunes Company. “He was two steps ahead of conventional thinking and brilliant in developing sales and marketing strategies. But most importantly, Bob was about integrity and honoring your commitments; it’s the reason he was able to build such a special and well-respected company. He was reserved, and never bragged or boasted about himself. He let the quality of the products he produced speak for him on a daily basis and for nearly 50 years nobody has done it better.”

Throughout his many successes, he lived by the simple philosophy, “When the cup runs over, spread it around.” He spent his last years doing his best to help the very young, the old, the very sick, those who cannot care for themselves, and animals. As a child, he wanted to start a Boys Town for Dogs. Through his support of the SPCA, Peace of Mind Dog Rescue, and other endeavors, he nearly did.

In addition to serving on the Board of Directors for Produce Packaging Association and Western Growers Association, Bob also served on the boards of Grower-Shipper Vegetable Association, American Institute of Food and Wine, and Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital Foundation. He served as President of Central California Lettuce Co-op.

In 2007, Bob was recognized for his generous support of both produce and community endeavors as the recipient of the E.E. “Gene” Harden Lifetime Achievement award by the Grower-Shipper Association of Central California. He also received the Hall of Fame Award from the National Steinbeck Center and the Distinguished Trustee Award from the Community Foundation of Monterey County in 2010. His philanthropic outreach was recognized by the Alex de Tocqueville Society of United Way.

The industry leader is survived by his son Bob Jr., and daughter-in-law Kim; daughter Kimberly, five grandchildren, a niece, nephews, and his brother Tom.

A rosary will be held Thursday at Struve & LaPorte Funeral, with a mass at St. Joseph’s Church in Spreckels, CA at 11 a.m. on Friday, November 15.

Our hearts go out to all those who knew Bob and we extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends during this time.


Sunkist Growers' Christina Ward Discusses Citrus Volume and Trends at PMA Fresh Summit 2019



ANAHEIM, CA - PMA’s Fresh Summit certainly left us with no shortage of exciting industry innovations! Sunkist Growers was another company I interacted with on the show floor—when I saw the spectrum of oranges, yellows, and reds, it simply could not be passed up. Christina Ward, Director of Global Brand Marketing for Sunkist, took the time to chat with me about all the company has to offer.

Christina Ward, Director of Global Brand Marketing, Sunkist Growers“Sunkist is the leader of the citrus category. We’ve been around for more than 125 years, and it’s imperative for us to stay on top of consumer trends, consumer behaviors, packaging solutions, and things that are going to help drive sales and grow our category overall,” Christina said. “Our California-grown citrus cooperative is celebrating the season with more than 40 citrus varieties, and we’re excited that the juicy, sweet, seedless Navel orange is really what kicks it off. Over the last four seasons, we’re seeing the Cara Cara Navel orange and blood orange saw double-digit volume and dollar sales. That’s exciting to see and that’s a true testament to the fact that once consumers get a taste of these varieties that they just fall in love and they want to come back for more.”

Sunkist Growers is celebrating the season with more than 40 citrus varieties

Both Christina and myself were fueled by the fire that Fresh Summit 2019 brought about. She continued by enlightening me with Sunkist’s newest solutions for retailers.

“Sunkist has a strong organic line, and with that paired with our conventional citrus, we have a lot to offer year-round. It’s essentially a well-rounded program,” Christina told me. “We also have new packaging, merchandising displays, and innovative marketing solutions, because for us it’s important to keep up with consumer trends and demands so that we can offer our retail partners solutions to drive citrus sales.”

Cara Cara navel oranges and blood oranges saw double-digit volume and dollar sales

Based on what I witnessed at Fresh Summit, Sunkist Growers seems to be well-versed in the language of consumers. With new packaging, double-digit sales and volume, and star-studded organic and conventional lines, Sunkist has positioned itself for a lucrative New Year.

For more of the industry’s most exclusive content, keep reading AndNowUKnow.

Sunkist Growers


Ocean Mist® Farms Launches Seasonal Frost Kissed® Artichokes



CASTROVILLE, CA - The weather is getting chillier, spirits are getting jollier, and produce is getting heartier. As fall progresses into winter, seasonal favorites are making their comebacks, and Ocean Mist Farms is not one to disappoint. The first Frost Kissed® artichoke crops are currently being shipped to retailers and will be available for the next several weeks. Be still my artichoke heart.

The Frost Kissed artichokes will carry a petal insert so shoppers can easily recognize them

When the temperature drops below 32 degrees, Ocean Mist Farm’s Frost Kissed artichokes’ skin darkens. Rather than ruining the crop, however, this actually seals in more flavor and provides a nuttier taste in the artichokes; the brown exterior layer falls off once cooked to reveal that beautiful green veg that shoppers are familiar with.

Diana McClean, Senior Director of Marketing, Ocean Mist Farms“The appearance of Frost Kissed artichokes is strictly cosmetic and doesn’t reflect the quality,” said Diana McClean, Senior Director of Marketing. “While these artichokes are not as vibrant in color, they offer a limited-time flavor that many shoppers look forward to experiencing after a frost.”

According to a press release, this limited time variety will come with a whole host of recipe inspo through Ocean Mist Farm’s social media channels as well as on its website to educate consumers. Additionally, the Frost Kissed artichokes will carry a petal insert so shoppers can easily recognize them. Ocean Mist Farms will also provide display cards to retail customers who stock Frost Kissed artichokes.

The frost darkens the artichokes' skin, sealing in more flavor and providing a nuttier taste

“The Frost Kissed artichokes are such a seasonal treat as we don’t see a freeze every season,” added McClean. “We’re working hard to ensure our shoppers are educated on ways to prep the artichoke so they too can enjoy its unique flavor for a limited time when they are available.”

“Let it go” straight into your produce aisles and holiday fixings this season and keep checking back here at ANUK as we bring more produce news.

Ocean Mist Farms


WP Produce Debuts Refreshed Desbry® Logo



MIAMI, FL - Though the winds of winter are nipping at our heels, there are some out there who are devoted to bringing a taste of the tropics to the produce aisle, no matter what the season. Family-owned grower-packer-shipper WP Produce is proud to announce a strong start to its high season for tropical avocados from the Dominican Republic. The company sources its avocados from exceptional growing regions around the world to ensure year-round availability and high-quality produce. As if that wasn't enough, WP Produce's Desbry® brand has donned a snazzy new look that is sure to turn heads.

Chris Gonzalez, Vice President of Sales, WP Produce"This growth is exciting, and we expect it to continue. Retailers and foodservice providers have been seeing increased popularity for tropical avocados over the past few years," said Chris Gonzalez, VP of Sales for WP Produce, in a press release. "At PMA Fresh Summit, interest and enthusiasm for tropical avocados was very high. Consumers are demanding variety. And the larger size of tropical avocados with their vibrant green skin and heartier texture appeals to avocado lovers—especially millennials and moms."

WP Produce’s Desbry tropical brand undergoes its high season from mid-October through mid-May, with additional supply from Florida available from June through December, according to a press release. While the company is expecting increased volumes overall, it anticipates exceptionally promotable qualities from November through January.

This avocado season brings new changes and innovations for WP Produce, as the company has recently debuted a refreshed logo for its Desbry brand produce. The brand, which the company has been selling its produce under since 1984, is named after Founder Willy Pardo’s children—Desiree and Bryan, reflecting the cherished family-owned nature of the company.

WP Produce is proud to announce a strong start to its high season for tropical avocados from the Dominican Republic

Moxxy Marketing is responsible for the refreshed logo, which was designed to feature a bright yellow sun and bold coral lettering that reflect the tropical nature and growing regions of WP Produce’s full line of fresh produce. The company’s impressive menagerie of fruits and veg includes: avocados, papaya, pineapple, manzano bananas, mamey, malanga, yucca, calabaza, breadfruit, plantains, habanero peppers, coconuts, mangos, and more.

Desiree Morales, Vice President, WP Produce"The refreshed Desbry logo honors the past of what my father has worked hard to build, and also highlights our commitment to the future," commented Desiree Morales, Vice President of WP Produce. "We are focused on continually leading and improving the tropical produce industry like my dad has been doing the past 30 years, and the new logo is a symbol of that."

WP Produce has also been implementing fresh innovations, including new avocado cleaning and sorting machinery that has been added to its Dominican Republic facilities. The machinery allows for increased capacity and volume, while staying true to the company’s mission of providing sustainable job opportunities in the region. WP Produce has also created a worker welfare program for its Dominican staff.

"As we keep expanding our footprint in the Dominican Republic, we also want to continue building our role in the community, providing a welcoming work environment, and acknowledging our employees’ hard work and dedication," Morales said. "All our produce is inspected by our employees before being packed for our customers to not only ensure the highest quality, but to also ensure we offer a sustainable, year-round supply of jobs for the region. By providing more jobs and meals for all of our employees, we can support the well-being of our employees, and ultimately deliver a better end experience for our customers."

For more from the world of produce, keep reading AndNowUKnow.

WP Produce


Sysco Announces 2019 Supplier Excellence Awards



HOUSTON, TX - We in the produce industry know that being a good business partner is something worth busting out the crudité and champagne for. Break out your flutes and your celery sticks, folks, because Sysco just announced its 2019 Supplier Excellence Awards. The 2019 award recipients were selected based on sales growth, leadership, innovation, operational excellence and other key business performance criteria. Those who led the produce pack are standouts in our industry, but only one was named the Gold Supplier: Taylor Farms.

Brian Todd, Senior Vice President of Merchandising and Marketing, Sysco“Sysco has a long-standing tradition of recognizing our top suppliers for their commitment to helping us deliver great products to our customers with exceptional service,” said Brian Todd, Senior Vice President of Merchandising and Marketing. “We keep the customer at the center of everything we do and work hard with our supplier partners to improve the overall customer experience.”

Sysco awards Taylor Farms the Gold Supplier Award for its continued service to deliver great products

Winners in the fresh produce category included:

Gold Supplier Award Winner

  • Taylor Farms

Silver Supplier Award Winner

  • Church Brothers Farms

Bronze Supplier Award Winners

  • ProSource Inc.
  • EarthFresh Farms
  • Driscoll’s, Inc.

Additionally, the field of Frozen/Canned Fruits & Vegetables winners included a number of fresh-focused suppliers, including BONDUELLE. And Sysco’s Cutting Edge Solutions award went to Oggi Foods, a Montreal-based company that specializes in making cauliflower pizza crusts. Fresh was truly showing up and showing out!

For a complete list of winners, read Sysco’s press release here.

The entire team at AndNowuKnow congratulates the winners! Stay tuned for more fresh-focused news.

Sysco


Boskovich Farm's Russ Widerburg Discusses the State of the Celery Market



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.

Russ Widerburg, Sales Manager, Boskovich Farms“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.

Boskovich Farms expects that volume for the celery program will increase by ten percent, which is a normal annual growth increase for the company

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


ALC Logistics' Kenny Lund Discusses Growth



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.

Kenny Lund, Executive Vice President, ALC Logistics“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.

ALC Logistics' current business model is more effective and proficient than ever before, as the company continues to work to develop strategies that benefit the entire supply chain

“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


Southeastern Grocers Expands E-Commerce to Louisiana With Online Marketplace Partnerships



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.

Andrew Nadin, EVP and Chief Customer Officer, Southeastern Grocers“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 will be expanding its e-commerce shopping technologies to include online ordering and grocery delivery services for Louisiana customers

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


Natural Delights Announces Its Harvest Success



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.

David Baxter, Brand Manager, Bard Valley Natural Delights“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.

Perfect weather conditions helped Natural Delights' date crop develop high-quality fruit at double the volume

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


Ben E. Keith Company Breaks Ground on New Mexico Distribution Center



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.

Mike Sweet, President, Ben E. Keith Foods"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.

Ben E. Keith recently held a ground-breaking ceremony for its new center in Albuquerque, New Mexico

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