WASHINGTON, DC - As part of its efforts to enforce the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) and ensure fair trading practices within the U.S. produce industry, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has filed an administrative complaint under the PACA against Genaro Produce Incorporated. The company, operating from Florida, allegedly failed to make payment promptly to ten produce sellers in the amount of $284,981 from September 2016 through October 2018.

Direct from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service:

Genaro Produce Incorporated will have an opportunity to request a hearing. Should USDA find that the company committed repeated and flagrant violations, it would be barred from the produce industry as a licensee for three years, or two years with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond. Furthermore, its principals could not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee for two years, or one year with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond.

The PACA Division, which is in the Fair Trade Practices Program in the Agricultural Marketing Service, regulates fair trading practices of produce businesses that are operating subject to PACA, including buyers, sellers, commission merchants, dealers, and brokers within the fruit and vegetable industry.

In the past three years, USDA resolved approximately 3,500 PACA claims involving more than $58 million. PACA staff also assisted more than 7,800 callers with issues valued at approximately $148 million. These are just two examples of how the USDA continues to support the fruit and vegetable industry.

For more information, contacts, and to read the full press release, please click here.

USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service

ISSAQUAH, WA - Delivery start-up Instacart has found a spot for itself in the grocery retail space, and has been forming partnerships with grocers for some time. Instacart has partnered with major retailers like Costco, Walmart, and Whole Foods (the latter of which saw the partnership terminated earlier this year). But now, Costco has expanded its partnership with Instacart to test a free prescription drug delivery program. The deepening of its relationship with Instacart seems a prudent move as the retailer seeks to strengthen its convenience capabilities.

The test program will take place in California and Washington, according to CNBC, and includes delivery with no fees on orders over $35 (minus tip), to a Costco member’s home or office. The pilot program offers a range of delivery speeds—some in as quick as an hour—that will require additional delivery fees, though usually less than $10. The news source reports that customers will receive updates on their orders via text, just as Instacart does for its other grocery delivery ordering.

There is one key difference between the new service being tested and standard grocery delivery services—only customers over the age of 18 may order, and they will be required to show proof of identity upon delivery. The service also requires the Instacart workers receive extra training and earn a Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) certification.

Costco has recently been trailing behind major retailers in the e-commerce space, so the expansion of its Instacart partnership could potentially give it a leg up on the competition. Because Instacart is such a major player in the grocery delivery sector, a more concrete partnership would be a boon for Costco.

However, Costco won't be alone in the $300 billion pharmaceutical market, as CNBC reported many big-name retailers are trialing their own services. That's not to say that Costco's new program, when paired with its already thriving grocery delivery services, won't prove to be a pivotal strategy in the crowded market.

AndNowUKnow will keep you updated on all the biggest retail developments.

Costco Instacart

ANAHEIM, CA - At industry shows like PMA Fresh Summit, it’s easy to get caught up in the showroom floor or the many networking opportunities, but just as important are the learning opportunities. Valuable panels populate the pages of the event’s itinerary, because in these situations the entire industry is gathered and can, as a group, receive training and inspiration that can elevate the produce world. Dan’l Mackey Almy, CEO of DMA Solutions, made sure to take advantage of the speakers and presentations at her disposal.

“We were able to have an interactive dialogue with a consultancy firm, sparks & honey, and they led us through micro and mega trends—we got to discuss how could this impact our industry,” she commented.

The presenters gave a master’s class on the evolution of food trends, breaking the topic up into three key areas—innovation, demographics, and entertainment—as a way to inform industry marketing strategies. As a marketer, Dan’l saw great potential in the presentation and noted that attendees from all different aspects of the industry could see the importance of how trends influence the world of produce, particularly trends that push the envelope.

“Even though they may be outlandish, if we’re thinking about them in a horizontal fashion, we’re going to benefit and be able to react to them sooner than we traditionally would when we think outside the box and think about them as tangible trends that we can actually respond to,” Mackey Almy said.

With all the resources at our disposal—especially at exceptional shows like Fresh Summit, it would be crazy not to take advantage of all the information and experience floating around in the ether. So, the next time you find yourself pondering whether to attend the next education panel you see, take a page out of Dan’l’s book and grab a seat, sit back, and get ready to expand your mind.

AndNowUKnow will continue to bring you exclusive content from the best and brightest in the industry.

DMA Solutions

LAKELAND, FL - When it comes to retailers, there are endless ways of classifying who is the best. You can have the best prices, offer the best variety of products, or be the most sustainable in the business, for example. Fortune, however, recently surveyed employees in order to recognize the 2019 Best Workplaces in Retail. While some retailers may have strength in other ranks, Wegmans Food Markets and Publix Super Markets nabbed the first and second spots on the list of best retailers to work for, again.

According to Fortune, the Great Place to Work survey analyzed anonymous feedback from over 694,000 employees working in retail in the United States. Employees relayed their experiences with the companies, including effectiveness of leaders, company values, and ability to reach their full potential.

The New York-based retailer, Wegmans, managed to once again earn the number one ranking on Fortune’s list, with Publix following in second. Employees touted a unique sense of opportunity in the workspace, as well as the ability to advance and create a career for themselves, as the top two reasons why Wegmans is a great place to work.

With more than 1,200 stores across seven states, retail associates at Publix named its community contributions, quality facilities, and welcoming atmosphere as reasons why they enjoy working for the company. According to a press release, the company followed closely behind Wegmans, ranking second on Fortune’s list.

Congratulations to both Wegmans and Publix on this high honor!

Wegman's Food Markets Publix Super Markets

EDINBURG, TX - Just about everyone knows about sweet onions—they have all the great qualities of onions with a sweeter edge, what’s not to love? J&D Produce is taking efforts to make sure consumers know not just how tasty its sweet onions are, but also how versatile they can be. The World Food Championships (WFC) was held last month in Dallas’ Reunion Arena Park, where more than 1,400 chefs and home cooks wowed judges with dishes of the utmost creativity. Contestants from 42 states and 15 different countries—not to mention the nearly 25,000 foodies, buyers, and attendees—took part in the prestigious competition. J&D Produce put its prized HoneySweet^® onions to the test, sponsoring the event’s Top Ten Burger competition.

“We saw a wide variety of uses for the HoneySweet onion, and lots of creativity,” commented James Bassetti, VP of Operations at J&D Produce and guest judge at the event. “There were bacon, truffle, and cheese-stuffed HoneySweet onion rings; quick-pickled HoneySweets; crispy fried onion rings topping burgers; bacon wrapped HoneySweets; and more. It was amazing to see what these talented competitors could come up with.”

While there were burgers galore at the competition, not everyone could be a winner, and the group of contestants was narrowed down to ten finalists who all utilized J&D’s HoneySweet onions in their creative and artistic burgers.

“These HoneySweet onions were phenomenal. I love the flavor profile,” Chef Jay Ducote, Celebrity Chef and Emcee of the burger competition, said in a press release. “They’re super sweet, with no tears at all while cutting them. You just don’t get that acidic burn that you get with a lot of onions, and with a high sugar content they caramelize beautifully.”

Just like the Highlander, there can only be one, and this year the top honors went to James Cheek of Sweet Cheek’s Pit BBQ in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, for his exceptional creation, the Hometown Smashburger featuring caramelized HoneySweet onions.

The WFC debuted in 2012, and since then the competition has launched 30 TV food stars, awarded more than $1.8 million in prize money, garnered more than 6.9 billion media impressions, and connected over 150 food brands with food fans, bloggers, and media. This year, the event included a $350,000 prize purse, with the winning burger snagging $10,000 and a chance at a $100,000 prize at WFC’s Final Table challenge.

J&D Produce and AndNowUKnow offer our congratulations to James Cheek and all the other competitors at the 2019 WFC Burger competition—the event truly would not be as special without them.

J&D Produce

WASHINGTON, DC - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has imposed sanctions on Huxtable’s Kitchen—based in Vernon, California—as part of its efforts to enforce the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) and ensure fair trading practices within the U.S. produce industry. Huxtable's failed to meet its contractual obligations to its six sellers by not paying for the produce it purchased in the sum of $551,829. These sanctions include barring the business and the principal operators of the business from engaging in PACA-licensed business or other activities without approval from the USDA. By issuing these penalties, the USDA continues to enforce the prompt and full payment for produce while protecting the rights of sellers and buyers in the marketplace.

Direct from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service:

Huxtable’s failed to pay $551,829 to six sellers for produce that was purchased, received, and accepted in interstate and foreign commerce from October 2015 to May 2016. This is in violation of the PACA. Huxtable’s cannot operate in the produce industry until July 15, 2021, and then only after it applies for and are issued a new PACA license by USDA.

The company’s principals, Perry Morgan, Jay Pack, and Huxtable’s Kitchen Holding Corp., may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee until July 15, 2020, and then only with the posting of a USDA approved surety bond. Another principal of the business at the time of the order was Lewis Macleod. He has challenged his responsibly connected status.

The USDA is required to publish the finding that a business has committed willful, repeated, and flagrant violations of PACA as well as impose restrictions against those principals determined to be responsibly connected to the business during the violation period. Those individuals, including sole proprietors, partners, members, managers, officers, directors, or major stockholders may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee without USDA approval.

The PACA Division, which is in the Fair Trade Practices Program in the Agricultural Marketing Service, regulates fair trading practices of produce businesses that are operating subject to PACA, including buyers, sellers, commission merchants, dealers, and brokers within the fruit and vegetable industry.

In the past three years, USDA resolved approximately 3,500 PACA claims involving more than $58 million. PACA staff also assisted more than 7,800 callers with issues valued at approximately $148 million. These are just two examples of how USDA continues to support the fruit and vegetable industry.

To read the USDA’s press release in its entirety, click here.

USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service

LOS ANGELES, CA - The 2019 PMA Fresh Summit saw many innovations, anniversaries, and, most importantly, product launchings. Pacific Trellis Fruit^® debuted its newest product line, Dulcinea^® Brand Premium Seedless Grapes, at the event, and I can’t wait to buy my own bag to munch on.

“Our growing partners are working hard to bring an exceptional product to consumers,” said Marcial Hernandez, Director, South American Imports. “We recently had the opportunity to visit the farms in three major growing regions in Peru, and not only did the fields look fantastic, but we also had the opportunity to learn more about their new practices for quality, food safety, and traceability.”

According to the press release, Dulcinea Brand Premium Seedless Grapes are packed to extremely high specifications in terms of brix, size, and color, making them bigger, juicier, and sweeter. The premium grapes offer consumers a superior eating experience consistent with what they have come to expect and trust from Dulcinea Melons, and are available in red, green, and black seedless varieties.

“Retailers and consumers are looking for consistent high quality red, green, and black grapes regardless of time of year or country of origin,” said Josh Leichter, General Manager for Pacific Trellis Fruit. “By setting a premium specification for the grapes regardless of origin or variety that will be packed in the Dulcinea brand, we feel we can simplify things for retailers and consumers”.

The company will be rolling out its latest product in limited quantities starting in December, available in random weight bags or fixed weight packages with an eco-friendly, paper bag alternative also in development. Pacific Trellis Fruit/ Dulcinea existing line of products are available at select grocers, specialty health markets, and club stores nationwide.

Keep reading ANUK as we bring you more news in the fresh produce world.

Pacific Trellis Fruit

FOWLER, CA - Winter in California brings with it the domestic citrus season, so much so that the Wall Street Journal recently published fashion trends with colors described as “blood orange,” “mandarin,” and “lemon.” Clearly these fruits are on the brain as the days get shorter, and Bee Sweet Citrus Sales Representative Jason Sadoian shares with me that this year’s harvest is running like clockwork.

“The weather is getting colder at night, which is helpful to the fruit. Quality is good, and we’re hoping to see rain in the forecast this month,” Jason says.

It is tempting to learn a rain dance as we look to help Southern California shift toward winter weather. But the days are certainly darkening and holiday lights are coming out, offering that seasonal spirit that never ceases to help boost demand.

“Holiday promotions are helpful in aiding with supply,” Jason adds, commenting that consumption will be high to welcome the season and help combat winter colds and flus. “The sugar in our citrus really hits it stride during the holiday season, we’re hoping for as many promotion opportunities as possible.”

Currently the markets are steady and on their way to promotional, depending on the item.

“Oranges and lemons seem to be plentiful, and mandarins are shaping up to have a strong year as far as movement is concerned,” Jason shares.

So keep a weathered eye on the horizon for a possible tightening in those holiday favorites, namely mandarins, and check back with AndNowUKnow as we look to keep you up on the latest.

Bee Sweet Citrus

ARVIN, CA - Sometimes, even the most lilliputian of bites can boast grand flavors. Tasteful Selections^® is bringing new inspiration to the bite-sized potato category with the next theme of its Small-Bite Campaign, Comfort in a Small-Bite, which speaks to the comfort food-status of potatoes, both during and outside of the holidays.

“As we move into the last theme of our Small Bite Campaign, we want to provide comforting recipes and flavors that our consumers can share during the holiday,” said Tim Huffcutt, Marketing Director for year-round potato and onion shipper, RPE. “Offering eight new recipes that are comforting and highly flavorful. These recipes include, but are not limited to, Roasted Potato Poutine, Mediterranean Pot Roast, and Cheesy Potato Fondue.”

For the last 12 months, Tasteful Selections has brought consumers happiness, wellness, creativity, inspiration, and adventure all in one small bite. Now, with the end of 2019 (and the decade!) in sight, the company is ready to bring comfort back to the kitchen with its Comfort in a Small Bite campaign, a press release states. Providing eight new recipes, cooking tips, and prizes on its website, the campaign encourages consumers to indulge in the flavor of each bite-sized variety and take comfort in their quick cook times and consistent sizing.

“We hope that this campaign has highlighted the versatility and ease of preparation our bite-size potatoes bring to the table,” Huffcutt said. “As a perfect way to transition to a new year, we want to close on the truly comforting flavors Tasteful Selections bite-size potatoes provide.”

Through the campaign, consumers can enter to win a prize package that will help them create comforting recipes for their friends and family. Some of the prizes up for grabs include a slow cooker, an immersion blender, a 10-piece bakeware set, and more.

AndNowUKnow will keep you apprised of the products and campaigns that bring out the best in the season.

Tasteful Selections^®

WASHINGTON, DC - As part of its efforts to enforce the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) and ensure fair trading practices within the U.S. produce industry, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has filed an administrative complaint under the PACA against Versa Marketing Inc. The company, operating from California, allegedly failed to make payment promptly to three produce sellers in the amount of $792,939 from February 2018 through August 2018.

Direct from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service:

Versa Marketing, Inc. will have an opportunity to request a hearing. Should USDA find that the company committed repeated and flagrant violations, it would be barred from the produce industry as a licensee for three years, or two years with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond. Furthermore, its principals could not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee for two years, or one year with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond.

The PACA Division, which is in the Fair Trade Practices Program in the Agricultural Marketing Service, regulates fair trading practices of produce businesses that are operating subject to PACA, including buyers, sellers, commission merchants, dealers, and brokers within the fruit and vegetable industry.

In the past three years, USDA resolved approximately 3,500 PACA claims involving more than $58 million. PACA staff also assisted more than 7,800 callers with issues valued at approximately $148 million. These are just two examples of how USDA continues to support the fruit and vegetable industry.

For more information, contacts, and to read the full press release, please click here.

USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service