ANAHEIM, CA - It goes without saying but, of course I will, because what is a trade news writer without words—the excitement around this year's PMA Fresh Summit was palpable. It is as if that wave of innovation, of progressive ideas around sustainability and social responsibility, came to a critical mass that overflowed onto the show floor this year.

With nearly 24,000 attendees driving the demand for excellence in fresh produce, this was one Fresh Summit not to be missed. With so much buzz carrying over into this week, we reached out to some of our industry friends for their takes on the show and what stood out for them in Anaheim.

Julie Olivarria, Vice President of Produce, Sysco

“I thought the show this year was outstanding! I loved seeing representation from all of the different countries and segments of the industry as well as all of our core suppliers. Fresh Summit is so impactful because it is the biggest industry event of the year and affords us the opportunity to connect with our suppliers and customers face to face.”

Nicole Hulstein, Fruit Category Manager, Food Lion

“The State of the Industry conversation was robust, informative, and motivating to continue the innovation driving our industry. On top of that, the educational sessions on data/science technology, global trade, and talent management were relevant and timely conversations that I was eager to engage with. Emerging trends in varieties, packaging, and supply chain opportunities have been discovered during the expo and this year’s Fresh Summit did not disappoint!"

Mark Munger, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, 4Earth Farms

"We always attend Fresh Summit, but this was our first year exhibiting, so we had an entirely different experience. We planned to meet with a large number of customers and suppliers, yet the show completely exceeded our expectations! The hall was packed with high-quality decision makers and we stayed consistently busy both days of the exposition. My favorite part of the show, however, was visiting the large number of engaged college students. I continue to be very thankful to the Center for Growing Talent for their tireless efforts to bring students to the Fresh Summit. They are our future!"

Gabriela D’Arrigo, Vice President of Marketing and Communications, D'Arrigo Bros. of New York

“PMA manages to become more and more impactful each year that we attend. As the industry continues to advance and change, the members are right there with it, and PMA is there to support all along the way. Collaboration is key for the future success of our industry, and if the show is any indication of how our futures look, I’d say it’s pretty bright.”

Julie DeWolf, Director of Retail Marketing, Sunkist Growers

“I’ve been attending Fresh Summit for 15 years and both the energy and attendance were at an all-time high for 2019. There was so much traffic, a fantastic lineup of speakers and education, and amazing networking opportunities. Nearly every customer we do business with was there, which is a testament to PMA’s influence in our industry. We’re proud to support them in driving the consumption and innovation that make fresh produce increasingly relevant and exciting to consumers worldwide.”

Fiona McLean, Marketing Manager, DelFrescoPure®

“This year’s PMA Fresh Summit was an incredible experience for our team. Introducing new commodities and packaging concepts to our current and new customers at PMA is invaluable to DelFrescoPure®.”

We would love to hear your thoughts on this year's PMA Fresh Summit, so drop us a line or shoot us an email. And rest up, my friends—if possible, that is!

Produce Marketing Association

EDINBURG, TX - J&D showed up for the Burger Championship at the 8th Annual World Food Championships (WFC) located at the Reunion Tower Lawn in Dallas, Texas. Little Bear Brand HoneySweet® Onions were named the Official Infusion Ingredient at the high stakes food competition that has drawn in 1,500 contestants on nearly 500 official teams, garnered more than 6.9 billion media impressions, and connected 150+ food brands with food fans, food bloggers, and food media.

“We [were] extremely excited to welcome J&D Produce to this year’s food fight,” said Mike McCloud, President and CEO of WFC. “Fresh, local Texas produce from brands like Little Bear ensure that our Food Champs can create the flavorful and innovative recipes that surprise and delight us at our Main Event.”

Since its inception in 2012, WFC has given birth to 30 TV food stars and awarded more than $1.8 million in prize money. According to the press release, J&D Produce was the Official World Burger Championship Infusion Sponsor in the Top Ten Burger competition held this past Sunday, October 20. Burger competitors infused Little Bear’s HoneySweet Onions into their creations as they prepared their dishes for the $10,000 prize in the 2019 World Burger Championship. While the majority of competitors were familiar with sweet onions, Little Bear was on hand to provide cooking and flavor insights on their proprietary HoneySweets.

“We’re committed to growing the highest quality produce and making sure it’s as fresh as possible when it reaches the table,” commented Jimmy Bassetti, Founder and President of J&D Produce. “We couldn’t [have been] more excited to represent Texas in this competition with our delicious HoneySweet Onions. We love these super-mild onions, and we couldn’t wait to see how the inventive competitors infuse them into their burger creations.”

Available year-round, the HoneySweet is the mildest onion on the market, due to the lowest levels of Pyruvic Acid, the acid that makes onions taste pungent and spicy. The World Burger Champion title was awarded to James Cheek from Muscle Shoals, Alabama, for his burger The Hometown Smashburger. Next May, the ten champions will be moving on to the Indianapolis Final Table to compete once more.

We at ANUK congratulate all competitors and can't wait for more competition news.

World Food Championships Little Bear Produce

SEATTLE, WA - There’s only two months of the year during which it’s acceptable to be a total pumpkin head. With October almost over, that only leaves me one month to incorporate the seasonal gourd into every aspect of my diet. Pumpkin bread? Duh! Pumpkin pasta? Okay! Pumpkin hummus? Er—why not!? Today, Starbucks made sure I never run out of ways to shake things up with pumpkin, as the new Pumpkin Birthday Cake Latte was added to its secret menu.

According to Marie Claire, the new drink follows a Nightmare Before Christmas number, which features pumpkin spice, chai syrup, mocha drizzle, java chips, and espresso. The Pumpkin Birthday Cake Latte, however, features two pumps of pumpkin sauce and one pump each of hazelnut and vanilla. The news source even mentions a Cinderella Latte that trades in hazelnut and vanilla for two pumps of white mocha. Excuse me while I sprint to the nearest Starbs.

Like all good things, the time for pumpkin spice must come to an end. These seasonal secret drinks will only be available while Starbucks stocks its pumpkin sauce. Meanwhile, I’m filling the storm cellar with every pumpkin product in my path. To see how flavors keep changing with the seasons, stay with us at ANUK.

Starbucks

ARKANSAS - Brookshire Grocery Company (BGC), which operates banners Super 1 Foods, FRESH by Brookshire’s, and Spring Market, recently entered into an agreement with Cranford’s Supermarkets. In this agreement, BGC will acquire three stores in central Arkansas.

"We are excited about this agreement and the opportunity it provides us to further grow and expand in this region. These stores are a strong fit for our Brookshire's and Spring Market banners, and we look forward to welcoming new customers and employees in these communities," Brad Brookshire, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer for BGC, said in a news release. "We're a fourth-generation family business that has operated in our region for over 90 years, and we look forward to a great future here."

The release explained that the Cranford's in White Hall, Arkansas, and the FoodWise in Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, will become part of the Brookshire's Food Store banner, and the ShopWise Market location in Redfield will be converted to a Spring Market location.

"We are pleased to have secured a strong partner in Brookshire Grocery Company, who shares our focus on customers and who respects and values their employees. We know BGC very well and are confident that the three stores being transitioned will see continued success in their communities," stated Larry Cranford, President and CEO of Cranford’s. “We would like to thank our loyal customers who have faithfully supported Cranford's and our team of hardworking associates for their commitment to serving our customers over the past 30 years."

Both companies noted that they are working closely together to ensure a smooth transition for team members in those stores. After the closing process is completed, the stores will undergo a brief transition period with the goal of reopening within a matter of days under the Brookshire's and Spring Market banners.

Curious to see the latest in retail news? Keep your eye on AndNowUKnow for updates.

Brookshire Grocery Company

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.

LOOK FOR PRODUCTION OUT OF COASTAL CALIFORNIA TO INCREASE THIS WEEK

A warming trend is coming to coastal growing regions of California this week and will most likely cause production to increase. The coastal regions of Salinas, Santa Maria, and Oxnard will all see maximum temperatures in the mid to upper 80°s with some isolated 90°s this week through Friday. These temperatures are 15 to 20° above normal.

The warmer temperatures started yesterday in Oxnard and Santa Maria with a maximum of 84° and 88° respectively. In Salinas, the warmer temperatures will begin today reaching 84°. Temperatures will continue to rise throughout the week peaking on Thursday where Salinas will get up to 90°. The warmer temperatures will continue through Friday before beginning the cooldown on Saturday.

If you are a buyer, you may want to take advantage of any pricing opportunities that may present themselves due to a flush because come next Monday, the temperatures will swing the opposite direction with highs in the mid 60°s and minimum temperatures in the low 40°s. These cooler temperatures should slow production back down. Out of these regions are still coming heavy supplies of strawberries, broccoli, lettuces, etc.

SJ Valley and Coachella Valley will also see warmer temperatures this week in the 80°s and 90°s but the temperature increase compared to current conditions will not be as dramatic.

San Quintin and Vizcaino, Baja CA, Mexico will also participate in this warming trend will high temperatures in the mid 80°s and mid 90°s respectively. Maybe we see an increase of production out of these veg shade house growing regions this week?

CLEMENTINE REGION OF SPAIN TO SEE HEAVY RAINS TODAY

The Catalonia region of Spain which is a strong producer of citrus will receive approximate 2.50” of rain today. Something to be aware of if doing business in this area of the world.

MEXICO UPDATE

Many parts of central Mexico are still experiencing daily rains as part of the warmer tropical weather this time of year. There however are no major storms currently to make note of. The Sinaloa regions of Culiacan and Los Mochis are experiencing perfect weather with no rain in the 10-day forecast. Expect early production out of this region something next month with early crops such as eggplant and cukes. Roma tomatoes should start sometime in late November or early December.

HURRICANE CENTRAL

Tropical Storm Nestor came across the Florida panhandle and through Georgia over the weekend without much fanfare. Rain totals associated with the storm were relatively low, well under 1.00” throughout the areas. I don’t see this storm having much effect on production. The storm that came though the same area early in the week on the 14^th and 15^th had higher totals, around 3.00”.

Currently, there are no storms being reported by the National Hurricane Center in either the Atlantic or Pacific. They track activities about 48 hours in advance.

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

Weathermelon

WASHINGTON - I can always tell when fall has begun, not by the changing of the leaves, but by an apple-filled Instagram feed! One apple that has shaken up not only my feed, but the industry at large is the Envy™ apple, which T&G Global is anticipating will deliver on the “ideal eating experience” with a beautifully-balanced sweetness, orchard-fresh crispness, and delightfully-satisfying crunch. With the season looking bright, T&G Global and Envy’s North American sales agents, Oppy, CMI Orchards, and Rainier Fruit Co, are all feeling optimistic about the season. Here’s why…

“The growing season finished well, and harvest is underway; so far, the fruit coming off the trees looks excellent and should enable a smooth transition from a strong New Zealand import season,” said Chris Willett, General Manager at EnzaFruit Products, T&G’s Wenatchee, Washington-based branch. “We feel Envy demand—customer and consumer—has escalated during the last few years, and our research helped confirm it rises to the always evolving shopper preference; a unique sweet/tart balance, firm and juicy texture, and beautiful white, interior flesh.”

This past year, a mild Washington summer following a cold spring placed little stress on the fruit and, as a result, the Envy will be offered with a smaller size profile—ideal for the variety. According to a press release, the larger crop and Envy’s leading storage abilities mean a consistently fresh Washington experience—supported by summertime import fruit—for the robust, year-round shopper demand. In addition to Washington, the New Zealand-born varietal also experiences year-round production in Chile, Europe, and New Zealand.

On top of a great growing season in Washington, the Envy is also expected to increase in volume: with 2019/2020 domestic conventional volume expected to increase by nearly 40 percent and organics by more than 50 percent, compared to last year. Year-on-year production spikes are also forecasted through 2025, with 150 percent more fruit expected to be harvested this season. These volume increases will elevate Envy to a mainstream premium status at retail, bolstered even more by strong year-round availability, merchandising, and promotional opportunities.

Over in British Columbia, Oppy is also excited about the Envy apple’s upcoming fall season, noting targeted, sales-driving, in-store programs as ways to capitalize on the increased volumes.

“As always, there’s great anticipation among our customers for the fresh-crop Enza varieties,” said Roger Aguirre, Oppy’s Apple Category Director. “Envy continues to shine, and provide clarity, as a category driver in the crowded apple set. It is the No. 2 apple in the category for YOY-dollar and—volume gains, with only near 5 percent of the premium apples segment. We believe it can perform even better with consistent placement and the exciting, customer promotions planned for the season.”

But the Envy apple isn’t the only variety T&G Global is expecting to lead the category this fall. The JAZZ™ apple, available now through March, is also one to watch as it has grown 60 percent versus last season in the organic category. Due to its smaller size, JAZZ is the ideal snack or lunchbox apple, with bagged programs taking a front seat this fall.

Pacific Rose™—a large, pink- skinned, sweet apple favored in export and niche domestic markets—rounds out T&G Global’s Washington portfolio, with the company expecting the variety to take the category home for the winter holiday promotions.

For more fresh produce news like this, stick with us at AndNowUKnow.

T&G Global

CHICAGO, IL - For all you avocado lovers out there, I’ve got some exciting news: Hazel Technologies has officially announced its partnership with WP Produce to bring Desbry brand tropical avocados to the U.S. For us over here in the States that can’t seem to get enough of this superfruit, this is also a win for us.

“WP Produce has been an industry leader in the tropical avocado market for decades, and we are continuously searching for new ways to further improve the supply chain for our premium-quality tropical avocados,” commented Chris Gonzalez, Vice President of Sales at WP Produce. “Tropical avocados have become increasingly popular with consumers, who enjoy the fresh flavor, firmer texture, and addition to the avocado category that these varieties provide. So, as we sought to expand our distribution throughout the U.S. and Canada, we knew a partnership with Hazel Technologies would help us ensure all our customers from the East to West Coasts would receive high-quality fruit with longer shelf life at retail.”

According to a press release, the partnership has resulted in over a year of research with the WP Produce supply chain with fruit originating from Florida as well as the Dominican Republic. Hazel™ packaging for the avocados maintained quality and shelf life and helped reduce shrink and food waste of Desbry tropical avocados.

“The feedback from our commercial trials has been phenomenal,” Gonzalez continued. “Our retail partners saw an additional 4-5 days of shelf life, an improvement of up to 40 percent, and were thrilled by the reduced shrink this provided. In addition to the performance, what really sold us was the ease of use; our packers simply need to include one Hazel packet in each carton, without needing to invest in additional setup, equipment, or training.”

Hazel’s sachets have shown to slow down the ripening process post-harvest, ensuring the same fabulous avocado from start to finish when it reaches consumers. The USDA-funded avo-saver also plays an important role in reducing produce wasted due to loss in quality or appearance.

“Our partnership with WP Produce, a premier tropical avocado grower and packer for over 35 years, is further evidence of how many different types of avocados can enjoy longer shelf life and maintain quality with our technology," commented Aidan Mouat, CEO and Co-Founder at Hazel Technologies. “The data-driven validation from the customers of WP Produce shows that using Hazel Tech can have a real impact increasing sales and reducing food waste for retailers handling avocados.”

As more and more companies take part in this sustainable and innovative product, the more the earth is left in a better place for the future. What other innovations are yet to be made? Find out with us at ANUK.

Hazel Technologies WP Produce

JALISCO, MEXICO - We’ve all heard the age-old adage that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. In this case, the whole is a world in which the agriculture industry is optimized, and the parts include a wide array of companies working toward this goal. BlueDrop Mexico and Consalo Family Farms are two of such companies and have recently partnered up to pool their efforts. The partnership will consist of marketing and distributing BlueDrop blueberries and other fresh products in the United States and Canada with a seamless end-to-end integration.

"This new partnership provides us with clarity throughout the distribution chain and provides retail customers as well as consumers the freshest blueberries available," Hector Bonilla, Chairman of the Board of BlueDrop Companies, announced at the Grower and Investor meeting.

According to a press release, BlueDrop is one of the largest producers of blueberries, organic bananas, and other agricultural products in Mexico, with production encompassing over 52,000 acres. BlueDrop is also known for its proprietary varieties, technology, and sustainable environmental practices.

"This partnership will have unprecedented benefits for BlueDrop and its entire network throughout Mexico. The Consalo Family has a long history of integrity, successful growing, marketing, and distribution of fresh blueberries as well as other quality fruit and vegetables to retailers in the eastern U.S. and Canada," said Franz Meiners, Managing Director at BlueDrop.

New Jersey-based grower Consalo is currently spearheaded by third and fourth generation family members.

"We are very excited about partnering with a company of BlueDrop's magnitude. The growth that we envision in not only the blueberry category but across multiple other produce categories is something that we feel will greatly benefit our customers but ultimately the consumer," said Skip Consalo, President of Consalo Family Farms.

Congratulations to BlueDrop and Consalo on this exciting partnership! Stick with us at AndNowUKnow as we cover the latest news in produce.

BlueDrop Mexico Consalo Family Farms

ANAHEIM, CA - Attending PMA Fresh Summit is always a delight for both the ears and eyes, but it’s a delight for the soul when you hear about industry innovators being recognized for their new products. Mucci Farms proudly took home the top prize for Best Sustainable Packaging for its Simple Snack, a plastic-free, backyard compostable series of packaging.

“To win this category in particular is exciting because sustainability is by far the top of mind subject in the food industry today,” said Emily Murracas, Director of Marketing. “We’ve been recognized in the industry for flavor and innovation over the years, so we are ecstatic to be able to package those award-winning products in a package that helps to address a global concern. It’s also very special to win in a competitive category that included submissions from packaging suppliers and fellow marketers.”

Mucci Farms has always been a vertically-integrated greenhouse grower committed to sustainability at all ends of the business, and Simple Snack only adds to those commitments. According to a press release, the package is composed of a tray made from agricultural waste. The lidding film is made of sugar-cane and wood fibers using a process that emphasizes social and environmental responsibility.

“Consumer feedback over the last several months has been almost exclusively focused on the reduction of plastic, so we feel like we’ve addressed that concern by coming up with a truly plastic-free package,” said Fernanda Albuquerque, Packaging Development Manager. “We also saw the value of being able to add key messaging to the tray which gave our designers a larger canvas for branding, information, and education.”

Mucci Farms also sponsored the annual Center for Growing Talent 5k race, which fits into the company’s objectives to be a health and wellness-conscious brand. Race participants were served smoothies made with the award-winning Smuccies^TM Sweet Strawberries. Additionally, Mucci had a sampling station at the show entrance where attendees could take home a sample of their very own Simple Snack package.

Congratulations to Mucci on this well-deserved win! And as always, check back in with AndNowUKnow for the latest in what’s going on in the industry.

Mucci Farms

EDISON, CA - Now that the year’s penchant for pumpkin spice is behind us, it’s time to make way for another seasonal orange-colored offering: citrus! November is inching closer day by day, meaning it’s just about time to stock up on Johnston Farms’ variety of citrus offerings. Lying in wait of the season’s start date, I tapped the company’s Citrus Sales Manager and Partner Derek Vaughn.

“Johnston Farms and our BlueJay brand focus on being the best tasting high-quality citrus. Our oranges and grapefruit are double graded for quality,” Derek told me. “For the mandarins, we focus primarily on stem and leaf so that our customers know that the product is always fresh.”

The Navel season kicks off a short four days into November, followed by the Stem and Leaf Satsuma Mandarin season on the 11th, and the Red grapefruit season, which falls near the Thanksgiving holiday. With that in mind, I asked Derek how he suggests retailers display and promote Johnston Farms’ citrus during the holidays.

“Our citrus works well in bulk displays because of its high quality,” he said. “We offer high-graphic display bins, as well as end cap retail bins. The updated, high-graphic design will add an extra pop of color to any retail or wholesale display. For Navels and grapefruit, we also have bagging available.”

While the company prepared for a monumental citrus season, it also made improvements to its packing operations. According to Derek, significant mandarin category growth in the last five years has led to a need for increased packing capacity. In anticipation of the upcoming season, the company updated its mandarin packing line to accommodate a greater capacity of 25-30 percent.

“We have added a second line for the washing, waxing, and drying of the fruit along with a palletizer, which will allow 80 percent of the product to be machine stacked,” explained Derek.

In our closing remarks, Derek suggested a shift in focus for the industry.

“With the focus lately being on Murcott and clementine varieties, retailers and wholesalers looking for something that is unique, easy to peel, and has a superior taste should consider the Satsuma mandarin available from mid-November through February,” he concluded.

What an exciting time for Johnston Farms! As we head into the thick of citrus season, AndNowUKnow wishes the best of luck on the company’s efforts. Keep an eye out for more category updates as we uncover the industry’s latest.

Johnston Farms