TORONTO, CANADA - Have you ever wanted a tool that breaks down current produce markets in an easy-to-use format? Look no more! Execulytics Consulting recently announced plans to develop a second edition of its Produce Almanac.

“We received such a positive response to last year’s Almanac, that it seemed natural to begin working on a 2nd edition,” said Mike Mauti, Managing Partner. “I am particularly excited to see the response to our holiday cost predictions. As this has become a big part of our content, several customers suggested it should be a part of the Almanac. And so, this year it is.”

As data analytics become a key part of making decisions within the produce industry, the company’s Produce Almanac has become popular for its comprehensive and objective review of produce markets.

Scheduled to be available for distribution on January 24, 2020, the digital book will be updated to include the most current data. According to a press release, this book will detail:

• Product availability by quarter
• Five-year weekly cost histories
• Organic to conventional comparisons
• Weekly retail pricing reviews

New features, including cost predictions for key produce items sold during busy holiday weeks, will be a part of the new and improved Produce Almanac.

Companies can pre-book the 2020 Produce Almanac for a special introductory price of $199 by visiting www.execulytics.ca/Produce-Almanac. All pre-orders will also come with a complimentary copy of the 2019 Edition of the Produce Almanac. In addition, $20 from every order will go to local charities fighting the battle against hunger.

What are you waiting for? Make like Benjamin Franklin and get to almanac-ing!

Execultyics Consulting

MONTEREY, CA - While not everyone loves attending school, I think it’s safe to say that everyone loves being an educated individual. Despite the many experts in our industry, there is always more education to be had. That’s why the Organic Grower Summit (OGS) is launching a pair of educational sessions focused on the future of organic plant health. They will be part of the 2019 OGS event, slated for December 4-5 in Monterey, CA.

One of the sessions is referred to as “Taking a Proactive Approach to Sustainability Reporting,” which will discuss the role of sustainability and the related metrics in promoting responsible, organic, and agricultural practices. Featured speakers for the session include: Ze'ev Barylka, Marketing Director at Netafim USA; Kevin Warner, Manager of Sustainable Agriculture at SCS Global Services; and Bryan Duarte, Senior Sourcing Manager at Walmart. The session will be moderated by Nikki Rodoni, Founder and CEO of Measure to Improve.

“While organically grown is a valuable and sustainable approach to agriculture, Sustainability Surveys ask about all three P’s of Sustainability—People, Planet, and Profit,” Rodoni said. “This panel of experts will help answer some of the common questions about Sustainability Reporting: ‘Why are customers asking for this information and what are they going to do with the information? What tools, metrics, and resources are available? And, how can growers get ahead of these requests, and tell a powerful, compelling, and verifiable sustainability story?’”

According to a news release, these newly-announced educational sessions are part of an extensive OGS program designed to inform and engage organic growers, farmers, and producers, and their service and supply chain partners. The third annual OGS is made possible by partners California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) and Organic Produce Network (OPN), and focused on providing information vital to organic farmers and ranchers, as well as an overview of the challenges and opportunities in the production of organic fresh food.

The second session, called “What’s Next: Organic Plant Health,” will feature a panel of organic growing and production experts discussing the latest tools in plant health, biological controls, and leading-edge research. Panelists for the session include Steve Pavich, Senior Plant Nutritionist at BioFlora; Dr. Danielle Kirkpatrick, Global Technical Support Coordinator at Trécé, Inc.; and Pete Anecito, Director of Ag Operations at Mission Ranches. The session will be moderated by Gwendolyn Wyard, Vice President of Regulatory and Technical Affairs at Organic Trade Association.

“Organic farmers and growers are always looking to learn more about innovative farming techniques, how to grow their businesses, and how to excel in the organic sector. The educational sessions at OGS cover the wide variety of topics that organic growers are interested in, and attendees leave inspired with new tactics to employ in their businesses,” said Kelly Damewood, CEO of CCOF.

Among other topics that will be addressed at OGS are the impact of technological advances in organic agriculture, strategies to reduce risk through organic soil health practices, the burgeoning hemp marketplace, organic cannabis production, and a data dive into organic food sales. Educational sessions at OGS are eligible and approved for Continuing Education Units.

OGS 2019 will be held at the Monterey Conference Center. General and exhibitor registration is currently open with less than 10 booths remaining available. For more information on the third annual Organic Grower Summit, click here. For even more education on the produce industry, keep reading AndNowUKnow.

Organic Grower Summit

WASHINGTON, DC - Recently, we reported that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) determined Phillip L. Sandifer was responsibly connected to Sandifer Farms LLC, Blackville, South Carolina. As of October 23, the USDA has found Sandifer not responsibly connected. This is an update to Press Release No: 131-19 released on USDA's site on October 15, 2019.

Direct from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service:

Sandifer Farms, LLC, violated the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) by failing to pay a reparation award totaling $172,156 in favor of a Florida seller. As a result, USDA imposed sanctions on the business, including requiring that all principals may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee without USDA approval.

USDA made an initial determination that Phillip L. Sandifer was responsibly connected to Sandifer Farms LLC, and subject to sanction. Phillip L. Sandifer contested this initial determination and USDA has now determined that Phillip L. Sandifer was not responsibly connected to Sandifer Farms LLC, at the time of the violation.

As a result, Phillip L. Sandifer may be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee.

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

SAN BERNARDINO, CA - Stater Bros. Markets, a Southern California supermarket chain, recently announced the appointment of Dennis McIntyre, its current Executive Vice President of Marketing, to the additional role of Chief Marketing Officer. This new role will go into effect November 4, 2019.

“As CMO, Dennis will work toward furthering and ensuring a cohesive brand identity,” said CEO Pete Van Helden. “He will also be responsible for developing and leading an overarching marketing strategy across all areas of the company to meet the company’s business goals of sales and margin growth.”

McIntyre has over 41 years of experience in the grocery industry. His career began in 1978 at a Stater Bros.’ South Ontario location as a Courtesy Clerk. He steadily rose through the ranks and held several retail store positions, ultimately landing the role of Assistant Store Manager.

In 1983, McIntyre was promoted to a Buyer in the company’s Marketing Department. He continued to advance to increasing levels of responsibility, excelling in the roles of Assistant Vice President of Marketing, Senior Vice President of Marketing, and Group Senior Vice President of Marketing. In 2007, McIntyre was promoted to his current position of Executive Vice President of Marketing.

His retail credentials also include recently serving as President and Chairman of the Western Association of Food Chains (WAFC). Prior to this role, he served the WAFC as Vice President in addition to Education Chairperson. Throughout his time with the WAFC, McIntyre has been a strong advocate for developing future food industry leaders. He actively supports industry-related programs such as the USC Food Industry Management Program, WAFC Retail Management Certificate program, and tuition reimbursement through the California Grocers Association Educational Foundation.

In recognition of his steadfast support and leadership within the food industry, McIntyre received the prestigious Torch Award from the Illuminators Educational Foundation in 2017.

Congratulations to Dennis on this new role!

Stater Bros. Markets

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL - Everyone needs a dream. For me, it's seeing the majestic Orca whale in the wild (don't judge), but for track and field coach Melvin Nyairo, that dream was to break the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ for the fastest half-marathon—dressed as a fruit. But what fruit to choose? An apple wouldn’t be very aerodynamic, grapes would be all over the place, and don’t even get me started on pineapple. Luckily for Nyairo, Chiquita Brands International stepped in to turn his dream into a reality, while spreading the word about the fun side of healthy living. The intrepid runner donned his finest banana suit and blasted past the competition at the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Half-Marathon.

"Growing up in Kenya, I have always loved bananas as they've helped fuel my training throughout the years. It was such a natural choice to run the marathon dressed as a Chiquita banana to break the record," Nyairo said. "Racing on behalf of a reputable brand such as Chiquita has been an honor, and breaking a world record will be an experience that I will cherish for the rest of my life."

Nyairo has run in 18 half-marathons in his attempt to break the world record, and after an attention-grabbing attempt in a banana suit in a California half-marathon, Chiquita took note. The company offered Nyairo an a-peeling new suit, training gear, a round-trip ticket to Toronto, and, of course, oodles of nutritious Chiquita bananas.

"Chiquita has always been committed to demonstrating the fun side of healthy snacking, and it doesn't get more fun than running a race dressed as an iconic yellow banana," said Jamie Postell, Director of Sales North America for Chiquita International, in a press release. "We're thrilled to help Melvin accomplish his dream and hope he enjoys snacking on our delicious bananas as he continues to train for upcoming races."

On October 20, Nyairo took his place in the starting line, in his banana suit, and waited for the race of his life to begin. The previous world record for this unique category was a time of 1:19:13, which Nyairo sped past with minutes to spare, hitting a finish time of 1:15:35. As the official holder of the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for the fastest half-marathon dressed as a fruit, Nyairo was ready to celebrate—and so was Chiquita. The company offered him a full year’s supply of bananas to commemorate the achievement and fuel his future victories.

"It was my pleasure to witness the 22 runners who were attempting a Guinness World Records title at the 2019 Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon," said Spencer Cammarano, Guinness World Records Adjudicator. "I am thrilled to share that Melvin Nyairo has achieved a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title and is now Officially Amazing™."

Congratulations to Nyairo on his well-deserved achievement!

Chiquita International

BRENTWOOD, MO - The Produce for Better Health Foundation (PBH) is once again making major moves to enrich our industry and promote increased produce consumption, with the launch of a vibrant new campaign. The organization is aiming to engage with more than 11,000 food and nutrition professionals, including registered dietitians (RDs), at the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) Conference and Expo (FNCE). At the expo, PBH will debut its new consumer call to action, Have A Plant™.

“This group of professional influencers are exceptionally important because, in most cases, they are on the front line, recommending products directly to consumers in their day-to-day interactions—in person and online,” commented Wendy Reinhardt Kapsak, MS, RDN, President and CEO. “We need this group on board to embrace a less prescriptive approach when it comes to suggesting eating more fruits and vegetables. We’ve heard from some of our influencer ambassadors who are dietitians that they love PBH’s new Have A Plant campaign, because it doesn’t seem so daunting and it gives them permission to be creative and more playful as they’re engaging with patients, clients, and consumers. At the end of the day, we don’t have to convince dietitians that fruits and veggies are healthy and nutritious. Rather, they are craving our tools to help them communicate with their audiences that fruits and veggies can have more of an immediate payoff—boosting your health, and maybe even your mood.”

Attendees of the expo will have the chance to participate in an in-booth photo experience that features member products, including those from Seneca, Del Monte Fresh, Sun-Maid Growers of California, and Stemilt Growers, according to a press release. The interactive booth allows attendees to interact and take pictures with their favorite fruits and vegetables in front of a playful Have a Plant backdrop to ignite a social media takeover.

“We’re thrilled to be teaming up with such powerful partners as we debut Have A Plant among one of the largest influencer groups in the country,” said Katie Toulouse, Marketing and Communications Director. “Only together can we make an impact in inspiring this essential group to spread the fruit and veggie love in a way that actually motivates behavior change. And who doesn’t want to cuddle up with produce!”

PBH will also be activating “boots-on-the-ground education,” and will be co-hosting and presenting Have a Plant to multiple exclusive audiences throughout the show. Additional activities include:

• PBH will co-host 10+ media RDs at the Campbell Soup Company Headquarters, helping RDs explore kitchen personaes and seek out creative messages to increase produce consumption - Friday, October 25
• A “first date” with the National Dairy Council during a farm immersion tour with a group of influential RDs. Follow along on social media as the “power couple” makes it “Facebook official” - Saturday, October 26
• Wendy Reinhardt Kapsak will present mini booth sessions with Corteva, focusing on topics such as the importance of agriculture innovation, pesticide communications, and best-practices for promoting produce consumption - Sunday and Monday, October 27-28
• PBH will present a behind-the-scenes look into the Have a Plant campaign during the USDA Center for Nutrition Policy & Promotion MyPlate National Strategic Partners meeting. The foundation will also be celebrating produce during evening receptions with the Tomato Wellness Council and Corteva - Monday, October 28

Will you be attending the expo in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, October 27-29? Stop by booth #1142 to see what the buzz is about. AndNowUKnow will continue to bring you the biggest updates in produce.

Produce for Better Health Foundation

MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO, CANADA - Sobeys is riding into the future on its own invention! This week, the Canadian grocer unveiled a first-of-its-kind intelligent shopping cart, dubbed Smart Cart, which it has been hard at work on with technology expert Caper. Smart Cart is a technology-enhanced shopping cart that is innovating the consumer shopping experience by making it more engaging, fun, and speedy. The cart is also Sobeys way of minimizing lengthy in-store checkout lines.

“While products and customer eating habits have evolved, the in-store grocery shopping experience has remained relatively static for the last 100 years.” said Mathieu Lacoursiere, Vice President, Retail Support at Sobeys. “This is a unique way for us to test innovative new technologies aimed at enhancing the customer shopping experience and learn how best to make it faster and easier. The carts will also give our in-store teammates more time to interact with customers and answer questions about food and new products.”

Smart Cart is equipped with AI and machine learning technology, including multiple high-resolution cameras that capture 120 images per second as product is placed in the cart. The technology then keeps a running tally by scanning, weighing, and displaying products in the cart. The cart is particularly groundbreaking because it also serves as a check-out kiosk, allowing shoppers to pay on the spot with the cart—no waiting, no lines, just the future!

The cart’s technology also takes account of the items it is carrying without having the shopper enter any information or scan any barcodes. This, coupled with the cart’s easy-to-read screen, will eventually aid customers in navigating the store by finding the items they’re looking for based on recipes or grocery lists and the promotions available with each item.

"Sobeys is an innovative grocer with a strong focus on enhancing the shopper experience," said Ahmed Beshry, Co-Founder and Chief Business Officer of Caper. "The Sobeys Team has incredible execution capabilities. When retailers are able to pick up a new technology and execute quickly, it creates the right environment for rapid innovation.”

Lacoursiere added, “The best Canadian brands aim to be world-class by thinking ahead and placing bets on unique innovations. We’re constantly looking for new ways to evolve the grocery shopping experience. During the Smart Cart pilot, we will engage with our customers in real time to better understand what inspires them and adds value to their shopping experience throughout the store.”

The Smart Cart is being piloted at Sobeys’ Glen Abbey location in Oakville, Ontario. Should it test successfully, will Smart Carts be rolling around grocery stores everywhere? AndNowUKnow will continue to report on the future of grocery, now.

Sobeys

DOWNERS GROVE, IL - Throughout the year, Fresh Thyme has made significant progress in its quest for growth and expansion. The retailer has made new executive appointments to bolster its team, and has been riding high on its successes in 2018. Now, it seems that the retailer is taking a close look inward to identify which stores are thriving and which are flailing. Fresh Thyme has recently announced the closing of its stores in its Lakeside location in Omaha, and Grand Island and Ames locations in Nebraska, in a move to redirect resources and energy toward higher-performing stores.

“Fresh Thyme will be closing our Grand Island, Nebraska, store on November 16,” CEO Chris Sherrell said in a statement. “Like any organization experiencing rapid growth and expansion, sometimes we need to optimize our approach and make changes if something isn’t working. We are continuing to refine our real estate strategy, but sometimes certain stores are simply not as successful as others. We take the well-being of our staff very seriously—this was not an easy decision for us. We will do everything we can to ease this transition for them. We will continue our mission of making fresh, organic food accessible and affordable.”

According to The Grand Island Independent, the store had opened less than two years ago, in February 2018, but since then has not performed as well as expected. The retailer has also, this year, closed stores in Sugarcreek Township in Dayton, Ohio, according to WHIOTV7, and Louisville, Kentucky, according to The Louisville Courier Jornal.

Will Fresh Thyme seek to target different regions in the state? Or is the retailer looking elsewhere to continue its expansion? AndNowUKnow will continue to report.

Fresh Thyme

SALINAS, CA - GreenGate Fresh, which shares ownership with Fresh Avenue under the Barkley Ag family of businesses, is splashing more green into its already verdant lineup. In addition to its high-quality fresh-cut lettuce, cabbage, tender greens, broccoli, and more, washed cilantro and parsley will join its foodservice selection beginning November 1, 2019.

“Our customers have been asking for washed cilantro and parsley to add to their orders. It’s these value-added items from GreenGate that streamlines restaurant operations by bringing more food safety, compact storage, and less shipping costs to customers.” said Scott Bricker, Fresh Avenue’s Sales Director and Partner.

According to a press release, GreenGate Fresh is a farmer and processor of fresh produce, backed by the 100 year farming heritage of the Barkley family. Today, the foodservice provider focuses on fresh-cut items that are high quality, safe, and short cut in order to retain maximum shelf life.

“We are always looking for ways to meet our customer’s needs and very pleased to be adding washed cilantro and parsley to the many quality products from our primary producer partner. But it isn’t just the item we deliver. It's a spectrum of services to ensure our customers save time, money, and hassle in their operations and are fully supported by our region-based team,” added Mark Vaughan, Managing Partner.

As the sales, logistics, and marketing arm of the Barkley Ag family of businesses, Fresh Avenue works to expand the reach of GreenGate Fresh’s line of products in the national market.

Keep checking back with AndNowUKnow to stay ahead of the greenest produce news.

Fresh Avenue GreenGate Fresh

FOWLER, CA - Easy-peel mandarins are a household staple. Just ask my folks, who keep bags of the delicious fruits on their counter throughout the year! As households continue to keep these varieties in stock, retailers need a partner that will help them keep up with consumer demand. Enter Bee Sweet Citrus, which just announced the arrival of the California domestic season of most of its popular mandarin varieties.

"Mandarins check off all the qualities that consumers look for in citrus," stated Sales Representative Joe Berberian. "Their unique flavor combined with their versatile characteristics make them a great fit for anyone looking to incorporate healthy snacks into their diet."

California's citrus domestic season ramps up with the availability of Clementine mandarins, which kicks-off during the first week of November. Grown and harvested in California's Central Valley, this variety is popular for its sweet flavor and vibrant color, a press release noted.

"With the holiday season right around the corner, there's no better time to stock up on sweet mandarins than now," said Director of Communications Monique Bienvenue. "Parents and educators often look for healthy snack alternatives to celebrate the holiday season, and Clementines are perfect for curbing a child's sweet tooth."

Not only are Clementine mandarins sodium free, cholesterol free, and an excellent source of vitamin C and fiber, they run at approximately 50 calories per serving—a nutritional powerhouse! Joining Clementine in both the delicious and nutritious categories is the W. Murcott mandarin variety.

"Clememtines will be available to kick off the start of the holiday season, and Murcotts will be able to close it," continued Berberian. "Both varieties are known for their easy-peel characteristics and their sharp, rich flavor."

Both Clementines and W. Murcott mandarins are seedless, easy-peelers. Popular for their unique taste, both varieties are in high demand while they're in season. Clementines are expected to be available at the start of November through mid-December and W. Murcott mandarins will be available mid-January through May.

"There's no doubt about it, mandarins have taken the produce industry by storm," added Bienvenue. "Fortunately, our team has the volume and variety customers need to meet market demand."

As we follow the domestic citrus season, keep reading AndNowUKnow for the latest.

Bee Sweet Citrus