CORAL GABLES, FL - After unveiling its new Better Break™ convenience line earlier this year, Del Monte Fresh Produce is introducing it to the trade show circuit. This week, the company headed to the National Association of Convenience Stores Show with the innovative new line in tow. If you find yourself perusing the wares at this year’s event—which ends this Friday, October 4—be sure to stop by booth #8511 to feast your eyes on the new product while it’s still fresh to the industry!

Following its initial launch last month, Dennis Christou, Vice President of Marketing, stated: “We are so excited to unveil Better Break. We know that our consumers—millennials especially—are looking for tasty, convenient, and wholesome options when it comes to lunch and afternoon snacking. Better Break is our solution for everyone who may be too busy to prepare their own plant-forward options, and we look forward to adding them to our Del Monte lineup at our retailers nationwide this summer.”

The Better Break line touts a bunch of health-forward and delicious attributes, including plenty of veggies such as cauliflower, broccoli, sweet potato, kale, and corn; serving up 130 calories or less; the convenience of heating and eating in as little as three minutes; and on-the-go readiness thanks to its convenient packaging. The vegetarian, plant-based, and chef-inspired meals are available in flavors like Spicy Pomodoro, Zesty Green Chile, and Summer Corn.

Mann Packing Co. will also be joining Del Monte at the National Association of Convenience Stores Show. Mann’s will be showcasing its shopper-favorite CAUILINI® Baby Cauliflower Florets.

If I were you and lucky enough to be in attendance at this week’s show, I’d for sure be making booth #8511 my first stop of the day for the rest of the week! For more of the freshest produce news, keep reading AndNowUKnow.

Del Monte Fresh Produce Mann Packing Co.

NEW ROCHELLE, NY - The fall season is basically an invitation for industry leaders to get crafty while promoting their company. From pumpkin spice to cranberry cocktails, nothing puts a twinkle in the consumer’s eye like an autumnal delight. One of the industry’s leading importers of citrus, avocados, and grapes, LGS Specialty Sales, is launching its Dish to Discovery fall promotion, which showcases unique growing regions around the globe. The promotion began Monday and will carry through November 6. LGS’s consumer brand, Darling Citrus®, will attract fans each week with opportunities to receive a world-exploration themed prize.

“We are so proud of the long-standing relationships we’ve built with our growers in Argentina, Chile, Mexico, Morocco, Peru, and Spain,” said Luke Sears, President and Founder. “Dish to Discovery is a great way for us to educate our customers and consumers about where their citrus is grown. We are excited to share more about the regions and cultures we work so closely with.”

Through the Darling Citrus brand, LGS partners with select growers around the world to provide customers with a year-round supply of the best clementines, lemons, and seasonal navels. According to a press release, the Dish to Discovery promotion seeks to educate and inspire shoppers about LGS’ various growing regions and expertise in globally sourcing citrus. Over the next six weeks, Darling Citrus email subscribers will be introduced to growing regions along with weekly dishes that highlight the fresh produce grown there. Each week, a winner will be selected to receive a 12-month travel and exploration-themed subscription box with different recipes, spices, and food from various cultures.

Throughout the promotion, clementines will be sourced from Chile for the remainder of the Southern Hemisphere season and will transition to Spain and Morocco for the start of the Northern Hemisphere season, and Mexico will support Chile in the supply of Darling Lemons.

For more on this promotion and to subscribe to Darling Citrus, click here. Don’t miss out on this awesome opportunity to expand your palate and continue sharing unique products with the industry. And, as always, keep up with us at ANUK to read up on the hottest topics in produce.

LGS Specialty Sales

MURRIETTA, CA - This is an exciting time of year for all of us within the industry. PMA Fresh Summit is right around the corner, and the promise of autumnal harvest and retail programs are setting in. For West Pak’s Joe Nava, his excitement stems partly from becoming the company’s new Vice President of Sales & Business Development. Within this new role, he will explore new territories and help strengthen the company’s customer relationships.

"I have seen all of the struggles that every sales rep experiences, from bringing on accounts to developing and ultimately keeping them. My experience on the operational side has given me a unique perspective to help our team work together with a goal to provide the ultimate service and freshness to the customer," Nava stated. “West Pak has afforded me the ability to connect with our retail customers as well as current foodservice and wholesalers to strengthen our relationships and help grow our businesses. The company is allowing me to develop accounts and bring new ones to the table freely, and so far, there's a lot of positive feedback."

Prior to starting at West Pak, Nava got his degree in agriculture business from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. His experience ranges from sales and sales management to forecasting, account management, product development, supply chain, and inventory management. With his new role in Sales & Business Development at West Pak, he'll be heavily engaged with the leadership and development of its sales team. As the company continues to grow, Nava will aid in finding new talent. He will also be heavily involved in a wide variety of initiatives and decision making across marketing and research and development campaigns.

“Having Joe onboard has been a tremendous asset,” added Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing Doug Meyer. “He is a natural when it comes to customer development and top-to-top customer relationships. Heading into PMA, Joe and the entire sales and marketing team have been working diligently to ensure a great turnout with an amazing customer experience. Thanks to their efforts, we anticipate a highly successful show. Everyone is pumped up and ready for Fresh Summit!”

As the company gears up for the highly-anticipated trade show, Nava remarked that he is drawn to the networking opportunities and foot traffic that will drive customers new and old to West Pak’s booth.

"We have such incredible talent with so many years of combined knowledge in the industry. That's why I'm thrilled to showcase our team to the industry," stated Nava. "To top it off, with CEO Mario Pacheco in attendance, it's an excellent opportunity for customers to get to know the head of our avocado family. I’m also looking forward to chatting about our bagged avocados program, which is different from anybody else in the industry. I love the creativity with the I Love Avocados (brand), Viva Avocados, California Gold, and Lil' Cados, plus the value that the heart-healthy mark on the bags brings to the table—it's enormous and is of great value to our retailers. No one else has these great retail brands, but we do. And I can't wait to share!”

Not only is Nava passionate about the company’s many programs, he is passionate about West Pak’s family-owned status, believing that the company genuinely cares about its customers, growers, and employees.

"West Pak is a true California avocado grower," added Nava. "This sits well with our customers because a successful produce company should know and respect the avocado journey from the tree to the store, or to the plate for foodservice. West Pak understands the process and respects what it takes to grow and deliver a premium avocado."

According to a press release, Nava feels as though West Pak is poised on the precipice of significant growth. A key component of this is West Pak’s investment in other countries of origin. As national avocado consumption continues to climb, the company looks to other sources outside of Mexico to ensure demand is met. It currently sources both Peruvian and Chilean avocados. Nava also noted that one of West Pak’s strengths lies within the strategic locations of its distribution warehouses, which help deliver the freshest avocados possible to its customers.

Keep reading AndNowUKnow as we cover all industry-related news leading up to PMA Fresh Summit.

West Pak Avocado

VINELAND, NJ - Even though October 1st was yesterday, Trucco is celebrating the spirit of firsts with the opening of its very first wholly-owned kiwifruit facility. The new kiwifruit hub—located in Vineland, NJ—is 70,000 square feet of pure state-of-the-art supply chain optimization, boasting the ability to receive imports, store products, re-pack, and manage distribution to all of Trucco’s partners.

“Trucco prides itself on offering the leading produce and the best customer service,” said Nick Pacia, CEO and President. “To best service our partners and support the changing demands of their business, we decided to open our new facility, where we are exclusively focused on kiwifruit, quality, modernization, and service.”

Completed in late 2018, the distribution center is already setting an example as a modern logistical hub dedicated to receiving, packaging, and distributing kiwifruit nationwide. According to a press release, the facility is highlighted by a modern packing room with several highly automated packing lines, a quality control lab for testing and quality monitoring, and four cold storage rooms that store over 2,500 pallets combined—with each room integrated with the latest technology to maintain a proper environment for kiwifruit storage.

“To support our commitment to our customers, you can expect consistent, fast service, and immediate response from Trucco, to deliver the highest quality kiwifruit,” Pacia added.

Pacia also noted that Trucco’s significant growth over the last two decades, particularly within the kiwifruit category, made the grower’s latest facility debut possible. Specifically, Trucco operates its KiwiStar business as well as a distribution partnership with Zespri SunGold and Green.

All in all, Trucco is looking forward to building and maintaining its productive relationships in the industry as it continues to build out its operations and facilities like that of its new wholly-owned kiwifruit distribution center.

To stay ahead of all the growth happening in the fresh produce industry, keep checking back with AndNowUKnow.

Trucco

KINGSVILLE, ONTARIO, CANADA - When the word trailblazer comes to mind, SUNSET^® and its host of innovative new products and packaging springs to the forefront. The greenhouse grower continues to follow this trailblazing pattern with its announcement to offer 100 percent reusable, recyclable, or compostable packing for all its fruits and vegetables by 2025.

“At SUNSET, we always grow with the future in mind,” stated Paul Mastronardi, President and CEO, and the fourth-generation family member to lead Mastronardi Produce. “That’s why we’re so dedicated to developing the innovative solutions that consumers and our customers have asked for—and the planet demands.”

According to a press release, SUNSET has a legacy as a sustainability leader in the industry and is constantly evolving to develop leading-edge packaging solutions. Just over a decade ago, it introduced top seal, which resulted in a 20 percent reduction of materials. Now, it is gearing up to unveil its full line of SUNSET CARES^® sustainable packaging at this year’s PMA Fresh Summit. This range of earth-friendly options includes fully recyclable paperboard packages and SUNSET Backyard Compostable packaging, empowering consumers to take sustainability into their own hands. They’ll literally be able to make a difference in their own backyards!

“We’re looking at implementing these new sustainable packaging options where they will have the most impact,” Mastronardi remarked. “For our new Backyard Compostable packaging program, we’re anticipating over a million-unit annual reduction in plastic.”

As if this news wasn’t exciting enough, SUNSET is also working on innovative, plastic-free paperboard packaging that will allow it to replace millions of flow-wrapped packages with a more environmentally friendly solution. Within twelve months, the company will be testing unique sustainable retail models that have the potential to revolutionize how consumers shop for snacking tomatoes.

“We recognize that there’s no easy, one-size-fits-all solution, which is why we’ve focused our development efforts across a broad range of offerings,” concluded Mastronardi. “Our creative packaging innovations ensure consumers don’t need to choose between flavor and sustainability. They can have both.”

The release also noted that SUNSET was the first fresh produce company to join the Sustainable Packaging Coalition, which brings together industry thought leaders who believe in the power of industry to make a difference.

With its sustainable packaging pledge, SUNSET continues to commit to doing everything it can for the health and longevity of the environment. It has also renewed its commitment to sustainable business practices at all levels, including growing, packaging, and distribution, which are described in The Green Grass Project^®.

We here at AndNowUKnow commend SUNSET for undertaking this initiative! Stick with us as we continue to cover the latest in industry innovations.

SUNSET^®

RALEIGH, NC - Last month, we reported that Wegmans was set to open up a new location in Raleigh, North Carolina on September 29. After this past Sunday’s grand opening, it’s safe to say that the new store is now a treasured location. Wegmans saw over 30,000 customers that day, a top store opening attendance in the company’s history. A nice little cherry on top for Wegmans' 100^th location opening.

"We knew there was a lot of excitement, but the outpouring we saw yesterday was beyond anything we could've hoped for," said Store Manager Hallie Johnston to abc11. "From the bottom of our hearts, we want to thank everyone who made our first day in North Carolina so special. We're incredibly proud to be here."

The excitement generated isn’t unfounded; according to its press release, Wegmans will feature over 4,000 organic choices throughout the 104,000-square-feet store. The News & Observer also reported that a third of the store is dedicated to prepared foods and more than 1,000 beers and more than 2,000 wines will be stocked.

With such resounding success, it’s no wonder that Wegmans is planning four more stores in North Carolina—one staged to open in 2020. So far, it seems only the East Coast is feeling the Wegmans love. If we get a Wegmans over here on the West Coast, ANUK will be the first to let you know.

Wegmans

BRENTWOOD, MO - Produce for Better Health Foundation (PBH) recently announced the promotion of Sharese Roper to Member Engagement Director. This role was effective October 1, 2019. In this new position, Roper will elevate how PBH engages and serves its members as well as the collective fruit and vegetable value chain.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work more closely with our members to uncover programmatic synergies with PBH’s services and create meaningful high-value engagement packages,” stated Roper in a recent press release. “As I make deeper member connections, I will work to connect the dots—and the dollars—to make produce the STARS of the plate. We believe this approach is a WIN for individual PBH members, the collective produce industry, and most importantly, Americans’ health and happiness.”

Throughout her 14-year span at PBH, Roper has leveraged her passion for planning, project management, and technology to streamline and elevate the foundation’s programs and processes in several management roles, including operations, HR, information technology, and event management.

“Since joining PBH two years ago, I have witnessed Sharese’s fearless ability to strategically innovate and execute programs that make a difference to our members directly,” said Wendy Reinhardt Kapsak, MS, RDN, President, and CEO. “Now, we will leverage her experience to further enhance our member benefits aligning with PBH’s unique, transformative platforms focused on influencer and consumer engagement."

Roper worked on turning PBH’s annual Consumer Connection Conference into an all-encompassing experience, fusing the unique needs of the fruit and vegetable industry with those of influencers and consumers. She accomplished this through plant-to-plate culinary experiences such as the Power of Produce Social Soirée. The April 2019 PBH Consumer Connection Conference delivered significant brand exposure and meal inspiration through live simultaneous social media engagement reaching millions.

As part of PBH’s transformation over the past year, the organization is also realigning staff and titles to better reflect member engagement offerings and the work that is being done to support the produce industry as well as PBH members. This includes building out the PBH Communications Team to encompass marketing. Katie Toulouse was promoted to Marketing and Communications Director and Candice Gordon was promoted to Digital Marketing and Communications Manager.

We at AndNowUKnow look forward to all that Produce for Better Health shall accomplish in the coming months!

Produce for Better Health

BENTONVILLE, AR - October just started, and the pumpkin thieves have already begun to crawl out of hibernation. Their first target? A humble pumpkin patch in Arkansas called Hale’s Fall Harvest. On Saturday morning, two women suspected of the crime managed to make off with about $250 worth of pumpkins.

4029 News reported the crime this morning, citing a post made on Hale’s Facebook page. The source got in contact with Bentonville police in order to collect the details of the crime. Police stated that the women can be seen taking trips back and forth to their SUV, loading it up with the pumpkins. While there aren’t any clues as to who the women are or where they fled, officials and community advocates have taken up arms to track them down.

As much as we hate it, the season for pumpkin thievery is upon us. So, keep reading AndNowUKnow to stay up to date.

PHARR, TX - As we move into fall, we see the last bit of summer leave us. I’m reminded of the waning days as I crunch on my bowl of grapes, eager to enjoy the last bit of the summer sun. I got the chance to talk with Sean Nelsen, VP of Sales and Marketing for Fowler Packing, on what to expect in stores in terms of grapes.

“Currently we are harvesting Timpson™, and GREAT GREEN™ for our green seedless, and Jack’s Salute®, Timco™, Allison™, and Scarlet Royal for our red seedless,” Sean starts. “For our black seedless, Autumn Royal and Sweet Sapphire® are seeing good sizing, but we have great quality in all the varieties this summer. Customers are reporting strong repeat sales and good movement through the supply chain on Samsons Sorbet grapes.”

When I heard the word ‘Sorbet,’ I had to ask, what kind of variety is this Samsons Sorbet grape?

“The Samsons have a fantastic quality. They have a crisp texture and a sweet, refreshing taste,” Sean explains. “We have begun shipping to our export customers as well as selling domestically in a variety of pack styles.”

Not only are these grapes intriguing, the harvest only lasts from mid-August to end of September. Sean further goes on to explain increased volume compared to last season, anticipating an additional million plus boxes next summer coming into production with volume growth across all colors in organics. Fowler Packing will be continuing to develop its grape program to provide hot varieties the market place is demanding, which means more Sorbet acreage and production in Candy Snaps® and Candy Hearts®.

“Grapes are still a favorite of many consumers as we transition from the summer fruit season into the fall/holiday produce season,” comments Sean. “Consumers need to be able to trust that when they buy any produce item that it’s going to meet their expectations. Samsons grapes are known to be consistently sweet, crunchy, and offer our customers a trusted experience all season. We have planted strong varieties with over 70 percent of our grapes being newer patented varieties that are sweeter with larger berries and offering a strong, crunchy eating experience.”

With the last of Sorbets up for grabs, the strong push could garner strong sales through large displays and promotions. Retailers can hone in on this satisfying grape variety.

“At Fowler Packing, we are constantly looking for better varieties, innovative farming practices that allow us to produce high quality fruit at the best possible prices to keep the consumers attention and drive sales for our retailer clients,” Sean comments. “Consumers have many choices throughout the summer season with fruit produced all over the world. For grapes to maintain being a lead selling item, we need to continue to offer the best fruit possible.”

Even though Sorbets will only be around for a little while longer, Fowler's harvesting window lasts from July to December, so there are plenty of other varieties to keep consumers satisfied through the rest of the year. As I munch on the last bit of grapes in my bowl, I am now craving to try these Sorbets out. While I go hunt for these limited grapes, keep reading AndNowUKnow for more seasonal varieties.

Fowler Packing

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.

TROPICAL STORM NARDA MOVING UP MEXICO WEST COAST

When we last talked on Friday, this storm did not yet officially have a name. Over the weekend, the storm strengthened and became Tropical Storm Narda. Our reports show the storm dropped heavy amounts of rain along coastal growing regions of Colima and Michoacán over the weekend.

The storm is hugging the Pacific coast, moving up through the states of Sinaloa and will be into Sonora by tomorrow. Ciudad Obregón and Hermosillo, Sonora, are fall growing areas for vegetables.

COOLDOWN COMING TO THE MID-ATLANTIC

Tomorrow will be an extremely hot day in New Jersey with a high temperature of 92° and a low of 61°. Starting Thursday, the weather will change and begin to cool off. The maximum temperature for Thursday will be 77° and by Saturday will only be 65°. The low temperatures will also begin to cool. By Friday night, expect low temperatures in the 40°s where they will stay until at least next Tuesday.

FLORIDA EXPERIENCING GOOD WEATHER

The Southern Florida winter vegetable growing regions of Belle Glade and Immokalee have great weather at the moment. High temperatures are hovering around 88° while the low temperatures are holding at 73°. There are daily chances of afternoon showers, but nothing more than ½” per day. I would assume crops are progressing nicely for a mid-October start to many commodities from these regions.

HURRICANE CENTRAL

There are a couple of disturbances in the Caribbean creating showers in the area, but the chances of these storms turning into a tropical disturbance are less than 5 percent at this time.

In the Pacific, we are following Tropical Storm Norda, which we mentioned above.

Thank you as always! We will be back later this week with another report.

Weathermelon