MOLINE, IL - Deere & Company, more famously recognized by its brand John Deere, announced the promotion of John C. May to Chief Executive Officer as well as his appointment to the Board. May previously served as President and Chief Operating Officer, but will enter his role as CEO in early November. The company is best known by farmers and blue-collar workers as many of its products are made to till the land.

"John's record of success and proven leadership skills make him highly qualified to lead Deere and guide its success in the years ahead," Samuel R. Allen, Chairman and current Chief Executive Officer, said in a press release. "His experience in precision agriculture, information technology, and overseas operations will be instrumental in driving the company's digitalization journey and extending its success in agricultural and construction equipment."

Deere & Company plans for Allen to remain a Chairman of the Board of Directors when he steps down later this year. May joined the company in 1997, which came as a surprise to me since that’s the year I was born (talk about loyalty). In 2012, he joined the Senior Management Team as President and only went up from there. Just last year, he was named President of the Worldwide Agriculture & Turf Division, responsible for global harvesting, turf and utility, crop care platforms, and intelligent-solutions group in the Americas and Australia.

May’s long and weathered path to CEO is both inspiring and exciting for industry professionals of every variety. Under this new leadership, we at ANUK can’t wait to see how the company continues to impact produce production for years to come.

Deere & Company

SALINAS, CA - We love a marketing agency specializing in the produce sector. We extra love when said agency is backed by a strong group of diverse individuals, pushing the boundaries of what it means to be a business. That’s why we’re thrilled that Moxxy Marketing was recently certified as a Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB) by the U.S. Small Business Association (SBA).

"This certification is a nice milestone for Moxxy and may create additional growth opportunities," said Karen Nardozza, President and CEO. "But I’m proud of our entire team. Our diversity empowers our collaborative environment. Everyone at Moxxy has a voice and we expect them to use it. We encourage all Moxxers to engage fully—men and women, junior- and senior-levels, and all ages and positions."

Qualifying for this certification is no easy feat. Companies must be 51 percent owned by women who are U.S. citizens and be directed and operated by women on the daily. In other words, the company must run on girl power! Founded by Nardozza in 2007, the business passed these requirements with flying colors.

Additional key leadership roles occupied by women include:

• Molly Briseño, who has worked with Nardozza in various capacities since 2005, is Moxxy’s Vice President responsible for operations and managing key accounts.
• Debbie Cintora, who has been with Moxxy for three years, rose quickly through the ranks from an entry-level account coordinator position she accepted upon graduating from college, to an accomplished account manager leading Moxxy’s largest client accounts and marketing campaigns.

"Karen has developed a unique environment at Moxxy, which has definitely influenced our service delivery and strong reputation," said Briseño. "Full participation by everyone on the team is an important part of our culture, and it contributes to the amazing work quality that has fueled our growth and expansion."

Moxxy headquarters are in Salinas, California, with satellite offices in Reno, Nevada, and Atlanta, Georgia. The company serves clients throughout the United States and has worked with companies in Canada, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic. Congratulations to Moxxy Marketing on its incredible certification as a WOSB!

Moxxy Marketing

GLENMONT, NY - LEAD New York, a 34-year-old leadership program, has a new member in Matt Wells, New York Apple Sales’ (NYAS) Director of Field Services, Glenmont New York. This intensive program has inspired more than 500 graduates to take on leadership roles in various segments of food, agricultural, and natural resource industries in the Northeast.

According to a press release, Wells will be privy to seminars, workshops, and field travel experiences both in and out of New York State, including a week-long international study trip. Throughout the length of the program, participants will focus on leadership skill development, self-awareness, civic engagement, in addition to cultivating a greater understanding of rural issues and cultivating leadership networks.

Those who enter the program come with different levels of leadership experience and diverse backgrounds, but all of them share a desire to lead New York’s food, ag, and rural communities. Through LEAD New York, they will become immersed in the latest trends, issues, perceptions, and technological advancements in food and agriculture and get hands-on experience through facility tours and face-to-face meetings with influential figures.

Participants will gain leadership and communication skills including public speaking, meeting management, and effective listening while building valuable professional relationships. The program enhances an overall understanding of agriculture and our food system from production to consumption, allowing individuals to seek creative solutions to today’s problems and anticipate tomorrow’s needs.

Congratulations to Matt on this exciting opportunity!

NYAS

EDMONTON, ALBERTA - I am a lover of potatoes; my favorite way to eat them is to cut them up into wedges, throw whatever seasonings I have at my disposal, pop them into the oven, and peek at them Great British Bake Off-style. Admittedly, the whole entire process takes me a good 30-50 minutes (depending on how many I make). Now that I’ve talked with Christa Wagner, Director of Advertising & Promotions for The Little Potato Company, I may have to buy some of these new Easy Sides products coming out. Man, she sure does her job well.

“Easy Sides is a super convenient product for consumers; our potatoes are pre-cooked and pre-seasoned. All you have to do is open them up, put them in a skillet, and you will get crispy potatoes in just seven minutes,” Christa tells me. “They’re super easy to eat, mom-friendly, weeknight-friendly, and great for anyone who is time-starved and is looking for no-stress dinner solutions.”

The Easy Sides line is available in Onion & Garlic, Sea Salt & Black Pepper, Paprika & Bell Pepper, and Sweet Bell Pepper & Onion. Not only are the various flavors delicious, consumers can enjoy crispy potatoes straight from the skillet in a quicker fashion. But if time is really tight, you can have Little potatoes in five minutes with Microwave Ready Kits.

“The other new product we’re launching at PMA is an extension to our best-selling Microwave Ready line,” Christa continues. “These take five minutes, and we are adding a zesty new flavor, Lemon & Garden Herb, to our already popular family of products.”

In talking to Christa, The Little Potato Company has done a great deal of consumer research and better understands what consumers want. The company now has a variety of products to meet the needs of different consumers’ taste and cooking styles—any night of the week. If you’re itching to cook the old-fashioned way or you have any favorite recipe ideas to play with, the company’s Little Creamers, named for the naturally buttery taste and creamy texture, are available in 1.5- and 3-lb bags. They come pre-washed, making the fresh bagged Little potatoes a time saver in the kitchen. No matter how you enjoy them, The Little Potato Company's Creamers are bred to be small and easy to eat with the tasty and nutritious skin, so no peeling needed!

Along with the new Easy Sides and Microwave Ready Kits, the company also offers fresh, Oven/Grill Ready Kits in four flavors. For bigger gatherings this season, the 3 lb Holiday Blend of the Terrific Trio will be featured this Thanksgiving and Christmas.

If you’ll be attending PMA Fresh Summit this year, stop by booth #789 to find out more on what The Little Potato Company is up to. Stay tuned with AndNowUKnow as we cover the event in the months to come.

The Little Potato Company

ROCKY MOUNT, NC - Last week North Carolina law enforcement shook down a produce perp during his attempted getaway. A deputy and sergeant spotted the thief’s vehicle stuck in the mud along with a bed full of allegedly stolen watermelons.

The abc affiliate, News Channel 12, reported that Edgecombe County Sheriffs were alerted to the crime when they received a call from a watermelon grower with suspicion of crop theft. When responders searched the scene, they came across a man’s pickup truck weighed down by watermelons in the middle of the field. Once Sheriffs discovered the dozens of melons, they charged and arrested the thief on the basis of misdemeanor larceny.

Thanks to Edgecombe County Sheriffs, another bounty of fruit was returned to safety despite the violent act carried out against it. Keep a tab open for AndNowUKnow to follow more produce heists.

DALLAS, TX - Kroger has had its eye on growth this year, and with growth comes the need for operational support. The grocer has teamed with Ocado to construct multiple fulfillment centers, with announced locations in Groveland, Florida; Forest Park, Georgia; and Monroe, Ohio. Kroger also partnered with Penske Logistics to build a distribution center in Michigan. Expanding its distribution footprint even further, Kroger has targeted Texas, announcing plans to open a new warehouse in Dallas.

The new facility will take up approximately 55 acres, and the retailer submitted its request to the Dallas City Council for $3.7 million in 10-year and five-year property and business personal property tax abatements, and $2 million from 2012 bond money designated for economic development in southern Dallas, for a total of $5.7 million, according to Dallas News.

"While we are still working through the approval process, we are excited about transforming the grocery retail landscape in the North Texas region," Kroger said in a statement.

The news source reports that the Dallas City Council voted unanimously to approve the $5.7 million request, estimating that the city will recoup most of the investment through sales taxes within the next five years.

The new facility is part of Kroger's larger expansion strategy to build 20 Ocado-powered distribution centers across the country—each one set to cost approximately $55 million.

Where will Kroger set its sights for its next facility? AndNowUKnow will keep you posted.

Kroger

FOWLER, CA - Looking for an easy snack to perfect the lunchtime trifecta? Look no further than the fall selection of oranges from Bee Sweet Citrus. Both delicious and nutritious, these oranges are ideal for long days at school or work. The company recently reported the availability of its versatile products as we enter the fall season.

"Chilean Navels and Cara Cara oranges are two examples of truly versatile fruit," stated Director of Communications Monique Bienvenue. "Both varieties are fantastic stand-alone snacks, and their flavor profiles are gaining popularity in both sweet and savory dishes. Navels and Cara Caras also act as excellent all-natural sweeteners, making them a phenomenal ingredient for baked goods, marmalades, and more."

And how, you ask, does Bee Sweet acquire these delightful citrus varieties? According to a press release, it’s all thanks to its summer import program, bringing over citrus from other countries and re-checking and re-grading them to ensure they meet Bee Sweet’s standards.

"Right now, consumers can expect an ample supply of Chilean Navels and Cara Cara oranges," stated Sales Representative Joe Berberian. "All of these varieties are healthy and versatile, making them a great option for both children and adults."

Not only are these oranges delightful for snacking, but they can be used in a wide array of recipes to keep things interesting. High in vitamin C and fiber, eating Chilean Navels and Cara Caras can help support one's immunity and digestive system.

"To assist customers with the hustle and bustle of school and work, our team has released several new recipes that utilize both Navels and Cara Caras," added Bienvenue. "Our goal is to show consumers that these varieties are more than just great on-the-go snacks, theyʼre also fantastic ingredients to numerous healthy, delicious recipes."

Take a gander at the Bee Sweet Citrus' recipe database for more inspiring ways to use oranges. As always, please check back with ANUK for the latest news in produce.

Bee Sweet Citrus

NEW YORK CITY, NY - In a move to broaden consumer awareness and increase retail distribution, Bowery Farming has made two key executive hires for the company’s marketing and sales operations. The company appointed Katie Seawell (formerly of Starbucks Coffee Company) and Carmela Cugini (formerly of Walmart) as the company’s Chief Marketing Officer and EVP of Sales, respectively.

“We are thrilled to have Carmela and Katie join the Bowery team,” Irving Fain, CEO and Co-Founder, stated in the press release. “We are committed to building a smart and passionate team that is dedicated to our mission of growing food for a better future. Katie and Carmela will be tasked with sharing our mission—and the work we are doing to revolutionize agriculture—to retail partners and consumers, ultimately bringing Bowery’s safe, fresh, and delicious locally-grown produce to more homes."

Both Seawell and Cugini come to Bowery with vast experience in the food retail industry and are set to play a vital role in expanding the company’s operations and supporting Bowery’s mission of growing safe, fresh produce for a better future as the company plans to expand its network of farms to new markets over the coming months.

“I was immediately drawn to Bowery’s approach to re-thinking the agricultural system and offering sustainable, fresh produce that meets the needs of our growing population,” Seawell commented. “I look forward to helping grow the Bowery brand, uncovering ways to connect directly with customers who believe in our mission.

Seawell led a variety of leadership roles at Starbucks, where she spent over a decade within the marketing and product organization field including driving brand campaigns, developing go-to-market strategies, product innovation, and most recently as SVP of Siren Retail Operations. Her new role with Bowery as the Chief Marketing Officer will include leading the marketing team, spearheading initiatives to build the company’s brand, consumer outreach in both existing and new markets, and partnering with the agriculture science team pertaining to innovation strategy to provide insights on consumer produce trends.

“I’m excited to join Bowery at a pivotal moment for the company’s growth,” stated Cugini. “Now more than ever, consumers are demanding more transparency on where their produce comes from and how it was grown. For retailers, Bowery provides that insight and accountability. I look forward to working with our partners—existing and new—to ensure Bowery’s produce is top of mind for consumers looking for fresh, delicious produce.”

Cugini’s experience stems from her vast experience with e-commerce retail, consumer packaged goods, financial planning, and sales. Prior to her role as Vice President and General Manager of Walmart’s US e-commerce and Jet.com for three years, Cugini spent over 13 years at PepsiCo and four years at Merrill Lynch. Her strong background in sales management, key account sales, revenue management strategy, and marketing and brand development made her a key choice as Bowery’s new EVP of Sales. Cugini’s new duties with Bowery will include growing its network of retail partners and distribution channels while educating grocers on the benefits of indoor-grown, pesticide-free produce.

Congratulations to both Seawell and Cugini on their next adventure!

Bowery

NEW YORK CITY, NY - This new business venture is setting out to reinvent a foodservice concept in New York City. Launching in September, Zuul Kitchens will be in the former building of delivery-only concept Maple. The difference, though, is that Maple gave consumers the option to choose from a handful of prominent chefs featured in its rotating menu. In contrast, Zuul will be offering a place for multiple restaurants to take up residence and cook the food they plan to deliver—similar to a food court, except there aren’t any tables to fight over.

According to Eater, New York City isn’t all too friendly with “delivery only” concepts that produces its own food. Zuul is changing that concept by having restaurants make the food in the same space while handling all the nitty-gritty aspects of running a restaurant itself, e.g., negotiating the building lease, gas, directing delivery courier traffic, and washing the dishes. In return, each restaurant pays for its own kitchen equipment, a monthly membership fee, and some pay a percentage per delivery order fee.

Another major difference is that the Zuul Co-Founders, Corey Manicone and Sean Fitzgibbons, are aiming to complete deliveries in an ambitious 15 minutes or less, from the time the order is placed to the time it’s delivered. “We’re breaking the sound barrier,” Fitzgibbons joked.

Eater further goes on stating that, in theory, the operation is so streamlined that restaurants can handle a much higher volume of orders at a quicker rate, generating better profit margins than with delivery orders in a regular restaurant.

This kitchen posed as a brick-and-mortar establishment meant for food delivery companies, such as Uber Eats or Doordash, could possibly be a great opportunity to expand for certain restaurants needing to meet delivery demands. Zuul is already looking to expand this new operation model to more locations within New York City as well as into other cities, before the concept has even launched. How will current food delivery services fare, especially if it reaches a national level? AndNowUKnow will continue to report.

Zuul Kitchens

CHICAGO, IL - Hazel Technologies, a solutions company dedicated to developing new, USDA-funded post-harvest technologies to extend the shelf-life of fresh produce, has recently announced the conclusion of its commercial study of pear packing and storage. The study was completed with Oregon State University’s Mid-Columbia Agricultural Research and Extension Center located in Hood River, Oregon.

"This trial with Oregon State has allowed us to further learn and develop our technology for pears. We are eager to continue securing academic validations of our technologies,” commented Adam Preslar, Ph.D., and CTO and Co-Founder at Hazel Tech.

The 31-day trial focused on better understanding the benefits of Hazel® Pear packing inserts on D’Anjou Pears in storage. The study tracked five key quality metrics: firmness, titratable acidity, soluble solids content, ethylene production, and index of absorbance difference, an industry standard method to measure color retention.

“In this trial, we found that D’Anjou pears with Hazel Pear packaging had significantly higher firmness than control pears following 31 days. Hazel Tech pears also had lower color loss and lower ethylene production following 31 days,” said Yu Dong, Ph.D., a horticulture post-doctoral research associate at Oregon State University, in a press release.

After the 31 days of treatment, pears protected with Hazel Pear packaging had several improvements when compared to the control group pears kept in standard pear storage conditions, including:

• 3 times higher firmness
• 3 times lower ethylene production
• 2.5 times more color retention

The company continues to focus on academic and technical development, and has announced successful collaborations with multiple universities such as Cornell and UC Davis in 2018, studying a variety of crops, including cherries, pears, and apricots.

Always looking to bolster its research team, Hazel Tech has announced the addition of Natalia Param Agurto as its new Post-Harvest Laboratory Manager. Param Agurto previously held positions as an agronomist and post-harvest scientist at the Chilean Kiwifruit Committee, FruitQualitas SpA, and Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile.

Keep reading AndNowUKnow for more news on produce industry innovations.

Hazel Technologies