IDAHO FALLS, ID - Consumer trends, though ever-changing and somewhat difficult to track, are essential to crafting a successful future for the grocery retail industry. Consumers are more interested in sustainability, but does that interest translate into a desire for less plastic in their produce packaging? A recent study by Category Partners (CP) sheds light on the issue.

“As retailers push more and more toward plastic packaging in the fresh departments, many consumers are on board,” Cara Ammon, Director of Research, commented. “Whether for convenience, value or food safety, many shoppers like this move toward plastic. But, it is also important to remember there are a significant number of shoppers out there who—whether for health, the environment, or they just need less of a given item—prefer their fresh foods to be bulk or packaged in some other material. It is important to give these shoppers options as well.”

According to the report, 29 percent of shoppers prefer to buy their fresh foods in plastic containers, be they bags, clamshells, or overwrap. However, the press release states that 23 percent of consumers say they avoid purchasing plastic-packaged produce whenever possible. The study polled 1,000 customers across the country, aged 21-65+, allowing CP to compare the acceptance and avoidance of plastic packaging across age, region, household income, and the presence of children in the home.

The response to plastic packaging varies across regions, the study claims, with shoppers in the South and Northeast more likely to prefer to buy their fresh foods in plastic containers, and western regions, while still having an overall preference towards plastic, are more likely than those in other regions to avoid plastic.

“Other factors such as availability of the product and regional differences in packaging may influence consumer preferences. For example, the Northeast has a significant percentage of shoppers both preferring (33 percent) and avoiding (20 percent) plastic packaging for their fresh seafood,” Ammon said.

The study also found:

• Shoppers aged 25-34: 34 percent prefer plastic packaging for produce
• Shoppers aged 65 and up: 31 percent are more likely to avoid plastic packaging for produce
• Shoppers earning $35,000-$100,000: 25 percent prefer plastic packaging for produce
• Shoppers earning more than $150,000: 32 percent avoid plastic packaging for produce
• Shoppers from two-person households: 24 percent avoid plastic packaging for produce
• Shoppers from five-person households: 36 percent prefer plastic packaging for produce
• Shoppers with children are more likely to prefer plastic packaging for produce

To read the full press release on the report, click here.

AndNowUKnow will keep you updated on more industry trends.

Category Partners

WASHINGTON, DC - With its Washington Conference fast approaching, United Fresh is taking a look at family-owned companies who form the backbone of the industry, announcing the three recipients of its 2019 Frieda Rapoport Caplan Family Business Scholarships, a scholarship program named after one of the industry’s most beloved family-owned companies.

“Each year, my sister Karen and I are honored to host the recipients of the Frieda Rapoport Caplan Family Business Scholarship at the United Fresh Washington Conference. During this conference, they’ll have the opportunity to get immersed in the most pressing public policy issues facing the fresh produce industry,” said Jackie Caplan Wiggins, Vice President and COO of Frieda’s, Inc. “The Washington Conference is the perfect destination for passionate professionals to learn about the industry and grow their leadership skills. We look forward to experiencing the event with this year’s scholarship recipients.”

This year’s recipients are:

• Richard Castaneda, Project Manager, Field Fresh Foods

• Christopher Ferachi, Operations Analyst, Capitol City Produce

• Kathy Sponheim, Co-Owner/Sales, Michael Family Farms

The Frieda Rapoport Caplan Family Business Scholarship Program was founded in 2001 by sisters Karen Caplan and Jackie Caplan Wiggins, in honor of their mother, Frieda Rapoport Caplan. The scholarship offers a chance for representatives from family-owned, United Fresh member businesses to attend the United Fresh Washington Conference. Each scholarship recipient will receive complimentary airfare, hotel, and registration to participate in the conference.

Each year, the scholarship committee reviews program applicants using several criteria, including each candidate’s interest in advocacy work and their commitment to the produce industry.

The Washington Conference, this year held from September 16-18, brings hundreds of produce leaders together from all sectors of the industry for education on critical industry issues, and allows them to meet with members of Congress, their staff, and top regulatory officials. The scholarship winners will have the chance to network with industry leaders from across the country, and will gain a better understanding of the political process and how to advocate for their priority issues.

For more news on important industry events, keep reading AndNowUKnow.

United Fresh

WASHINGTON - There aren’t enough banana puns in the world to satisfy this girl’s love for produce wordplay. And when crafty criminals get up to nefarious deeds in the grocery world, let’s just say I find their acts un-apeeling. (Have I lost you already?)

Recent news from NBC News Channel reported that cocaine was found tucked inside shipments of bananas at three Safeway stores across Washington state. The value of the drugs was estimated to be $1 million.

The news source reported that one of the shipments—sent to a Safeway in Woodinville, Washington—yielded a recovery of 50 pounds of cocaine, a $550,000 value. The drugs were discovered by the King Country Sheriff’s Office. The two other shipments were found in Federal Way and Bellingham respectively.

Police have stated that they do not know where the bananas were grown, or where the cocaine itself came from. The DEA is also in the process of working on the case.

For more news about dastardly crimes happening around our gorgeous produce, keep reading AndNowUKnow.

WOLCOTT, NY - It is with deep sadness that Fowler Farms announced the passing of John V. Fowler, one of the fifth-generation owners of Fowler Farms and President of Fowler Brothers. He passed away last Sunday at the age of 76, after a brave battle with cancer.

Throughout his time with Fowler Farms, John’s vision and enduring execution helped catapult the company into a leading apple grower, packer, and shipper. He was among the first to bring high-density apple orchard planting systems to a commercial scale in the United States. He pioneered and advanced high-density plantings and developed multi-row tree planters and custom orchard sprayers. This focus eventually led to the motto: Grow the apple, not the tree.

John’s belief in this motto furthered his belief in finding a better-eating apple. As he and the team grew the company’s operations and transitioned fully to high-density plantings, they were bolstered by that motto and its promise to be a win-win for consumers.

Aside from expanding Fowler Farms, John enjoyed vacationing and spending time with his wife of 46 years, Virginia (“Ginny”) and their three grandchildren: Chloe, Morgan, and Olivia. He was an avid skeet shooter and enjoyed woodworking. When he was younger, he raced snowmobiles, and snowmobiling always remained a hobby. His true passion, though, was being out on the water, boating and sailing, in particular. John competed internationally, skippering his 8-meter sailboat, Natural, on several continents.

John is survived in business by his son JD, nephew Austin, and brother Bob. Friends are invited to attend his Memorial Service Thursday, August 22, 2019, at 4 PM at the Living Word Assembly of God Church, 2344 Ridge Rd, Ontario, New York. In lieu of flowers, friends wishing to make contributions can do so to Pines of Peace, 2378 Ridge Rd, Ontario, NY 14519.

The ANUK team offers our deepest condolences to the Fowler family and company team during this time.

WASHINGTON, DC - Rain Forest Produce has posted a $300,000 surety bond under regulations of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA). The Los Angeles, California-based company posted the surety bond with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to employ Ricardo Villalobos, the President and stockholder of RRD Produce Co, a company that failed to pay a reparation award issued against it under the PACA.

Direct from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service:

Any PACA licensee wishing to employ individuals who have failed to pay a reparation award, or have been subject to a USDA disciplinary action, must post a USDA-approved surety bond.

USDA will hold the $300,000 bond for four years and nine months, providing assurance to the industry that the company will be able to pay for produce purchased and to conduct its business according to PACA rules.

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 3,350 PACA claims involving more than $63 million. PACA staff also assisted more than 8,000 callers with issues valued at approximately $156 million. These are just two examples of how USDA continues to support the fruit and vegetable industry.

For further information, contacts, and to read the press release in its entirety, please click here.

USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service

CHILE - Milestones and increased retail sales are both key terms to our industry, translating into something being done right. In the case of the Chilean Kiwifruit Committee, both can be applied to its first-ever North American marketing campaign.

“Our program has produced double digit sales increases across the board. With historically high dry matter, Chilean kiwifruit tastes better than ever this year. We’re confident that if people buy our fruit once, they’ll have a great eating experience and come back for more,” Karen Brux, Managing Director of the Chilean Fresh Fruit Association, said.

Currently in full swing, the campaign will continue through September, having already marked more than 19,000 tons of kiwifruit had been shipped to North America as of Week 32.

The goal? To provide retailers with needed tools to drive Chilean Kiwifruit sales.

“There are so many choices in the produce department, so we need to make it as easy as possible for consumers to choose Chilean Kiwifruit. How does it taste? What role does it play in a healthy lifestyle? How do you choose a ripe kiwifruit? If it’s not ready to eat, how do you speed up the ripening process?” Brux continued, noting that while retail marketing and merchandising support is crucial, so is ongoing consumer communication.

It seems the strategy is a strong one, and the Committee said it is optimistic about growth opportunities in regard to North America.

“Our promotions are ongoing, but we’ve already seen the results of marketing great tasting fruit,” said Chairman Carlos Cruzat. “Consumer feedback and retail sales figures have shown us that there is great potential in the North American market. We’re looking forward to 2020 and how we can grow excitement for Chilean Kiwifruit!”

The Committee’s trade campaign has included everything from digital coupons and demos to sales and display contests at both regional and nationwide chains, according to a press release. Additionally, over 350,000 Facebook fans and more than 20,000 on Instagram show social media to be an effective channel for ongoing communication about everything kiwi.

Information and promotional tools can be found here.

For additional consumer engagement, the Committee added it is also running social media promotions throughout the season and working with registered dietitians for sponsored TV segments.

The Chilean Kiwifruit Committee, committed to growing and exporting consistently better kiwifruit year over year, continues to raise the bar for harvesting parameters. Product is available through October, so grab it while you can.

Fruits From Chile

U.S. & MEXICO - Earlier today, just minutes before midnight, the group of organizations representing the Mexican tomato industry reached an agreement with the U.S. Department of Commerce to suspend the anti-dumping investigation reactivated on May 7, 2019, an agreement that had been in force since 1996.

“This was an extraordinary effort on the part of many entities and TIPA is pleased to see an outcome which permits Mexican tomatoes back into the U.S. without duties, thus permitting a steady flow of high-quality, flavorful product year-round for the benefit of the American consumers,” Dante Galeazzi, President and CEO of the Texas International Produce Association, shared with ANUK upon the break of the news.

The Mexico growers also put out their own statement, asserting: “An extraordinary effort was made to achieve this new agreement and it was not easy, given the political environment and the enormous opposition by Florida’s producers. With today’s signature, Commerce will start a 30-day public comment period. The new agreement will enter into force on September 19, suspending the final determination of the Department of Commerce and importers will be entitled to reimbursement of cash deposits made from May 7 to that date. More information will be provided in the coming days from each of the associations.”

According to the Wall Street Journal, duties will be removed from U.S. imports of Mexican tomatoes in exchange for Mexico raising prices and submitting to inspections.

“This draft agreement meets the needs of both sides and avoids the need for antidumping duties,” Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said.

The agreement includes inspections for quality of 92 percent of the truckloads of Mexican tomatoes entering the U.S. Reuters stated the draft agreement mentions setting minimum prices for tomatoes and “closes loopholes from past suspension agreements that permitted sales below” those prices.

While there is a sigh of relief at the consensus, some of the terms still raised concerns according to the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas.

“At that level, the inspections are not only unnecessary, they also have the potential to destabilize the U.S. tomato market,” said Lance Jungmeyer, President of the FPAA. “U.S. importers and marketers of Mexican tomatoes will bear what amounts to punitive costs associated with such levels of inspection. Because of the sheer volume of tomatoes shipped north from Mexico to the U.S., we can expect the inspections to create substantial delays that compromise the quality, affordability, and availability of tomatoes to American consumers and will create bottlenecks for other goods crossing the border.”

According to Jungmeyer, “the inspection provision is essentially a non-tariff trade barrier whose ripple effects will not only damage the U.S. tomato market but many other industries that trade with Mexico.”

The Agreement will be reviewed in a mandatory manner in the following Sunset Review in September 2024.

“The tomato industry in Mexico thanks all the national and international actors who supported this negotiation process for almost two years, as well as the Government of Mexico, our embassy in Washington, and the members of the Senate and Congress who joined this cause in both countries,” said Mario Robles, Director of the Confederation of Agricultural Associations of the State of Sinaloa (CAADES).

The United Fresh Produce Association also released a statement in regards to the new agreement.

“The details of the agreement have yet to be announced, but United Fresh would like to congratulate all of those involved to resolve this matter to bring stabilization back to the tomato marketplace. This will be beneficial for the entire distribution chain, most importantly growers and consumers,” the association said.

In addition to United Fresh's statement, Produce Marketing Association released the following:

"PMA is pleased that a new draft agreement has been reached to bring certainty to the marketplace. Implementation will be critical to ensure the expectations of all parties are achieved and that the industry can continue to supply consumers with high-quality, year-round products at affordable prices," it stated. "PMA looks forward to seeing details of the agreement, particularly provisions that outline the level of increased inspections that will impact the supply chain."

Florida Tomato Exchange released a statement in regards to the latest announcement as well, saying: "The domestic tomato industry commends the Commerce Department and the Mexican industry for coming to an agreement that recognizes the need for stronger enforcement and are committed to working hard with the Commerce Department to make sure the new agreement works. The Mexican industry conceded on core provisions such as border inspections of all Mexican round, Roma, and bulk grape tomatoes, and improved compliance and monitoring tools."

“The entire Commerce Department negotiating team, under the leadership of Under Secretary Gilbert Kaplan, Assistant Secretary Jeffrey Kessler, and Deputy Assistant Secretary Lee Smith, did a great job in making this new agreement possible. We look forward to this agreement being implemented in 30 days from now,” the Florida Tomato Exchange continued in its statement.

For Mexico's full statement click here, for the English translation click here, and for more developments keep reading ANUK.

LOS ANGELES, CA - Progressive Produce is continuing to build on both its growth trajectory and influence in the fresh produce industry, most recently with the addition of Dominic DeFranco as the company’s Vice President of Sales.

“I am humbled and grateful for the opportunity to join such outstanding company like Progressive Produce and be part of the larger Total Produce Family. I love this industry and the people that I have worked with throughout my career,” DeFranco shared. “I feel confident in what I can contribute to Progressive and look forward to growing professionally and personally from the great team here.”

In his new role, DeFranco will manage the Traditional+ division, which includes the company's potato, yams, and onion categories. According to a press release, DeFranco’s encyclopedic knowledge of the industry will help grow Progressive and build its future.

“We can be very selective about who we bring into the Progressive Family, but Dominic fit the bill. The type of guy he is really fell in line with our own company core values and we knew it would be a great match,” Senior Vice President of Sales, Scott Leimkuhler, reflected. “Dominic is a difference maker and has already hit the ground running and made a positive impact in our business in the short time he’s been with us. I’m looking forward to what we can do together for many years to come.”

Bringing more than 30 years of operations and sales experience within the Southern California fresh produce industry to his position, DeFranco is sure to help the produce company up its sales game and industry momentum. DeFranco joins Progressive previously from Fresh Del Monte where he was Senior Sales Manager.

DeFranco grew up in the produce industry working for family business D. DeFranco & Sons. DeFranco started work at Tam Produce after graduating from California State University Fullerton, and at Tam, DeFranco started in operations, eventually becoming Operations Manager before moving on to sales.

In addition, Progressive recently announced the team was expanding with the hire of Howard Nager as the company's new Vice President of Business Development and Marketing.

It has been an exciting week for the Progressive Produce team and, if nothing else, this company is sending the message that growth is not just on the horizon, it is here. Congrats to the team at Progressive and we will keep you up to date on all the fresh faces in the industry, here at AndNowUKnow.

Progressive Produce

CALIFORNIA - Has anyone else spent more time perusing the grocery aisles of late? As a shopper, I’m finding myself reading labels more thoroughly than ever before, which as a trade news writer, I know is a phenomenon that isn’t just unique to me. These days, shoppers are well informed and on the lookout for items, especially fresh produce items, that check off boxes like health, local, and organic. Pure Pacific Organic recently debuted a new snazzy logo in order to entice shoppers and easily communicate it checks off all of those boxes, and then some!

“Pure Pacific Organic has been growing organic produce for over 25 years, increasing our organic acreage every year. At this time, 19 percent of what we plant is organic. Because organics are such an important part of our operations, we wanted to revise our logo for our organic Pure Pacific products to feature a fresh new look similar to our conventional Pacific brand,” Kim Fellom, Marketing Manager, shared with me.

Kim also revealed that the company has been tracking consumer trends, which are revealing that many shoppers are paying more attention to where their food comes from. As a result, Pure Pacific Organic is educating its shoppers on where its products come from via its product labels and social media.

In addition, trends are showing that consumers are using social media as a sounding board for compliments and complaints. In the past, consumers would typically call or email companies directly.

“Consumers are also starting to represent the brands they believe in on social media through promotions and influencing, which draws in more attention from other consumers,” Kim explained. “As a result, we have found that showing our fields, farming, and harvesting operations goes over really well with our followers and piques their interest since it’s what they want to learn about. We tend to seek out consumers who care more about organics, what it stands for, and how we operate sustainably.”

On the conventional side, Pacific is also launching a new Petite Romaine pack that is perfect for foodservice.

For more fresh produce news like this, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow.

Pure Pacific Organic

SAN BERNARDINO, CA - Regional California-based grocer Stater Bros. is celebrating its 83rd anniversary with a Fab Five-worthy makeover. On the heels of welcoming a new President, the retailer will be welcoming a sleek new look as well.

Stater Bros. Marketing Executive Vice President, Dennis McIntyre described the new look as “simple, clean, and uncluttered. We want our customers to have a relaxing shopping experience,” in a comment to The Orange County Register.

The news source reports that the retailer has been slowly introducing a more stylish look in recent years, repainting, reflooring, and relighting store interiors with warmer, more inviting tones, and has added popular grocery accoutrements like cut fruit, sushi, and expanded wine and beer selections. Stater Bros. is hoping to expand this fresh look, with plans to refurbish 45 of its stores by October of this year.

The grocer’s old look was undeniably dated, and the company’s leadership agreed that the existing corporate imagery did not reflect its evolution. The new, revamped logo was unveiled at its Tustin, California, store, but has also been rolled out on the retailer’s website and in its weekly mailer, which goes into detail about the rebranding rationale, according to The Orange County Register. The stylish new branding seeks to communicate to shoppers the extensive changes that the chain has undergone.

Will the cleaner, more trendy visuals tempt new generations of shoppers? Keep reading AndNowUKnow for updates.

Stater Bros.