SALINAS, CA -The Nunes Company, marketer of Foxy Organic Produce, is making its way into the health and wellness category, announcing a new partnership with MegaFood™ to be the exclusive provider of the organic kale for the company’s reformulated Balanced B Complex.

“The more we have learned about the growing health and wellness category, it became readily apparent MegaFood is not only a leader in the field, but one of the most transparent organizations we have ever worked with,” explained Matt Seeley, Vice President of Marketing for the Nunes Company. “Their quality controls throughout the production process are second to none, evidenced by the fact live cameras are operational and available 24/7 for consumers to see via their website.”

Seeking to attract those with a healthy and plant-based diet, Balanced B Complex provides a medley of essential B vitamins; namely B1, B2, B6, and B12. The product is soy-, dairy-, and gluten-free, as well as being free of both herbicides and pesticides. The collaboration has been Non-GMO Project Verified and certified Kosher and vegan. According to a press release, Balanced B Complex is available in 30, 60, and 90 tab bottles, and at natural products retailers nationwide.  

“We’re thrilled to be working with Foxy Organic, a brand that we know and trust to produce fresh and high-quality produce for one of our top-selling products,” says Stacey Gillespie, MegaFood Director of New Products. “B Complex vitamins play a very important role in keeping our bodies running like well-oiled machines. It was important for us to identify a passionate partner like Foxy Organic, who would help us enhance the nutritive value of such an essential supplement."

To learn more about the new Seed-to-Store and Farm-to-Tablet formulation, visit www.megafood.com/friends-of-megafood/foxy-organic.

Foxy Organic Produce

SACRAMENTO, CA - Last week, Food Tank held its first annual Farm Tank. The summit brought together leaders from every facet of the agricultural industry–academia, growers, retailers, technology, and associations–for tough conversations about critical topics.

“We can’t make the farmers our enemies. All of us have a very important place. We have to respect and trust each other,” summarized Michael Dimock, President of Roots of Change, in his powerful closing keynote after a day of stimulating discourse on Thursday.

The first day got off to a lively start after impassioned opening comments by Karen Ross, Secretary of Agriculture for the State of California; Danielle Nierenberg, President of Food Tank; and other notable industry professionals. Among a sea of passionately invested attendees feverishly taking notes, the first days’ summit schedule was packed with thought-provoking panel discussions.

Food Transparency

Kicked off with a keynote by Eric Holt-Giménez, Executive Director of Food First, this panel touched on defining transparency, creating a shared language around it, and bringing that to consumers. Thomas Reynolds, Vice President of Program, Partnerships, and Learning of CARE International, pondered during the discussion; "When I see a piece of produce I wonder, 'who has touched this?'"

Panel members included:

1. Nikiko Masumoto, Farmer at Masumoto Family Farm
2. Thomas Reynolds, Vice President of Program, Partnerships, and Learning of CARE International
3. Dave Kranz, Communication & News Manager at the California Farm Bureau
4. Hannah Freeman, Director of Produce and Floral at Fair Trade USA
5. Marcia Ishii-Eiteman, Senior Scientist at PANNA
6. Bruce Goldstein, President of Farmworker Justice

Food Tech

“How does technology close the supply gap?” was the question posed to the audience by Michiel Bakker, Director, Global Food Services at Google in his keynote to open this session. The remainder of the panel resulted in animated discussion about how solar panels, apps, genetic diversity, R & D, social media, food incubators, policies, and crop practices can resolve major industry issues in food waste, disease and drought resistance, scalability, and sustainability. Of particular interest was the way in which apps such as CropMobster, CropManage, and HarvestSacramento have created templates to solve the challenges that farmers are facing.

Education. Engagement. Access. Trust. Diversity. These are the words the panel aptly used to sum up their thoughts regarding what is necessary in order to promote innovation in technology.

The only way out is through. Let's heal our food system by demanding solutions! Watch live now: https://t.co/pgGwZMs0Tj #FoodTank pic.twitter.com/KvFja2Tpkz

— Food Tank (@Food_Tank) September 22, 2016

Panel members included:

1. Don Carlson, Vice President of Project Development of Sunworks, Inc
2. Zachary Scott Dashner, Barilla Center for Food & Nutrition (BCFN) Alumni Association
3. Nick Papadopoulos, CEO & Co-Founder of CropMobster
4. Gabriel Youtsey, CIO of University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources
5. John Purcell, Vegetables Global R&D Lead, Hawaii Business Lead, Vice President, and Distinguished Fellow of Monsanto
6. Andrea Lepore, Co-founder of Hot Italian/The Food Factory

Infrastructure

When asked about improving infrastructure, Keith Knopf, COO of Raley's Family of Fine Stores, said, “We create demand through education about better quality food. Shift the narrative around the quality, health, and impact that food has on your wellness and well-being. As people seek that out, that demand helps solve the problem.” The panel, after an opening speech by Robert Egger, Founder and President of L.A. Kitchen, continued on, discussing how to improve the inefficiencies in infrastructure, and how to effectively rewire it.

Thanks to @generalproduce for hosting On The Plate for #FoodTank #FarmTank. Can't wait to meet their producers! pic.twitter.com/TqKbOt9PuU

— Niman Ranch (@Niman_Ranch) September 23, 2016

Panel members included:

1. Mary Kimball, Executive Director of the Center for Land-Based Learning
2. Oscar Villegas, Supervisor at Yolo County Board of Supervisors
3. Thaddeus Barsotti, Co-Owner of Farm Fresh to You
4. Keith Knopf, COO of Raley’s Family of Fine Stores
5. Tom Chan, CEO of General Produce
6. Blake Young, CEO of Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services

Food Business

In the final farming related panel, after ardent opening comments by John Church, Executive Vice President of Supply Chain of General Mills, the panelists explored the impact of various types of business models.

“We used to narrowly define our impact on the world. We must understand our impact when are successful,” Soren Bjorn, Executive Vice President of Driscoll’s, commented astutely. “We use our scale to help shape the future of farmers."

The panel members included:

1. Nick Kastle, Director of Marketing and Business Development & Business Unit General Manager at The Morning Star Company
2. Jennifer Maloney, Food Chain Sustainability Manager of Bayer CropScience
3. Richard Waycott, CEO of the Almond Board of California
4. Matt Wadiak, Founder & COO of Blue Apron
5. Soren Bjorn, Executive Vice President of Driscoll’s
6. Jon Bansen, Farmer of Organic Valley

It was a long day of invigorating discussion from stakeholders from all areas of the industry, breaking down silos in agriculture. On the second day, attendees were given the chance to stretch their legs and engage directly in activities such as field tours, visiting laboratories, and more.

The event was a resounding success. For those interested in moving the needle on broadening industry perspectives, make sure to mark your calendars for next year!

FoodTank 

BOISE, ID – As the retail company continues to hone its buy-side strategies, Albertsons will be putting an expanded focus on its headquarters, thanks to a newly received tax incentive award. This incentive program is projected to create around 300 jobs and bring $38 million in additional state tax revenue to Idaho. 

“Our team here is proud to call Boise home,” said Andrew Scoggin, Albertsons’ Executive Vice President of Human Resources, Labor Relations, and Public Affairs, according to the Idaho Statesman. “The roots of our company were strengthened by the Idaho workforce from the first day that Mr. Albertson opened his 16th and State store, and we’re excited for the opportunity that the Tax Reimbursement Incentive [TRI] has allowed us.” 

Under the TRI, Albertsons will receive a tax credit of up to 30 percent on income, payroll, and sales taxes, according to the Idaho Statesman. Over the 15-year term of the agreement, to receive the aforementioned benefits from the state, the retailer must create at least 300 new jobs in Idaho.

Albertsons was initially approved for the TRI in March 2015, though Idaho allows employers to announce the new jobs and award at their own discretion. The Idaho Economic Advisory Council approved Albertsons to receive the TRI to promote growth in the state, with Albertsons also indicating that many corporate office positions will be moved to its Boise campus. 

“This is the type of expansion that the tax reimbursement incentive was designed for, and I couldn’t be happier that it is being used by an Idaho company with a rich history in our great state — a company that gave me one of my first jobs as a stock boy at the original Albertsons location,” Gov. Butch Otter said in a news release from the Idaho Department of Commerce. 

The agreement also states that in order for the retailer to receive the tax credit, Albertsons must create at least 20 new jobs in rural areas or 50 in urban ones, and pay at least the county average wage. This action looks to prove that Albertson's created employment is stable and makes a significant economic impact on the Idaho community, thus proving that the TRI is critical for creating jobs.

Over the past four years, Albertsons has expanded its employees within its headquarters from 120 to 600 employees. This award will provide the retailer with further opportunities to invest in the state.

What kind of impact will this incentive award and expansive growth have on Albertsons presence in the market? Keep up with AndNowUKnow as we report.

Albertsons

BAKERSFIELD, CA - Lajpat Rai Munger, patriarch of Munger Farms and the Munger family, passed away on the morning of August 22, 2016. The beloved father and grandfather went peacefully in his home, surrounded by his family, at the age of 99.

Mr. Munger was born January 21, 1917 in a rural farming village in India, having immigrated to the U.S. in 1966. He began working on a peach and walnut farm as a laborer, eventually buying it from the owner when he was retiring and starting The Munger Companies.

Now a global leader in pistachio and blueberry production, he passed on the reins of the farming company to his two sons, Baldev and Kable Munger, in 1988 to begin fulfilling his spiritual calling.

Upon retiring, Mr. Munger moved back to India to give back to his community and provide those less fortunate with an opportunity to have a better future. He also sought to illuminate the legacy of the man who guided him at a young age to fulfill a life of integrity and spirituality.

Over the next 23 years, he received a Doctorate of Humane Letters, built a university in India affiliated with California State University, Fresno, a temple, a charitable hospital, and rebuilt the K-12 school in his village and advanced the classrooms with technology in the name of his Guru Sarvanand Gir Ji.

He continued his philanthropic work in the United States as well, with the help of his two sons, donating funds to California State University, Fresno, Bakersfield Memorial Hospital, and other various contributions. Today, Mr. Munger’s family continues to thrive in agribusiness, as well as give back to those in need.

Through the teachings of their guru and the ideals of honesty, hard work, passion, and charity passed down by their father, his family stated that Mr. Munger’s children and grandchildren will continue to live out his legacy. His memory will live on through every acre farmed, charitable deed done, and family traditions passed down.

He is survived by his seven children and their spouses: Mr. Baldev (David) Munger; Mr. & Mrs. Kewel (Kable) & Janie Munger; Mr. Maharaj (Roger) Munger of Bakersfield, CA; Mr. Gurcharan Dhokal and Mrs. Manjeet (Meena) Munger Dhokal of Yuba City, CA; Dr. Manish Saini and Mrs. Paramjit (Pam) Munger Saini of Freehold, New Jersey; Ms. Kamie Munger; Ms. Santosh Munger of Bakersfield, CA. He is survived by 11 grandchildren: Miss Asha Munger; Mr. & Mrs. Diwan & Gabrielle Munger; Miss Shree Munger; Mr. Ajay Munger; Mr. Raj Munger; Mr. Ravi Munger; Dr. Pawn Dhokal; Mr. Nicholas Galano and Mrs. Perveen Dhokal Galano; Mr. Arvind Saini; Miss Angelie Saini; Miss Chance Munger.

The AndNowUKnow team extends its sincere condolences to Mr. Munger’s family, friends, and those affected by this loss.

HOLLYWOOD, FL – With dynamic characteristics, super-fruit nutritional value, and a kid-friendly flavor profile, Mighties® brand kiwifruit is differentiating the school lunchbox this fall. And it doesn’t hurt that Mighties sales have risen 28 percent year-over-year, according to data reported by Nielsen through its Perishables Group FreshFacts® Service. 

Now, Mighties is taking the kiwifruit category by storm, with retailers participating in the Mighties program revealing category sales increases of more than 25 percent year-over-year since the launch. Victoria Nuevo-Celeste, Vice President of Marketing, joined me to talk about the popular line and its continued impact as we countdown the days to PMA Fresh Summit.

“Since we launched the Mighties brand kiwifruit in the 2014-15 California season, we have seen demand in the category rise as consumers look for more unique and convenient snacking options. In order to compete with other eye-catching produce department brands, we are presenting Mighties’ display materials for optimal merchandizing that can be utilized in high-traffic areas of the produce department,” Victoria tells me. “These opportunities have proven to be a great success at retail.”

As the program's popularity skyrockets, Sun Pacific is continuing to invest in planting more kiwifruit as well, to meet consumer and retailer demand. 

“In less than a decade, we will triple our supply from when we launched Mighties,” said President Bob DiPiazza. “Differentiation is key and Sun Pacific continues to provide that high level of service and quality that customers look for in a customer and a partner.” 

Along with the vibrant, high-graphic, merchandising materials to draw the consumer eye, Sun Pacific is also supporting retailers with its ripening process which ensures Mighties arrive on retailers’ shelves ripe and ready-to-eat, taking the guesswork out of when to purchase the fruit. In addition, the packaging itself is designed to communicate the ease of eating kiwi—simply cut, scoop and eat.

“The Mighties brand has truly brought kiwifruit into the consumer fold,” Victoria says. “The flavor and versatility is on-trend to continue making waves at both retail and foodservice.”

Mighties are currently available in one-, two-, three- and four-pound clamshells. Check the program out for yourselves this October at PMA Fresh Summit booth 417 in Orlando, Florida.

See you all next month on the show floor!

Sun Pacific Marketing

SPAIN - A smuggling ring was busted as part of an almost three-year-long sting, ending in the discovery of 535 kilos (about 1,200 lbs) of cocaine in Peruvian containers of what should have been produce.

Officers worked with Spanish Tax authorities to make the bust in Valencia, with those involved looking to smuggle illicit drugs in from South America. The perpetrators reportedly decided to increase the volume of drugs being imported, as well as switching from the Madrid airport to moving the drugs via containers “supposedly carrying fruit, vegetables and spices,” according to the Euro Weekly News. No estimated street value was provided.

Authorities had names of possible companies involved in the importation of these containers thanks to an email received that gave away a number of individuals who had moved to Spain and were involved in drug smuggling from South America.

The first arrest associated to the case was in November of 2013, with the most recent container having been allowed to go to its final destination in Abanilla in Murcia, where officers were able to arrest 17 people including all of the senior members of the smuggling ring.

AndNowUKnow will continue to keep you briefed on all the latest for both the legal and not-so-legal alerts within the fresh produce industry.

ISSAQUAH, WA - When you’re at the top of the organic produce game, how do you stay at the head of the pack? A big part of maintaining its over $4 billion dollars in organic sales, Costco says, is through the sourcing of enough fresh produce.

Costco anticipates to over double its organic sales by 2020, reports news source EuroFresh, planning to exceed $10 billion. The company has projected its organics program to grow in double-digits each year in sales until it reaches that goal. In order to keep up with that fast-growing demand, you have to be able to get your hands on a lot of product.

One way Costco has tried to answer this problem is through its work with San Diego-based supplier, Andrew and Williamson, helping them to buy both equipment and land in Baja California, Mexico. In return, Andrew and Williamson says, Costco will have first access to the organic products produced there.

“By helping them with financing, we got access to and purchased about 145,000 cases of organic raspberries that we normally would not have access to,” Costco’s Senior Vice President of Fresh Foods, Jeff Lyons, told the Seattle Times. The paper also reported the retailer’s plans to work with other companies in a similar fashion, including a large group with operations in Chile and Mexico.

 

Standing room only at the Organics panel on Tuesday. People flocked to hear Grimmway's Bob Borda, Costco's Frank Padilla, and Crosset's Bob Lummis talk about the importance of growing the organics sector. @grimmwayfarms @costco #crosset #unitedfresh2016 @unitedfresh

A photo posted by AndNowUKnow (@andnowuknow) on Jun 23, 2016 at 10:00am PDT

At this year’s United Fresh conference during a panel on organic produce, Frank Padilla, Costco’s Vice President and General Merchandise Manager for Produce and Meat, gave a presentation on why organics is seen as such a major focus for the company, listing the following reason:

• Organics resonates with Costco’s members
• Organic eating seen as a lifestyle, not a trend
• Consumers want to eat healthy
• Consumers have concerns about pesticides and GMOs
• Costco believes in sustainable farming

Padilla also noted that Costco does not separate its organics into an ‘organic’ section, instead letting consumers have all their options in front of them. “The danger is that it (an organic product) could be the only choice. If you don’t have the right quality, the right specifications, the right shelf-life and value, you are going to turn the non-organic consumers off,” Padilla told Growing magazine. “We also face the danger that if it’s not available at the time, you may not have that item to sell.”

Along with finding adequate and efficient sourcing, Padilla outlined the following other strategies to increase organic sales:

• Find great growers/partners
• Study the items
• Learn the intricacies of certified organic
• Develop a specification

What partnerships and initiatives will Costco implement as it plans to reach the $10 billion organics goal? AndNowUKnow will keep reporting as each new move is made.

Costco

GILROY, CA – Keeping up with its guaranteed year-round schedule of pepper varieties, Uesugi Farms has announced that the company is preparing to transition from Northern California to Southern California to harvest premium quality peppers out of Coachella. 

“Being a year-round pepper supplier, the cycle just comes naturally. Right now we’re getting ready to start the Coachella harvest, where we’ll grow bells and minis. In November, we head to Mexico to grow the full gamut of peppers, which includes all the bells, minis and hot varieties,” stated Pete Aiello, General Manager.

The company stated in a press release that production will wrap up in Northern California in the next few weeks and the company’s crop in the Coachella Valley is currently seeing strong plants with peppers that are maturing nicely. Uesugi expects a successful harvest out of Southern California.

When the company transitions to Mexico in November, following the Coachelle harvest, Uesugi Farms will grow green, red, and yellow bell peppers, mini sweets, and hot peppers. From there, the company will continue transitioning its harvesting regions to provide a continuous supply of product. 

“The Coachella harvest starts again from May through July where we’ll continue growing our bells and minis. Some overlapping will happen, since we also grow all our varieties in Bakersfield and Oxnard in June, July, and part of August,” continued Aiello. “We then move to Hollister, Morgan Hill, Brentwood, Lodi, and Gilroy for the Northern California harvest, which starts in July and could run all the way into November if the weather cooperates.” 

Uesugi Farms has been harvesting and shipping peppers for 365 days a year since 1998. The company is able to provide its wide variety of peppers due to increased acreage and new varieties to harvest. Some of these varieties include green, yellow, and red bells, mini sweets, Anaheim, Caribe, Fresno, Ghost, Habanero, Hungarian, Jalapeño, Poblano, Serrano, and Shishito peppers.

Uesugi Farms’ portfolio also includes more categories than peppers, as the company also grows and sells tomatillos, white and yellow sweet corn, Napa cabbage, strawberries, pumpkins, squash, and beans.

Uesugi Farms

“It’s evident that businesses in such a fast-paced industry need a solution to stay head of the game and I strongly believe we are that solution,” Frank shares.

It will be exciting to see where this leap takes Frank, and Deacom, in fresh produce operations. 

Congratulations Frank on this newest chapter in your career!

Deacom 

CAMARILLO, CA – With the vision of offering a premium, flavorful, snacking tomato experience to North American consumers, Houweling's is showcasing its Signature Selection medley of exclusive varieties as we look to PMA Fresh Summit 2016.

Lindsay Martinez, Brand Manager for the company, took a few minutes out of her busy pre-PMA schedule to dish on the newest products in Houweling's premium tier line of tomatoes, and how flavor is always top-of-mind for the program.

"This year, we are offering three varieties of tomatoes in our Signature Selection premium snacking range, Sweetoms grape tomatoes, Tomazing cherry tomatoes, and strawberry vined tomatoes,” Lindsay tells me. “The trio offers a versatile mix of varieties that are great for snacking, slicing into salads, and skewering on the BBQ.”

Houweling’s Signature Selection standards dictate strict criteria for packing, with flavor at the forefront of the criteria. Along with the demand for outstanding texture and appearance, and a consistent premium quality tomato throughout the crop’s lifecycle, the company is looking to add-value across the greenhouse-grown tomato category.

“In addition, we are pulling back the curtain on these tomatoes by declaring the specific seed variety on-pack, so consumers can always enjoy and expect a quality experience,” Lindsay adds. 

Houweling's Sweetoms, are a high-brix grape snacking tomato with a firm texture and sweet taste. The Tomazing cherry tomato with its unique red-orange color, offers a crisp crunch and responds to consumer demand for a variety with huge flavor. To round out the experience, Houweling’s strawberry vined tomato brings the palate a balance of sweetness and acidity with a deep red color and firm and juicy texture. A trio of taste. 

With the goal of bringing more frequent repeat purchases to retail partners and creating a loyal following of tomato-lovers, Houweling’s is driving its brand forward with the premium Signature Selection.

Houweling's