SALINAS, CA - As part of the growing trend of focusing on food safety, Mann Packing has announced that its former Quality Assurance Manager, Greg Komar, is returning to the company as its Director of Food Safety and Product Quality.

In his new role, Komar will be responsible for all food safety and product quality systems for the company, according to a press release. Komar is bringing experience from his position as Director of Food Safety at SCS Global Services and seven years as Technical Manager at NSF Agriculture. Prior to that, he was Director of Food Safety at Growers Express/Green Giant Fresh, Senior Quality Assurance Plant Manager at Earthbound Farm, and Quality Assurance Manager at Mann Packing from 2001 to 2003.

“His work experience in dealing with our produce food safety and quality requirements in this ever-changing regulatory environment makes him a very welcome addition to the Mann’s team,” commented Mann’s Chairman & CEO, Lorri Koster.

Komar holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Plant Biology from UC Davis.

Mann Packing

SALINAS, CA – Smiling faces were abound in the fields of Taylor Farms yesterday, as the company awarded two crews of automated romaine harvesters with surprise gifts in connection with Labor of Love. 

“At Taylor Farms people are the key to our success,” said Christina Barnard, Director of Marketing, Taylor Farms Retail. “Showing appreciation and support for their dedication and hard work is the foundation of our family culture.”

Partnered with Labor of Love, company employees and program representatives surprised each 34-person crew during their morning break. Each worker was given a breakfast burrito, thank you letter from Taylor Farms, and a $20 Walmart gift card.

Taylor Farms stated in a press release that it wanted to give thanks to its workers for their service to the agriculture industry in bringing quality vegetables to consumers all the way at the store shelf. 

The automated romaine harvester was initially introduced by the company in 2009, and provides an ergonomically correct working environment to its crews.

To see more of how Taylor Farms showed its hard-working harvesters thanks from the company, why it picked the automating harvesting crew, and the subsequent crew reactions, watch the video above. 

“Labor of Love is dedicated to thanking farmworkers for their service to the agriculture industry within our community,” explained Jenna Hanson Abramson of Mavelle Media. “We've had the opportunity to thank thousands of fieldworkers and share their stories with millions...way beyond Yuma and the Salinas Valley. It feels great to be able to partner with companies like Taylor Farms to show gratitude for these men and women because they work so hard and are always so appreciative when we surprise them in the fields. They deserve it." 

Labor of Love is made possible through the Yuman Fresh Vegetable Association, and aims to show appreciation and support to farm workers and harvesters throughout the Salinas Valley. The program will run through September, reaching millions of people in the surrounding communities as each company and workers are featured every week.

As companies across the industry recognize the value and efforts of all of their employees, AndNowUKnow will cover all the surprises and grateful representations along the way.

Taylor Farms

MONTEREY, CA – To continue its ever-present goals of strengthening strategic client relationships, PRO*ACT has announced that Kristie Water has joined the company as Vice President of Client Development. 

In her new position, Kristie will continue to build her reputation for identifying customer needs in the industry by working with the client development team to both ensure awareness of the benefits of PRO*ACT, as well as cultivating relationships between existing and prospective clients. 

“We needed someone to fill this role who understands the industry, has business development experience and relates well with customers. Kristie fits that bill,” said David Peterson, Senior Vice President of Sales, in a press release. “She has held positions in sales, marketing, and business development and has had years of experience interacting with customers. We are happy to welcome her to the team.” 

Kristie first cemented her foothold in the industry in 2002, and was most recently the Director of Sales for Gulf Coast Produce in Biloxi. Kristie also has experience in Sales and Marketing for The Garden Produce in Jacksonville, FL. 

PRO*ACT stated that Kristie also has experience working with high-profile clients, such as Foodbuy, and retail customers. In her position, Kristie will report to David. 

Congratulations to Kristie in her new position, and AndNowUKnow will continue to have the latest in hiring announcements and strategic appointments in the industry.

PRO*ACT

RIO RICO, AZ - As part of the company’s efforts to grow its one-stop-shop for retail partners, SunFed has begun shipping vine-ripened Perfect Romas®, setting its sights on adding both Grape and Beefsteak Tomatoes to the Perfect Produce® lineup in the fall.

“We are constantly working to improve and elevate our year-round program across the U.S. and Canada,” explains Eduardo Herbst, Tomato Sales Manager. “With our recent expansion in McAllen, Texas, and long-time headquarters in Nogales, Arizona, we are able to reach our East Coast and West Coast partners with ease, less travel time, and a high-quality product with maximum radiant freshness.”

These items will be complementing SunFed’s established line of Perfect Produce® offerings, which include squash, bell pepper, eggplant, cucumbers, limes, and specialty melons.

According to a press release, cooler temps caused on lower yields for the beginning of the season, but now the longer and warmer days have shot volumes back up. The company notes that its tomato quality this year is amazing, with incredible flavor across the board for all Perfect Produce® items.

While packaging for the grape and beefsteak tomatoes is still under wraps, VP of Marketing, Brett Burdsal, has designed its high-graphic Perfect Romas® concept.

“Produce is bought with the eyes and Romas have a firm, radiant appearance that we wanted the packaging to showcase while also highlighting the SunFed branding that is all the rave across North America’s produce departments,” Burdsal shared. “SunFed has long been known for quality and delivering just-picked freshness, so I had room to go beyond the picture of the product that you can see in the bag.” 

Brett shared that the concept was inspired by the advertisements of Bernard Villemot and the fashion illustrations of Rene Gruau. Designed to be simple, easy-to-reproduce, clean art, the packaging both grabs the attention of consumers, while complementing the Roma tomatoes.

To learn more about new Perfect Romas® and the entire Perfect Produce® line, visit SunFed’s website at www.sunfed.net.

SunFed

GRAND RAPIDS, MI - On the heels of a positive second quarter filled with hints of new growth opportunities, SpartanNash CEO Dennis Eidson is now doubling down on his comment that he expects the company to seek strategic acquisitions.

In a conference call with investors last week, Eidson said SpartanNash is leveraging its improving financial position to set the company up for growth, new customers, mergers, and supply chain optimization. 

“With a strong balance sheet we will also proactively pursue financially and strategically attractive acquisition opportunities,” Eidson explained further to investors, reconfirming his statements from the second quarter report. He added that with the current market headwinds and economic conditions likely to persist, SpartanNash will remain focused on operating its business “with a disciplined approach.” Eidson noted the company’s gains in its western geographic areas as being particularly strong. 

Eidson continued in the report, “We will continue to implement our initiatives to enhance our merchandising, pricing and promotional strategies, including expanding our organic and private brand product offerings, improving our produce offering, and driving greater customer engagement through our loyalty program.”

Most recently in terms of growth, SpartanNash took over as the primary wholesaler for all 21 Gordy’s Markets in Wisconsin in February. Will the new proposed acquisitions be more on the distribution side of the company’s business, or is a retail acquisition in its crosshairs? Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow as we continue to look in depth in the company’s plans.

SpartanNash

GILROY, CA — This year the 2016 Northern California pepper harvest started strong in July for Uesugi Farms. While green bell peppers and hot peppers were all on time, varieties such as mini-sweets, red bells, and yellow bells came in a week later. Additionally, heat ended the Bakersfield harvest early, while unseasonably cool weather swept into Northern California and created a short gap in supply.

“Even though the cooler weather last week slowed us down a bit, we’re expecting pepper production to speed up thanks to a warmer forecast this week,” said Pete Aiello, General Manager at Uesugi Farms, according to a press release.

The Northern California pepper harvest is expected to last through October or early November, at which time Uesugi Farms will move its operations down to the Coachella Valley to continue its production there. Uesugi Farms is a year-round supplier of a variety of peppers, sweet corn, and Napa cabbage. It also produces pumpkins and beans on a seasonal basis.

Northern California is important for the pepper season because of the moderate climate and long growing season. The region is especially important for Uesugi, since it is where the company has the most crop acreage, volume, and variety supporting its year-round supply of peppers. Some of the Northern California locations in which Uesugi grows and harvests include Gilroy, Morgan Hill, Hollister, Brentwood, and Lodi.

“It’s one thing to manage your production from various locations in and out of state, but when it’s right in your own backyard, you’ve got better control of the growing and harvest, and that’s one of the things we look forward to during the Northern California season,” said Aiello in the statement.

Uesugi Farms also expects increased pepper production compared to last year due to expanded acreage, which means even more tasty and refreshing peppers for its customers.

Uesugi Farms

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - In an effort to get more fruits and vegetables onto the plates of families across North America, Lori Taylor, Owner and Founder of The Produce Mom, has announced a new partnership with nationally-acclaimed food & lifestyle expert and author Chadwick Boyd, to bring recipe innovation, magazine-quality photography, and ease-of-use to both produce companies and the end-consumer.

With fresh produce top-of-mind, Lori and Chadwick took a few minutes to speak with me about the recent news, and the vision for their partnership moving forward.

“Increasing fresh produce consumption and inspiring busy moms and dads with creative and accessible recipes has been my passion,” Lori tells me. “This partnership will allow brands in the fresh produce industry to affordably secure recipe development and photography that is on-par with the standards for placement in major national food and lifestyle media.”

Through this new service, Lori and Chadwick will deliver content to marketers that upholds the integrity of their brands. Currently, three packages are offered:

• 5 recipes + finished photography
• 10 recipes + finished photography
• Custom–based on unique and specific brand needs

Also included in the service are how-to, storage, and entertaining tips depending on content. Packages start at $11,500 and include concept-creation, recipe testing, writing, art directing, food and prop styling, and photography. And, for a limited time only, new clients will receive special promotion across the Chadwick Boyd social media channels to support their campaigns.

Chadwick, who has been featured on Food Network, Today Show, Better Homes and Gardens, Lifetime, Huffington Post, and more, has the repertoire and ingenuity to bring a different level of food artistry, design, and engagement to the produce industry, Lori adds.

“In many ways, we are taking a page out of the CPG playbook. Consumers eat with their eyes, and food presentation is key,” she says. “Chadwick is already passionately connecting with brand managers across different sectors to get more fresh produce into all food channels.”

Chadwick works his magic these days from his test kitchen in New York City where he brings a level of NYC style and innovation that is rare to find in the fresh produce trade. Working hand-in-hand with Lori, Chadwick will create a platform of recipes that will both inspire new flavor combinations and food trends, and introduce a range of different preparation methods to bring greater value to produce marketers.

“I believe that great food and easy recipes with style, partnered with fresh fruits and vegetables, can be accessible to all,” Chadwick tells me. “This is what Lori and I are offering to the produce industry with this partnership. The breadth of experience and the brands that I have worked with have created a dialogue with food that, I believe, should be shared with at-home cooks across the country. And it only elevates this partnership that a large part of my focus and passion has been in fresh produce.”

Lori notes that she has been in the industry for 11 years and during her time, she has noticed a need for better quality food resources and ideas that connect with at-home cooks and parents.

“My hope is to create a more authentic connection between produce brands and consumers while giving my audience new ways of incorporating fruits and vegetables into all their meals. In this way, it is a win-win to align The Produce Mom brand with someone who is the ultimate in recipe development,” Lori says.

At the end of the day, busy moms especially, like Lori, don’t have the time to read in-depth recipes and research trends.

“But, they also do not want to sacrifice flavor and health. I want to bring quality and creativity to everyday cooking without impacting an already busy schedule for parents,” Chadwick says.

So, what’s in store for The Produce Mom partnership with Chadwick Boyd? New recipe R&D, food styling, and high-quality content for the produce industry, The Produce Mom partners, and, of course, a bump in overall produce consumption if Lori has anything to say about it.

And that, she does.

 The Produce Mom Chadwick Boyd

SANTA PAULA, CA – As the company looks towards the release of its financial results for its third quarter of the fiscal year on September 8, Limoneira Company has reiterated some key points about the company's goals for 2016.

In a recent press release, Limoneira stated that the company is "not being affected by the current wildfires in California." The company’s operations span around 10,700 acres in both California and Arizona with agricultural land and operations, real estate, and water rights in the states. 

The company’s guidance range and financial details for the 2016 fiscal year are expected to fall between the following ranges: 

• Operating income: $14.6 million to $15.1 million
• EBITDA: $14.6 million to $15.1 million
• Earnings per diluted share: $0.28 to $0.33
• Earnings per diluted share excluding transaction costs connected to the Limoneira/Lewis joint venture: $0.33 to $0.38 

Limoneira also stated that this year’s fiscal year will end on October 31, 2016, and expects to sell between 2.7 million and 3 million cartons of fresh lemons at an average price of around $23.00 per carton. 

The company is also projecting to sell around 8.5 to 9.5 million pounds of avocados at approximately $0.80 per pound, during the same timeframe of the 2016 fiscal year. 

Limoneira’s third quarter results, which will be released next month, will report the financial results for the quarter that ended on July 31, 2016. 

As the company continues expand its offerings across the board, keep up with AndNowUKnow as we report on everything avocados and citrus.

Limoneira

KINSTON, NC, & ROANOKE, VA - Lidl has announced two more northeastern U.S. locations in the past few weeks, marking Kinston, NC, and Roanoke, VA, as its next conquests. This comes less than a month after the company announced a new distribution center and regional headquarters not too far away in Cecil County, MD. 

Earlier this month, Lidl announced it has purchased land for a new 36,000-square-foot location in Kinston, NC. Local source WITN reports that the company has yet to announce an opening date for that location. This location is around 30 miles from a previously announced Lidl location in Greenville, NC.

Another location will be built in Roanoke, VA, after Lidl spent $2.1 million for the land, according to the Roanoke Times. In a site plan submitted by Lidl to Roanoke County's community development department, Lidl describes the planned store as a 36,000-square-foot grocery store with about 130 parking spaces.

About the company’s newly announced Cecil County, MD-based facility, Brendan Proctor, President and CEO, Lidl U.S., said, “This facility is an important step in building an efficient infrastructure that will allow us to deliver outstanding quality goods to our customers at the lowest possible prices. We selected Cecil County not only because it offers a central location for our distribution network, but also because it will be a great place for our employees to work and live.”

Prior to the Cecil County facility, Lidl had selected a U.S. company headquarters in Arlington Country, VA, with other regional headquarters and distribution centers located in Spotsylvania, VA, and Alamance County, NC. Its first stores are planned to open by 2018.

Lidl US

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - El Popo has rumbled once again, triggered by yet another earthquake just one week after the last.

Mexico's largest volcano, El Popocatépetl, reawoke on Saturday and Sunday, with 78 low-intensity exhalations cued by a magnitude 1.8 earthquake. The ash and gas emitting from the mouth of the crater reportedly made slim-to-no visibility of El Popo, with a 12 kilometer (almost 7.5 mile) radius in place of no-entry.

The activity, according to news source Express, has some asking if the increased seismic activity over the past week and a half could be a prelude for “the big” eruption, one that it hasn’t had taken place in over 15 years.

The last time El Popo demonstrated its full power was in 2000, necessitating the evacuation of about 41,000 people.

The local population continues to be on alert since the volcano first rumbled to life earlier this year, when it emitted enough ash to necessitate shutting down local air traffic and halting some transportation in the Mexico City area.

Thus far, however, no such measures have been necessary. AndNowUKnow will continue to follow the story for any further developments.