ORLANDO, FL – In continued efforts to work with mango-producing countries to give retailers and consumers an informed prediction of how many mangos will be shipped to the U.S., the National Mango Board (NMB) has released its latest update from Mexico and Brazil as of August 6, 2016. NMB reports that volume arriving into the U.S. is up almost one million boxes from last year’s numbers.

Mango volume shipping the first week of this month was approximately 2,623,012 boxes. During the same week last year, volume was around 1,721, 053 boxes. These numbers brought the total mango volume to 80,520,019 boxes brought into the U.S., according to a recent press release.

These numbers are supplemented by crop from Brazil. The Brazilian season runs from July through November, with a projected 8 million boxes expected. Varieties to comprise the volume is expected as follows:

• Tommy Atkins: 85%
• Ataulfo: 8%
• Palmer: 7%

As of August 6, volume shipped from Brazil was 322,298 boxes for a total of 372,530 in the season thus far. This volume is up an approximate 84,242 boxes from last year’s total at this point in the year.

Additionally, the Mexican season, which began in January and will run through October, is expected to provide the U.S. with around 66.5 million boxes of mangos. The varieties to compose this number are the following: 

• Tommy Atkins: 38%
• Kent: 20%
• Haden: 7%
• Keitt: 8%
• Other: 1%

At this point last year, volume from Mexico was composed of a total of 64,034,955 boxes. This number is slightly lower this year, with a total of 63,126,453 boxes of mangos.

Though the overall volume is lower as of right now, weekly volume is on the rise. During the week of August 6 last year, volume arrived from Mexico was approximately 1,708,091. This year, that number has significantly increased with volume arriving from Mexico on the same week at around 2,623,012 boxes.

For more information on the NMB’s latest mango crop report, along with the average price per box comparisons for each port of entry, click here.

As mangos continue to sweeten up consumers baskets, and volume remains on the rise, AndNowUKnow will continue to report on the latest crop information.  

National Mango Board

LOS ALAMITOS, CA – Answering feedback from its retailer partners and consumers at large, Frieda’s Specialty Produce has developed new 8 oz. stand-up pouches for its shishito peppers. 

“We have been selling shishito peppers for several years, and every year they get more popular,” said Karen Caplan, President and CEO of Frieda’s. “Shoppers will be looking for these peppers and our grab-and-go pouch makes it easy, while retailers will love our eye-catching, easy-to-merchandize package that will protect and extend the life of the product.” 

The company stated in a press release that the bags are eye-catching and convenient, in addition to using 60 percent less material than a clamshell. The shishito pouch stands up for easy display, which also enables it to stand out in the aisle with its bright color, playful copy, and highlighted serving ideas.

“Our shishito pouch offers the perfect solution for everyone,” added Caplan. 

In the United Fresh Produce Association’s 2015 winter industry trends report, Frieda’s stated that shishito peppers were featured as a growing and trending item in foodservice. The mostly mild peppers are making appearances nationwide as appetizers on menus, which translates to increased retail sales and opportunities for consumers; especially during grilling season.

Shishito peppers are available now in 12/8 oz. pouches, and in bulk. Organic shishito peppers are also available in bulk in limited supply during the summer season.

For your spiciest announcements, stay with AndNowUKnow for the hottest industry news. 

Frieda's Specialty Produce

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - SuperValu will serve as a grocery wholesaler and distributor for the Fresh Market, according to a long-term agreement that was announced this morning, August 15.

“We are excited about this relationship with SuperValu,” said The Fresh Market’s President and CEO Rick Anicetti, according to a press release. He went on to say that this new relationship would enhance its customer experience, with a focus on providing superior quality and freshness at a greater value, adding, “SuperValu’s experience in wholesale grocery and logistics capabilities aligns well with our strategic vision and will make them a valuable strategic partner for our future.”

In this new role, SuperValu will supply The Fresh Market with signature grocery products ranging several departments of the store.

According to both companies, the intention is for SuperValu to become the primary distributor once The Fresh Market completes the transition with current distribution relationships.

“The Fresh Market is a terrific organization with a tremendous store base and a great consumer offering,” SuperValu President and CEO Mark Gross commented. “The stores offer a great shopping experience. They are extremely well merchandised, meet customer demand with a keen focus on fresh, and provide a wonderful mix of traditional and specialty products. This is an excellent example of how our experience, strong distribution network, and overall wholesale capabilities can serve larger grocery chains while also being flexible to the needs of specialty-focused retailers.”

As we’ve previously reported, it has been a year of changes and transitions for The Fresh Market, having been acquired by Apollo Global Management, LLC, last spring and, most recently, delaying the opening of new locations in several states.

Currently, the expectation is that SuperValu will begin serving some of The Fresh Market’s stores as early as this fall, taking on additional stores throughout the transition.

SuperValu The Fresh Market

CINNCINATTI, OH - This was another one for the record books. That is what Bob Lummis shared with me as we spoke about the company’s always-successful Buying Food Show and Educational Seminar held this week at the home of the Cincinnati Reds. 

And what a success it was. I had the opportunity to experience Cincinnati at its finest on Wednesday.  Between Crosset’s buying show at the Great American Ballpark, where I walked through the inspiring history of the Reds, to the Belle of Cincinnati Dinner Cruise held amid Victorian décor, the lush green of the city, and a wealth of conversations… This trip definitely delivered.

When I ask Bob where the value of the Crosset program lies, he says that it is the rich vendor and retail relationships that have truly built the company over the years. 

“Each year, we work hand-in-hand with both our vendors and retail partners to fuel growth within the produce department,” Bob tells me. “Whether that is working with them to innovate new products to meet the demands of the value-added or on-the-go consumer, energizing their merchandising support and programs, or planning for the evolving consumer palate-we look to provide a space where these conversations can be nurtured and then executed. We are strategically positioned to help retailers increase the ring at the register, while supporting our vendors by helping them cultivate new relationships and partnerships.”

So how did this annual event draw in the intimate crowd this year? To start, the day’s first pitch was thrown by Crosset Company’s TC Williams, who addressed a room full of attendees in the Great American Ballpark’s new Handlebar Club. TC spoke to the crowd about the growth within the organic category and how Crosset’s program has expanded its product mix in this sector to better differentiate itself amongst the burgeoning competition.

Speaking of the evolution of the organic category over the past 25 years, TC said, it has been like a blue chip stock, increasing year after year after year.

“Let’s go way back to 1990,” he told the audience. “The entire organic category was worth $1 billion – which wasn’t just fresh fruits and vegetables, that was the entire category. Ten years later it grew to $7.76 billion. That is when the Crosset Company got involved with organics.”

Seven years later it grew from $7.76 billion to $20 billion and this year’s growth is expected to be in the double digits, he added, speaking to the need for companies to re-evaluate their investments in organic offerings.

TC was followed by a collaboration between Michael Sansolo, Retail Food Industry Consultant and Research Director of the Coca-Cola Retailing Research Councils and Kevin Coupe, “Content Guy,” for MorningNewsBeat.com. The two speakers discussed the shifting retail landscape, technological advancements, the need to diversify, and recognizing the opportunities within different consumer demographics. From Amazon’s always-evolving business model, to U.S. retail disruptors like Aldi and Lidl, both speakers acknowledged that new consumer buying behaviors and demands must be addressed in order to thrive in our competitive arena. At the heart of their message: adapt.

Next to the stage was special guest speaker and former Cincinnati Reds Manager, Lou Piniella, who shared the rich baseball history that brought him to the Red’s and beyond. Lou also pulled back the curtain and shared some of his insights into the game and some of his all-time favorite players during his tenure.

After a delicious lunch in the Diamond Club, we made our way to the buying show floor. Overlooking the Red’s field, the vendor spread brought together organic and conventional produce and floral companies that include the likes of Braga Fresh, Lady Moon, Cal-Organic, as well as Stemilt, Columbine Vineyards, and Giorgio to name a few.  Attendees took advantage of special deals with savings on products from the more than 50 top produce and floral suppliers during the day’s event and I was able to experience the reason why Crosset is the successful company that it is today: its push toward differentiation and the company’s incredible supplier and buyer relationships.  Customers tasted products from across the U.S. and filled their buying books with new and innovative produce items.

As the floor wrapped up, I took advantage of an intimate tour of the Great American Ballpark before heading out to the Crosset Dinner Cruise on the Belle of Cincinnati to add to an already successful buying show.

From the budding new business relationships to the diverse product mix and attendee response, I would have to agree with Bob, Crosset definitely hit it out of the park with this one. And with this year’s theme, “It’s a Whole New Game,” driving the company forward, I truly believe the wholesale distributor and logistics company has more than just a brighter future ahead, but a long and prosperous one as well.

Crosset Company

PORTERVILLE, CA – As its organic stonefruit program continues to expand across the board, Homegrown Organic Farms is currently ramping up to start its second season of California peaches.

“I’m very excited about our second season of peaches. They’re all wonderful yellow peach varieties of big and beautiful California peaches,” Stephen Paul, Category Director, tells me of the company’s current crop.

Stephen says that the season started and stayed very intense with elevated volume until the end of last month, with supply expected to remain steady through mid-October with the later varieties. Homegrown Organics says its crop will remain bountiful as long as weather permits.

“I expect the market is going to remain steady as the season goes through October, with prices staying around mid to upper 20s, and in some cases lower 30s,” Stephen says. “I’m optimistic because I know California produces an amazing piece of fruit, and there is thriving demand for the organic sector.”

The company is focusing on tapping in on retailer needs for merchandising this season in order to deliver an optimized product.

“Our motto is to listen, learn, and deliver. This year we’re focusing on learning what POS materials retailers want and are working with them to achieve their goals, because they’re the ones working with the customer,” Stephen tells me.

Stephen says the company’s stonefruit program has consistently grown year-over-year due to new growers and partnerships, including Homegrown’s partnership with The Giumarra Companies. The arrangement, penned last year, gives Homegrown access to the Nature’s Partner brand of DulceVida stonefruit varieties to grow them organically.

“This was our first year with DulceVida volume, and we expect the program to continue in growth and maturity to fill our late-summer timeframe,” Stephen says of the diversity the partnership adds to Homegrown.

Stephen says that the company also has its eyes ahead on the next season as the company plans to launch new varieties of stonefruit to answer growing consumer, and retailer, demand.

“Our organic Asian Pear program will see a significant increase in volume next year with the addition of six or more varieties,” Stephen finishes. “This will allow our program to run from mid-July through mid-November.”

As Homegrown Organic Farms continues to expand its stonefruit program, and supply this year’s retailers and consumers with beautiful California peaches, AndNowUKnow will have the latest in handpicked industry announcements.

Homegrown Organics

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - After more than 20 years in providing high-quality organic fruit, Pacific Organic Produce has announced a partnership with Mexus Produce, serving as a platform of growth for both companies.

“We have been in the fruit business for 21 years or so, so we thought it was certainly time,” Founder of Pacific Organic Produce and Purity Organic Fruits and Juices Greg Holzman tells me of the partnership and the company’s new venture into organic vegetables.

Mexus Produce, which just broke ground on a new packing facility in Ensenada, Baja, has been producing high-quality organic vegetables in Baja and Western Mexico for six years.

In that time, it has created a network of year-round supply on many items, including all the following certified organic vegetables:

• Cucumbers
• Zucchini
• Eggplant
• Peppers
• Brussels sprouts

It is a meeting of minds that point-man Allen Bernklau describes to me as mutually coordinated and beneficial.

“We chose each other,” Allen, Pacific Organic Produce’s Senior Commodity Development and Sales Specialist, tells me. Allen was brought on to help Pacific Organic grow into the organic vegetable segment, and shares that this is a deal that needed to happen. “We were looking for a good company to partner with south of the border, and they were looking for a partner north of the border to grow. Luckily, we are backed by a very strong company so we can help them do that.”

According to Pacific Organic, Mexus complements its existing Hope branded warm weather vegetable program and Purity Organic tree-fruit program, making Pacific Organic a complete one-stop experience for the best in organically raised fruits and vegetables.

Congratulations to both on this new venture and step towards further growth. AndNowUKnow will continue to report on all the latest partnerships and expansions within the produce industry.

Pacific Organic Produce

MATTHEWS, NC - Harris Teeter is poised for growth in the coming months. The company has announced it will be hiring for 3,000 new positions, and for 2016, adding 10 new locations.

“We owe our company’s success to our valued associates,” said Communications Manager for Harris Teeter, Danna Robinson. “We are growing, and we invite full-time and part-time job seekers to grow with us as we expand Harris Teeter’s footprint, creating jobs throughout new and existing markets.” 

The company says it has already created more than 1,050 new jobs this year, throughout its stores in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Georgia, Maryland, Delaware, Florida, and Washington, D.C. For this new batch of positions, the company says new hirees can expect: 

• Weekly paychecks
• Flexible schedules
• Fun, fast-paced environment
• Profit Sharing – paid two times a year
• Tuition Assistance based on eligibility

Available positions range from part-time cashiers and department clerks, to full-time department heads and assistant store managers, according to the press release.

No information on the locations of the new stores has been revealed as of yet, but they will likely be in the same areas targeted for the new hires. Late last year, the company announced a new 1.5 million square-foot distribution center in Virginia, signaling a focus on future growth in the area. 

As more information on the expansion is revealed, AndNowUKnow will dish you up the details.

Harris Teeter

THE WORLD – As athletes, sports enthusiasts, and citizens of every country on Earth turn their eyes towards Rio for the 2016 Olympics, Google is putting another segment of performers at the forefront of international attention; fresh produce. 

In tandem with its comprehensive coverage of the 2016 games, Google also launched the 2016 Doodle Fruit Games. Or rather, an innovative way which merges our industry-wide obsession with fruits and vegetables with the riveting displays of athleticism in Rio.

If you haven’t downloaded the app yet, Google unveiled a new Olympic fruit-based game in the series for us non-Olympians to partake in today.

“Today marks the 8th day of the 2016 Doodle Fruit Games! We’re journeying to an otherwise unassuming fruit stand in Rio, where produce from all over the market competes for the title of freshest fruit,” said Google on the 2016 Doodle Fruit Games website. “We're off to the races! Strawberry starts out at the back of the bunch, but we've seen Strawberry get out of jams before.” 

Who will take gold, and what will tomorrow’s Olympic games bring for the world of animated fruit? Only you can decide by downloading the Google app, tapping on the doodle, and bringing Strawberry to the finish line.

Learn more about the Google Doodle Fruit games in the video below, and download the mobile game for iOS and Android to play yourself.

As the world keeps its eyes turned to the Rio, and now fresh produce as well, AndNowUKnow will have the latest commentary on shakeups and crowned champions in the industry.

MCLEAN, VA – Continuing to expand its U.S. footprint of farmland, Gladstone Land Corporation has announced the acquisition of 70 acres of land for $1.7 million, about $24,200 per acre, in Hillsborough County, FL.

"We are excited to add to our farmland holdings east of Tampa, a great growing region with significant development pressure," said Bill Frisbie, Gladstone's Managing Director for the Eastern United States. "We now own 49 farms across the U.S., and we seek to continue building and diversifying our high-value agricultural portfolio. This property is farmed primarily for strawberries."

The company stated in a press release that as part of the acquisition Gladstone also assumed a lease agreement with a tenant. The lease, whose tenant is a leading global berry operator, runs through 2021 and includes a 5-year extension option.

"We like being real estate partners with top-tier farmers, and we seek to buy farms that grow fresh fruits and vegetables that are healthy for people to eat," said David Gladstone, President and CEO of Gladstone Land. "We have built our farmland portfolio based on the idea that the produce and nuts sections of grocery stores are good places to base our business because consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables and nuts has been growing at a stronger pace than other areas of the food sector, and we believe that trend towards healthier foods will continue."

This land acquirement adds to Gladstone’s Florida presence as the company also acquired 401 acres of farmland in the state early last month, for a reported $5 million. 

At this time, Gladstone Land owns 49 farms, with 23,927 acres spanning 7 states in the U.S. This investment into domestic farmland is valued at approximately $344 million.

Gladstone Land Corporation

WATSONVILLE, CA – California Giant Berry Farms has successfully enlisted the help of its staff to enrich its surrounding community once again. This time, California Giant and its employees served lunch to its friends in the community at an annual fundraiser, resulting in over 1,000 meals served as well as donations of $30,000 to those in need. 

“We are all humbled by just how supportive the community of Watsonville is when 1,000 people all take the time to share in the opportunity to give back,” said Bill Moncovich, CEO and President of California Giant. 

Staff buckled down to prepare over 650 lbs of skirt steak for the main dish of the meal, which was either served on the premises or taken off-site to attendees' offices. According a press release, each lunch cost $12.00 which resulted in a full lunch of skirt steak, garlic bread, salad, fruit, and homemade dessert. 

The annual fundraiser increases in its size and reach each year, as the community continues to turn out to experience the delicious fresh meal made by the California Giant staff. California Giant said that its donations have also increased in size each year, with food donations for the meal allowing for almost all of the proceeds from the lunch to go to local charities.

This year’s food partnerships included donations from the following:

• Dole
• Watsonville Coast Produce
• Custom Produce 

Community Tree Service also provided firewood for the barbecue, which California Giant said the tantalizing smell drew even more to the event to purchase lunch. Each of the charitable organizations were on hand to assist with the event, visit with attendees, and enjoy the lunch. 

Some community members who were not able to attend the lunch themselves asked that a lunch still be purchased for them, with the lunches themselves donated to those in need. This allowed the company’s staff to deliver over 200 meals to Loaves and Fishes.

Thanks to the generous donations gathered from the event, $5,000 checks were made out for CASA of Santa Cruz County, Digital Nest, Grind out Hunger, Jacob’s Heart, Monarch Services, and Pajaro Valley Shelter Services.

California Giant Berry Farms