GILROY, CA - Joe Aiello, Owner of California-based Uesugi Farms, has been recognized for vision and leadership with the 2016 Morgan Hill Leadership Excellence Award.

The award looks to not only highlight leaders, but leaders that advance the spirit of community and charity, as well as reflect courage, insight, and inspire others to do the same.

A lifelong farmer with roots dating back to childhood on his uncle’s farm, Joe initially became Co-Owner of Uesugi Farms in 1979 after being approached by long-time farmer and mentor George Uesugi. Joe eventually took on full ownership of the company in 2004, watching it grow to its present day size of over 20 varieties of fresh produce to retailers, foodservice distributors, wholesalers, and processors across the nation and the world, including:

• Bell peppers
• Chili peppers
• Napa cabbage
• Sweet corn
• Strawberries
• Pumpkins
• Beans

Joe is widely recognized in the community as a well-respected local and ag industry leader, according to the company, taking up positions at the local Farm Bureau and the Western Growers Association (WGA).

In addition to serving on several committees to help resolve water, labor and transportation issues, Joe is working with both state and federal government agencies on the prestigious WGA board. Through this he is supporting the ag industry and addressing concerns that impact local, state, and national farming, as well as his own operation.

Known for dedication to the future generation of farmers, Joe does a great deal in the community to do so, including:

• Being a long-time supporter of the Future Farmers of America
• Supporting the Western Growers Association School Garden programs

In memory of his son Michael, who was tragically lost in a small airplane accident, Joe started an annual scholarship fund in 2008. Since its inception, the program has awarded 18 scholarships totaling $98,000.

Congratulations to Joe on this well-earned recognition!

Uesugi Farms

CINCINNATI, OH - After 44 dedicated years, Kroger’s President of its Houston Division is retiring.

The Kroger Co. announced the retirement of Houston division President Bill Breetz, effective August 26, and the promotion of Marlene Stewart to succeed him. Stewart currently serves as President of the company's Dillons division.

Breetz began his Kroger career in 1972 as a bagger in Louisville, KY. After earning a degree at the University of Louisville in 1977, he joined the management training program and was named a Co-Manager in Cincinnati. Breetz served in several leadership positions in operations and merchandising through the years, before being named president of the Houston Division in 2015.

"Bill's extraordinary career demonstrates a passion for people and a passion for results. He leads by caring deeply about associates and developing future leaders," said Rodney McMullen, Chairman and CEO of Kroger, according to a press release. "Bill's leadership has contributed to Kroger's success and growth. The entire Kroger family thanks Bill for his many contributions over the years and wishes he and his family all the best in retirement."

Stewart will succeed Breetz as President of the Houston division, effective August 28.

Stewart also started her career as a bagger with Kroger in 1977 in the company's Cincinnati division, where she worked full-time while attending the University of Cincinnati. She went on to serve in many leadership roles in Cincinnati, including store and district management, training and merchandising. Steward was named to her current role in 2015.

Others moving up in the company following the retirement include Colleen Juergensen, who will move up to Dillons President from her current position as Vice President of Merchandising at the Smith's division, and Pam Matthews. Matthews is currently Vice President of Operations for the Delta division and will be promoted to President of Kroger's Quality Food Centers Division, replacing Dennis Gibson who was also recently promoted to President of the King Soopers banner.

"Kroger has an exceptionally strong team of leaders who are fueling our growth and improving our connection with customers," said McMullen. "Marlene, Colleen and Pam bring unmatched depth and experience to their new roles. They will help Kroger continue to make a difference for our customers, associates, and communities – and by doing so create value for our shareholders."

Congratulations to Breetz on a long career, and we wish him, and the newly appointed well in their next chapter.

Kroger Quality Food Centers Dillons

MEMPHIS, TN - Idea Garden Marketing is kicking off its second installment of Digital Marketing University for Produce Professionals, a series of online digital marketing courses specific to the produce industry.

Designed to help produce companies connect with their consumers and get the most out of digital marketing the course's curriculum includes topics like social media, digital advertising, website best practices, search engine optimization, and email marketing. At the end of the program, Idea Garden Marketing says it hopes graduates will understand how to build brand identities in the digital space and ultimately increase sales.

“Last year’s first Digital Marketing University was a great success,” said John Avola, course instructor and CEO of Idea Garden Marketing, in a press release. “We received very positive feedback from course graduates who walked away with new ideas and thoughts behind how to reach and continue engaging with their consumers online.”

Classes will be hosted weekly starting August 1, 2016, and be presented via 60-minute interactive webinars. All classes are recorded for later viewing.

Register by July 24, 2016 to get an early bird rate of $395, or after July 24 for a standard rate of $495. The registration fee is applicable to all employees in a company that want to attend. All resources and materials are included. Register at ideagardenmarketing.com.

Idea Garden Marketing 

SALINAS, CA – Gearing up for the upcoming Foodservice Expo in Monterey, CA, on July 31, Mann Packing has announced that it will launch three new products at the event.

Mann’s Tenderbite™ Beans are a long, plank-shaped green bean variety which mostly disappeared from the U.S. mass market after the 1970s. Also known as runner, or Romano beans, and popular in Europe, Tenderbite™ Beans are versatile due to their long length and heartiness. Previously found primarily in home gardens and occasional farmers markets, Mann’s is producing the variety for year-round availability.

“Tenderbite™ Beans really caught our eye when we saw them in Europe a year ago,” said Rick Russo, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Mann’s. “They’re great on the grill, slow roasted, or wrapped on a skewer – you can do so much more with these than your average green bean. So far, our customers have been really excited to see these coming back into the market.”

Mann’s stated in a recent press release that the company is also introducing two new romaine lettuce hybrids: RomaCrunch™ and RomaLeaf™.

RomaCrunch™, a cross between romaine and iceberg, has a small head and crunchy-sweet flavor. Its whole leaves are boat-shaped, making them a great vessel for protein salads, grains, or even desserts. It also stands up well to heat.

RomaLeaf™ is a hybrid that blends several appealing features of romaine and green leaf lettuces. With more green leaves than romaine and a texture crunchier than green leaf, the company said that it has excellent yield and lift when used in salad bars, catering trays and sandwich building.

“With vegetables taking center stage on menus across the country, we’re doing what we’ve always done: create innovative products that give our customers better alternatives to what’s already out there,” added Russo.

Chef Tony Baker, of Montrio Bistro in Monterey, will be serving samples of recipes he has created using Tenderbite™ Beans and RomaCrunch™, and all items will be on display at PMA's Foodservice Expo, booth #110.

For all the latest news on PMA Foodservice Expo, stick to AndNowUKnow, and we'll see you on the floor!

Mann Packing 

WESTERN U.S. - The weather anomaly circulating just off California's coast referred to as "the warm blob" was a focal point for a recent analysis looking to predict when similar patterns could influence droughts to come.

As we previously reported, the blob stretches 2,000 miles down the coast and more than 1,000 miles out from the West Coast, from the Gulf of Alaska to Mexico. It has been reported that the entity blocks winds that usually cool the ocean over the winter, as well as rain clouds, causing less heat to leave the Pacific and adding to the drought occurring in the western U.S.

“The atmospheric variability that forced the warm blob is the same that forced the drought,” Emanuele Di Lorenzo, Ocean and Climate Dynamics Professor at Georgia Tech and Co-Author of the analysis, published in Nature Climate Change, according to KQED Science.

So while the blob can not be blamed solely for the drought, the timing is unfortunate, according to the report. But the patterns could afford insight into other such “marine heatwaves” as it is referred to and droughts to come.

“This could potentially provide predictability. This is natural variability that we’re dealing with,” said Cliff Mass, Professor of Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Washington, according to the report.

Scientists theorized, among other outcomes, the possibility that El Niño might help loosen the blob’s hold, but that does not yet seem to be the case.

“These climate patterns tend to have some influence on each other, and then El Niño is a central player in coordinating the connection,” Nathan Mantua, a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration scientist that worked with Di Lorenzo, said. “Looking at the historical record we see that similar things have happened, but never to the extreme that was observed in the last few years.”

AndNowUKnow will continue to keep you posted as experts work towards answers that could help mitigate risks in the produce industry.

CALIFORNIA – With organic grapes just starting to ship from the Central Valley, and the market continuing to blossom for quality products, I took a look at the segment and found the market looks to be tight over the next couple weeks. What I’m hearing from growers and shippers is that for high-quality, premium organic grapes, the market will be above $23, depending on the variety. 

Rob Spinelli of Anthony Vineyards tells me that the company is expecting a tight market for this high-quality year, matched by a high demand for organic grapes.

“There will be plenty of volume for promotions during July, but the demand during the transition from Coachella to the San Joaquin Valley for premium organic grapes has kept the market tight,” Rob divulges.

Anthony Vineyards plans to start its red Sweet Scarlet and Scarlet Royal varieties, as well as the company's green Timpson variety, in about a week.

"We're seeing great consumer response for our Sweet Scarlet organic grapes," Rob says. "This variety really stands out in the segment for premium grapes with its distinct characteristics of a floral bouquet, with a Muscat flavor that has a high brix."

Scott Boyajian, Director of Marketing at Sunview Marketing International, says that the company will be shipping out of the Central Valley with its Rosa®, Stella Bella®, Princess, and Summer Royal varieties. Sunview grows all of its organic grapes in the San Joaquin Valley and ships both domestically and internationally.

"So far, quality is great, and everything we've seen for this year's crop has been very good," Scott tells me of the current selection of premium grapes. "We're still in the beginning of the season, but the organic standpoint is about the same as last year, if not better."

Sunview has experienced no weather fluctuations that have affected its crop thus far, but says that it will continue to monitor its grapes as the market remains tight. “We’ve had some decent heat, but the crops came through it well without significant damage,” says Scott.

International demand of organic grapes is less than the company expected, but Scott says that fluctuation has more to do with the value of currency than consumer demand.

“There is a tremendous demand from consumers and retailers for grapes from California, and organic grapes in particular,” Scott finishes. “Organics is widespread, so to offer retailers another chance to tap in on consumer purchases, Sunview is offering secondary displays for additional merchandising.” 

Chance Kirk, Director of Retail and Foodservice Sales, recently told me that Vincent B. Zaninovich & Sons, Inc (VBZ Grapes) is also preparing for a high-quality year, with demand exceeding supply. 

“We are seeing huge increases in organics this year. We have new varieties in this organic harvest, with a 25-30 percent increase to our proprietary varieties. We’re also transitioning some of our other varieties into organics as well,” Chance says as we talk about the flourishing market for organics. “It’s an exciting time to have new proprietary varieties, and be in the organic market.” 

Chance says that as the organic sector increases on the consumer end, the organic market will be tight as crops transition from Coachella to the San Joaquin Valley. “Due to the heat in Mexico, there is less organic supply, so the market will stay tight as the regions transition,” Chance says.

VBZ Grapes expects to kick supply into high gear over the next week as more varieties are harvested, adding it is currently ahead of schedule for all varieties by about two weeks in the field compared to last year, as well as marketing and shipping.

As the organic grape market transitions between regions to match consumer demand, keep up with AndNowKnow for the latest.

Anthony Vineyards Sunview Marketing International Vincent B. Zaninovich & Sons, Inc.

CANCUN, MX - With August just on the horizon and Mexico continuing to grow its global presence in the fresh produce arena, AMHPAC is gearing up for its 9th Annual Convention on August 25-26, in Cancun, Mexico. Nestled in this tropical locale, the event will take place at the Fiesta Americana Condesa Hotel where businesspersons and decision makers alike will learn, listen, share experiences, and build relationships in a venue that ensures quality, adventure, and unique opportunities.

“For this 2016 event, we are looking to bring new energy and insights to national and international conversations,” CEO Alfredo Diaz, tells me. “Leaders of the horticultural industry, including growers, government officials, representatives of the supply chain, researchers and consultants, will gather to celebrate the diverse agricultural regions of Mexico and further the discussion on important topics that include food safety, advancing agriculture through technology and innovation, as well as adapting to a changing political climate.”

In addition, the show will allow American and Canadian retailers and wholesale executives the chance to meet with major Mexican growers to inspire those business opportunities and discussions.

Still haven’t registered, well now is the time, just click through here.

Stats from last year’s event:

• 64% of 2015 Convention attendees were AMHPAC members.
• 50% of members who attended last year's Convention came from the West, 21% from the Northwest, 20% from the Northeast and 9% from the Central area of Mexico.
• 80% of participating companies were tomato growers, while the remaining 20% produced other crops (cucumber, pepper and eggplant, among others).
• 100% of attending members export their products to the United States and Canada.

Along with a host of esteemed speakers and presenters, will be an exclusive General Assembly for AMHPAC members, where owners of agricultural companies and representatives of different input supplying and service companies will be participating.

“This year should offer an amazing event and even better opportunities. One of the many reasons why we gather at this event each year is to discuss the issues affecting our industry and make decisions about the future of the organization and the industry,” Alfredo adds. “With participants across 20 different Mexican states, it is sure to be an exciting, educational, and must-attend event.”

For those of you looking to get your sweat on before those tequila shots, the AMHPAC race is your ticket – sign up now by contacting Susana Figueroa [email protected].

Speakers and topics at this year’s event include:

• Dan Fone, NSF Internation, “Competing in the Global Food Safety Platform: A Review of International Requirements.”
• Federico Reyes Heroles, Renowned Writer and Political Anchor, “2016: Political Noise and Slow Construction of the Future.”
• Peter Ravensbergen, Leader of the Food Safety Program at Wageningen University UR Food & Biobased Research, “Innovative Developments in the Agrifood Supply Chain.”
• Juan Antonio Águila Marín, PhD on Human Development Sciences with Major in Organizational Development, “Positive Attitude Towards Change.”
• Dr. Estelle Cheret Bittelin, Director of the R & D department at RKW, Agriculture Division,  “The Impact of Plastics in Protected Agriculture.”
• José Luis Solleiro Rebolledo, a Head Researcher “B” at the Center of Applied Sciences and Technological Development (UNAM), “The Importance of Technological Innovation in the Agriculture Sector.”

“Each year we listen to the feedback of our attendees and members to ensure that we meet the needs of convention participants,” Alfredo adds. 

Time is winding down to register for this annual event, so take a pen to your calendar, get your sunglasses ready, and we will see you at the show!

AMHPAC

MONTVALE, NJ - Just when you thought you’ve heard the last of the A&P bankruptcy saga, new documents have surfaced that suggest the company’s struggles may continue on through 2017.

In court papers filed recently with a U.S. Bankruptcy Court in White Plains, NY, the company’s lawyers asked Judge Robert Drain to extend its bankruptcy through 2017 to give it increased time to plan distribution of the nearly $1 billion of proceeds from its liquidation to creditors. If approved, this would extend A&P’s “exclusivity period” through January 19, 2017, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Companies that file for chapter 11 bankruptcy are automatically awarded exclusivity, the report explains, which shields them from creditors or outsiders who would look to interfere with the process.

As we’ve covered in the past, A&P originally filed for bankruptcy in July 2015, when it began the lengthy process of liquidating its business of 296 supermarkets and other stores under brands including Waldbaum's, SuperFresh, Pathmark, Food Basics, The Food Emporium, Best Cellars, and A&P Liquor. In the recent filings, the company reported its several auctions and sales have garnered about $910 million and saved more than 18,000 jobs.

Next for A&P? The company will be looking to finalize the sale of its last remaining assets—16 liquor stores, while figuring out its creditor-repayment plan, Wall Street Journal says. While still subject to a creditor vote and final legal approval, A&P’s lawyers shared that the company has already paid off $300 million of its secured debt.

A hearing on the exclusivity extension was slated for the middle of this month.

A&P

LEVERKUSEN, GER - In the latest on Bayer’s bid to acquire Monsanto, the latter has turned away the former’s most recent bid of $64 billion.

Bayer said today in a statement that it is disappointed in Monsanto’s decision to reject its increased all-cash offer, which it said represents a 40 percent premium over Monsanto’s closing share price on May 9, 2016.

While Monsanto declared it is still open to further communications with Bayer, according to Reuters, though it stated that the most recent acquisition offer was, "financially inadequate” and “insufficient to ensure deal certainty."

As we recently reported, Bayer upped the ante earlier this week from the original $62 billion bid that it offered Monsanto earlier this summer, with Bayer CEO Werner Baumann commenting that the company is fully committed to pursuing the transaction.

"Monsanto remains open to continued and constructive conversations with Bayer and other parties to assess whether a transaction that the board believes is in the best interest of Monsanto shareowners can be realized," Monsanto stated, according to Reuters.

Additions Monsanto is looking for from its bidder include an up in the breakup fee prior to granting access to financial information, anonymous sources close to the matter told Reuters.

Bayer reaffirmed that its offer would not be subject to a financing condition, as it stated last week, in addition to an offer of $1.5 billion USD reverse antitrust break fee, “reaffirming its confidence in a successful closing.”

“The revised all-cash offer is a compelling opportunity and represents immediate and certain value for Monsanto shareholders amid recent weak business performance and Monsanto’s reduced mid-term outlook,” Bayer said.

As of today, July 19, at 1:02 PM EDT Monsanto was up 0.42% to $106.6 USD per share. Bayer was down 1.21% as of Jul 19, at 5:35 PM GMT to €91.78.

With the sought-after business open to continued negotiations, AndNowUKnow will keep you informed of the latest.

Bayer Monsanto

YAKIMA, WA – As the company gears up for its northwest crop of apples and pears, Domex Superfresh Growers has announced that it expects large-sized, flavorful fruit this season due to prime growing conditions this spring and summer. 

“Cell division has been terrific, due to another early bloom and moderate spring and summer temperatures,” says Mike Preacher, Director of Marketing and Customer Relations for Domex Superfresh Growers. “We expect apples to peak on 88-count and larger, and D’anjou pears will peak on larger sizes this season. Additionally, we expect the fruit to have good color and flavor.” 

Domex stated in a press release that harvest for its Bartlett pears is expected to kick off the last week of July, with apple harvest following close behind in the first week of August. 

“All of this means great sales opportunities for retailers, and great eating experiences for customers. With large sizes on the horizon, retailers should also consider adding or moving to five pound bags,” Preacher added.

Domex said that in addition to voluptuous size of the apples and pears expected this season, the crop is expected to harvest early which is similar to last season.

“This allows for Labor Day and Back-to-School promotions of apples and pears,” says Preacher. “With the northwest cherry crop potentially ending a couple weeks earlier than normal, apples and pears will make a great choice for filling promotional space.” 

As companies across the industry gear up for the apple and pear season, AndNowUKnow will continue to have the best-picked announcements for your perusal. 

Domex Superfresh Growers