DENVER, CO - Chipotle just can’t catch a break, but this time the scandal does not stem from the company’s iconic burrito restaurants. According to sources such as The Wall Street Journal and Business Insider, the chain’s Chief Creative and Development Officer, Mark Crumpacker, has been included in an indictment of alleged drug buyers from a cocaine ring in New York City.

Made public yesterday, the indictment was reportedly the result of a year-long investigation into a ring of cocaine traffickers in the city. The Wall Street Journal reports that the drug ring was allegedly responsible for the sale of $75,000 worth of cocaine throughout the city. The indictment charges each buyer with a misdemeanor offense—a single count of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree.

PR Director for Chipotle, Chris Arnold, released a statement saying that the company has placed Crumpacker on administrative leave. “We made this decision in order to remain focused on the operation of our business, and to allow Mark to focus on these personal matters. Mark’s responsibilities have been assigned to other senior managers in his absence,” he added.

It should be made clear that Chipotle itself is not involved in the alleged crime, but this is just one more incident of less-than-positive PR for the struggling chain. Crumpacker played an integral role in efforts to turn the company around following its 2015 food safety scandals, Fortune reports.

Crumpacker is also one of Chipotle’s highest-paid executives, with him receiving $4.3 million in total compensation including $32,028 for a company car and $45,274 for housing expenses in 2015, according to a company filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

I, for one, will still be indulging in a burrito or two, but for more on this developing story as news is released, stay tuned.

Chipotle

SAN ANTONIO, TX – In a move which will significantly up its production, NatureSweet, Ltd® has announced a new partnership with greenhouse producer, Ganfer Greenhouses. 

“We are thrilled to be partnering with an organization that has the expertise of Ganfer,” said Bryant Ambelang, President and CEO of NatureSweet. “Our investment in expansion will help to secure our aggressive growth plans.” 

This partnership looks to add over 100 hectares of greenhouses to NatureSweet’s production over the next three years, according to a recent press release. The first stage of construction has already begun, with production beginning from the greenhouses starting November 1 of this year. 

“These new greenhouses are only the beginning of our expansion plan,” said German Gandara, President and CEO of Ganfer Greenhouses. “Our partnership with NatureSweet provides us with the financial confidence we were looking for to continue expanding for many years to come.” 

NatureSweet stated that a second phase of the expansion will begin on April 1, 2017, with an additional expansion to follow each year for the next five years.

As industry leaders continue to expand and ramp up their production, click back on AndNowUKnow for the latest in breaking announcements.

NatureSweet Ganfer Greenhouses

EDMONTON, AB - Canadian-based Little Potato Company continues to make moves towards growth, this time making its first mark in the U.S.

The company announced that it has begun construction on its first-ever U.S.-based plant on Wednesday, June 29th, located in DeForest, Wisconsin.

The new facility will use new state-of-the-art equipment to wash, sort, and package the company’s full line of Creamer potatoes, according to a press release. In just its first year of operation, 2017, it is projected to do so for 17 million pounds of Creamer potatoes.

The Little Potato Company added that this will increase exponentially as more local growers plant and harvest new crops.

As we reported previously, the new $20 million processing facility will also serve as the company’s U.S. head office, located just outside, Madison, Wisconsin, and will supplement the company’s head office counterparts in Edmonton, Alberta.

The company previously stated that it has invested extensively in infrastructure and added people to its sales and marketing team, as well as its supply chain, logistics, and distribution teams, to ensure ongoing excellent customer service and meet ever-increasing consumer demand.

Keep up on the latest in growth and expansion within the produce industry by continuing to check in with AndNowUKnow.

The Little Potato Company

CALIFORNIA, WASHINGTON, & OREGON - The western states could see a quieter 4th of July, with drought concerns enacting a firework ban throughout much of the region, including a continued ban in ag-centric Salinas, CA.

While we saw some much needed rain and even had word of a lift on some of the tightest water restrictions the state has seen, it doesn’t seem to have been enough to give California’s Salad Bowl a booming Independence Day.

The ban was initially passed in 2015, and twice as many police officers will be out patrolling this year compared to the last Independence Day to enforce it, according to KSBW.

Anyone caught could be fined $1,250, while fines between $500 to $1,500 for property owners who have fireworks explode on their property, as listed under the city's new social ordinance.

But Salinas is far from alone, according to AccuWeather.

Bans span California through portions of El Dorado, Placer, and Sacramento counties, as well as in Washington’s Seattle, Spokane, and Olympia, and Oregon’s state beaches and national parks.

"The recent dry weather coupled with dried out or dead vegetation leads to a scenario that will make the use of fireworks very dangerous over the upcoming holiday weekend," AccuWeather Meteorologist Dan Pydynowski said in a recent report.

Sources caution that more bans could go into effect before dusk on Monday the 4th, as dry, hot weather is expected to continue. Keep an eye out and keep safe this upcoming holiday, and keep checking in with AndNowUKnow as we report further on the 4th of July holiday and beyond.

UNITED STATES – Understand them or not, millennials are a growing force in today’s buy-side industry demands. Thus, Fortune Magazine has compiled a list of the 100 Best Workplaces for Millennials, which shows just where the trends are heading for innovation and employment. On the list? Notably familiar retail names like Wegmans, Publix, Whole Foods, and Nugget Market. 

Fortune compiled its second annual list by surveying more than 88,000 millennials (that is, those born in 1981 or later) at more than 600 companies that have been certified a Great Place to Work, according to Fortune’s website. The rankings were then determined based on employee feedback based on 58 workplace qualities.

If you’re wondering what the average millennial judges their workplace on; sincerity of managerial support, transparent communication, ability to be themselves, and meaning received from their jobs topped the list of concerns.

So just where did these four famous retailers stack up? In an order which may surprise you. Peep the list below to find out just who’s on the top of their game for honing in on this influential consumer, and employee, market: 

#40 Wegmans Food Markets

In testimonials given by employees to Fortune, Wegmans was ranked as being “understanding about scheduling” with “management that actually cares about its employees.” In the eyes of the younger generations, these distinguishments set Wegmans apart in the retail and employment game.

Wegmans currently employs 25,287 millennials, which makes up 57 percent of its workforce. 

#62 Nugget Market 

“Fun and safe” were buzzwords thrown around in the Nugget review, with employees stating to Fortune that the environment is “kind and respectful.” Millennials are making a standing statement in working for companies which they feel truly care for them.

Nugget employs 1,016 millennials, which consists of 65 percent of its total employees. 

#74 Publix

One millennial employee divulged greatly to Fortune about Publix’s beliefs in the American Dream as its Founder outlayed, and feeling like they had a “voice at the company.” Another worker cited “opportunities for advancement” with “a fair chance” no matter one's background as their prime employmer qualities.

Publix employs 92,877 millennials, to account for 53 percent of their workforce.

#90 Whole Foods Market 

“Self empowerment” makes Whole Foods a contender for millennial workers, as cited to Fortune. Other employees stated that the company also offers diverse opportunities to “better oneself as a person” through unconvential means of global activism, healthy-eating trips, and utilizing vacation time. Mental health is a top millennial concern.

Whole Foods employs 52,513 millennials across its employment board, which makes up about 60 percent of the company. 

Want to see more of whose who on the millennial list, and learn the exactitudes of how each company was judged? Read up on your market trends here.

As millennials continue to make a lasting impact on the industry, and drive emerging trends, AndNowUKnow will continue to have the latest on this influential generation and where they’re headed next. 

Wegmans Food Markets Publix Nugget Markets Whole Foods 

ORLANDO, FL - It’s been an interesting year of movement for Darden, with Investor Group Starboard making moves and coming off strong projections over the last quarter. Now the company has reported a steady final few months for fiscal 2016, despite a decrease in total sales that it attributed to an extra week of operations.

"I'm pleased with the results we achieved during the fourth quarter, which wrapped up a year of significant progress improving our operations and financial performance," said CEO Gene Lee, according to a press release. "These results reinforce our firm belief that our strategy is working as we continue to build guest loyalty by relentlessly focusing on our back-to-basics operating philosophy. This focus, together with our competitive advantages, drove our strong performance for the year and increased shareholder value."

Highlights for Darden’s Q4 2016 included:

• Total sales from continuing operations decreased 4.7% to $1.79 billion; Increased 2.1% excluding the impact of the extra week
• On a 13-week basis, reported diluted net earnings per share from continuing operations increased 19.6% to $1.10 and increased 8.9% from last year's adjusted diluted net earnings per share
• Same-restaurant sales increased 1.7% on a fiscal calendar basis

The company also noted that it repurchased approximately $45 million of its outstanding common stock, and that this was based on a transition from a 53-week to a 52-week fiscal year, with the 13-weeks having ended May 29, 2016 versus last year’s 13-weeks ended May 24, 2015.

For 2017, Darden looks to grow with a projected 24 to 28 new restaurants opening, as well as an anticipated same-restaurant sales growth of 1.0% to 2.0%.

Darden Restaurants

SALINAS, CA – As Taylor Farms® continues its commitment to strengthening the future of America, as well as its local communities, the company has announced that it has awarded ten deserving students with $20,000 academic scholarships.

“At Taylor Farms, we believe every young adult should have the opportunity to thrive,” said Bruce Taylor, Chairman and CEO, Taylor Farms. “We fully support education as a way to change lives and help build a strong, thriving future for America.” 

All of the scholarship recipients are children of active, full-time Taylor Farms employees who wished to pursue higher education, according to a recent press release. Each student received a check upfront for $5,000 with a guaranteed renewal of $5,000 for each of the four years they remain in college. 

“In the last five years, Taylor Farms has invested over $550,000 in college scholarships for over 60 children of employees. There's nothing more gratifying than investing directly back into the next wave of great young students and leaders,” shared Mark Campion, President, Taylor Farms Retail.

The Taylor Farms Scholarship Program was formally developed in 2012, although the company has been supplying scholarships since 2008. Receipients are selected from a 12 member committee, six people from the Taylor Farms Retail Deivions and six from the Foodservice division. 

The 2016 awarded recipients, and their respective places of study, include:  

• Salvador Ramirez – California State University, Monterey Bay
• Paloma Villa – San Diego State University
• Cindy Alvalos – California State University, Monterey Bay
• Adela Contreras – University of California, Davis
• Yessenia Isabel Acosta Terrazas – Arizona State University
• Angelica Romero – California Polytechnic State University
• Luis A. Valencia – University of Arizona
• Brenda Cecilia Lee Rodriguez – California State University, Chico
• Keztla Ramirez – University of Arizona
• Madeline Saldana – University of California, Berkeley 

The students were presented with the scholarship at a luncheon on June 28, hosted by Taylor Farms at the company’s retail salad plant patio in Salinas, CA. The awards were presented in Spanish for the first time ever, by Rigo Ramirez, Director of Operations, Taylor Farms Retails. 

To date, Taylor Farms has awarded $320,000 in first-time scholarships, and an additional $220,000 in renewal scholarships.

As industry leaders continue to invest in their communities and the next wave of fresh produce innovators, AndNowUKnow will have the latest in headlining news.

Taylor Farms

WATSONVILLE, CA – With Tour de Fresh making huge strides to meet its fundraising goal, the event has announced a new partnership to boost donation incentives even further. Stuppy, Inc. has announced that the rider who raises the most money for the event can gift one of the company’s Aqueduct aquaponics systems to the school of their choice. 

“We are excited for the donation of an aqueduct aquaponics system because it shows how the industry is committed to making a difference in the lives of the next generation,” said Cindy Jewell, Vice President of Marketing for The California Giant Foundation. “It is so important to educate students about food that is grown in order to build an appreciation for agriculture – this appreciation will last a lifetime when it comes time for students to choose the food that they put in their bodies.”

This donation from Stuppy is valued at $5,000, according to a recent press release. Stuppy is a manufacturing and construction company of greenhouse design that offers schools one-semester’s worth of curriculum and equipment necessary for students to house their own self-sustaining horticulture program. 

Stuppy will provide a donation of its complete aqueduct aquaponics system for a 14-week experience for students to see an entire ecosystem in action. This donation will include seeds, fish, fish food, and equipment. Stuffy also offers consultation services to aid in seed selection based on environment so educations can most effectively teach about horticulture.

“As an extension of our own fundamental belief that schools across the nation should not only be educated in nutrition, but be able to grow and eat their own fresh produce, it feels like the perfect opportunity for us to support Tour de Fresh by offering this incentive to riders,” said Ryan Willcott, Vegetable Project Specialist for Stuppy, Inc.

The partnership will also further both Tour de Fresh and Stuppy’s mission to bring fresh produce to schools across the country, and teaching schools and professionals about the worldwide importance of horticulture. 

In addition to the donation from Stuppy, Wilcott also stated that he will ride in the Tour de Fresh on behalf of Uplift Infinity Preparatory School in Texas.

“We’re excited to see how this propels fundraising efforts, knowing that one of this year’s Tour de Fresh riders will affect multiple schools by providing at least one salad bar and an aquaponics system,” finished Wilcott.

As of this morning, Tour de Fresh riders have raised $69,649 of their $175,000+ goal to benefit the Let’s Move Salad Bars to Schools campaign, according to its website. As there is only four weeks left until the event, now is the perfect time to support riders and their personal goals to raise $3,100 for their individually-selected school districts.

Stuppy Inc. Tour De Fresh

STELLARTON, CANADA – Empire Company Ltd., the parent company of retail chain Sobeys, has released its 2016 Q4 results and cited a net loss of $942.6 million. 

This decrease is a loss of $3.47 per diluted share, compared with a net profit of $55.4 million, or $0.20 a share, from last year’s fourth quarter.

“The previously reported challenges in Western Canada that have had a negative effect on our results over the past three quarters, deepened through the fourth quarter, with impacts felt across additional banners in the West and which have led the Company to incur an impairment charge of $1.3 billion dollars in addition to the charge recorded in the third quarter,” said Marc Poulin, President and CEO, Empire Company Limited, in a recent press release. 

The company's integration of Safeway operations was the main driving factor behind the loss, according to Empire, although the Q4 report also listed that Sobeys’ same-store sales also decreased 1.8 percent. The company cited fuel sales and West business retail unit as having a negative impact on the chain’s numbers, and if not for those factors, same-store sales would’ve increased 0.2 percent.

Other highlights from the Q4 report, when compared to the same quarter from 2015, are as follows: 

• Sales up 8.9 percent to $6,283.2 million from $5.7 million
• EBITDA decreased $1,283.5 million to $(1,047.2) million from $236.3 million last year
• Adjusted net earnings, net of non-controlling interest, of 95.3 million, decrease of $998.0 million from $55.4 million
• Free cash flow generation of $82.5 million, decrease of 39.3 percent from $136.7 million

“Management is also seeing early evidence of a softening sales trend in other regions of the country. Although management remains focused on reversing these negative trends by continuing on our core strategies of cost reduction, network renewal, and relevant pricing for our customers, the stabilization of our business will take time,” finished Poulin. 

Empire’s Board of Directors also announced an increase to the annual dividend per share to be paid quarterly, from $0.40 per share to $0.41 per share, an increase of 2.5 percent. 

The company stated that this year’s Q4 encompassed 14 weeks, whereas last year’s report spanned 13 weeks.

For more in industry financials, and the effect of shifting strategies and acquisitions of popular chains, keep up with AndNowUKnow.

Sobeys Empire

NEW YORK CITY, NY - Famed chef and food connoisseur Anthony Bourdain’s massive international food market endeavor has seen a hiccup in the projected timeline.

The highly-anticipated project was originally looking to come into fruition by the end of next year, but its website has reportedly pushed the date back to 2019.

Part of the setback could be the location, New York’s Pier 57, which is currently undergoing a $350 million redevelopment, according to news source Eater.

The entire undertaking of Bourdain’s vision requires a number of official sign-offs by both the government and the community, bringing together the right paperwork for the international vendors necessary to bring the market to life.

As we reported previously, developers of the project expect 20,000 visitors a day to partake in all the cuisines Bourdain has endorsed and admired over the years, collecting about 100 New York retail and wholesale food vendors, plus a number of artisan-style offerings and at least one full-service restaurant.

In a recent interview, Bourdain told Adweek that the project is “a huge, huge, huge undertaking."

The aforementioned pier renovations that add to those hurdles only just received a loan of $225 million of the needed $350 million to get underway.

While the market could be a bit longer in the making, Bourdain is launching a new mobile app to enable visitors to learn about food partners around the world.

It is a baby step in a large project that has been otherwise kept surprisingly quiet since the culinary star was rumored to be pursuing it just over a year ago.

AndNowUKnow will continue to count down with the rest of the food-loving world, so stay tuned as we bring you the latest on this and other projects bringing fresh produce to the forefront.