CHICAGO, IL - With more than two decades of experience in helping to cultivate leaders in the produce industry, President of Krivanek Consulting, Inc. Julie Krivanek has been named this year’s honoree and featured speaker for United Fresh’s Honoring Women in Produce reception.

Founder of a top strategic thinking and planning firm in the fresh produce industry, Julie shares a long history in helping contribute to United Fresh by kicking off the inaugural Industry Leadership Program back in 1995, according to a press release. Julie has since served the program for the past 21 years as those apprentices of the program have gone on to help lead and influence the fresh produce industry.

Julie is the latest in a distinguished line of influential women in the industry, most recently Frieda’s President and CEO and 2015 Honoree, Karen Caplan.

Join the United Fresh Association and attendees next month, June 20-22, at what has been called one of the most popular networking events of the show, while celebrating Julie and all the women of our industry.

Typically with standing room only, you can ensure a spot at the Honoring Women in Produce reception with an All Access or Produce Convention Package, found here.

Hope to see you there!

United Fresh Krivanek Consulting

OXNARD, CA – In what the company has marked as an expansion to its foodservice role, Mission Produce has announced that Bryan Garibay has been promoted to Foodservice Sales Manager. 

“We have expanded Bryan’s role in our foodservice operations based on his abilities, and also based on the growth of this important business segment,” said Patrick Cortes, Sales Director, in a recent press release. “Bryan is a solid performer, and this new position gives him that opportunity to expand his leadership capacity with the company as we develop additional foodservice business.”

Garibay rises to his promotion with ten years of experience, most recently in foodservice sales. In his new role, the company said that Garibay would be responsible for managing top-level client relationships, developing new business, and overseeing daily sales activities. 

On his own behalf, Garibay said that he sees the popularity of avocados, and Mission’s market position in the category, as the biggest avenue for growth in the foodservice arena. 

“I’ve been involved in the foodservice business at Mission for the past two years, and I’ve seen explosive growth over that time. Moving forward, we expect the category to continue to expand as more and more operators add avocados to their menu. Based on Mission’s year-round availability from multiple production areas, and ripe distribution centers across North America, we are in an excellent position to serve foodservice customers’ needs every day of the year,” stated Garibay. 

Cortes said that Garibay’s promotion represents the growth of the foodservice role in the company as a whole, and how important that position has become to Mission.

AndNowUKnow will continue to report on industry hirings, promotions, and executive shakeups as they are announced.

Mission Produce

LEAMINGTON, ON - Pure Flavor is at it again, and this time with new developments in packaging and sustainability innovation. With United Fresh 2016 on the horizon, the company has been named a finalist for Best New Packaging in the Produce Innovation Awards competition.

With new packaging and the new Cloud 9 snacking tomato, Pure Flavor is responding to the latest consumer desire for a high-flavor tomato and a sustainable presentation.

“We have found a great solution to ensure that we use as much of the tomato plant as possible. This new packaging is an all-compostable recyclable paper tray made from, you guessed it, tomato plants,” Sarah Pau, Director of Marketing, tells me. “Pure Flavor is always looking to innovate, and our new Cloud 9 tomato and packaging is a perfect addition to our tomato family. The combination of sustainability and heightened flavor experience really tells the story behind our goals as a company.”

Cloud 9 is a premium, light red, round cherry tomato that presents a crispy, crunchy, and juicy bite, with a thicker flesh than many similar tomato varieties.  

To round out the products presentation, Pure Flavor will be introducing tomato-featured recipes on the bottom of the tray, like the company’s Herb-Parmesan Roasted Tomatoes. To check out more on the company’s new product and its portfolio of greenhouse offerings, please visit booth 1814.

Good Luck, Pure Flavor, on your new product and we will see you at United Fresh 2016.

Pure Flavor

WEST SACRAMENTO, CA - Former Senior Manager of Produce and Floral for Raley's, Jon Holder, has officially begun his new venture with Grocery Outlet. The retailer revealed this week, the selection of Aspiring Operators in Training (AOT) Jon and Yvonne Holder, as the new operators of the West Vallejo, California store.  

“We all wish Jon and Yvonne warm congratulations and many successes as they build upon this new foundation with Grocery Outlet,” Scot Olson, Vice President of Produce and Floral, tells me. “Jon brings a wealth of retail experience to this venture and we look forward to watching him and his wife put their personal touches on the location.”

Jon was in management at Raley’s for 31 successful years, holding the position as Senior Manager of Produce and Floral for Raley's for the past nine years. Yvonne also spent many years at Raley’s, including time in her role as a Senior Merchandiser. They have been in the AOT program in Atascadero, California, for more than ten months and have proven ready for the challenge and the next stage in their retail careers.

As we previously reported, Jon credits the difficulty in making this decision to the friendliness, passion and good nature of so many in the produce and floral business. Luckily for many, Jon is staying in the industry and will never be more than a phone call away.

Raley's Grocery Outlet

LOXAHATCHEE, FL -  J&J Family of Farms and Moore Farms have announced their entrance into a new strategic relationship, that seeks to leverage and grow Moore Farms' Georgia production and enhance J&J’s sales and marketing capabilities.  

“This transaction is another significant milestone for J&J, by adding a long-time grower family as a partner in our Family of Farms,” explained Lynn Rundle, Chairman of the Board and CEO of J&J, in a statement. 

As part of the transaction, Moore Farms will also become a shareholder in J&J Holdings, resulting in a complete alignment and partnership in all aspects of J&J’s business. Tim Moore, Owner of Moore Farms, shared, “We are excited to become a shareholder in J&J Holdings and feel that the Moore family farming legacy that has carried on to the third generation with our sons TJ and Ryan is only strengthened through this relationship with J&J.”

The two company heads weren’t all who commented on the new alliance. Brian Rayfield, VP of Business Development at J&J, added that the company’s newest partner shares its passion for food safety, social responsibility, and best farming practices. 

“We are excited to have Moore Farms as part of the J&J Family of Farms. The Moore family’s exemplary reputation in the industry brings great value to J&J.  Through this partnership we expect to be able to expand the volume that the Moore’s grow and expand the distribution that we have built with our Florida operations.”

This deal comes less than one full year after J&J announced a strategic alliance with Thomas Produce Company, a move that added up to approximately 14,000 acres of farmed land in the U.S. and Mexico. As J&J continues to grow its volumes and distributions, keep following AndNowUKnow for the details.

J&J Family of Farms Moore Farms

ORLANDO, FL – After serving the company since 1976, the Director of the TransFresh Corporation North America Pallet Division, Rich Macleod, will retire from 40 years with the company this June. 

The announcement came today from the company’s President and CEO, Ken Diveley. Macleod will serve in his position until June 30, before being succeeded by long-time company veteran, Michael Parachini.

“Although we will miss Rich and wish him a rewarding retirement, I am confident that the experienced TransFresh Tectrol Service Network, under Michael’s leadership, will carry on Rich’s legacy of exceptional technical know-how and commitment to customer service without missing a beat,” Diveley said.  

Macleod joined the TransFresh team in 1976 as a lab assistant after earning his Master of Science degree in Postharvest Plant Physiology from UC Davis. Macleod then quickly became involved in the assessment of Tectrol Technologies' commercial relevancy for a wide range of commodities. Through this research, Macleod helped cultivate a new selection of applications to utilize controlled and modified atmosphere packaging. 

By 1990, Macleod had moved through several senior positions with the company to become appointed as the head of the Pallet Division. Most recently, Macleod and his team celebrated the successful development of the new TransFresh Tectrol Storage Solutions for Blueberries, which combined a unique zipper-sealed pallet closure system with Apio’s BreatheWay® Technology.

“I am grateful to have had a truly rewarding career in an industry that I love, and I am confident I am leaving behind a strong team that, with Michael at the helm, will continue to service our customers and the fresh produce industry with sound technical capabilities and dedicated effort," said Macleod. "I look forward to seeing their many achievements in the months and years to come.” 

During his 40 years at TransFresh, the company listed Macleod’s notable achievements as the following:

• Secured several key patents
• Spearheaded proprietary research
• Led important internal R&D initiatives
• Maintained expectations that technology developed must have a measurable economic impact on the retail end
• Partnered with leading universities, federal agencies, and industry organizations to study the economic efficacy of Tectrol Modified Atmospheres 

“For many years, Rich has been the guiding force behind the success of the TransFresh Pallet Division and a wide range of pioneering services and operational innovations that have enhanced the efficiency and efficacy of the Tectrol Modified Atmosphere Packaging System, offering growers and shippers a system for increased marketability of their fresh berry products and retailers a potential for greater returns on their investment,” Diveley stated.  

Macleod will remain available to his successor and TransFresh customers past his retirement date to provide for a smooth transition. 

Parachini will take over the role of Director for North America Pallet Division at TransFresh with 27 years of experience, flush with operational and technical services management, R&D initiatives, and process improvements for customer needs. The company said that Parachini has been deeply involved in the delivery and expansion of TransFresh and Tectrol Technologies throughout North America. Parachini received his Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture Management from California Polytechnic State University.

Best of luck to Rich Macleod in his retirement, and count on AndNowUKnow as we continue to report on management announcements and transitions within the fresh produce industry.

TransFresh

STELLARTON, NS – Sobeys Inc. and its parent company, Empire Company Limited, have announced a new agreement with Crombie Real Estate Investment Trust that will allow the companies to sell or lease back several retail properties, distribution center interests, development land, and more, for a total transaction of $418 million.

“This transaction is aligned with our strategic position of providing Crombie REIT preferred access to real estate assets while giving Sobeys access to capital to support our expansion as a leading national retailer,” explained Marc Poulin, President & CEO, of Sobeys in a statement.

According to the companies, the deal includes:

• The sale or lease back of 19 retail properties 
• The sale or lease back of 50 percent interests in three automated distribution centers
• The sale of two parcels of development land for a total of $360 million
• Crombie will invest $58 million in renovations/expansions of ten Sobeys locations

As for the details of the transaction, Crombie has announced it will pay for the deal, in part, by issuing approximately $93.4 million in value of Crombie Limited Partnership Class B units, with attached Crombie special voting units at a price of $14.70 per unit. This is the same price per unit as a Crombie REIT subscription receipt bought-deal public offering that the investment trust announced on the same day as the Sobeys deal. The transaction will maintain Empire’s approximately 41.5 percent equity accounted ownership interest in Crombie, and Sobeys will receive the balance of approximately $324.6 million in cash, which will be used for debt repayment.

As the deal closes, Sobeys will enter into long-term, fully net leases for each property, including the distribution centers and renovated and expanded stores. Sobeys will also provide environmental indemnities on the properties. 

While the transaction is still subject to both regulatory approval, and approval of non-Empire affiliated Crombie unitholders, we can likely expect this to put a substantial dent into Sobeys debt. For more on the latest retail deals and agreements, keep your eyes on AndNowUKnow.

Sobeys

YUMA, AZ & OXNARD, CA - As we move through May and the celery season ramps up, growers are expecting a strong, slightly active market throughout the month as they look to harvest. 

Matt Seeley, VP of Marketing at Foxy Fresh Produce, tells me the company projects celery volumes to remain at the same levels as last year’s domestic crops.

“The organic celery market will continue to be very active, with tight supplies over the next few weeks as Yuma winds down and Oxnard production begins, and then we move to Salinas,” Matt tells me. Conventional celery looks to remain steady for the next few weeks, with moderate supplies and overall good quality. 

In Tanimura & Antle’s growing region, production is about two weeks behind the average start date in Oxnard, CA, according to Commodity Manager Steve Souza. T&A credits the later harvest to unseasonably cool temperatures, but the company still expects a steady volume in comparison to last year’s crop. 

“The first two months of 2016 saw high markets, with below cost markets in the past two months,” Steve tells me of the company’s current celery outlook. “Due to quality issues, the market is climbing steady above breakeven costs.”

For the most part, advises Steve, weather is the major influence on celery supply. 

“The recent weather has shippers harvesting early, making for lighter weights and yields,” finishes Steve. “Weather fluctuations will create peaks and valleys on our volume at times that we are not accustomed to, but quality today is good.” 

As Church Brothers is also currently growing out of Oxnard, CA, and prepares for Salinas, CA, starting in four weeks, Manager of Commodities Jason Lathos tells me that the market has been steady. “Surprisingly, it’s maintained. November through January it ranged from $20 to $45, but since then it has stayed at about $8 to $12,” he says. 

Demand remains steady, Jason says, and despite starting with lower yields from cold weather growers remain confident in this year’s supply. “The problems are gone, quality is looking good now and we’re ready for the season,” finishes Jason.

Stay up to date with AndNowUKnow as we keep an eye to the market and possible weather changes.

Foxy Fresh Produce Tanimura & Antle Church Brothers

NEW ORLEANS, LA - Just two years after its celebrated return, could Chiquita look to be once again leaving its New Orleans home?

Those are the whispers around the docks of the Louisiana ports, according to Matt Gresham, Director of External Affairs for the Port of New Orleans.

"The Board of Commissioners of the Port of New Orleans is aware of Chiquita's potential interest in pursuing other strategic shipping options. The board has received no official notice from Chiquita,” Gresham said in a statement to the Sun Herald late last week.

As we have reported previously, Chiquita returned to New Orleans in 2014 after nearly 40 years, bringing 350 new jobs to the area. Part of the deal included $15 million in incentives from the state and port, according to Bloomberg, as well as an offer of 10 years of subsidies estimated at $1.1 million to $1.5 million a year from the state, based on how much cargo Chiquita handles in New Orleans, and more.

"The board values its relationship with Chiquita and will work with terminal operators, the state of Louisiana, and shipping partners to continue the relationship going forward,” Gresham added. “Port staff and local and state stakeholders consistently seek new services and customers for its terminals to build upon its growing break-bulk and container business.”

It is news that Gulfport hopes means that Chiquita will return to them after 40 years of working together.

"We've been involved with Chiquita since the time that they left," Jonathan Daniels, Executive Director for the Port of Gulfport, told the Sun Herald. "I have not received anything, but we do hope that if they move from New Orleans, Gulfport, with its long history with Chiquita, will be considered as an option."

Though Chiquita originally planned to exit Gulfport completely in 2014, leaving a ripple of unemployment in its wake, Daniels reported that it continues to store produce for ripening at John Fayard Warehousing in Gulfport, with the brand’s containers regularly visiting the port for freight shipments.

Gresham informed the Sun Herald that that in 2015, Chiquita represented about 4.8 percent of the Port of New Orleans’ total container tonnage with 244,861 tons of bananas shipped in the year.

No official announcement has been made of the banana giant’s intention to move, so AndNowUKnow will continue to follow the story as it develops further.

Chiquita

LA CAÑADA FLINTRIDGE, CA – The Allen Lund Company (ALC) has announced that Matt Christ, Business Development Specialist of ALC's Los Angeles-based office, will now represent the company in the Fresh Produce and Floral Council (FPFC) 2016 Apprenticeship.

"I'm very proud to support Matt in the 2016 FPFC Apprentice Program. Since his first day of work in the LA Sales office, Matt has shown a strong hunger and eagerness to learn as much as he can about our industry and all things related," said Tracey Lewin, Manager of the Los Angeles office, in a press release. "This is a perfect opportunity for him to quench that hunger while networking and meeting key people who will undoubtedly become important components of Matt's future success.”

As we’ve previously reported, Matt was promoted to Business Development Specialist in January after a six-year employment with the company, beginning with ALC’s Rochester office. Matt’s primary responsibilities extend to contributing to company growth and maintaining customer satisfaction.

"I'm very excited and honored to have been selected for the apprenticeship. This is a great opportunity to learn even more about our industry and the people that keep it running. I'm extremely grateful for the opportunity to become a part of the FPFC," stated Matt Christ.

In a statement, the company said that it continues to stand behind Matt and his continued success, and looks forward to his achievements through the apprenticeship.

“I am confident that Matt's participation in this program will provide an excellent return on investment not only for himself and his own future, but for Allen Lund Company too,” finished Tracey. “Congratulations and good luck to Matt!"

The Allen Lund Company