SAN ANTONIO, TX – Produce shipments have been moving through Texas in a big way, and Scott Fletcher, Manager of the Allen Lund Dallas Office, took a moment to tell us about his history, and the company's goals for transportation growth as produce ramps up in the state. 

“My background is I’m an old produce hauler, I drove a truck back in the early 80s. I’ve always loved it, I grew up on a farm,” Scott tells us over the steady murmer of the busy Viva Fresh floor. This penchant for produce, says Scott, is a trait that he hopes to bring to Allen Lund, and the state of Texas, as an asset. 

So, what’s next for Allen Lund? Movements from the company’s start in dry freight towards a bigger hand in produce through the Texas Valley, Scott tells us.

Find out more about the Allen Lund's intentions for shipping and company growth in produce in the exclusive video above.

Allen Lund

TAMPA, FL – With sustainability being top of mind for both the produce industry and its consumer base, IFCO announced today the results of a new peer-reviewed study comparing the environmental impact of reusable plastic containers (RPCs) against corrugated cardboard packaging used to package and transport produce. The study found RPCs are more ecologically sustainable in seven of eight key categories.

“IFCO has a strong commitment to preserving our natural resources for future generations,” said IFCO North America President Daniel Walsh in a press release. “These results clearly show RPCs are the intelligent choice of growers, retailers, and food processors that share our goal of an environmentally sustainable food production system.”

Conducted by Franklin Associates and peer-reviewed by experts at the School of Packaging at Michigan State University and the University of Michigan, the entire lifecycle of each packaging type was reviewed from raw material extraction to post-consumer disposal.

Results showed that for the same produce shipments, RPCs:

• Produce 31 percent lower CO2 emissions
• Produce 85 percent less solid waste
• Consume 65 percent less water
• Require 34 percent less energy

The study also stated that RPCs contribute significantly less environmental pollution, specifically:

• 72 percent lower eutrophication
• 51 percent lower ozone depletion
• 48 percent lower acidification

The study concluded, “In seven out of eight examined environmental indicators (energy demand, global warming potential, ozone depletion potential, water consumption, acidification, eutrophication, solid waste generation), the IFCO RPCs, as defined by this analysis, provide greater environmental savings for delivering produce in North America than does the use of fiber corrugated containers for these commodities.”

IFCO said it continuously evaluates its sustainability performance as part of its commitment to preserve the planet for future generations. “IFCO evaluates its sustainability performance on an ongoing basis so our customers and their consumers can have the confidence that IFCO RPCs are the best choice when it comes to preserving our planet for future generations through responsible business practices,” Walsh concluded.

Keep in touch with all the latest research and development information at AndNowUKnow.

IFCO

SALINAS, CA – Grower and producer D’Arrigo Bros. Co. has announced the completion of a 52,000-sq.-ft. expansion of its cooling facility in Salinas. The updated facility now boasts a total of 152,000-sq.-ft. for its receiving, cooling, and shipping operations.

“This expansion not only allows us to ship greater volumes of our fresh fruits and vegetables but also enables us the opportunity to strategically align with our partners by offering consolidation, cross-dock and commercial cooling programs,” said Claudia Pizarro-Villalobos, D’Arrigo Marketing and Culinary Manager, in a statement.

D’Arrigo said its cooling facility expansion touches on every point of operation with employees and customers. In addition to enhanced campus-wide security and a lounge for truckers, the expansion brings:

• 50 new full-time job positions in receiving, cooling, and shipping
• 15 additional loading bays
• 50 new parking spaces for line trucks
• 5 new modular automated cooling system (MACS) units

“The company’s investment represents our on-going commitment to provide unparalleled service levels to our customers and partners,” said D’Arrigo’s Matt Amaral, Director of Business Development. “Our goal is to enhance our service while meeting our increasing demands of our customers and strategic partners.”

Operations Manager Mark Houle added that D’Arrigo optimized its existing cooler by adding flow-through and drive-through racks, granting a 35 percent increase to the cooler’s productive capacity.

We’ll give you all the latest news in a flash at AndNowUKnow.

D'Arrigo Bros. Co.

Here’s a few of the many that made my picks for the 91st CPMA Produce Expo:

Naturipe’s One-Pound Top Seal

When it comes to helping push berry consumption, Naturipe has been one of the lead proponents in pushing the retail one-pint standard to a one-pound one instead. This snazzy Top Seal incorporates that push into the packaging trend gripping produce, and I’m loving it.

Village Farms’ Love Handle Grab n’ Go Bags

Speaking of love, how can you not love a packaging series called Love Handles? Anyone who has followed my picks in the past have seen I’m a sucker for on-the-go convenience, and Village Farms answers that call with this series that showcases its exclusive products, provides ease for the consumer, and could make an aesthetic contribution to the produce department.

Litehouse Food’s Pourable OPA

A moment of disclosure: I can’t have gluten. While this would usually mean that the produce industry is a great niche for me, creamy dressings are usually a halting point. Not with the OPA by Litehouse™ Greek Yogurt line, which added new flavors that are on-trend with today’s demands. Personally, I’d go with the Tzatziki Ranch, but I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t a hard choice.

The Little Potato Company’s Microwave and Oven Ready Kits

Not only are these, again, incredibly convenient, but they were an offering that stood out on the floor because the packaging itself has a clean, crisp feeling that takes preparable foods to the next level.

Twist-Ease’s Click-N-Go Twist Tie Dispenser

If I were to choose an item that took me by surprise, this would be it. Something used every day but not appreciated- what produce department doesn’t have twist-ties?

So innovations in this department is something that struck me. Twist-Ease’s new Click-N-Go boasts the ability for retailers to mitigate/eliminate twist tie spills and cut down on cleanup costs, making for a much better experience on both the consumer and business side.

My first CPMA was Calgary's last, and it was a great one. I’m looking forward to seeing you all in Toronto next year!

CPMA Naturipe Farms Village Farms Litehouse Foods Little Potato Company Twist-Ease

WEST COAST - After a period of record high temperatures across the west coast, rain, snow, and cooler air are all set to hit once again at the end of the week.

"After a quiet several days, the pattern will turn unsettled again by Friday," explained AccuWeather Meteorologist Ryan Adamson. "Rumbles of thunder are also possible across portions of western California,” adding that these cities could include Santa Rosa, San Francisco, and Sacramento.

San Francisco, Portland, and Seattle all saw record high temps last weekend, but residents will now be seeing a shift as soon Friday and throughout the weekend. Some of these storms could become strong and produce locally damaging winds and heavy rainfall, according to AccuWeather, with the potential for thunderstorms and wildfires to follow. Snow is also expected in the Sierra Nevada if temperatures reach low enough levels.

"Accumulating snow should be limited to elevations over 5,000 feet, but over 6 inches may fall at elevations over 7,000 feet," Adamson added. 

Travel and transportation will also be a concern throughout California, with the potential to delay some outdoor growing activities.

Southern California, where the drought is most prevalent, will also see some rain this weekend. With National Weather Service Meteorologist, Curt Kaplan, telling LA Daily News that there could be drizzle in the Greater L.A. area Friday morning and again Saturday morning as a result of a deepening marine layer, which will help return temperatures to roughly normal levels for this time of the year.

Of course, any rain that ends up hitting California soil will be more than welcome, however no substantial dent in the state’s drought is expected. The rain, snow, and thunderstorms are all expected to quiet down Saturday into Saturday night in California, Adamson added, but showers will still be possible across Washington and Oregon.

BENTONVILLE, AR – In a move to reportedly increase its leadership’s effectiveness, Walmart announced that it will be reducing the number of its board members from 15 to 12, including the retirement of Jim Walton, founder Sam Walton’s son.

"The changes we are making are designed to maximize our effectiveness as we adapt to ever-evolving customer requirements," James Cash, Lead Independent Director, said in a statement.

According to a Spencer Stuart index report, the average board size for companies last year in the S&P500's index was 10.8 members.

The following members will be stepping down following the annual shareholders’ meeting on June 3: 

• Jim Walton: youngest son of company founder, Sam Walton, served 11 years on the board.
• Aida Alvarez: former member of U.S. President Bill Clinton’s cabinet, served 10 years
• Roger Corbett: retail industry veteran, served 10 years
• Mike Duke: Walmart Chief Executive from 2009 to 2014, served two years

Steuart Walton, Jim Walton’s son, has been nominated for the empty board seat after the other members have vacated. Walmart said that all members leaving their positions are departing after serving the expected amount of time on the board.

According to a report by Reuters, Walmart cited a double-digit profit decline last year, pointing to dollar appreciation and rising costs via entry-level wage raises as the reason. The company reiterated that this upcoming leadership change would enable faster decisions for Walmart in the changing market.

Continue to follow AndNowUKnow as we continue to report on leadership shakeups and financial reports in the buy-side industry.

Walmart

SIDNEY, OH – Freshway Foods announced today that Patsy Naseman, 28-year veteran of the company, will retire this May. Naseman has been with Freshway Foods since the company opened in 1988.  

“I was the first person hired at Freshway,” remembers Naseman. “Our production area was one big room where lettuce was produced, and off to the side was a small specialty room for broccoli, cauliflower, and other items.” 

Naseman handled payroll, accounts payable, and accounts receivable before transitioning into the customer service role she currently holds. “Those years I spent working with the public helped. In fact, my whole career has been working with people,” she shared in a statement. 

Phil Gilardi, Owner of Freshway Foods, said the company owes its reputation for customer friendliness and customer service to Naseman’s dedication. “Since the very first day Patsy has been on the phone with our customers, taking their orders, responding to special requests, all through her positive, beautiful personality,” Gilardi said. 

Naseman attributed her success to a focus on the fundamentals. Despite nearly three decades of industry changes, Naseman asserted, “The basics haven’t changed. We are still customer service driven, and we do whatever it takes to serve our customers.” 

But for Devon Beer, President of Freshway Foods, Naseman herself is the unswaying constant. “She is the only thing about Freshway Foods that hasn’t changed,” said Beer. “She is loved by her co-workers and customers, and will be sorely missed.” 

Naseman said she plans to spend her retirement reading, spending time with her family, and visiting the Freshway team to say hello whenever possible. “I will miss the people the most – they are like family,” concluded Naseman.

Congrats to Patsy on her long and successful career at Freshway from AndNowUKnow!

Freshway Foods

PLEASANTON, CA – The latest installment of FPFC’s Northern California Expo has come to a close, finding this year’s event full of new products, diverse displays, and enigmatic attendees.

With upwards of 150 exhibitors and 1500 attendees, Carissa Mace, President of the Fresh Produce and Floral Council, says that in addition to the colorful booths and well-thought out displays, attendees come back every year because of the Expo’s winning combination of location and reputation.

“People love it up here because it’s an easy in-and-out show for both exhibitors and retailers, and other attendees. They come in, they set up, they go. They see their customers they need to see within this particular geographic market,” Carissa tells us. “And the retailers like it because they can come any time of day. It’s good for everyone’s schedules."

Scot Olson, Vice President of Produce & Floral, Grocery Outlet, Inc. tells me that Carissa Mace, President of the FPFC, has much to be proud of in creating a highly relevant Northern CA Fresh Expo.

"I always look forward to this show as it is the best opportunity for my team and I to connect with a significant amount of suppliers that we do business with. FPFC Fresh Expo has grown into an impactful show that we can have detailed, meaningful conversations with folks we do business with, or should be doing business with. The location, timing and format of this show is highly productive and does not take a significant amount of time away from our regular business week," Scot says. "Thank you FPFC for this wonderful opportunity and experience!"

In addition to the big buy-side names seen at the show, like Raley’s, Grocery Outlet, and Safeway, FPFC also welcomed an uptick in independent retailers in Pleasanton this year.

Naming a few independent retailers, like Berkeley Bowl and Big Boy Markets, Carissa says that the independent retailers add an important connection to the expo's exhibitors.

As my first show and introduction to the expo-half of the produce industry, I was fascinated by the innovative products being introduced to the industry, including multiple variations of nutrient-rich juices, which I could definitely take advantage of. Or scoping the jazzy presentations on produce staples, like the Ataulfo mango from the Freska booth. FPFC is the perfect expo with which to kick off my show season tastes. 

In the biggest and most coveted announcement for the event, congratulations to the winners for this year’s Best in Show booths:

• Produce: Veg-Fresh Farms
• Floral: Rocket Farms

Veg-Fresh has been busy with an in-house marketing expansion, company rebranding, new unveiled logo, and new sustainable fiber trays. 

"We are extremely pleased that our rebranding efforts have received such positive feedback," says Veg-Fresh Marketing Director, Kate Reeb. "The FPFC Norcal Expo was a perfect event to launch our new logos and our new products. It's very rewarding to see our customers excited about the direction we are going."

Make sure to check back tomorrow for your favorite produce industry faces in the FPFC Yearbook, and keep clicking back on AndNowUKnow for more industry updates.

Fresh Produce & Floral Council

TORONTO, ONTARIO - International food emporium Eataly has announced it will open its very first Canadian location in Toronto in a partnership with Loblaw owners, George Weston Ltd.

Eataly’s Founder, Co-Owner, and Chairman, Oscar Farinetti, told The Globe and Mail that he, along with the Weston family, had found a location in central Toronto that could be open as soon as next year. George Weston Ltd. reportedly will be in control of up to 52 percent of the project, with Eataly taking the rest. 

“We’ve been looking for a location for a long time,” he shared with the news source. “It’s coming for sure.”

So why did these two food biz powerhouses decide to partner? The Westons’ may be looking to take a more “upscale” approach to its Toronto-area retail schemes. With fierce local competition from retailers like Whole Foods and Pusateri’s, The Globe and Mail states that the family is likely looking to give itself a competitive edge in the face of gourmet and health food retailers gaining market share.

George Weston Ltd. has been interested in Eataly’s concept since 2009, the Globe and Mail reports, ranging back to when Farinetti had been trepidatious about approaching the Canadian market without a regional partner. As has been reported previously, Farinetti has been working with the Westons since at least early 2015.

From Eataly’s perspective, opening a Toronto location would be a natural progression of its success in stores like its 50,000-square-foot store in lower Manhattan, which opened in 2010 and attracted more than $85-million a year in sales. Eataly has since opened a store in Chicago, with more locations planned for Boston, Los Angeles, and another in Manhattan.

We also recently reported on the upcoming Eataly World, a food-based theme park which is definitely worth taking a look at. As more information on Eataly’s developing plans is announced, keep looking back to AndNowUKnow. 

Eataly George Weston Ltd.

CORAL GABLES, FL – Tomatoes go with everything, and consumers know it. As their versatility and preparation possibilities continue to grow, so is the market. Answering the call is Del Monte Fresh who is continuing to evolve its tomato program.

Dionysios Christou, Vice President of Marketing, joined me to discuss Del Monte Fresh’s tomato program and what’s new to the line. The company offers a wide variety of greenhouse and field grown tomatoes to retailers and foodservice providers.

“Our greenhouse grown tomatoes include TOVs, beef, cherry tomatoes and grape tomatoes,” Dionysios tells me. “Recently we launched our new Bon Bon® greenhouse-grown grape tomatoes, which come in two different containers. The first is a grab-n-go 5.5 ounce cup for the on-the-go consumer, and the second is a patented re-sealable snacking bowl.”

Del Monte’s field grown tomatoes include roma, rounds, grapes, cherry tomatoes, and vine-ripe tomatoes. Del Monte offers high-quality tomatoes year-round.

“Del Monte is a brand that consumers and customers have trusted for over 130 years. We own over 11,000 acres of fertile farmland in Florida and Virginia, and 20 hectares of greenhouse operations in Guatemala and Costa Rica, ensuring a year-round supply of quality fresh tomatoes,” Dionysios adds.

All of Del Monte’s operations utilize state-of-the-art technologies, which provide enhanced food safety, consistent quality, and environmental sustainability. In addition, the company also provides award winning merchandising, category management, and marketing programs to support customers in their efforts to grow sales.

Del Monte is also a logistics solution provider with six tomato repack facilities, 22 distribution centers nationally, and 180 owned trailers with 170 drivers that travel over 15 million miles a year. The company owns its own shipping fleet as well.

Dionysios also tells me that Del Monte is growing its business organically in all segments and channels. “Currently we are testing new packaging alternatives and new technology to extend product shelf life,” he says. “Del Monte continues to expand its volume and offerings to satisfy both retail and foodservice current partners and new business.”

Del Monte has, and continues, to invest significant resources in understanding trends, needs, and shopping behaviors of tomato consumers. The company works closely with retail partners to develop promotional and merchandising activities that will educate consumers and essentially maximize sales.

“This includes, among others, development of eye-catching POS for shelves, in-store demos, and labeling information about the product on-pack,” Dionysios says. “Del Monte category managers and merchandisers are constantly communicating with our retailers and their produce personnel to share best strategies for driving tomato sales.”

Dionysios also adds that tomatoes offer many cross-merchandising opportunities because they can be combined with many different items, especially in the produce department.

“By cross-merchandising, retailers have the opportunity to increase tomato sales and sales of related products. We recommend cross merchandising Del Monte® tomatoes with other Del Monte® products such as avocados, onions, and peppers and with packaged salads, fresh basil, garlic, and dressings. It can also be effective to cross-merchandise tomatoes outside the produce department with non-produce items like sandwich items, pastas, deli meats, and cheeses, such as mozzarella,” he says.

With the debut of new and exciting tomato varieties on the rise, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow for continued updates.

Fresh Del Monte Produce