ORLANDO, FL – Celebrating the recent move to Florida, Fresh Express and its parent company, Chiquita, welcomed Governor Rick Scott on Tuesday. The governor welcomed the companies to the Sunshine State in touring the new Fresh Express head office.

"Fresh Express is incredibly excited to become part of the Orlando community," said Fresh Express CEO and President Ken Diveley in a press release. "We look forward to being part of the great state of Florida, where Governor Scott continues to build a strong business community."

The relocation brings approximately 120 Fresh Express and Chiquita jobs to the new Fresh Express headquarters in Orlando, and another 90 to Chiquita's new headquarters in Dania Beach.

"We're happy to add to the economic health of the area, and we look forward to growing Fresh Express here," Diveley said.

The 120 jobs offered through the Orlando headquarters includes 90 for Fresh Express, and another 30 to support Chiquita’s IT needs. Some of these openings include executive management, sales, marketing, operations, human resources, procurement, and logistics.

Governor Scott expressed his gratitude, stating, “Today's announcement means hundreds more Floridians will be able to get a great job in the Sunshine State. I would like to thank Fresh Express and Chiquita for choosing Florida to grow their company.”

Plans for relocation began after the companies were acquired by orange juice producer Cutrale Group, and a global financial services firm, the Safra Group.

The new owners looked to the future, and for the sake of logistics, decided to move further down the coast from the original headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Orlando gleamed with potential because of its proximity to other Cutrale Group holdings, according to the company, while Dania Beach was a prime location close to the port where Chiquita receives bananas for ripening and distribution.

In addition to the Florida location, Fresh Express has five packaging plants throughout the United States that support its distribution of about 250 different salad, vegetable and fruit products, along with its 50 fresh produce offerings for food service outlets and healthy snack products.

Fresh Express Chiquita

West Pak Avocado is continuing to see growth out of its new DC and ripening facility in Dallas, Texas.

Part of that growth is driven by the addition of Dustin Hahn, who brings a background in sales & marketing, and retail store management experience. 

“I have received positive feedback from our customers appreciating the fact I am based at our Dallas sales office at the DC where their fruit is being shipped,” Dustin tells me. “Our team’s efforts in maintaining quality and consistency is a differentiator that is generating positive feedback from our customers.”  

Having recently joined the supply-side, Dustin is loving the transition into the fast-paced produce industry. “Selling avocados out of a state of the art DC and ripening facility is exciting, and it becomes full circle seeing our fruit on the customer’s shelves.”

Now six months into the West Pak Dallas operation, Dustin says it continues to be a very successful venture with good demand for Mexican Hass avocados in Texas and markets in the surrounding states that we serve from here. 

Quality continues to be high, and the fruit tastes great, says Dustin. “West Pak’s Just Ripe ripening program enables us to offer any stage of ripeness the customer needs,” he explains.

Doug Meyer, Senior VP of Sales and Marketing, added, “We are thrilled to be up and running in Dallas, and having Dustin aboard on our sales team is icing on the cake. He has a strong background in customer service that is really being noticed by our valued customers.”

“Dallas has become our new focal point for distribution from Texas, while we still maintain operations at our DC in Edinburg to complete our service reach," finished Doug.

As we’ve previously reported, West Pak recently grew its reach in the Southwest and Southeast regions with the opening of its 66,000-square-foot operation, which Meyer details comes with a cooler that houses over 50 truckloads of avocados and a full-scale ripening center.

Keep checking in with AndNowUKnow as we continue to track that growth throughout 2016 and beyond.

West Pak Avocado

DENVER, CO – In a new starring role for the fruit, WhiteWave Foods has announced that it’s adding banana milk to its lineup as the expected next big trend in dairy alternatives.

The company developed the line at its research and development center in Louisville after researching current sales and trends in the diary market. Thus, comes the banana innovation in the new line of Sir Bananas products. 

"We're excited about the potential that it has," WhiteWave Foods’ Marketing Director, Lauren Tankersley, said in a statement to the Denver Post.

The Sir Bananas line is two percent milk blended with bananas, and available in regular and chocolate flavors. The company said that with seven grams of protein, and 27 percent of the recommended potassium intake, the product has the potential to join almond, cashew, and coconut milk in dairy alternatives.

WhiteWaves newest product is slightly thicker than plain milk, and tastes like bananas and milk. Given recent data, the company said that it plans to use the Sir Bananas line to ride the growth in the dairy alternatives sector as soy and dairy sales continue to decline. The banana milk line is currently being sold in Colorado, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio.

WhiteWave recently spent more than $900 million to buy So Delicious, Magicow, Vega, and Wallaby Yogurt Company. The company said that its company growth, and expanded lines, have served as an increase of $429.7 million in net sales. 

AndNowUKnow will continue to have industry and banana innovations as they make it to retails spots near you.

WhiteWave Foods

BET-DAGAN, ISR - Israeli scientists claim to have a found a way to prolong the shelf-life of bananas, by altering the fruit genes. According to Dr. Haya Friedman from Israel’s Volcani Institute, or the Agricultural Research Organization (ARO), altered bananas can stay fresh for at least double the time of unaltered bananas.

"Even though there are like 80 genes of the same family, we found the gene that can control, that controls the ripening and we were able to show that it's really similar to what is happening in tomato, we can delay the ripening," she said in a statement to Reuters.

ARO’s banana research initially stemmed from previously-reported findings involving tomatoes. The organization took the science one-step further to isolate a specific banana gene to interrupt the aging process. 

To demonstrate the research, Friedman presented two bunches of bananas, one bunch having undergone the alteration, and the other functioning as the unaltered control group.

"You can see here that these are bananas that we changed the expression of the gene and which now the ripening is delayed,” pointed out Friedman. “Where in control fruits the ripening is still developing as fast and normally. You have to understand that these fruits were picked more than a month ago.”

The ARO stated that according to its tests, genetic intervention did not alter the quality or taste of bananas. Friedman said that she hopes her work extends to farmers and wholesalers, and also be used in developing countries where proper nutrition is harder to achieve.

The Volcani Institute and ARO is a research arm of Israel’s Ministry of Agriculture which focuses on produce improvement, among other things. The ARO did not state whether or not its results had been duplicated or reviewed yet by other organizations or laboratories.

AndNowUKnow will continue to cover these experiements into banana alterations, and other research within the industry.

SALINAS, CA – Mann Packing has announced some upward additions to the company in further moves towards company growth. Greg Villalobos is the new Account Executive at Mann Packing, and the company also promoted of Cody Ramsey and Rick Russo to the newly created positions of Director of Foodservice Sales and Executive Vice President of Sales & Marketing.

As Account Executive, Greg Villalobos will work in an inside sales capacity in securing new business, maintaining customer relationships, and providing ongoing support for current clients. Villalobos brings more than 20 years of produce sales experience in the Salinas Valley, and has previously worked for Boskovich Farms, NewStar, Earthbound Farm, Cimino Brothers Produce, and most recently with Dole Fresh Vegetables.

Cody Ramsey has been promoted to Director of Foodservice Sales after serving as an account executive in the company for over 10 years. Ramsey is likewise leveraging the leadership experience he gained from his involvement in Leadership Salinas Valley and with the Salinas Valley Chamber of Commerce, where he serves on the board of directors.  

Rick Russo will assume the newly created role of Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing. He previously held the position of Vice President of Foodservice Sales. In his new role, Russo will be responsible for establishing important sales objectives for all market channels and develop strategic plans to promote growth for the company. 

Lorri Koster, Chairman and CEO of Mann Packing, said in a press release, “It’s exciting to have someone with Rick’s experience and caliber leading our consolidated sales and marketing efforts. Mann’s has a diverse portfolio of business in various market channels. Having one leader at the helm with experienced teams behind him in both sales and marketing will allow us to leverage our product diversification and promote vendor consolidation benefits to our customers.”

Keep your fingers on the pulse of the produce industry by reading AndNowUKnow.

Mann Packing

LAKELAND, FL – Publix is moving ahead with an expansion project for its 200,000-sq.-ft. facility in Lakeland, FL, after getting approval from the Polk County Board of County Commissioners. 

According to its application with the county, Publix is prepared to spend $16 million on the expansion, and will now be able to expand at a faster rate due to receiving a three-year property tax break from the Board. 

"As we open new stores, it has a direct impact on the capacity of our manufacturing facilities," said Brian West, Media and Community Relations Manager for the retailer, in a statement to The Ledger. “The expansion will allow us to take on future growth and to try new products as well." 

The $151,527 tax break from Polk County will allow Publix to jumpstart its already planned Florida expansion resulting in increased coverage to consumers in the area, specifically with the company's Deli Kitchen plans.

“It's only prudent that Publix would ask for a tax break,” independent Supermarket Consultant David Livingston said to The Ledger. “For Lakeland, it's better to have these projects go local and not go to someplace out of the state.”

In exchange for the property tax break from the county, Publix has pledged to fill at least 25 new full-time jobs at the facility. The company agreed to compesate the roles with a minimum pay of the average annual wage reported for 2014 in Polk County, if not more.

“Publix is expanding rapidly into the Carolinas, Tennessee, and Virginia, so expect to see more of these kinds of projects," finished Livingston.

As we reported previously, Publix entered the Virginia market with 2 new stores in February. Last month, Publix hired a prominent Washington, D.C. real estate broker, fueling speculation about a debut in the nation’s capitol. 

Aside from its current plans for growth and expansion, Publix currently operates more than 1,100 stores across seven states.

We’ll keep you updated on all the latest Publix developments at AndNowUKnow.

Publix

RIO RICO, AZ- SunFed is continuing to help boost organic growth in produce departments with expansions across its programs in Mexico’s fertile growing regions. This year the company will be shipping organic Roma tomatoes as well as bell peppers with an eye on enhanced sustainability practices and technologies. 

As SunFed invests in increasing its product offerings, the company will also be expanding its organic distribution with product available through both Nogales Arizona, and its operations in South Texas over the coming months. 

New developments in state-of-the-art protected agriculture technology are allowing SunFed growers to tap into the resources within their different growing climates while adapting new and exciting sustainability practices. 

“Our growers try to take advantage of every natural resource available to them, and work hand-in-hand with Mother Nature everyday. From proprietary greenhouse coverings to developments in organic soil applicants and climate control, our family of growers is always looking for new ways to define organic growing,” Brett Burdsal, Vice President of Marketing, tells me. 

When a plant is introduced to the right balance of energy and more uniform light, SunFeds’ growers are able to produce a better quality vegetable, with thicker walls, a longer shelf life, and amazing flavor.

“It is remarkable what revolutionary new technologies allow us to utilize the individual benefits of each of these micro-climates.  For instance, when energy, UV, infrared, are filtered to allow the right quality and quantity, you create the ideal environment to grow a high-quality vegetable,” Brett adds.

Not only is the environment for the plant better, but for the growers and team members as well.  As much as 98% of what is grown by SunFed partners ends up in the company’s boxes and the team attributes that to an overall balance between the workforce, the health of the land, and what gets translated to the plant.

“Each of our growers have found different ways to diversify their operations while remaining stewards of the land.  One of our partners built reservoirs around his operation in which they harvest and grow sweet water shrimp and fish. The nitrogen-rich water is used to keep the surrounding forests and soil rich and supported, an aside from the organically-maintained greenhouses themselves,” Brett says. “The reservoirs also balance the dryness of the climate and reflect more sunlight for the plants in the fall and winter months.  Essentially, they have surrounded themselves with water and a carefully balanced eco-system.” 

The ever-innovative team at SunFed also offers retail partners merchandising support and marketing materials to extend the story of SunFed to the produce floor as well.  Romas and bells peppers will be shipped under the company’s Perfect Organic^® labels, which promote the USDA certified-organic nature of SunFed items and ensure the produce is rung up correctly and with ease at the register.

“While challenges with items rung-up incorrectly at the register may persist, SunFed is going the extra mile to help retailers identify products at checkout,” Brett adds. “Reports show that up to 40+% of organic product is misrung at the register, and we feel our produce with their wide, eye-catching organic bands will cut that significantly down.” 

With the growing demand for organic fresh produce on an upward trajectory, we are sure to see more of SunFed’s continued evolution as 2016 rolls on.

SunFed

SAN DIEGO, CA- The Women’s Fresh Perspectives Conference is just days away and with a mission to cultivate women’s potential, sharpen business acumen, and further develop leadership potential and more, it is proving to be an event not to be missed.  Women in all stages of their career have been invited to attend, from buyers and suppliers to media and writers like myself. 

Previously, we published a Q&A with Co-Chair, Jill Overdorf, who shared her insights on the upcoming event. As we look to pack our bags over the coming days, I decided to inquire with Alex Jackson, Sales Account Manager, Frieda’s Specialty Produce and Co-Chair of the program, about what we can expect and why this event is truly a one-of-a-kind. See you all on April 17th!

Q: Speaking to first time attendees and fresh faces, what advice can you give them on making the most of this event?  What misconceptions might they have coming in that we can address?

Alex: You will meet women with truly different backgrounds in produce and in their professional careers. You will also always meet someone who either has the same background, the same experience or inexperience in produce, the same personal development goals, or even the same kind of boss you’re trying to work better with.

Some attendees may have never been to an industry event or conference outside of their company before, so shyness isn’t rare here! Go in knowing that there are other people who may be nervous or unsure of what the experience will be like, and those are the people you connect with in the end – and keep in touch with throughout the years. I relate it to being a freshman in college… everyone is eager to meet people and make friends, so you’re not going to embarrass yourself or be different by talking to a stranger!

My other piece of advice is to not be afraid to ask questions of the women in your breakout sessions, at your table, or even the speakers. If you hear a woman make a great point or ask a question in a breakout session and you have something in common or want to ask more, go up to her and engage! One of the benefits of the three tracks is being with women you can relate to.

Q:  What have you taken away from your experiences at the Women’s Fresh Perspectives Conference? How have you personally grown from these events?

Alex: Each year, I meet one to two women in a breakout session or at my table at a general session who I really connect with that I would have never met at a tradeshow or cocktail reception. These women always come from different professional and personal backgrounds than me, but we have something in common to relate to. These women become mentors and friends.

One of my favorite speakers, Stacy Blake-Beard, really inspired me two years ago with some thought-provoking questions about where I want to be with my career and how to own it. I am so excited she is returning this year, because I know she is going to have the same impact on all of the women attending this year’s conference.

Q: Why is an event like this so important to our industry and to women in produce?

Alex: I think the most important part of this conference is the environment it cultivates for learning and engaging. Having it exclusively be for women allows the content to be specific, so women can actually take it back with them and make the changes they want to make instead of trying to translate it into the women’s lens. Also, having it be only women in the room breaks down walls and allows all attendees to submerse themselves in the content and not be distracted by doing business, meeting customers, etc.

Q: What are some of the key issues and discussions that this year’s conference will address?

Alex: The Power of Diversity and Inclusion with Stacy Blake-Beard is one session I am very excited for. For one, I respect Stacy immensely and am excited to keep learning from her. But also, I work in an environment with people from different generations, with different personalities and backgrounds, like many of us in produce. Millennials coming into an industry with many Gen-X and Baby Boomers need to learn how to address diversity in our organizations, with diversity having many definitions. 

Q: Are there any new elements to the program this year or key events not-to-be-missed?

Alex: I am very excited to be able to offer all of the women at the conference an opportunity to see the documentary made about Frieda Caplan, the founder of Frieda’s Specialty Produce. She came into this industry when it was a male-dominated one, and owned and ran a business in a category that didn’t exist in produce. Throughout the conference, we are going to be discussing diversity, achieving personal goals in your career, and managing gender perceptions. “Fear No Fruit” covers Frieda and her daughters’ real life experiences of managing through these challenges and topics. The film has received praise because of how inspiring it is to women, students as well as men in the produce industry. The women at the Women’s Fresh Perspectives Conference will no doubt feel inspired by this film.

The countdown is on!  See you all in San Diego on the 17th!

Frieda's Inc Women's Fresh Perspectives

UNITED STATES - Results are in for America’s favorite grocery store. At least according to Customer insights firm Market Force Information.  The new set of grocery rankings polled more than 10,000 people. The rankings were based on a composite loyalty index with criteria that included satisfaction with the food quality, checkout speed, value and customer service. The top spot went to Wegmans, with Publix as a close second and Trader Joe’s (the previous top spot holder) at third.

Wegmans took the crown with a loyalty rating of 76 percent, according to an article by CNBC, with Publix scoring a 75 percent rating and Trader Joe's with 73 percent. Coming in at the fourth spot was Hy-Vee Food Stores with a loyalty score of 68 percent.

These recent survey results mark a change for Trader Joe’s, who has held the top spot for four years.

We often report on the competitive grocery industry as retailers strive to address the growing needs and changing behaviors of the consumer. Demographics evolve the palates of families and communities and the new generation of shoppers straddle a demand for more accessible food options and new technologies. 

How do you keep up?  It would probably be a good idea to ask a couple questions of these top chains. On the other side of the coin and particularly noticeable this year is the stat that one in five consumers reported that they would not recommend their grocer to a friend or even a colleague. On the other hand, only 4.3 percent of customers considered switching grocers, according to Market Force Information.

Cheryl Flink, Chief Strategy Officer of Market Force, told CNBC "When you look at the top brands, I do want to be clear that the top three — Wegmans, Publix, Trader Joe's — they are very, very competitive.”

She went on to tell CNBC, “There is hardly any difference in between the three of them."

I’d be curious to know what the industry thinks.

Flink added, "Trader Joe's has not gone backwards on service," explaining that competitors have improved on this issue.

Flink attributes Wegmans move to the top spot as testament to the retailers success from offering specialty items and brands to its quick cash-out shopping experience.

One of the biggest trends we’ve noted in recent years is a trend towards prepared meals at retail and, Flink notes, that some two-thirds of respondents reported that they purchase prepared foods at least once a month. Also, 19 percent making these purchases once per week.

"The grocers are putting time and effort in this idea of ready-to-eat," Flink said, explaining that consumers are seeking convenience, an alternative for dining out, and food quality.

Coming up the ranks in terms of competition are fresh concepts like Blue Apron, offering ready-to-cook items, Flink adds.

Congratulations to the top runners for this year’s customer insights survey from Market Force Information. Stay tuned as we bring you more on the competitive grocery industry.

Trader Joe's Wegmans Market Force Information

CANADA - Prince Edward Island is the “Idaho of Canada” when it comes to the country’s potato growing, Mid Isle Farms’ Jennifer Harris, Director of Sales and Marketing for the company, tells me as she explains the region’s stake in the company’s category.

In the middle of it, Mid Isle Farms has its eye on further growth and evolution.

“There's a lot going on, and CPMA is a great gateway into the western region where demand for PEI potatoes has risen as many eastern consumers have gone there for work,” Jennifer tells me, explaining that the company actually has an entirely new brand launching in the fall.  

The FoodTrust brand, she explains, will reflect the company’s concern for, and loyalty to, the consumer, environment, and community.

“We recently acquired the Food Trust company and its focus has been on sustainability and working closer with the grower- something we believe in."

In addition to the successful offerings at retail within the last few years which have helped bolster customer loyalty, such as the Yukon Russet and Vales Sovereign, Jennifer tells me that Mid Isle Farms has also added to its technological capabilities in order to offer a safer and more secure product.

“We had experienced what is, in our opinion, food terrorism towards the PEI potato industry. We decided, instead of being victims of these attacks, we would be leaders and we installed a state-of-the-art X-ray machine to monitor all products and guarantee safety.”

Jennifer adds that the company is well-positioned for further growth, “We want to go above and beyond for our customers, and we look forward to showing that to those we meet at CPMA.”

Keep checking in with AndNowUKnow as we continue to maintain a pulse on the growth of all North American produce companies and their impact on the industry.

Mid Isle Farms