SALINAS, CA – Mann Packing is celebrating its 75 year anniversary and displaying two products in the new products showcase at PMA Fresh Summit in Anaheim.

Mann’s Veggies and Hummus fresh vegetable tray with Sabra Classic hummus will be in the Just 4 Kids showcase and Snap Pea Sensations kits will be featured in the Fresh Summit new product showcase, according to a press release.  

The company also has its refreshed Family Favorites brand and new packaging design as a finalist for the 2014 PMA Impact Award.

Leading up to Fresh Summit, three of Mann’s employees are participating in the inaugural Tour de Fresh, a 4-day, 275 mile, cycling ride along the California coast that benefits United Fresh Foundation’s Let’s Move Salad Bars to Schools campaign.

“It’s a great cause that supports something we’re all very passionate about at Mann’s—addressing the child obesity issue and doing our part to contribute to the health and well being of children,” said Craig Grantham, Director of Sales Operations and Mann’s Tour de Fresh team captain.  The money raised by the Mann Tour de Fresh team will support salad bars in schools.  

Keeping the theme of healthy eating going, the company will also be showcasing a special video called, “Operation Salad,” featuring Mann’s Gina Broccolini.

Kim St George, Director of Marketing and Innovation, said, “Our brand promise is about making healthy eating easy – especially making eating veggies easy – and Operation Salad is a light-hearted look at the importance we need to place as a country on developing better eating habits.”

Check out the video here:

Mann Packing will be in booth #1538 of the Salinas Valley Grower Shipper Pavilion at Fresh Summit.

Mann Packing

CHESHUNT, ENGLAND - Less than a month after suspending four top executives as a result of the £250 million profit overstatement controversy, Tesco is asking a fifth to step aside. This time the departing executive is Commercial Director Kevin Grace.

Tesco's CEO Dave Lewis is still investigating the accounting error which gave rise to this controversy, one which he was thrust into within weeks of assuming his post on September 1st. According to BBC, he has tasked the accountancy firm Deloitte and law firm Freshfields with executing this internal investigation. Last week, the Financial Conduct Authority informed Tesco that it would also be conducting an independent investigation into the matter.

Throughout the process, Lewis has stressed to the media and members of the retail community that the suspension of the five executives should not be interpreted as “disciplinary or an admission of guilt.”

Some good news for Tesco investors has come in the past week however, with the appointment of Richard Cousins and Mikael Ohlsson to its Board as non-Executive Directors.

“I am delighted to welcome Mikael and Richard to the Board and know that their broad skills and experience will be a real asset to the Company in the coming years," shared Tesco Chairman Sir Richard Broadbent in a press release. "Mikael and Richard have been updated on and are wholly supportive of the steps being taken by the new management team to rebuild trust in Tesco and to focus all the resources of the business to deliver value to our customers.”

Tesco also brought new CFO Alan Stewart in ahead of schedule late last month, as Reuters reported.

Hopefully this injection of fresh leadership will be enough for Britain's largest retailer to restore itself to its former enviable position in the British economy.

For future updates on Tesco as we move into the future, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow. 

Tesco

WASHINGTON D.C. - The USDA has cited Maspeth, NY based Maxsun Produce Corp. for failure to pay $1,018,384 to 23 sellers for 191 lots of produce, a violation of PACA law.

As a result of this citation, Maxsun Produce Corp. is barred from doing business in the produce industry until September 12, 2016, after which it will become eligible to reapply for a new PACA license. In addition, the company's principals, Yi Chen, Brian Cho, and Thomas Qi, may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee until September 12, 2015. After this date, the three may be employed again with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond.

USDA is required to publish the finding that a business has committed willful, repeated, and flagrant violations of the PACA as well as impose restrictions against those principals determined to be responsibly connected to the business during the violation period. Those individuals, including sole proprietors, partners, members, managers, officers, directors, or major stockholders may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee without USDA-approval.

In the past three years, USDA resolved approximately 4,600 claims filed under PACA involving more than $87 million. This is just one more way USDA continues to support the fruit and vegetable industry.  

Agricultural Marketing Service 

WENATCHEE, WA – Stemilt's Olds Station facility is now home to one of the longest apple sizers in the world. At the length of a football field, the new sizer features cutting edge external defect sorting (iQs IV) and internal quality sorting (iFA GeoSort) technology from Greefa as well as a long, gentle sizer with 79 drop points. This ensures that the apples are packed both gently and consistently.

“We’re excited about the addition of our new Greefa commit-to-pack line at Olds Station,” said Jay Fulbright, VP of Operations and Special Projects at Stemilt. “The line relies on electronic, or optic, sizing and defect sorting technology to reduce manual sorting of fruit and human error. The technology is able to efficiently and gently size and sort apples and will help us deliver great consistency in every box.”

“It just keeps going and going,” he elaborated. “The benefit of having one of the longest apple sizers in the world is having so many drop points for the fruit. We have the flexibility to pack multiple sizes and grades and also reduce the number of touches to the fruit, which is important in maintaining a high quality pack.”

In order to construct the new sizer, Stemilt led a full deconstruction of its existing commit-to-pack line, allowing the company to start the process with a blank state.

The line, which makes use of similar technology to Stemilt's electronic cherry packing lines, HD cameras rapidly snap up to 60 images of each apple as it rotates through the sizer. The computer uses this to sort the fruit according to its size, color, and internal and external quality or defects. Apples which fail to meet Stemilt's standards are rerouted to a downgrade sizer and additional sorting.

Stemilt is particularly excited about the line's use of iQs IV external defect sorting technology to examine the outside of the fruit, recognizing and removing the fruit's stem and calyx ends. High resolution cameras on the line are able to detect even very small defects, such as russet, hail, and bruising. The optics even take advantage of relatively new technologies, allowing for sorting by external color.

“Consumers buy fruit with their eyes and the rise and popularity in bi-colored apples has created the need for us to do a better color sorting job. Greefa’s grading technology gives us a 3D look at the apple,” Fullbright shared. “We can reduce labor costs and simultaneously deliver a consistent, high-quality pack. This helps in our overall goal of improving the consumer experience, building demand for our fruits, and delivering greater returns to our growers.”

According to a press release, Stemilt will principally use the Greefa apple line for conventional varieties. The neighboring Euclid Street facility has a sizer which will be exclusively used for organic varieties.

Congratulations on the completion of this new sizer, Stemilt!

Stemilt 

CAMARILLO, CA - Houweling’s Tomatoes is welcoming Kevin Doran as the company’s new Chief Operating Officer. As he settles into his new role, Kevin will be responsible for initially focusing on all high touch customer interface platforms for all three of Houweling’s greenhouse farm locations, as well as working with the company’s direct retail partnerships. He will be based in the company’s Camarillo, CA operation.

“Houweling’s is committed to setting the standard for excellence within the greenhouse and produce industry,” said Casey Houweling, CEO. “Our growing expertise is second to none, and while we have made significant strides as a sales and marketing organization, I see Kevin as an integral piece to realize the vision I have for our company."

Kevin is particularly valued for his specialized knowledge of protected crops and the greenhouse sector, according to a press release. He brings over 20 years of strategic sales and marketing executive management experience, and was a former key member of the executive team at The Greenery BV.

Kevin was particularly excited about the opportunity, marking it as one he could not afford to pass up. “I have always had a tremendous respect for Casey Houweling, his values and passion for growing,” said Kevin. “It’s an exciting period in Houweling’s history, and I believe I can add value and perspective that will help the business achieve its stated objectives in what is a very competitive industry sector.”

Congratulations on joining Houweling’s, Kevin!

Houweling’s Tomatoes

OCT. 3, 2014 (LEAMINGTON, ON) - After many years of operating greenhouse operations at the corner of Highway 77 and County Road 14, Orangeline has put up its first ever company sign on the property. “Think of it as a sign that we’re launching into the next level of our growth and development,” jokes Duffy Kniaziew, President of Orangeline Farms and one of two brothers who own and manage the business.

“It never seemed like that much of a priority,” says his brother Jordan, Vice-President, “since we deal primarily with produce buyers from the major chains. From that standpoint, having a strong local presence was never a major priority.” 

But, he adds, the family is proud of their Leamington heritage and the company’s role in the community. 
“I guess it was time to ‘sign up’, so to speak, for a more visible presence.” Motorists along Highway 77 will hardly miss the large orange sign that now sits on the corner of the property.

COMMUNITY OFFERED FREE SAMPLES OF ZING! PRODUCE

To celebrate the new sign, Orangeline invites the community to experience its premium Zing! brand sweet bell peppers and other specialty produce. The company’s roadside stand, just west of the new sign, will be open on Saturday Oct. 11 at 8:00AM. While quantities last, visitors will be welcome to take home free sample bags.

“It’s our way of giving thanks to the community for all the support we’ve received over the years,” adds Duffy. “With the amazing bounty we see all around us, and with Thanksgiving right around the corner, it’s a great time to be giving back to our local friends and neighbours.” 

Orangeline Farms is an award-winning, boutique grower of specialty greenhouse products. The family-owned business operates year-round in Leamington, Ontario. For more information, go to orangelinefarms.com or call the Orangeline sales team at 519-322-0400.

This text was copied verbatim from a press release.

Orangeline Farms

ANAHEIM, CA - With PMA Fresh Summit just around the corner, we are taking a closer look at one industry innovator and someone local to the team here at AndNowUKnow, Lisa Davis, Chair of the Fresh Summit Committee for 2014. 

Lisa, who is also the Director of Business Development for Edge Sales and Marketing, will be delivering a message at the October 17th General Session where she will address our industry peers with a snapshot of what they will find at this year's Fresh Summit. PMA has been increasingly focused on global connections and innovations, while also bringing the organization’s resources to the forefront of the industry with greater efficiency and accessibility. Are you new to the show this year? Lisa will also be sharing the 411 on how to tap into the Fresh Summit experience through the show’s array of assets, events and workshops.

“This year, the committee has invested a considerable amount of time and effort in identifying what matters to the industry and what can influence and contribute to the future of the trade and fresh produce consumption,” Lisa tells me. “The general education workshops are a very important part of this year’s show and deliver the most relevant and forward-thinking information available for everyone involved in our industry, across the board. These sessions are personalized to fit multiple member backgrounds. This isn’t just a trade show, but an event that offers so much more.”

The Salinas, California native has been on the committee for the past three years and was Vice Chair in 2013. Now a leading part of Edge Sales, Lisa represents more than 30 industry brands with an expertise in marketing, advertising, and developing new business relationships.

“The Fresh Summit Committee, and the PMA Board of Directors, bring opinions from across the industry. We are not just comprised of individuals from a single sector of fresh produce and we hope to give our industry members a deeper look into the people here and how this organization works,” Lisa notes.

Bryan Silbermann, CEO, Produce Marketing Association, and Cathy Burns, President, Produce Marketing Association will also be addressing the crowd and the state of the industry with insights on PMA initiatives that seek to inspire the ‘Fresh Revolution.”

Lisa is joined by a host of her industry peers on this year’s committee, with Brian Cook from San Miguel Produce also assuming a leadership role as Vice Chair.

Also on the committee are:

• Tom Brugato, Pacific Coast Fruit Company
• Tyler Clear, Organically Grown Company
• Greg Corrigan, Raley's
• Julie DeWolf, Sunkist Growers, Inc.
• Mark Gale, Charleston/Orwig
• Randy Giumarra, Giumarra Vineyards Corporation
• Melinda Goodman, FullTilt Marketing
• Mark Harley, Decade Products LLC
• Paul Kneeland, Kings Food Markets
• Julie Lucido, Marketing Plus
• Luis Moreno Martinez, Grupo PM, S.A. de C.V.
• Megan McKenna, National Mango Board
• Scot Olson, Grocery Outlet, Inc.
• Jennifer Pelayo, Advantage Sales & Marketing
• Loren Queen, Domex Superfresh Growers
• Maria Fernanda Sarmiento, American Non Stop Label
• Tristan Simpson, Ready Pac Foods
• Kim St George, Mann Packing Co., Inc.
• Kevin Steiner, Sage Fruit Company
• Kyle Stone, Ben B. Schwartz & Sons, Inc.
• Brad Wyllie, Litehouse, Inc.

With its finger on the pulse of the fresh produce industry, PMA is promising to bring an elevated experience to the notion of the trade show. Fresh Summit is an event not to be missed. I’ll see you all there!

PMA Fresh Summit 

Edge Sales and Marketing

BENTONVILLE, AR – Wal-Mart has announced its commitment to create a more sustainable food system through a four-part plan at its Global Sustainability Milestone Meeting.

“The future of food is absolutely critical for both our society and for our business, which means we have a huge opportunity to make a difference here,” said Doug McMillon, President and CEO of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. 

“We’ve learned on our sustainability journey that we’re most successful when our initiatives create social and environmental value and business value at the same time.  Food is our number one category worldwide, and we are going to do even more in our grocery business in the years ahead.  Paving a sustainable future for food is necessary for society and our business,” McMillon added.

The retailer plans to address major issues and threats facing today’s global food system through four key pillars: improving affordability of food for customers and the environment, increasing access to food, making healthier eating easier, and improving safety and transparency of the food chain, according to a press release.

• Affordable:  Wal-Mart is working with suppliers to lower the “true cost” of food to provide lower prices and decrease the environmental impact of agricultural practices, according to a press release.  The retailer has also launched its Climate Smart Agriculture Platform to improve environmental outcomes.
• Accessible:  Through its “Fighting Hunger Together” commitment, Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club facilities donated more than 1.58 billion pounds of food since 2010.  Wal-Mart and the Wal-Mart Foundation aim to provide 4 billion healthier meals to those who need them in the U.S. over the next five years.
• Healthier:  The company reports a 13% reduction of sodium and a 10% reduction of sugar levels in Great Value, Marketside and nationally branded products.  As part of this new plan, Wal-Mart and the Wal-Mart foundation will provide nutrition education to 4 million U.S. households.
• Safe and Transparent:  Wal-Mart plans to provide more information and transparency about its products so customers can see where an item came from, how it was made, and decode the ingredient label.

“Wal-Mart has made major progress since we set out to achieve our three ambitious sustainability goals to create zero waste, be powered by 100 percent renewable energy, and sell products that sustain people and the environment. We believe it’s especially critical to focus our time and effort on advancing the sustainability of our food products and practices,” said McMillon.  “Grocery is a very personal category – it’s about what you feed your kids and how you take care of yourself.  It’s about your health and wellbeing.  And it all comes down to trust.  Customers have to trust us on food. When we focus on food, we are doing right by our customers, our communities, and our planet.”

Wal-Mart will be continuing to collaborate with suppliers to track and report the progress of this plan and the creation of a sustainable food system.

Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow as we continue to follow the effects and progress of these initiatives.

Wal-Mart

NEW KENSINGTON, PA – Yerecic Label is making life simpler for its partners again with a new virtual tour video on its website. Only four minutes long, the tour captures the company's expertise and passion for the industry.

“The produce industry knows the Yerecic Label name through our consumer research, presence at tradeshows and participation within the industry,” said President Art Yerecic. “But our customers and others in produce rarely get to see what happens to build the labels that help sell fruits and vegetables.”

This newly released virtual tour is Yerecic's way of solving this problem.

“History has shown us that when visitors tour the Yerecic Label facility, they leave with a real appreciation for our people, automation and lean manufacturing,” Rich Thoma, VP of Sales and Marketing, further explained. “The cleanliness and efficiency of our facility, as well as passion and talent of our associates, helps to take their trust in our products to a new level.”

Check out the video for yourself below:

Through this innovation, Yerecic Label is putting its commitment to quality, food safety and lead times on display for the rest of the industry. It allows Yerecic's partners in the business to get to know the Yerecic process, team and facility without having to leave the comfort of their computer.

I'd certainly recommend Yerecic's video to anyone closely connected to the produce industry. It provides insights into a part of the production process that all too often can be taken for granted or forgotten. 

Yerecic Label

OVIEDO, FL - Duda Farm Fresh Foods is launching a new line of ready to eat value-added radishes, as well as serving up a host of award-winning original recipes from renowned Chef Todd Fisher at booth #2430 at PMA Fresh Summit.  

“We saw an opportunity to innovate in the radish category – offering new forms with compelling product benefits. After exploring billions of potential combinations for new radish products we chose the top three as items that consumers would purchase with the most amount of frequency. We took the feedback and decided on building our program around Ready Radishes, which are cut, trimmed, and ready to eat, along with Radish Coins and Radish MiniSticks,” Nichole Towell, Director of Marketing, tells me. “Our research indicates these products will entice the radish lover and the younger non-radish user as well, who may be discouraged from using the item due to prep and unfamiliarity.”

The company recently delved into the world of collaborative consumer research with Affinnova and surfaced with bold new packaging for its three new radish items. Through the consumer testing, Duda was able to highlight over 100,000 different prototypes, which eventually lead to the eye-catching packaging that now showcases the radish items.

Affinnova is a type of testing that gives participants many different potential elements and asks them to choose the components that perk their interest and satisfy their senses the most. The algorithm behind the software utilizing real time consumer feedback identifies the best ideas, and starts to learn what you like and proceeds accordingly.

“We took all the consumer recommendations to heart, 100%,” Nichole notes. “It was important to us that our audience be included in the creative dialogue when designing this new packaging.”

Based on third party revenue data, products created from Affinnova-optimized concepts perform 4.4x better in marketplace relative to the category average, according to Affinnova company materials.

Don’t forget to try some of the award-winning recipes from Chef Todd Fisher. On Saturday, Chef Fisher will serve Ciabatta and Burrata with Dandy Radish Mini Sticks & Celery “Crudo,” Lemon Grass Steamed Chicken Bahn Mi with Celery and Radish Mini Stick “Quickles,” and Dandy Citrus Tartlets with Burnt Meringue.

On Sunday, the chef will serve Grilled Tombo Tuna Tacos with a Dandy Radish Mini Stick and Black Garlic Slaw, Lemon Grass Steamed Chicken Bahn Mi with Celery and Radish Mini Stick “Quickles,” and Dandy Meyer Lemon Panna Cota with Clementine Conserva.

Duda is part of #TeamFreshSummit, a social street team project that invited 16 food bloggers to blog live from the show floor. Carly Morgan from Ever Clever Mom and Megan Myers from Stetted will each blog for two hours on Saturday and Sunday, according to a press release.

Check the new packaging and these savory dishes from Chef Fisher out in person at PMA Fresh Summit this month in Anaheim, California at the Duda Farm Fresh Foods Booth #2430.

Duda Farm Fresh Foods