MORGAN HILL, CA - As retail and consumer demand increases for quality produce offerings with high flavor profiles, Sakata Seed America is continuing its commitment to seed innovation with the debut of a number of new produce players.  The company recently wrapped up its trials in Woodland, California to strong customer and attendee response for its expanded produce line.

On the bell pepper front, Sakata has enhanced its program for West Coast performers. The company has invested in developing a new range of sweet peppers encompassing a number of important segments for the NAFTA markets that include sweet bell, lamuyo and cubanelle. There is a range of options for outdoor and indoor segments as well as excellent rootstock hybrids to support indoor long cycle productions.

“We have focused on addressing adaptability, marketable yield potential, labor friendliness, drying qualities, and improved disease resistances,” Kimberly Nerli, Senior Protected Culture Sales and Western NAFTA Tomato/Pepper Product Development Manager tells us. “The benefits to the grower, consumer and retailer are endless.”

The Double Up variety is a green-to-red bell pepper known for dependable performance in most Western U.S. growing regions, as well as Mexico and Central America. It offers early-mid maturity with high yields of quality fruit and is a dependable performer for multiple seasons.

The Classic variety, is a green-to-red, high-yielding bell presenting outstanding fruit quality, with thick walls and a uniform blocky shape. Classic is widely adapted and offers good heat-set ability. “It approaches greenhouse quality in the open field,” Kimberly tells us.

Additionally, as the melon category continues to grow, Sakata has introduced new Long Shelf Life (LSL) Cantaloupe varieties Infinite Gold and Timeless Gold. Both varieties deliver high brix and firm interior. These LSL melons allow growers to have more flexibility when it comes to harvest timing i.e. when weather permits, as market prices rise, or as labor is more available.

“The Infinite Gold cantaloupe represents the next big thing in cantaloupe for Sakata,” Zachary Wortiska, Area Sales Manager-SJV/Bakersfield and Asst. Melon Product Manager, tells us. “This LSL melon has been bred for strong performance and long shelf life and does not sacrifice great flavor and quality. The retailer’s needs for differentiation in the melon category, have inspired us to invest in varieties like these.”

A third-party sensory analysis panel rated Infinite Gold higher in flavor and quality attributes than the leading competition, he notes. The melon also offers strong vines, high yield potential and uniform size and shape.  Timeless Gold, also bred especially for long shelf life, is widely adapted to many growing regions and is a high-yielding variety with strong vines, uniform fruit, firmness and brix.

The lineup isn’t complete yet.  Stay tuned for new tomatoes and squash varieties to enhance the Sakata Seed portfolio.

Sakata Seed America

NOGALES, AZ – With the upcoming $244 million expansion of the Mariposa Port of Entry, the Nogales Santa Cruz Port Authority is seeing increased demand for international trade warehouse space and property.

Nohe Garcia is the owner of the La Loma Grande Industrial Park, and he has been developing property for commercial development there.  “Within the past 10 months, there is now demand that did not exist before the Nogales warehouse space,” he says.  Nohe is currently finishing nine lots with infrastructure on 215 acres of his industrially zoned property.

Southern Arizona commercial land developers and Realtors® say that Mexico’s economic growth and rising global trade in agribusiness, mining, manufacturing and logistics industries through the Mariposa Port of Entry have also led to the increased demand for commercial and industrial space, according to a press release.

Denisse Angulo-Badilla, International Commercial Specialist with Cushman & Wakefield | PICOR, has seen a major increase in interest in the commercial space.  “Nogales is a hot market,” she observes, “where industry is especially looking for space in the range of 5,000 – 50,000 square feet.”  She also notes that more companies have approached her in the past six months than in the previous eight years, according to a press release.

To help meet this increased demand, several Nogales organizations are helping to connect local Realtors® and developers to prospective commercial and industrial industries.  “Through the Nogales-Santa Cruz Economic Development Foundation and the Greater Nogales-Santa Cruz Count Port Authority, we are positioned to provide assistance to industries looking to find property and commercial space in Nogales, Arizona as a place to do international trade and to benefit from use of our Foreign Trade Zone,” says Nils Urman, representing Nogales Community Development.

Urman is also a member of the City of Nogales' economic development and tourism advisory board and a board member of the Greater Nogales-Santa Cruz County Economic Development Foundation. "With the increase in Mexican maquilas due to the 'nearshoring' trends to move operations from China to Mexico - which in Nogales, Sonora now employs about 34,000 people and includes more than 100 plants - we are becoming a 'logistics cluster' to support our port of entry. We, as a public-private partnership, are positioned to support the growing international trade industry in our region,” he added.

With all of the expansion that the port is currently experiencing, this is definitely one I will be keeping my eye on.

Nogales Port Authority

FIREBAUGH, CA – Ruby Fresh JEWELS Grab-N-Go Pomegranate Aril cups have been named among the 20 finalists for the 2014 PMA Impact Award: Excellence in Packaging.

According to a press release, this is the second consecutive year in which Ruby Fresh has been honored with this distinction for its innovative packaging designs. In 2013, the grower's Salad Jewels were also nominated for the PMA Impact Awards.

“Not only are we honored to be one of 20 finalists in the Excellence in Packaging program, but this makes us that much more excited to show off our new JEWELS product line at this year’s PMA,” says David Anthony, Domestic Sales for Ruby Fresh. “Convenience was such an important factor when we began designing our newest product line.”

The new Ruby Fresh JEWELS come in convenient 4 oz. and 5.3 oz. Grab-N-Go sizes and are available in 2-packs and 4-packs. The grower says that they're the perfect choice for the the busy, but health conscious, customer on-the-go.

According to a press release, the packaging has been a big hit because the functional cup is in an eye-catching sleeve, allowing for the easy display of product information without blocking the customers view of the product. Furthermore, each cup has a resealable lid to ensure product freshness even after multiple uses and a sleeve that is complete with finger-grabs.

Congratulations on the nomination, Ruby Fresh!  

Ruby Fresh

ONTARIO, CA - Pro's Ranch Market has announced that it will be undergoing a name change to Los Altos Ranch Market. According to AZ Central, the name change will go into effect starting Wednesday, September 3rd after the Labor Day weekend, and Los Altos is confident that the new name is the first step towards many good years to come for the retailer.

Last May, AndNowUKnow covered how Pro's Ranch Market had been forced to file for bankruptcy because of an anticipated $7,229,773 in PACA violations.

Now however, Pro's Ranch Market is under new ownership after being acquired for $55 million last February by a partnership between California-based Cardenas Markets and Northgate Gonzalez Market, and the new owners are confident that they have the right vision to lead the retailer forward.

According to AZ Central, the Los Altos Ranch Market name was born from a crowd-sourcing effort in which the retailer reached out for feedback from both customers and employees.

To celebrate the new name, the retailer will be launching a 6 week long celebration, which will include parking lot festivities, grocery discounts, and concerts. In addition, the retailer has announced that the first 300 shoppers to visit Los Altos Ranch market locations on September 3rd will receive a free bag of groceries with their purchase.

Congratulations on the new name, Los Altos Ranch Market! Here's to many good years ahead!

Los Altos Ranch Market 

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The USDA has cited Florida European Export Import Co. Inc., a Miami, Florida-based company for failure to pay for produce.

Florida European Export Import Co. Inc. allegedly failed to pay $383,991 to nine sellers for 139 lots of produce, according to a press release. Consequently, the company has been barred from operating in the produce industry until June 2, 2016, at which time it may reapply for a PACA license. The company’s principals at the time of the violation are now deceased.

In the past three years, the USDA resolved approximately 4,600 claims under the PACA involving more than $87 million. Individuals, including sole proprietors, partners, members, managers, officers, directors, or major stockholders may not be employed or affiliated with any PACA licensee without the approval of the USDA. The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), PACA Division, regulates fair trading practices of produce businesses operating subject to PACA.

Agricultural Marketing Service

DALLAS, TX – Avocados from Mexico has announced that it will be celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with an “Échale al Asador,” or “Toss it on the Grill,” campaign. The company will be pushing aggressive display activity and consumer excitement through a mobile sweepstakes as well as coupon and recipe savings offers in addition to social media and in-store merchandising.

The central focus of the “Échale al Asador” campaign is a text-to-win campaign in which consumers can text in to win outdoor large green eggs for summertime grilling. Consumers can also use their mobile devices to access great coupons and grilling recipes.

This program represents the first ever Avocado from Mexico mobile program targeted especially to Hispanic consumers.

“Given that Hispanics are adopters of technologies, in-language digital and mobile channels will be key to reach Hispanics in their path-to-purchase. In order to reach the 'Nueva Latina' Avocados from Mexico needs to leverage the technologies that she uses to engage with her,” said Stephanie Bazán, Hispanic Marketing Director for Avocados from Mexico.

During the promotion, consumers will also be able to save $1.00 on their produce purchases when buying 3 Avocados from Mexico with their groceries with an in-store coupon or through the text-to-win platform.

In addition, Avocados from Mexico will be providing retailers with large avocado dump bins with the company header and Hispanic Heritage themed POS as well as an in-store merchandising team to help retailers make the best use of their avocado displays.

Finally, Avocados from Mexico will be using a landing page on the Echale Al Asador website in addition to Facebook and Twitter to connect with consumers through social media.

According to a press release, the “Échale al Asador” program will run from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, 2014 in California, Arizona, Texas, Chicago and Florida in approximately 1,200 Hispanic chain stores and independent retail locations.  

Avocados from Mexico

CAMARILLO, CA - Houweling’s Tomatoes is welcoming Lindsay Martinez, former Director of Marketing for Boskovich Farms in Oxnard, CA, as its new Brand Manager.

“Lindsay is a produce marketing veteran having spent the last 20 years at Boskovich Farms in Ventura County,” said David Bell, Chief Marketing Officer for Houweling’s. “This experience, along with an incredible work ethic will provide tremendous support to our customers.”

Lindsay will be responsible for all brand related matters for Houweling’s and will lead the company’s year-round locally and domestically grown advantage through digital, in-store, and experiential marketing campaigns. She will also execute Houweling’s trade marketing programming, including implementing strategic promotions, packaging design, and tradeshows, according to a press release.

Congratulations on your new position at Houweling’s, Lindsay!

Houweling’s Tomatoes

IRVINE, CA – Urban Produce kicked off the grand opening of its first Southern California location this past week, and it is excited about the reception it has received so far from the industry.

“We were blessed with the turn out,” said Ed Horton, President & CEO of Urban Produce. “The entire Urban Produce team has worked hard to get to this point and we are delighted to be able to celebrate such a special occasion with family and friends who have supported us throughout our journey. Urban Produce is proud to debut its patented High Density Vertical Growing System & excited to bring fresh organic, locally grown produce to Irvine and urban cities nationwide. ”

Center stage throughout the grand opening was Urban Produce's patented High Density Vertical Growing System, which the company is marketing as a sustainable alternative to traditional agriculture. By using advanced hydroponic technologies in a controlled, state of the art greenhouse environment that balances important elements like light and air distribution, Urban Produce is able to both increase growing efficiency and cut production costs.

Frankly, the vertically stacked produce shelves are quite a sight to see themselves. Check out this inside look into Urban Produce's High Density Vertical Growing System!

Among the attendees at the Irvine location grand opening celebration was former California Secretary of Agriculture AG Kawamura and Mayor Steven Choi. According to a press release, the guests raved about the “old west” theme Urban Produce planned for the night.

Urban Produce says that its mission is to bring fresh organic, locally grown, produce to the consumers and growth and employment opportunities to the local communities it partners with.

Urban Produce intends to build 100 urban farms throughout the United States and internationally within the next 3-5 years.

Congratulations on the grand opening, Urban Produce!

Urban Produce

MISSISSAUGA, ON - As growth has increased for Chantler Packaging Inc., the company has launched a new packaging consultancy division called Brandcheck.

Ian Ferguson, VP of Chantler Packaging and Practice Leader for Brandcheck, tells AndNowUKnow that Brandcheck came about when Chantler noticed that there was a need in the market for an advisory service to help brand owners improve the fit between brand strategy and packaging. 

“One of the reasons why some food products fail on the shelf is that their packaging doesn’t fit with their brand strategy. Say a brand builds their business sourcing a great produce item, with a flavor and eating quality that’s really unique. But their package doesn’t call out to the consumer about why that item is unique and special, it doesn’t give the consumer the information they need to create that desire and purchase behavior,” Ian said.

“Another example is a food product that is all about value, about being competitively-priced. But the packaging they use is expensive and takes too much labor to apply. The packaging doesn’t fit with their brand strategy, and we can help with that,” Ian adds.

Brandcheck develops brand and product family strategy through strategic analysis, name generation, innovation mapping and consumer intercepts.  All of these services come together to create new strategies and analyze existing ones to better focus the brand.

For more information on Brandcheck, click here.

The company also offers competitive packaging research as well as material and structural development and design.

“One of the key services that sets Brandcheck apart is our competitor comparison service. We look at what the competing brands are doing in their packaging to see what consumers are more likely to choose.  We look at the packages head to head and generate data to develop the best packaging improvements to help brand owners forge that connection with consumers,” Ian says.

As the market continues to evolve, companies are looking for the next new strategy to energize their portfolios.  With that in mind, Chantler Packaging is raising the bar and inspiring new ways of interpreting the consumers' experience.

Brandcheck

Chantler Packaging 

TORONTO, CANADA - Shoppers Drug Mart has announced that it will be adding fresh produce and grocery options in select stores as it tests the viability of selling groceries alongside its lines of pharmaceutical products. According to The Star, the pilot program is set to launch on September 20th in 6 select Toronto stores. When the launch day does come, Executive Vice President and Chief Merchandising Officer Mike Motz is confident Shoppers is up to the task of accustoming consumers to shopping for cherries alongside cough syrup.

“It took a while to build milk, eggs, butter. It took us a while to get to packaged meat, it took us a while to get to bacon,” said Motz. “We are going to learn a lot from the pilot.”

“The biggest hurdle is having customers believe that they can get fresh food at a pharmacy,” he continued. “I think they’re going to hold us to a higher standard than they would hold a conventional supermarket.”

Interestingly, Shoppers isn't counting on rock bottom prices to drive its sales numbers since its pricing structure is on par with a conventional retail option rather than discount stores. Instead Motz is hoping that the convenience of buying at Shoppers, with its well-lit parking lots and late hours, will drive customer sales decisions.

“Our core customer is about 76-78 per cent female, they’re moms, they’re time-pressed, they’re looking for convenience, and a natural extension of convenience, from beauty and health and wellness, is food,” Motz told The Star.

According to Motz, this latest move is simply a continuation of the slow evolution Shoppers has undergone over the last decade. The Star chronicles how Shoppers has grown in size since 2003, with a 5,000-10,000 square foot format being replaced by more 15,000 square foot formats. Later came small snack food aisles and an expanded beauty and cosmetics department. In 2008, Shoppers introduced more and more convenience foods for its customers to peruse. The success of each of these former initiatives spurred Shoppers to a later move and most recently its acquisition by Canada's largest retail chain, Loblaw. This history of growth and change is what has lead Shoppers to today's news that produce would be its newest initiative.

If this produce test meets with anything like the success of Shoppers Drug Mart's previous undertakings, it's likely that a full expansion could soon follow.

Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow to stay updated on this latest produce push by Shoppers Drug Mart.

Shoppers Drug Mart