PHILADELPHIA, PA – The Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market (PWPM) is fielding a team of bicyclists to ride in this year’s Bike MS: City to Shore event to help fight Multiple Sclerosis.

This year’s event will take place September 27, 2014 and features a route of about 100 miles from Cherry Hill, NJ to Ocean City, NJ, according to a press release.

The Produce Pedalers are welcoming friends, family and colleagues of the PWPM to join in the trip through beautiful Southern NJ all while helping to fight MS.

PWPM will cover the registration costs, a $65 fee, of the first 25 riders who sign up as well as providing jerseys for all of the riders, according to a press release.  Each team member raises a minimum of $300 for the MS Society.

If you cannot attend the event, you can still support the team by going directly to the Produce Pedaler page by clicking here.

Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market

DEARBORN, MI – It might not seem like tomatoes and cars have much in common, but Ford Motor Company and Heinz are working together to develop sustainable materials for vehicles.

Heinz researchers have been looking for innovative ways to recycle and repurpose peels, stems and seeds from the more than two million tons of tomatoes it uses to make Heinz Ketchup.

“We are delighted that the technology has been validated,” said Vidhu Nagpal, Associate Director, Packaging R&D for Heinz. “Although we are in the very early stages of research, and many questions remain, we are excited about the possibilities this could produce for both Heinz and Ford, and the advancement of sustainable 100% plant-based plastics.”

“We are exploring whether this food processing byproduct makes sense for an automotive application,” said Ellen Lee, Plastics Research Technical Specialist for Ford.  “Our goal is to develop a strong, lightweight material that meets our vehicle requirements, while at the same time reducing our overall environmental impact.”

The tomato refuse could be used to make lighter plastics than what is currently available.  To get the fruit’s refuse ready for molding, the fibers are ground and dried.  Then molten plastic is added as a binder. 

Even with current samples containing about 20% tomato, Debbie Mielewski, a leader in the R&D team, tells Smithsonian.com, “We’re still talking about a ton of value, because millions of applications for this could pop up.” 

This isn’t the first use of renewable plastic used by the company.  Smithsonian.com reports that the lab’s first renewable plastic launched on the 2008 Mustang using a soy-based polyurethane foam in the seat cushion and headrest.  Ford says that all of its domestic vehicles use the foam in the seat cushions now and 75% of them have it in the headrest.

For now, the lab is putting the tomato-infused plastic to the test to ensure it will meet current vehicle safety requirements.  After testing, it would go through product development and be worked into Ford’s supply chain.

Heinz

Ford 

SELMA, CA - Jim Pandol & Company has announced that it is launching Certified Organic Sweet Babies grapes as a companion to its conventional offerings.

These grapes offer a unique look and flavor and will be packaged in beautiful packaging designed to be attractive to both shoppers and children.  The packaging also features a QR code that directs to the teacher tour website which explains the product more fully and Jim’s signature to take personal responsibility for the product.

With a focus on staying natural, the variety that the company uses to produce the Sweet Babies is the Thompson seedless. This variety exists from nature and was not created in a breeding program.

Both of Jim Pandol’s conventional and organic Sweet Babies are grown without growth hormones. Though small in size, the flavor of the grape is concentrated and intensified in the sweet little berry.

Jim Pandol & Company 

ORLANDO, FL - The National Mango Board has some great tips for its retail partners this August, with back-to-school recipes, a mango ripening webinar, and some great promotional tips among other resources.

Mango and Onion Cross Marketing

The National Mango Board has a whole host of recipes to help creative cooks get more comfortable cooking with mangos in the kitchen. My personal favorite was the Island Style Skewers, which pair two unlikely partners together in a dish that the NMB says is “a great way to squeeze the last bit of YUM out of the summer season. The delicious sweetness of mango pairs perfectly with the onions, peppers, chicken and shrimp in this easy grilling recipe. Your display with onions and mangos will be sure to get the creative juices flowing! ”

Promoting this recipe in store is a great opportunity for some innovative cross marketing promotions. I know I'd be sure to check this display out.

If you'd like to check out the full recipe, click here.

Back-To-School 

Mangos aren't commonly thought of as a big back-to-school produce category, but the NMB is looking to change that this season with another innovative recipe. I might be a bit past my high school years, but I think I'm going to have to give this Mango and Maple Oatmeal To Go recipe a shot sometime soon.

According to a press release, the NMB also has a series of header cards and tearpad's available for its retail partners.

It says these POS materials are a great way to make customers look at mangos in new ways at the retail aisle.

Mango University & the Mango Ripening Webinar

The National Mango Board is offering retailers these two great resources to help teach employees and retail managers the best practice tools for handling mangos.

In Mango University, the NMB says that “the zany Professor Mango will quickly teach them everything they need to know to ramp up mango sales.” Click here to check it out.

Held on August 20th at 4pm EDT, the Mango Webinar is a free resource for produce professionals looking to get up-to-date information on the best handling & ripening protocols in the industry. Interested parties can register here.

Also for more on the Webinar check out ANUK's previous story on the topic here.

Fresh Summit & New England Produce Council Expo

The National Mango Board will have a booth (booth 316) at the New England Produce Council Expo on September 11^th, at the Hyatt Regency Newport Hotel and Spa in Newport, RI.

In addition they will be taking part in the The Mango Industry Reception at Fresh Summit on Saturday, October 18th from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. They will be on the second floor of the Hilton Anaheim, adjacent to the convention center.  

National Mango Board

WASHINGTON, DC - With The Washington Conference quickly approaching next month, AndNowUKnow spoke with several industry leaders for an inside perspective on what the conference might hold.

Speaking about the conference, Tony Freytag, Crunch Pak’s Senior VP of Sales and Marketing, tells AndNowUKnow, “This is a great event.  It gives you access to people that you wouldn’t normally get access to.  It’s a very powerful tool, and with all of us there, it is a statement to the legislators about the strength of produce industry and our need to get things done.”

For Barry Bedwell, President of the California Fresh Fruit Association, The Washington Conference looks to be a very productive event.  “I’m looking forward to interacting with reps from around the country to discuss the priorities for the different geographical areas of the country and compare notes to find the best strategy to move forward,” he tells us.

Kenny Lund, VP of Support Operations for Allen Lund Company, adds, “As Chair of the Supply Chain and Logistics Council, I look forward to the conference.  It offers a unique gathering of leadership in the supply chain arena and leads to positive discussion and strong participation in looking to the future of the industry.”

The Washington Conference takes place from September 8-10 and features many educational and networking events as well as offering face-to-face dialogue with lawmakers and staff at key congressional offices.

Two key items on the agenda for the conference are immigration reform and FISMA.  “Every year immigration reform has to be discussed.  It is a focal point in determining what steps must be taken for reform,” Barry tells us.  “It’s good to compare notes on the realities people are seeing around the country.”

When speaking on food safety and FISMA rules, Barry added, “We know that stonefruit is extremely low risk, but with our first incident this year, it in not immune to issues.  I’m very interested in the food safety discussions.”

Kenny tells us that FISMA rules and immigration reform are just as important for the food transportation sector as well.  “We have a different perspective, but it is the same set of issues through the produce industry.  The proposed FISMA rules and immigration are difficult political issues, and we have to work to create a fair and workable solution.  Luckily for us, people in the produce world love a big challenge, and we are ready to get to work.”

The conference will also feature sessions and activities like business education sessions, congressional meetings and forums with regulatory officials.  To register, click here.

United Fresh

Crunch Pak

California Fresh Fruit Association

Allen Lund Company

INDIAN TRAIL, NC - Harris Teeter has announced that it will be launching a major expansion of its Indian Trail Distribution Center in North Carolina. The $5.5 million expansion plan will allow the facility to service 125 stores across North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida, a roughly 20% increase from its previous servicing capacity.

North Carolina Governor, Pat McCrory spoke with optimism about the good he expects the expanded Indian Trail Distribution Center to do for his constituents.

“We’re committed to promoting economic growth in North Carolina,  and we know that many of those jobs will come from existing companies like Harris Teeter,” said Governor McCrory. “Harris Teeter’s decision to expand in Union County shows the company’s support of the local community.”

According to the Jacksonville Daily News, Harris Teeter plans on beginning the 50,000 square foot expansion effort by late October 2014. If all goes according to plan the entire process should be completed within 10 months of the launch date. Harris Teeter hopes that the new facility will allow it to streamline its distribution network, improving the efficiency of its supply chain operations.  

Harris Teeter

CHERRY HILL, NJ – Sbrocco International has sponsored the 2014 JCC Maccabi Games® in the Cherry Hill, NJ community.

“It’s always been important to Sbrocco to give back to our local community, and The Maccabi Games are especially rewarding since we share a common mission to encourage the health and well-being of our youth,” says Christina Regan, Marketing Manager of Sbrocco International, Inc.

The JCC Maccabi Games are an Olympic-style sporting competition held each summer in multiple sites around North America, according to a press release.  It is the world’s largest organized sports program for Jewish teenagers.

For the event this year, Sbrocco donated apples that were served with lunch and as a snack to Maccabi athletes and coaches 

Brian Adler, Development Director of the Jewish Community Center says, “On behalf of the 2014 JCC Maccabi Games and over 5,000 athletes, coaches, volunteers, and staff, we are truly grateful for all of the support from Sbrocco International, and for assisting us in maintaining healthy and balanced lunch and snack options for our participants and supporters.”

The 2014 JCC Maccabi Games were held on August 10-15 in the host communities of Cherry Hill, NJ, Boca Raton, FL and Detroit, MI.

Sbrocco International

MCLEAN, VA – Gladstone Land Corporation has entered into three purchase and sale agreements to purchase five farms in California and Florida totaling 3,522 acres for $45 million.

The Company is also working to purchase three additional properties totaling approximately 2,300 acres under signed non-binding letters of intent for about $39 million, according to a press release.

Gladstone will be working towards completing these purchases within the next few months pending the customary conditions and termination rights for transactions of this type, including a due diligence inspection period.

"Our marketing efforts are generating results, as evidenced by the strong growth in our near-term agreements to purchase farmland and additional letters of intent. If we are able to complete these mentioned transactions, it would increase our total acreage owned by over 50% and provide a strong boost to our operating revenues.  Although there is no guarantee that any of the agreements will be completed, we are encouraged by the current results of our marketing efforts," said David Gladstone, President and CEO of the Company.

This is the latest in a string of recent Gladstone acquisitions.  As we previously reported, Gladstone also acquired 390 acres of California farmland in the San Joaquin Valley and Oxnard for $12.7 million last month.  To read the full article, click here.

According to the company’s website, Gladstone currently owns 6,833 acres on 28 farms in 5 different states across the U.S., valued at approximately $144 million.

Gladstone Land Corporation

BANNOCKBURN, IL - Last Wednesday, August 13^th, Heinen's Fine Foods had the grand opening for its 20^th store. The new location, opening in Bannockburn, IL, about 30 miles north of the Chicago, is now the second new store Heinen's has opened this year, and is also the largest of its 3 locations in the Chicago region.

Early word from the local community in Bannockburn has so far greeted the grand opening with excitement.

"We're very excited to have Heinen's become part of Bannockburn," Bannockburn Village Manager Maria Lasday said. "It's been a pleasure working with Jeff and Tom Heinen and their excellent, professional staff. Heinen's has brought excitement to the Bannockburn Green retail center as well as the rest of the community. We wish Tom and Jeff Heinen, as well as the rest of the Heinen's family, much success."

Jeff and Tom, brothers and co-owners of the Heinen's retail chain, have more growth plans for the future. Two more stores are slated to open in downtown Cleveland and Lake Bluff, IL between this fall and early 2015. According to Cleveland.com, the retailer has also released a letter of intent to open up a 23rd store in Chargrin Falls, OH inside a former Giant Eagle.

Congratulations on the new store Jeff and Tom! I'll be looking forward to writing more about Heinen's growth in the future.

Heinen's Fine Foods

WATSONVILLE, CA – California Giant Berry Farms has deepened its commitment to being a leader in the fresh blueberry industry, with the promotion of 4 year company veteran Nader Musleh to Executive Director of the Blueberry Division. According to a press release, he will be taking on full responsibility for all of California Giant's non-strawberry operations, working closely with senior executives to develop company policies and growth strategies for the domestic and international berry markets.

“Nader has proven to be a leader in the development of the company’s blueberry program.  We understand this is a big move for him and his family and are very pleased he will take a larger leadership role within the company as we take this program to the next level”, said Bill Moncovich, President and CEO.

For his part, Nader said he was excited to assume his new position and get to work for the company.

“I will be moving my family here in January and even though it is a big change for all of us we are excited about the new opportunity ahead and I look forward to expanding our berry program,” he said.

Nader will assume his new role effective August 12th, 2014. According to a press release, his first task will be working on plans to expand the grower's geographical reach in order to increase California Giant's market share and ensure volume continues to meet growing sales needs. To do this he will be working with the existing Bush Berry sales team composed of Jerry Connery, Bush Berry Category Manager and Evan Pence, Blueberry Operations Manager for North America.

Congratulations on the promotion Nader! 

California Giant Berry Farms