IRVINE, CA — GEM-Pack Berries, LLC and Red Blossom Sales, Inc. are combining forces.
GEM-Pack and Red Blossom build on more than 150 years of berry farming experience and collective acreage of strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries in nine berry growing regions throughout California, Mexico, Florida and South America.
“We believe the industry is changing and proactive consolidation will benefit our customers with consistency of supply, balanced production curves, improved quality and increased order fill rates for the entire spectrum of berries and seasons,” Director of Sales, Paul Kawamura.
After four years of quietly collaborating on cultivation and sales partnerships, GEM-Pack and Red Blossom realized their common philosophies and shared production priorities created a productive and powerful team.
The consolidation will combine GEM-Pack’s partnership with Healthy Harvest in Watsonville, and GEM-Pack’s continued operations in Oxnard, Irvine, Baja and Central Mexico, with Red Blossom Farm’s acreage in Santa Maria.
Included in the consolidation will be Red Blossom’s production from the Parkesdale Group in Florida, as well as Red Blossom’s long term, exclusive partnership with Mainland Farms in Central Mexico. Mainland Farms has grown to be Central Mexico’s second largest strawberry shipper, while also offering a full-spectrum berry program with blueberries, blackberries and raspberries.
GEM-Pack’s blueberry and bushberry programs in Mexico and South America will round out the company’s now year-round berry production.
Red Blossom and GEM-Pack complement each other’s strengths, adding deeper access to services in all departments. “As the overall produce industry continues to consolidate, we wanted to stay proactive and flexible. The merger facilitates continued growth and allows us to not only meet, but exceed customer expectations,” Mike Etchandy, CEO.
Amazon will let you skip the checkout line at two Whole Foods stores next year, CNN reports.
Amazon is installing its cashier-less “Just Walk Out” technology at the locations, which are set to open in 2022 in Washington D.C. and Sherman Oaks, California.
It’s the latest test of the software, which is already used at Amazon Go convenience stores as well as Amazon Fresh grocery stores, a new, growing line of supermarkets that Amazon has been opening. Amazon also sells the software to other retailers.
Amazon bought Whole Foods in 2017, and this will be the first time the technology is available at one of Whole Foods’ more than 500 stores. Amazon said in a blog post Wednesday that it would gauge the customer response to the technology and had no immediate plans to add it to more Whole Foods stores in the future.
The software lets shoppers enter the store by scanning a QR code in the Amazon or Whole Foods apps and uses cameras and motion sensors to track which products they take off shelves and add to their shopping carts. At the end, customers scan the QR code again to leave the store and receive a digital receipt. The technology is only available to customers with Amazon accounts, and shoppers without them will pay using self-checkout stations.
Cashier-less technology has been criticized by labor advocates, who fear it will take away cashier jobs. Amazon said that the two stores will employ a number of workers “comparable” to existing Whole Foods locations of similar sizes, but did not give exact numbers.
Adding the technology to Whole Foods is Amazon’s latest step to leave its imprint on the grocery chain. Since the acquisition, Whole Foods has slashed prices, offered discounts exclusive to Amazon Prime members, and sped up home delivery times.
But Whole Foods has lagged Amazon’s booming online retail operation. Sales at Amazon’s physical stores, which are mainly comprised of Whole Foods locations, dropped 0.18% in 2019 from the year prior and then 5.6% in 2020 as more shoppers ordered online in the pandemic.
Fall has arrived, and that means it’s time to get ready for Chilean Cherries. And when we say get ready, we mean get ready for some great news! Chile projects that cherry exports to the U.S. will see substantial growth in 2021/22, and for the first time, the season will run more than 12 weeks, from November through February. The Chilean Cherry Committee estimates that nearly 13,000 tons will be shipped to the U.S. market during the 2021/22 season.
The first shipments of cherries will depart Chile by early November and will continue through early February.
Chile reigns as the world’s largest exporter of cherries, and continued growth is anticipated over the coming years. While China has been the main receiver of Chilean cherries, the industry is working diligently to develop other markets, including the U.S.
Comments the Chairman of the Cherry Committee, Cristián Tagle, “Diversification and development of markets is crucial for our industry. Chile views the U.S. as a market with enormous potential, and we are committed to investing in its expansion.”
To support the increased volumes flowing into the market, the Committee will fund an expanded marketing program, encompassing numerous consumer and retail components encouraging consumers to “Cherrish the Moment”. Promotions will begin in December and continue through February, with new merchandising material communicating different occasions for enjoying Chilean cherries.
Karen Brux, managing director of the Chilean Fresh Fruit Association (CFFA) states, “Chilean cherries are a delicious addition to just about anything. Whether shared with family over the holidays, used in a special dessert for Valentine’s Day, given as a gift for Chinese New Year, or just eaten on the sofa while watching TV…there are so many ways to “Cherrish the Moment” with Chilean cherries.” The CFFA’s merchandisers are working with retailers across the country to showcase cherries to their shoppers both in-store and online. Extensive social media and e-commerce programs will provide an additional boost to awareness and shopper demand.
Hauling Idaho potatoes by truck this season is coming with higher freight rates.
Between early August to October 9, the USDA reported the average rate for refrigerated trucks from Idaho to Atlanta rose from $4,675 to $6,500, a gain of 39%. This year’s October rate was up about 40% compared with a year ago.
The truck rate from Idaho to Boston rose from $7,000 in early August to $8,500 by October 9, a gain of 21%. Compared with the same time a year ago, the October 2021 rate was 37% higher. Refrigerated truck rates from Idaho to Chicago were rated at $4,500 on October 9, 25% up from early August and 32% above the same time a year ago.
The Idaho Potato Commission of Eagle, ID expresses concerns over having adequate truck supplies during the holiday season.
Heading towards winter the commission is urging retailers to order early in order to build potato inventories, because transportation is going to be a challenge.
The commission reports factors which should favor truck availability include higher freight rates, driver signing bonuses and strong truck demand. Factors that could decrease truckload available range from slowed truck manufacturing because of part shortages and labor shortages.
Increasing demand for truck capacity is seen with the economic stimulus, retail spending, inventory replenishment, consumer sentiment, and housing.
However, the federal stimulus package enticed some drivers and warehouse workers to make money by “sitting on their couch” as opposed to joining the workforce, the commission reported.
Owner operators now account for 62% of truckers. Some observers predicted more owner operator entering the freight business.
C.H. Robinson of Prairie Eden, MN is projecting a 5% to 6% growth in spot rates from early September to the end of the year. Less-than truck load rates remain elevated compared to the historical five-year average and the truck driver shortage is not easing.
The company notes reducing wait time for drivers should be one aim, and investing in good facilities is another.
Twin Falls, Idaho potatoes – grossing about $8500 to New York City.
Los Angeles – New Zealand Trade Commissioner, Los Angeles, Haylon Smith, and supermodel and actress, Rachel Hunter, recently joined T&G Global in Los Angeles to celebrate the Envy™ apple brand’s outstanding success in the North American market.
Over the past year, more than 2.1 million cartons of Envy™ apples were sold in the U.S. The in-demand premium apple brand has skyrocketed to the top of the sales charts for a branded apple, earning 18.3% dollar sales growth and 18.0% volume growth (Source: Nielsen, Total U.S., Apple Category, L 52 weeks ending September 11, 2021). In addition, the apple was recognized as “Best in Produce” by Kitchn in its 2021 “Kitchn Essentials: Grocery Edition,” an annual selection of the must-have grocery items hand-picked by Kitchn editors.
First launched in North American produce departments in 2010, after years of extensive evaluation by New Zealand researchers and apple growers to ensure the variety meets and exceeds consumer expectations, Envy™ is an apple renowned for its beautifully balanced flavor, uplifting aroma, crisp texture, and slices that stay white for longer. These are qualities prized by consumers around the globe, including in the U.S., with T&G Global’s recent U.S. shopper study finding Envy™ outperformed popular branded and mainstream apple varieties in frequency of shopping trips, spend per trip, buy rate and average basket size.
Today, Envy™ apples are grown in 15 countries, each carefully selected for its prime growing regions to produce Envy™ apples at the quality international consumers now expect from the brand. In the U.S., Envy™ apples are grown only in Washington state’s pristine apple growing regions.
New Zealand’s Trade Commissioner in Los Angeles, Haylon Smith says “It’s great to see Envy™ supported by its hard working and dedicated apple growing community and its strong supply chain, succeeding in the U.S. market. The U.S. is crowded and competitive, so here at New Zealand Trade and Enterprise we work alongside Kiwi brands to help them grow and succeed. Envy™ has really captured and shared its New Zealand origin story and commitment to harnessing innovation and high quality as part of its premium positioning.”
New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE), which proactively supports the international growth and success of New Zealand products, has supported Envy™ apples in the U.S. with its “Made with Care” campaign, a global marketing initiative designed to grow awareness, preference and demand for New Zealand food and beverage products around the world.
Another proud New Zealand “export,” internationally acclaimed supermodel, actress and television host Rachel Hunter, has partnered with T&G Global to raise awareness of Envy™ apples. Rachel commented, “Coming from New Zealand, I’ve always had an appreciation for the care and dedication that our growers put into their produce. Almost every industry has faced unique COVID-19 related challenges over the last year and a half, and our community of growers have shown true New Zealand spirit in overcoming these challenges. It was great to meet with Trade Commissioner, Haylon Smith, to celebrate the 2021 season of Envy™ apples grown back home, and the continued success of these beautiful apples which are also grown here in the United States. I have long been a fan of Envy™ apples and it’s wonderful to see delicious Envy™ apples in stores worldwide.”
T&G Global’s Head of Marketing for North America, Cecilia Flores Paez was honored to accept recognition from these well-respected New Zealand representatives. “It is a joy to be a part of this beloved brand that exists today thanks to incredible dedication to innovation and commitment. New Zealand’s apple industry brought a beautiful piece of fruit to the world, truly providing the ultimate apple experience,” she said. “Envy™ continues to earn its success with every single bite, and we are introducing it to more and more consumers now that it is sold in nearly all major supermarkets in North America.”
Envy™ is marketed by CMI Orchards, Rainier Fruit Co. and Oppy. Visit envyapple.com
ABOUT T&G GLOBAL
T&G Global works with passionate growers around the world to produce, sell and deliver the highest-quality fruit. We love fresh produce, so we’re constantly exploring ways to make it more sustainable, fresh and delicious, to help people lead healthier lifestyles. T&G is a leader in the premium apple segment with its Envy™ and JAZZ™ branded varieties.
ABOUT ENVY™
Envy™ is a trademarked brand that refers to the Scilate apple variety. It was developed in New Zealand by Plant & Food Research and was patented in 2009. T&G, which owns the Envy™ trademark, began distributing in the U.S. via its marketing partner Oppy. Envy™ is now grown, under license by T&G, in New Zealand, the U.S., Chile, Asia, the UK, France and Australia. Consumers in over 45 countries enjoy eating delicious Envy™ apples. Envy™ is marketed in the U.S. by Oppy, CMI Orchards and Rainier Fruit Co.
ABOUT NEW ZEALAND TRADE AND ENTERPRISE
New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) is the New Zealand government’s international business development agency. Our job is to support exporters in order to grow a productive, sustainable and inclusive economy. We work with all kinds of innovative businesses, including food producers, Māori land trusts and iwi, tech startups, service providers, manufacturers and more.
ABOUT RACHEL HUNTER
Rachel Hunter is an internationally known supermodel from Auckland, New Zealand, who began her successful career at the age of seventeen and has appeared on notable magazine covers and in films and television programs worldwide. Most recently, Rachel embarked on an odyssey exploring beauty and well-being in cultures all over the globe for her acclaimed television program, “Tour of Beauty.” She has released a best-selling book chronicling her incredible experience.
LONG BEACH, CA – Carrier Transicold unveiled its revolutionary new zero-emission electric truck refrigeration technology today, demonstrating a path forward for refrigerated transporters who want to incorporate more sustainable systems into their fleets. Carrier Transicold is a part of Carrier Global Corporation (NYSE: CARR), the leading global provider of healthy, safe, sustainable and intelligent building and cold chain solutions.
The Supra® zero-emission demonstration unit was spotlighted at the Carrier Transicold booth at the Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo. Designed to provide maximum range and refrigeration capacities similar to those now only achieved by diesel-powered truck systems, the engineless Supra technology will be applied to battery electric vehicles (BEVs) or to run autonomously with conventional engine-driven trucks. This will make it especially well-suited for businesses in California that must introduce zero-emissions truck refrigeration units into their fleets by the end of 2023 in compliance with proposed California Air Resources Board (CARB) requirements.
“Carrier Transicold has a solid record of developing industry-leading sustainable refrigeration technologies for the safe transport of perishable and frozen goods, and our new electric Supra concept builds on this legacy with its quiet emissions-free design,” said Scott Parker, Product Manager, Truck Products, Carrier Transicold.
“The Supra zero-emission design completely removes the diesel engine from the equation,” Parker said. “It takes advantage of many of the system design, performance and efficiency enhancements that we recently introduced with our diesel-powered Supra series platform. As we upgraded our Supra line, we had an eye on the future, anticipating that the road ahead would require more sustainable, zero-emission technologies.”
Like Carrier Transicold’s renowned Vector™ trailer refrigeration systems, the electric Supra unit uses E-Drive™ technology, a uniquely all-electric refrigeration architecture that couples efficient performance with reduced maintenance requirements.
Features and benefits of the Supra zero-emission design include:
Efficient zero-emissions performance – Utilizing a direct-current electric power source, the unit eliminates fuel consumption, emissions and noise associated with engine-driven systems.
Maximum Range and High Capacity – The unit is being designed for full-day’s use with refrigeration performance on par with conventional diesel systems.
Reduced service requirements – E-Drive technology uses maintenance-free electric evaporator and condenser fans and a sealed electric compressor, eliminating many typical serviceable items, such as belts, pulleys and shaft seals.
More environmentally sustainable refrigerant – Using R-452A, with a global warming potential (GWP) that is 45% lower than today’s standard refrigerant, the electric Supra would meet CARB’s pending requirement that new transport refrigeration units use refrigerants with a GWP lower than 2,200 beginning in 2023.
The electric Supra unit requires a direct-current power supply. In the case of a non-electric truck this can be a dedicated battery module, and in BEV applications the electric Supra unit can draw energy from the truck’s battery pack. Carrier’s propriety power-management technologies maximize refrigeration unit performance and battery life for daily delivery operations.
Full North American commercial availability is slated by 2023 so fleets can comply with CARB’s proposed deadline of Dec. 31, 2023 to convert 15% of their refrigerated trucks to zero-emission refrigeration technologies.
Carrier Transicold’s energy-efficient solutions are critical to Carrier’s progress toward achieving carbon neutral operations by 2030, as outlined in its ambitious Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Goals. The company is also aiming to reduce its customers’ carbon footprint by more than one gigaton.
The Supra electric truck refrigeration technology is part of Carrier’s Healthy, Safe, Sustainable Cold Chain Program to preserve and protect the supply of food, medicine and vaccines. Learn more at www.corporate.carrier.com/healthycoldchain.
About Carrier Transicold
Carrier Transicold helps improve transport and shipping of temperature-controlled cargoes with a complete line of equipment and services for refrigerated transport and cold chain visibility. For more than 50 years, Carrier Transicold has been an industry leader, providing customers around the world with advanced, energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable container refrigeration systems and generator sets, direct-drive and diesel truck units, and trailer refrigeration systems. Carrier Transicold is a part of Carrier Global Corporation, the leading global provider of healthy, safe, sustainable and intelligent building and cold chain solutions. For more information, visit transicold.carrier.com. Follow Carrier on Twitter: @SmartColdChain, on Facebook at Carrier Transicold Truck/Trailer U.S. & Canada and on LinkedIn at Carrier Transicold Truck Trailer Refrigeration.
Vick Family Farms of Wilson, NC is expected average volume shipments for sweet potatoes during it’s 2021-22 season, with harvest wrapping up in November just in time for the holidays.
In 2021, the company celebrated 25 years of packing and marketing its own brands.
The operation’s first packing facility was built in 1996 and it now owns and operates two packing sheds, as well as working with other local growers and sheds throughout the season.
Vick is experiencing a harvest being later than normal due to weather factors. This has resulted in potatoes not sizing up as quickly. However, being well into the harvest the company has been pleased with yields and quality.
With average yields, volume is expected to be similar to last year, thanks in part to some additional planted acreage.
North Carolina Sweet Potato Commission, noted the harvest began in early September. The grower organization anticipates the state’s acreage will be similar to last year and thus far sweet potato diggings are showing an excellent quality crop.
Between August 2020 and August 2021, NCDA reported a total of 11,971,868 40-pound cartons of fresh-market sweet potatoes being shipped. The state’s industry ships sweet potatoes 12 months a year.
The Louisiana Sweet Potato Commission is expecting good sweet potato shipments in 2021 as well — after growers dodged the bullet with Hurricane Ida.
GOURA HILLS, CA — Restaurants, delis, hotels, grocery stores, convenience stores now have a way to offer fresh cut sandwich set-ups that lasts up to 500 times longer with eatFresh-FC, a blend of organic minerals, fruit acids, and vitamins that prevent oxidation while controlling the growth of yeast, mold and coliform bacteria that can result from aging food.
In a 14-day test, sliced tomato, chopped onions and cut Romaine lettuce were treated with eatFresh-FC and held with no organoleptic change, while yeast, mold, and coliform bacteria remained well under the required threshold.
“It really is visually stunning to see the side by side next to the control in our testing. Having worked in the restaurant world for years, I know it’s cost-efficient and convenient way for food service companies to get strategic about their purchasing and prepping. Since eatFresh-FC can help those sandwich staples last so much longer, maybe you prep once or twice a week instead of everyday,” commented Mareya Ibrahim, Founder, and CEO, eatCleaner®. “As a company, we have been dedicated to food safety and freshness solutions for over a decade, and now, with the rise in popularity of fresh-cut produce, this is an organic, clean label solution that can help companies innovate new products and gain added distribution at a fraction of a penny per serving. And the flavor of eatFresh-FC leaves no aftertaste on the cut produce. As a chef, this was extremely important to me as I was developing the product with my father, an environmental scientist,” added Ibrahim.
The average shelf life for fresh-cut lettuce is 3-5 days and for tomatoes, it’s 2-3 days. eatFresh-FC can offer 500%+ additional shelf life, saving processors money and keeping food out of landfills. According to the USDA, about 83% of waste comes from homes, food service companies, retailers, and restaurants. eatFresh-FC can help eliminate millions of pounds of waste in the US alone annually.
Ibrahim added that she also developed an approach to packaging the tomatoes to help avoid damaging the slices. “Our customer was concerned that the treated slices would ‘bleed’ out and become mushy, so we created an approach and protocol to protect the tomatoes and deter damage. We love problem solving our customers and welcome the opportunity to think strategically with them,” noted Ibrahim.
eatFresh-FC can also be used in food preparations such as dips, sauces, and ready-to-eat products, thus extending the application of shelf life extension and sensory preservation to other food categories. It has been proven effective on a range of products, from coleslaw to hummus, sushi to chicken lettuce cups. Shelf-life extension of guacamole to 21 days, fruit bowls to 21 days, and apple slices to 26 days have all been proven by 3rd party labs. Also, no special equipment is required to use GGI’s patented solutions.
“Organic food waste and the billions of pounds that are thrown into landfills annually have a significant impact on the environment. As the industry pursues ways to prolong shelf life and offer ready-to-eat solutions for a growing audience desiring convenience, eatFresh-FC will play a critical role and fills a hole that has not been filled in the industry,” mentioned Dr. Shawki Ibrahim, co-inventor, GGI. “Aside from eatFresh-FC, we also produce eatFRESH-FCA, specifically designed for cut avocados and apples, and eatCleaner®, an organic way to cleanse produce and also extend shelf life up to 5x longer. Offering these consumer and commercial solutions will open up distribution channels and help utilize food more efficiently to help prevent hunger and waste,” added Ibrahim.
eatFresh-FC is available in a 3 oz. individual-use packet and in a bulk 50 lb. bag for food processors, retailers, and foodservice companies.
eatCleaner® offers a full line of patented, lab-proven, and organic products for home and foodservice use, including produce washes, wipes, and anti-browning products for cut produce, including avocados, apples, melons, and berries.
California citrus shipments for the 2021-22 season will be down due to the severe drought.
California Citrus Mutual report this season will definitely have a lower crop.
The USDA predicts there will be a 14% decline in its orange measurement survey from September and some observers feel this estimate may be understating the dip in crop production.
CCM believes there will still be plenty of citrus shipments, noting the smaller 2021-22 crop will be much more manageable for grower-shippers. The 2020-21 navel crop lasted longer than usual because of a weaker export market. The 2021-22 navel season got underway the last half of October.
Multiple factors have led to a lighter crop load, Creamer said.
The depth of impacts on the water shortage and the drought vary from hardly any impact to very, very drastic impact, depending on where growers are located and their surface water rights and the location of their water district.
Mandarin output also is expected to be lower in 2021-22, while lemons may see increased volume. Seedless lemons represent a small but growing segment of the industry.
Based on early estimates, mandarin supplies could be as much as 50% lower compared with a year ago.
Mandarins are as much as 70% down on existing fruit-bearing trees, but that is partially offset by new bearing acreage coming on.
Roughly 75% of the California citrus crop is grown in the Central Valley, with some lemons and mandarins produced in the coastal regions. Lemons and grapefruit are primarily raised in the desert growing areas.
Excellent Peruvian onion imports are seen this season as the early crop is show exceptional quality. It may be the best crop in three decades.
Mild, sweet, large and round with flattened tops and bottoms, Peru’s sweet onions are typically available September through April, complementing the Vidalia, Ga., region’s trademarked Vidalia onions, usually shipped April through September.
However, G&R Farms of Glennville, GA reports shipping schedules may be a little behind last year because of delays with transportation and logistics.
Bland Farms of Glennville, GA, has a corporate office and onion farms in Ica, as well as more farms in Arequipa, Peru.
Shuman Farms of Reidsville, GA., began shipping RealSweet onions from Peru in early September. The company reports very good quality and sizing.
The grower/shipper has a full-time staff and infrastructure in Peru, where there was a recent update to the facility and packing house. The company installed new grading lines and sorting equipment to improve product quality and a more efficient final repack in Georgia after passing through the Port of Savannah.
