DENVER – Every year, neighborhoods across America embrace their favorite Halloween traditions. But in recent years, families are jumping on new trends that bring an element of surprise to our beloved traditions with potatoes.
That’s right, Potatoes USA is reporting that America’s favorite vegetable has expanded its spooky season repertoire with crafts, games and some very excited trick-or-treaters.
Potatoes or Candy?
Want to surprise and delight your trick-or-treaters? Offer them a potato! Revelers nationwide have begun offeringspuds as a fun alternative to candy. “It honestly started as a joke,” explained Pat Foy, a self-employed contractor in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. “I thought, if I’m going to give something out to kids on Halloween, I don’t want to just give them something that makes them go nuts. I’m of Irish descent, so potatoes made sense. I gave away big baking potatoes, and before I knew it, it took on a life of its own. Who would’ve thought?”
And Foy isn’t the only one mixing things up for Halloween. Families are exploring spooky spud crafts that provide new and old twists on Halloween activities.
Potatoes – The Original Jack-o’-Lantern!
It’s not Halloween without a jack-o’-lantern. But did you know this tradition started with potatoes? The Irish would carve spooky faces into spuds to scare away an evil spirit called Stingy Jack.
Modern Halloween lovers are bringing back this historic trend, sharing their favorite potato jack-o’-lanterns or jack-o’-taters. In addition to being adorable, they know that potatoes are easy to carve and affordable – so it’s easy to have a few extra on hand in case you need a redo. Like pumpkins, the potato’s long shelf-life makes it ideal for displaying your family’s carved creations. And no need to toss the potato insides! Carved out potato can be cut into small pieces for Fall Harvest Mashed Potatoes or other delicious dishes.
Spooky Spud Stamps
Because of their hardy texture, raw potatoes are an ideal craft tool for making spooky spud stamps. While adults carve the potatoes, younger artists can add their own spin to these handmade stamps by choosing designs and acting as the master painter.
“There’s always an element of child-like delight on Halloween. We want to be amazed and see things we don’t expect. Traditions like trick-or-treating for candy bars and carving pumpkins aren’t going anywhere. But it’s really fun to experiment with unexpected twists that can catch people by surprise,” said Marisa Stein, marketing director, Potatoes USA. “Potatoes and Halloween go far back historically, so it’s really cool to see them come back together, and for our traditions to come full circle.”
An all-star vegetable, a 5.3 oz skin-on potatoes bring to the table the highest potassium among top 20 most eaten vegetables, nearly one-third of the vitamin C we need each day and 3 grams of plant-based protein, making it an easy choice for families reaching for healthy dishes to balance out the post-Halloween candy hoard.
If you participate in #JackOTater or #Trick-or-Tater, tag @PotatoGoodness on Facebook or Instagram for a chance to win Potato Goodness Swag!
About Potatoes USA Potatoes USA is the national marketing and promotion board representing U.S. growers and importers. Potatoes USA, the largest vegetable commodity board, was established in 1971 by potato farmers to promote the benefits of eating potatoes. For more information on Potatoes USA’s mission to “Strengthen Demand for Potatoes,” visit PotatoesUSA.com.
Unprecedented rainfall and an invasion of tiny insects known as thrips are being blamed for an expected decrease in California citrus shipments this season.
The weather phenomenon disrupted typical citrus thrips timing in orchards and led to uncontrollable conditions in the fields, according to a California Citrus Mutual press release.
“It’s been an extremely challenging pest season for citrus growers,” says CCM President, Casey Creamer. “The industry did its absolute best in trying to control this unprecedented thrips season. Growers bear that cost while also facing the reality that the pest pressure will result in decreased returns in the marketplace.”
Reports from the California Citrus Mutual (CCM) Pest and Disease Task Force indicate some growers have experienced exterior fruit scarring on as much as 80% of the fruit on individual blocks, primarily affecting navels but with varying impacts to mandarins, lemons, and other citrus varieties.
The CCM Marketing Committee estimates 30% of the navel crop has thrips scarring and the utilized volume will be 8% to 15% under the previous season’s production due to thrips. The Committee also estimates the mandarin and lemon crops will also be down 5% compared to the previous season’s production.O
Visual effects from thrips have no effect on the interior fruit quality, taste, or texture. Consumers can still expect the same exceptional eating experience they are used to with California citrus with higher volumes of choice fruit. Fancy fruit, with minimal external scarring or damage, will be a premium commodity this season.
“Despite these challenges, our growers remain optimistic about the fruit quality on the tree this season. The overabundance of water has reservoirs full and has reinvigorated the groves after three years of extreme drought conditions,” says Creamer.
Bard Valley Natural Delights Medjool Dates co-op of Yuma, AZ and its 14 growers completed harvesting of dates in late September, a few weeks later than normal due to temperatures that were slightly cooler in Yuma.
The growers grow conventional and organic medjool, while others also grow deglet noors outside of the co-op. The co-op also imports other varieties.
The winter holidays and the months leading up to Ramadan are peak shipping periods for date.
Dates are known for health benefits, which include fiber, potassium, antioxidants and many other vitamins and minerals.
Although dates are sweet because of their high fiber content, they are low on the glycemic index, which allows the body to burn the sugar much more slowly.
Deglet Noor dates are smaller and lighter in color, more amber than brown, and they are semi-dry in texture, making them soft but firm. Medjool dates are larger and have a soft, chewy texture and a sweet, caramel-like flavor.
Deglet dates are less sweet than Medjool, and also have a slightly nutty taste to them similar to browned butter or cashews.
Medjool dates are usually sold with the pit still within the fruit, whereas Deglet Noor dates are commonly sold pitted, with the seed being removed.
“This study helps explain how the major berry markets evolved in a short time and examines opportunities and challenges these markets face,” the authors said.
The study found:
In California, which grows more than 75% of the domestic organic production, organic strawberry acreage tripled from 2008 to 2019.
Imports of fresh highbush blueberries increased from 44 million pounds in 2000-02 to 450 million pounds in 2018-20, which accounted for about 62% of the domestic fresh blueberry disappearance.
The development and adoption of high-yielding strawberry varieties led to an increase in total domestic production with less acreage.
Fresh strawberry imports increased significantly in the last two decades, particularly from Mexico. Fresh strawberries imported from Mexico reached a record high of 431 million pounds in 2020. While Mexican strawberries have an almost year-round presence in the U.S. market, approximately 85% of Mexico’s U.S.-bound shipments enter the market during the winter and spring months.
Most strawberry exports from the U.S. are for fresh-market consumption and are shipped to Canada. Fresh strawberry exports increased 94% in volume during 2018-20 compared with 2000-20.
Naturipe Farms of Estero, FL is projecting a record fall season for raspberry shipments from Mexico.
Originating out of the central Mexico growing region, another year of exponential growth in the 2023-24 season is expected, according to a news release.
Naturipe Farms’ 100% proprietary raspberry program features varieties that have been selectively bred for their flavor, color and overall eating experience, the release said. Naturipe Farms’ growers in central Mexico and Baja offer several varieties, including the Centennial, which boasts the true raspberry-red hue and equally tart and sweet taste that raspberry consumers know and love, the release said.
“At Naturipe Farms, we’re excited to see the fruits of our labor, both figuratively and literally, result in another expansive growing season that will allow us to offer even larger volumes of our raspberries to our customers,” Fernando Aguiar, director of business development for Naturipe Farms, said in the release. “Our growers are working hard year-round to produce the best raspberries with flavor that will keep consumers coming back for more.”
Naturipe Farms will offer raspberries in all standard pack sizes, as well as a couple new sizes and styles, according to the release.
Average consumer expenditures experienced big increases in 2022, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports. Higher costs were highlighted by a 12.7% increase in food purchases.
The Consumer Expenditures report said that average annual expenditures for all consumer units in 2022 were $72,967, a 9% increase from 2021.
Overall, the report said expenditures increased faster than income in 2022. Average annual income before taxes rose 7.5% in 2022, while expenditures increased 9%.
The rise in consumer expenditures exceeds the government’s inflation measure for 2022. The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers rose 8% in 2022.
The average annual expenditures for 2022 were broken down into 14 major components, according to the report.
Overall, housing accounted for the largest share (33.3%) of expenditures, followed by transportation (16.8%), food (12.8%), personal insurance and pensions (12%), and health care (8%), the report said. Each of the remaining categories contributed less than 5% of total expenditures.
The report said that among the 14 major components of household spending, the largest percent increase in expenditures was in cash contributions (up 14.1%). The next largest increase was in food (up 12.7%), followed closely by a 12.3% rise in personal care products and services spending, and a 12.2% increase in transportation spending. The only major component to decrease from 2021 to 2022 was entertainment (down 3.1%), according to the report.
The report said spending on food increased 12.7% in 2022, compared to an increase of 13.4% in 2021. The increase was driven by food-away-from-home (restaurant) spending, up 20.1%, accompanied by an increase in food-at-home spending (grocery), up 8.4%.
“Expenditures for food away from home in 2022 exceeded 2019 levels, marking the first time since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic that this has happened,” the report said.
Average consumer spending on fresh fruit in 2022 was $406, up 7.4% from $378 in 2021, according to the report. For fresh vegetables, average expenditures in 2022 were $352, 7.3% above $328 in 2021.
Despite a slightly delayed harvest because of winter and spring rainfall and some cooler-than-usual temperatures good volume shipments appear to be coming for pistachios, almonds and walnuts in California.
Wonderful brand pistachios was delayed about two weeks and harvest will peak in late September and conclude in October. The company represents 300 growers.
The American Pistachio Growers of Fresno, CA reports industrywide, California pistachio growers are expected to ship 1.3 billion pounds of the nuts this year.
Pistachios are an alternate-bearing crop, and 2023 will be an on year. Because of new acreage, the state’s pistachio production is expected to reach 2 billion pounds by 2030. About 70% of the crop is exported, largely to the European Union and China.
The almond harvest is in full swing at Mariani Nut Co., Winters, CA and harvest should continue through October.
California’s walnut production for 2023 is forecast at 790,000 tons, an increase of 5% from the 752,000 tons produced in 2022, according to an early September estimate from USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. The forecast is based on 385,000 bearing acres — a 4% drop from 2022’s estimated 400,000 bearing acres.
Mariani’s walnut harvest should run from September to November, and the company will harvest California pecans in November.
NASS estimated that California’s 2023 almond crop will come in at 2.6 billion meat pounds, 1% above last year’s 2.57 billion pounds.
Imports of Peruvian onions by Bland Farmsof Greenville, GA are seasonally increasing.
Hot weather in Peru affected sizing and yields from early fields resulting in the crop being a little heavier on mediums than normal, with limited supplies of the big, colossal onions.
Bland Farms finished its Vidalia onion shipments in late August and expects to carry Peruvian onions until February, when the company will start its Mexican crop.
The grower/shipper who has its own farms in Peru, expects a shorter-than-normal season out of Peru due to reduced yields and disease problems in some fields.
Another issue is there have been a few delays in moving Peruvian ocean container shipments through the Panama Canal because of a freight backlog there.
Bland Farms has been sourcing onions from Peru for at least three decades to find the complement its Vidalia onions. After being sized in packing sheds, Peruvian onions grown by Bland Farms are shipped to the U.S. in 50-pound bags, loaded in ocean containers for transport. Upon arrival in the U.S., they are sorted, graded and packed for customers.
Packing the onions in the U.S. allows Bland Farms to put a “second eye” on the crop and make sure that any issues such as moisture or mold are dealt with before they are shipped.
Bland Farms typically brings about 1,200 to 1,500 containers of Peruvian onions annually to the U.S. market. Last season, volume was cut a bit because of high ocean freight.
Acquisition to add approximately 400 stores and expand access to great products at the lowest possible prices
BATAVIA, Ill. — ALDI has announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket as part of a larger divestiture of Southeastern Grocers to various entities.
The acquisition continues the growth of ALDI, expanding its ability to serve the region with great products at the lowest possible prices.
“Like ALDI, Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket have long histories and many loyal customers in the Southeast and we look forward to serving them in the years to come,” said Jason Hart, CEO, ALDI. “The time was right to build on our growth momentum and help residents in the Southeast save on their grocery bills. The transaction supports our long-term growth strategy across the United States, including plans to add 120 new stores nationwide this year to reach a total of more than 2,400 stores by year-end.”
Despite many retailers shuttering stores due to economic conditions, ALDI is doubling-down on expansion plans, supporting its position as one of the fastest-growing grocers in the country. The Southeast-focused acquisition includes approximately 400 Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket locations across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi.
“This merger agreement is a testament to our successful transformational journey and the tireless work of our dedicated associates who serve our communities,” said Anthony Hucker, President and CEO, Southeastern Grocers. “ALDI shares our vision to provide exceptional quality, service and value – and this unique opportunity will evolve our business to benefit our customers, associates and neighbors throughout the Southeast.”
The transaction will bring together three trusted brands that share a long-standing commitment to delivering an exceptional grocery experience and making a positive impact in the communities where they operate. ALDI first established its presence in the Southeast in the mid-1990s and since has invested $2.5 billion in the region.
Most recently, ALDI deepened its roots in the region, opening its 26th regional headquarters and distribution center in Loxley, Alabama to help support new stores, with plans to open 20 new ALDI locations in the area by the end of the year. Southeastern Grocers established its presence in the region nearly a century ago. From the beginning, its commitments to the customer, caring associates and quality products have made a profound impact in the Southeast.
“ALDI will operate Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket stores with the same level of care and focus on quality and service, as we also evaluate which locations will convert to the ALDI format to better support the neighborhoods we’ll now have the privilege of serving,” added Hart. “For those stores we do not convert, our intention is that these continue to operate as Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket stores.”
A Certified Great Place to Work and one of Forbes’ America’s Best Large Employers, ALDI will bring its employee-focused culture and above-industry-average store associate wages to more markets in the Southeast. Like Winn-Dixie, ALDI has many loyal customers, with accolades such as being named the #1 in price for the sixth consecutive year* and a top 10 most sustainable grocer**.
Deutsche Bank served as financial advisor to ALDI. Baker & McKenzie LLP was transaction counsel to ALDI and Kayne Law Group served as real estate counsel to ALDI.
The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2024, subject to regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions.
About ALDI
ALDI is one of America’s fastest-growing retailers, serving millions of customers across the country each month. Our disciplined approach to operating with simplicity and efficiency gives our customers great products at the lowest possible prices. For six years running, ALDI has been recognized as No. 1 in price according to the dunnhumby Retailer Preference Index Report.
Pixar Animation Studios brought mental health to the big screen with its award-winning Inside Out, a movie highlighting the conflicting emotions humans face during major life events. These warring emotions can be especially difficult for truck drivers. Tasked with driving an 80,000-pound vehicle loaded with potentially over $250,000 worth of product through endless stretches of road and frustrating traffic snares for twelve hours a day is further complicated by carriers missing quality time with family and friends, disrupted sleep patterns, and often a less than stellar diet.
A survey by the National Library of Medicine shows almost 28% of truckers surveyed reported suffering from loneliness on the road, while 27% reported depression, 21% reported chronic sleep disturbances, 14.5% reported anxiety, and 13% reported other emotional difficulties. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), “truckers experience higher rates of obesity, diabetes, anxiety, depression, cardiovascular disease, divorce, drug use, and suicide.” After celebrating Truck Driver Appreciation Week last month, it’s important that we continue recognizing and advocating for these essential workers who contribute to making our day-to-day lives possible.
Ronald Allen of Points West Express, a second-generation truck driver, has traversed the country for the past 49 years. According to Ronald, missing family events caused the greatest stress during his lengthy driving career. He also attributes difficulty finding time to sleep as contributing to his high-stress level.
“Following what my father did, this is all I knew, which was the best way to provide for my family, and what got me through the day was knowing they were financially ok,” said Ronald.
At Allen Lund Company, we pride ourselves on providing exceptional service to shippers and growers nationwide. Supporting truck drivers that help us achieve this goal – hard-working people like Ronald – is a top priority at our company. As logistics specialists, it is important to remember the challenges drivers face and be sensitive to their struggles so we can help them feel like the respected and valuable members of the supply chain that they are. We might not be able to control their diet, exercise, or sleep habits, but we can listen attentively, share kind words, and practice patience.
Everyone should take a few extra minutes to engage with drivers and ask about their day. In the long run, our extra effort to treat a driver as a person and not just a load number will also benefit our customers. A driver who feels respected will most likely be calmer, more attentive, and ultimately deliver a load with more care. We might not be trained psychologists specializing in mental health, but kindness and sensitivity can go a long way to easing the emotional burdens of our drivers. Knowing we value the person behind the wheel as more than just another load might just be what a driver needs to settle those shifting emotions and safely deliver on time.
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Kenneth Cavallaro, Jr. is a carrier manager in the Boston office. He began his career at the Allen Lund Company in February of 2019. Kenneth has been in the transportation industry since May of 1999. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Salem State University.
