Archive For The “News” Category
By Allen Lund Company
La Cañada Flintridge Calif. – The Allen Lund Company (ALC) is proud to announce its 40th anniversary. In 1976, the Allen Lund Company opened its doors with a handful of employees. Now, the company boasts over 400 employees which span across the country. The company has always maintained an exceptional reputation amongst shippers and carriers, and consistently earns a Four-X rating with Blue Book and a Four-Star rating with Red Book Credit Services. Throughout the years, ALC has started and maintained key relationships with top customers like: Costco, Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Ahold USA to name a few, which are still going strong to this day.
Allen Lund, President and CEO, stated “Like I’ve always said, I have had the privilege of living the American dream. Celebrating 40 years is a dream come true to me which has been made possible by the hard working people in this industry. Being a part of this industry which thrives on trust has been amazing. I don’t know how anyone could have lived a better life. Working with my family and wonderful employees has been a dream. I’m so proud of this company, its carriers, shippers, and employees.”
Steve Doerfler, Vice President Chief Financial Officer, added “It is remarkable to celebrate the 40 year anniversary of Allen Lund Company. This is a testament to the principles of honesty and integrity that Allen founded the company on and are lived out daily by its employees. We are blessed to have the best employees in the industry supported by a true family environment.”
About Allen Lund Company:
Specializing as a national third-party transportation broker with nationwide offices and over 400 employees, the Allen Lund Company works with shippers and carriers across the nation to transport dry, refrigerated (specializing in produce), and flatbed freight; additionally, the Allen Lund Company has a logistics and software division, ALC Logistics, and an International Division licensed by the FMC as an OTI-NVOCC #019872NF..
Established in 1976, the Allen Lund Company was selected as a 2015 Top Private Company by Los Angeles Business Journal, a 2015 Top 100 Logistics IT Provider by Inbound Logistics, a 2014 Supply & Demand Chain Executive 100, a 2014 Great Supply Chain Partner, and was placed in Transport Topics’ “2014 Top 25 Freight Brokerage Firms.” The company managed over 300,000 shipments in 2014, and received the 2013 “Best in Cargo Security Award.” In 2011 the company received the TIA 3PL Samaritan Award, and the NASTC (National Association of Small Trucking Companies) named Allen Lund Company the 2010 Best Broker of the Year. More information is available at www.allenlund.com.
‘The Minight Moon purple potato is now being packed for its first year of fresh market commercial production. This new-to-the-market, all-purpose variety is a result of 15 years of development at Colorado State University.
After five additional years of seed development there is now sufficient volume for distribution. In 2015 the Midnight Moon seed was purchased for development by Gunrock Management, a group of three growers in Colorado who source and grow specialty potatoes for fresh market. They also bought exclusive rights for the Masquerade potato back in 2014.
Midnight Moon and Masquerade are both packed in Mosca, CO in 50-pound bulk cases with GTIN identification codes. Midnight Moon scores high for an all-purpose potato. The clean non-russeted skin cooks up clean and is thick enough to scoop and stuff for potato skins. The interior color is a brilliant yellow.
Slightly more waxy than starchy the Midnight Moon will make a fine baked potato. Great in soups, salads, or casseroles these potatoes do not fall apart when cooked. The flavor of the Midnight Moon is strong. This is not a bland potato; this big flavor is possibly best represented when making mashed potatoes. The result is a thick firm potato that has no lumps. The color is not at all lost through any of the cooking procedures and its purple and yellow contrast make a plate stand out.
The Midnight Moon will go into trial production in California in the late winter of 2016. This will fill the gap in May when current supply is expected to expire. California will handle distribution through October when the Colorado season begins again. Initial distribution for retail and wholesale suppliers will begin in the Northeast and the Mid-Atlantic. Distribution became nationwide at the first of the year.
DALLAS – Building on the momentum generated last February, when it became the first fresh produce brand to broadcast an ad during the most-watched television program in the United States, Avocados From Mexico (AFM) is following up with another multi-dimensional campaign for the 2016 Super Bowl, airing on Sunday, February 7, on CBS.
The number-one selling avocado in the U.S. with more than 75 percent of the market, AFM plans to debut this years’ experience during the first break of the game. Last year’s AFM Big Game campaign, “First Draft Ever,” also created by GSD&M, included a TV spot, teaser and social media war room during the game, boosting attention with collaborative support from PR, social and digital media. AFM avocado consumption grew 35% in the 2014-2015 fiscal year, and the airing of “First Draft Ever” was a key element contributing to the growth percentage.
The humorous spot which depicted Mexico’s choice of the avocado during a pre-historic, football-styled “draft” of plants and animals, earned widespread acclaim and consumer engagement, which set the brand up for success and increased demand in the month of February, historically a slower month for avocado consumption. Because of their ability to successfully bring brands to life on a big stage, Austin-based advertising agency GSD&M was chosen once again for creative strategy and production of the Big Game multi-dimensional campaign for Avocados From Mexico.
As it did for 2015, Havas Media will be handling the buying and execution of the Big Game spot, along with supporting CBS properties to surround its debut. “Last year’s groundbreaking Big Game experience was an overwhelming success, as it showcased the origin of the number-one selling avocado in the U.S., taking brand awareness of Avocados From Mexico to the next level,” said Alvaro Luque, president of Avocados From Mexico.
In February 2015, AFM’s Big Game campaign was seen by more than 114 million U.S. viewers, and – coupled with social media and PR support – generated more than 1.6 billion earned and paid media impressions in one week. Engagement for all social media platforms was up 5,400 percent and #FirstDraftEver trended in 27 cities nationwide. “Last year, our Big Game ad and social media support helped fuel the growth of Avocados From Mexico to new heights, and we’re confident this year will do the same,” noted Luque. “More Americans than ever are embracing the many nutritional benefits of this “superfruit,” making this an ideal time to educate consumers that you can buy fresh Mexican avocados 365 days of the year
Avocados From Mexico (AFM) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Mexican Hass Avocado Importers Association (MHAIA), formed for the purpose of advertising, promotion, public relations and research for all stakeholders of Avocados From Mexico.
Nearly 60 percent of the fresh produce imported from Mexico crosses the City of Pharr (TX) International Bridge.
Being the only full service commercial bridge in the region, means more and better services, infrastructure and technology to get produce loads processed at point of entry, before being unloaded at one of dozens of warehouses in the area.
The Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge is one of the most important U.S.-Mexican border ports of entry and is experiencing phoenominal growth in traffic. No end to growth is in sight.
The City of Pharr has a project that is still in the design phase known as the Border Safety Inspection Facility Connector (BSIF). This project will allow certified companies, vetted by the federal government, along with empty trucks, to bypass the importation process. The goal is to be more efficient by reducing wait times and speed up the inspection process. The project is expected to be completed late this year.
Mondays and Fridays are the busiest, and most congested days, at the Pharr Bridge.
The Pharr Bridge ranks number one in volume for truck loads of avocados and number two in tomatoes for Mexican produce to be distributed mostly throughout the eastern half of the U.S. and Canada.
Due to the new Mazatlan-Matamoros super highway, also dubbed Supervía, travel for trucks hauling produce and entering the Pharr port of entry can save as much as 600 to 700 miles of travel when delivering to Midwest and eastern U.S. and Canadian markets. Connecting Mazatlán and Sinaloa, Mexico to Pharr, Texas, this new route for produce transportation provides a more direct route to receivers. It also saves $1000 to $3000 in fuel costs, depending on the price of diesel, and nearly 16 hours in travel time round-trip.
The state of Sinaloa is what some call the breadbasket of Mexico with about 70 to 80 percent of Mexican fruits and vegetables originating from this state. Pharr, Tx has seen a significant rise in the number of importers and brokers who are based in Arizona, but are opening satellite facilities in Texas.
Lower Rio Grande Valley citrus and Mexican produce crossing the border – grossing about $2400 to Atlanta.
North America’s leader in banana imports and other fresh fruits and juice concentrates, is doubling its contingent of ship-to-shore gantry cranes and renovating antiquated berths near the mouth of the Christina River. The Port of Wilmington also is examining long-term prospects for new terminal development on the Delaware River.
AECOM has been contracted by The Delaware State Port Corp. (DSCP) to develop a master plan including examination of potential future port development along the Delaware River. The primary site currently under consideration is located just south of the Delaware Memorial Bridge, the twin spans that carries Interstate 295 over the river.
A $24 million contract has been signed by DSPC to have two new rail-mounted gantries in operation by the end of 2016, to join the two cranes already on rails that are to be extended to serve Christina River berths 1 through 5. The port’s 100-ton-capacity Gottwald mobile harbor crane would then be able to be moved to Berth 7.
Additionally, a $10 million grant via the USDOT’s Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery competitive grant program is being used to kick-start rebuilding of berths 5 and 6, which date back to the founding of the Port of Wilmington back in 1923.
The depth at the Christina River berths is nearly maxed out at 38 feet, even with twice-a-year dredging.
Thus, although fruit operations benefit from the industry-leading 800,000 square feet of on-dock temperature-controlled warehouse space at the Christina River terminal plus additional nearby nonunion chilled facilities. Future plans call for development along the Delaware River, where a project for channel deepening to 45 feet is nearing completion.
Grocery chains and the supercenters promote locally grown produce, exactly what do they mean? Retailers are aggressively expanding their locally grown offerings, but there are concerns regarding what consumers are getting when they buy “local.”
The popularity of locally grown foods are exploding. Overall, local foods generated $11.7 billion in sales in 2014, and will climb to $20.2 billion by 2019, according to Packaged Facts, a market research firm.
Not only has there been huge growth in the number of farm-to-table restaurants and farmers’ markets, but grocery chains and big box retailers, including Wal-Mart, are elbowing their way in, aggressively expanding and marketing their locally grown offerings for sale.
Wal-Mart sells $749.6 million of “locally grown” produce annually, while Supervalu, owner of the Jewel-Osco, Albertsons, and Lucky chains, buys between 25 and 40% of its produce locally.
“We’ve reached a tipping point for local foods,” Packaged Facts research director David Sprinkle said in a release, noting sales of local foods could eclipse organic food sales.
But in the midst of this boom, questions are being raised about what exactly “local” means. Just as controversy has dogged the labels, “all natural” and organic, there are real concerns that consumers may not be getting what they think when they “buy local” at the local supermarket. The label “local” is too often part marketing hype.
In fact, the Packaged Facts report notes, nearly half of people surveyed said they are willing to pay up to 10% more for locally grown or produced foods, and almost one in three said they are willing to pay up to 25% more. “Local has become a shorthand descriptor that makes food sound high quality, fresher, more authentic, trustworthy, environmentally friendly, and supportive of the local community,” the report notes.
But is it? Not exactly. There’s no agreed upon definition of “locally-grown,” meaning no consensus on the distance from farm to shelf or whether local means it necessarily comes from small farms — and not a big ag farm. Sometimes there’s clear stretching of the spirit of the term, or even outright fraud (as when a few California restaurants were found to be have falsely claiming to use locally produced food.)
For example, what about “locally grown in California” if in this huge state product is shipped hundreds of miles from the El Centro in the southern part of the state to cities in Northern California? Would product grown in Nevada, which is much closer, be considered locally grown?
Happy New Year and welcome to 2016!
It has been a memorable year for HaulProduce.com We’ll be noting, if not celebrating our 4th anniversary on January 12th, of providing you the most up to date information on hauling fresh fruits and vegetables as well as issues surrounding fresh produce that may affect you.
We posted our 1300th item on December 18th. Those taking advantage of our free subscription continues to grow. This is where you are automatically notified of new postings. We have now surpassed 350 subscribers.
I want to thank my sponsors, all of whom I’ve personally known 20 years or more. All of them represent the highest standards of honesty and integrity, and truly care not only about their customers, but the men and women behind the wheel of the big rigs that keep this nation moving.
There is Allen Lund and Kenny Lund (Allen Lund Company), Fred Plotsky (Cool Runnings) and Jimmy DeMatteis (Des Moines Truck Brokers). If you are an owner operator, small fleet owner or some other type of long haul carrier, you are in good hands with these folks.
TransFresh is another sponsor, but of a different nature. When you click on their ad it can open a lot of doors to valuable information for those involved with transporting perishables. Rich Macleod of TransFresh has a soft spot for the hard work ethic and the issues facing produce truckers, and he understands and appareciates the vital role they play.
The challenge of not only finding produce loads, but being paid a fair freight rate, is just the start. Delivering that perishable product from point A to point B in a timely fashion, and in good condition can be equally as challenging. Hopefully, through HaulProduce.com we can play a small part in making your business more successful.
In the meantime, here is wishing you a healthy, happy, and prosperous 2016 – and of course, safe travels. God Bless. —Bill Martin
Apples sold at retail increased only slightly and sales were down, despite a record U.S. apple crop in 2014-15.
That indicates that while consumer preferences are shifting, it’s not translating into increases in total consumption, according to Nielsen data cited in a news release from Wenatchee, Wash.-based Columbia Marketing International.
From Sept. 1, 2014, to Aug. 28,2015, retail apple volume sales climbed 1.9 percent, according to Nielsen. The average retail price fell 3.9 percent, pulling overall sales down 2 percent.
The Nielsen report covers about 19,000 supermarkets and 67% of U.S. supermarket sales.
Honeycrisp sales continued to rise in 2014-15. The average retail price of the variety jumped 25 percent. The average price of red delicious, however, fell 15 percent.
Gala, Honeycrisp, fuji, red delicious and granny smith accounted for 75 percent of all sales in 2014-15.
The average price of Ambrosia apples climbed 47 percent in 2014-15, the strongest performance of any variety, according to CMI. Ambrosias vaulted into the varietal top-10 last season, replacing braeburns.
Category growth is being driven by consumers shifting to premium varietals, Katharine Grove, marketing specialist at CMI, said in the release.
“Every retailer should take note that despite a record crop and cheap prices last year, category sales actually declined,” Grove said in the release. “Retailers that identified the opportunity to maximize performance of Honeycrisp, Ambrosia and some of the key emerging branded apples like Kanzi and Kiku probably had a pretty good year while their competitors lost market share.”
A federal judge approved a $25 million settlement that completes one chapter of a five-year long antitrust battle over the nation’s potato market being manipulated by a potato cartel.
Consumers will get $5.5 million and grocers $19.5 million. Chief U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill granted final approval of the settlement on December 14.
Potato buyer Brigiotta’s Farmland Produce and Garden Center of Jamestown, NY filed the class action against the United Potato Growers of America (UPGA), United Potato Growers of Idaho (UPGI) and a long list of member and nonmember growers in 2010. The lawsuit, and another filed by Associated Wholesale Grocers in 2013, claims the defendants conspired to inflate the price of potatoes “in classic cartel behavior,” that the cartel used physical and nonphysical intimidation to get independent growers to join, that it used high-tech methods of surveillance and physical “flyovers” to monitor members, and that the successful campaign led to an 80 percent control of the market.
Idaho grower Albert Wada, of Wada Farms Group, allegedly spearheaded the campaign, founding the United Fresh Potato Growers of Idaho in 2004, later renaming it the United Potato Growers of Idaho. The organization’s purpose, as stated in its articles of incorporation, is to “stabilize potato prices and supplies in the state of Idaho and to work with similar cooperatives in other states having similar purposes,” according to the third amended complaint, a 107-page monster filed on Jan. 24, 2014.
United Potato Growers of America was founded in 2005 and is headquartered in Salt Lake City. Members pay dues from $10,000 to $500,000 based on acreage, according to the complaint. The “cooperatives” were formed in response to declining prices. Growers reduced the supply of potatoes, in part, by changing their contracts with customers, basing orders on a specific number of acres of potatoes to be grown instead of a specific quantity of potatoes.
Apple has announced a less known, but essential capability of the iPhone 6s, the Plum-O-Meter, an application created by Simon Gladman.
The Plum-O-Meter allows fruit shoppers to weigh their plums by placing them on the screen of the application. Gladman says that Plum-O-Meter uses the advanced technology in the pressure-sensitive screen to act as a scale: the app signals which of the objects placed on the display is heavier.
This application can also weigh apples, lemons, coconuts or anything else relatively heavy. Gladman originally wanted to make the application for grapes but they were too light to activate the 3D Touch.
Preventing Heart Disease
It has been discovered that eating fruits and vegetables as a young adult will help prevent heart disease and coronary artery plaque 20 years later.
The researchers divided data from 2,506 study participants into three groups, based on their daily consumption of fruits and vegetables. Women in the top third ate an average of nearly nine servings of daily fruits and vegetables and men averaged more than seven daily servings. In the bottom third, women consumed an average 3.3 daily servings and men 2.6 daily servings. All servings were based on a 2,000-calorie-a-day diet.
Researchers found that people who ate the most fruit and vegetable at the start of the study had 26 percent lower odds of developing calcified plaque 20 years later, compared to those who ate the least amount of fruits and vegetables.