Archive For The “News” Category
Mushroom grower South Mill Champs of Kennett Square, PA has purchased a new distribution center in Lakeland, Fla.
The 30,000-square-foot-plus food-grade facility will get the upgrades necessary for mushroom processing and then start commissioning it in November, according to a news release.
South Mill Champs operates a network of distribution centers, including Atlanta, New Orleans, Dallas, Houston and Los Angeles.
The centers provide onsite, fresh-sliced, high-quality mushrooms directly from the company’s Pennsylvania and British Columbia farms. Also, the distribution centers provide seasonal produce items to the local foodservice and retail markets.
“Our expansion into Florida is in line with our mission as we meet the increasing demand from our customers, many of which have a significant presence in this key market,” CEO Lewis Macleod.
National mushroom retail sales are more than 20 percent ahead of last year in dollars and 17 percent ahead in pounds, according to an analysis of retail data through September 6, published by the Mushroom Council.
The retail insights also show that mushrooms have placed in the top 10 of fruits and vegetables with the highest year-over-year absolute dollar gains for 26 straight weeks.
“We expect that market demand for mushrooms will continue to increase,” Macleod said, “as mainstream consumers become increasingly educated on the health and environmental benefits of mushrooms.”
A joint project has been announced by Guimarra Companies with Reliable Robotics Corporation of Mountain View, CA to test shipments of produce utilizing autonomous aircraft technology, developed by the latter company.
Created to help address supply chain and delivery challenges within the fresh produce industry, the test flight program had its successful inaugural flight on August 7.
Giumarria Companies, based in Los Angeles said simply calling the project groundbreaking would be an understatement. The company believes autonomous aircraft will transform the future of the fresh produce industry. It further noted the technology will evolve the way products are delivered to market by allowing the delivery of fresher, riper fruit anywhere in the country, including remote food deserts, at speeds never before seen.
An automated Cessna 172 Skyhawk, with an engineer and pilot on board for safety assurance, completed a 200-mile journey from Reedley Municipal Airport to Whiteman Airport in Los Angeles. Giumarra previously announced an air freight shipment, completed in partnership with Reliable Robotics on August 7, to deliver peaches grown in the San Joaquin Valley to Southern California grocery retail via a pilot-operated Cessna 208.
In 2019, Reliable Robotics achieved a fully autonomous flight on the Cessna 172 Skyhawk without an onboard pilot. The company has also demonstrated automated landing of the larger Cessna 208 Caravan and is in the process of certifying its automation platform for use on the Caravan, a popular cargo plane ideal for air shipments of produce.
The program provides proof automation can improve speed and quality for the entire fresh produce supply chain: Utilizing autonomous aircraft, growers and suppliers can quickly and more efficiently deliver farm fresh produce to stores in less time, resulting in less shrink.
Retailers, particularly those in smaller or more remote markets, can offer consumers fresh produce available at stores within 24-48 hours of being picked. Growers can produce varieties optimized for flavor and texture versus long-haul transportation methods.
“Giumarra is a forward-thinking company and we’re proud to partner with them to show how automated cargo flights can greatly improve fresh food distribution,” said Robert Rose, Co-founder and CEO of Reliable Robotics. “We believe autonomous aviation is going to change the way we experience food, for the better.” Reliable Robotics is currently working with the Federal Aviation Administration and in 2017 was founded by SpaceX and Tesla veterans, who have raised $33.5 million in two funding rounds.
Bananas remain America’s favorite fruit, but growth is slow at the top.
U.S. banana imports from August 2019 to July were 5.12 million metric tons, up less than 1% compared with the previous year.
By value, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reports banana imports totaled $2.46 billion in 2019-20, up 1.2% compared with 2018-19.
The USDA per capita availability consumption of bananas rated 28.3 pounds in 2018, down slightly from 28.7 pounds in 2017 and up slightly from 28 pounds in 2015, up 10.5% from 25.6 pounds in 2010 and virtually unchanged from 28.4 pounds in 2000.
Modest growth
According to the USDA, the annual percent of volume growth of banana/plantains imports:
- 2011: 7.1%
- 2012: 2.2%
- 2013: 6.1%
- 2014: 2.9%
- 2015: 2.9%
- 2016: 1.1%
- 2017: 2.6%
- 2018: 2.6%
- 2019: -2.9%
- 2020: NC.
A Guinness World record for the Ozblu blueberry variety has again been set, breaking a record for an Ozblu berry 2 ½ years ago.
The 16.2-gram (0.57-ounce) berry breaks the previous record of 12.39 grams, according to a news release, and was grown by Dave and Leasa Mazzardis, founder of Natures Select breeding program in Wibinga, Australia.
The Mazzardis work to produce low-chill evergreen blueberry genetics that are viable for growers and offer consumers juicier, crunchier and tastier berries, according to the release.
“While larger blueberries are a result of this natural selection process, and although some markets do prefer ‘jumbo’ size berries, our focus amongst other agronomical traits remains delivering a consistent and quality eating experience to the consumer,” Dave Mazzardis said in the release.
The record was officially recorded by the Guinness organization on Sept. 20.
At 36.3 millimeters, the record-setting berry is more than twice the diameter of the average 18 millimeters of an average Ozblu.
Berry size is not the most important attribute, said Roger Horak, founder of United Exports, which licenses the Ozblu variety.
“We are intent on growing the best blueberries on the market and this means that taste, crunch and flavor are our priorities,” he said in the release. “Dave and Leasa just happen to grow record-sized.”
By Veronica Marshall
Broker’s Assistant, ALC Boston
Everyday there are millions of drivers on the road in the U.S. Unfortunately many of these drivers see or experience the dangers of driving while fatigued.
We have to take responsibility for our own actions. If we feel tired but think we could go another five miles or so, don’t do it. Some people are unaware of how tired they are and begin to fall asleep behind the wheel.
Truck drivers do not sleep enough for the amount of work that they do, making them more likely to have accidents late at night or early in the morning. That is why it is best for all drivers to get adequate rest and be aware of their lethargies.
Truck driving is a popular industry and can become competitive. It is important for us to remember that the safety of everyone on the road is our top priority.
Can you imagine if all our truck drivers were tired, set the wrong temperature or crashed and never made it to their destinations? Not only is being alert important for driving but you also need to be attentive to temperature controls, especially with refrigerated freight.
The produce cannot be too cold or hot during the trip. Every product, especially produce, is different when it comes to temperature requirements. The products have a limited time to stay fresh in our trucks, which is why we must be vigilant.
If deliveries are late, the integrity of the produce could begin to deteriorate. With everything going on in the world today we need our produce delivered in the shape that it was picked up in. This is why truck drivers need to be alert and attentive when transporting produce.
Here are some tips on how to remain alert and attentive while driving:
- Ensure you are getting adequate sleep on a daily basis.
- Avoid alcohol and drugs.
- Avoid taking medications that may cause drowsiness.
- Be aware of warning signs to know when you should take a break. Warning signs can include frequent yawning, eyelids feeling heavy, blurred vision, inability to concentrate, feeling your head start to tilt or fall to one side.
Overall, its is important for all truck drivers to sleep well before long hauls, follow hours of service regulations, and recognize and acknowledge feelings of fatigue. If needed, find a rest stop or safe place to pull over and rest. The safety of truck drivers and other drivers on the road is a top priority.
Veronica Marshall began working for the Allen Lund Company in April of 2019, as a broker’s assistant for the Boston office. Marshall earned a degree in accounting from the University of Massachusetts Boston.
Up to $1 million for a solution to the 50,000 tons of pomegranate husks is being offered by The Wonderful Co. of Los Angeles. Each year this amount of husks are for the production of Pom Wonderful juice.
ReFED, a nonprofit working to end food loss and waste, is an advisor and managing partner for the challenge, according to a news release.
Dubbed the Wonderful Innovation Challenge, the program offers up to $1 million in funding and development resources for environmentally friendly solutions to the rind, pith and seeds left from the juicing process.
“The Wonderful Innovation Challenge was born out of our mission to continually push the boundaries of sustainability by embracing bold, innovative ideas,” Steve Swartz, vice president of strategy at The Wonderful Co., said in the release. “This competition will provide a select group of winners the resources they need to grow their business, make a positive impact, and help us fulfill our environmental mission.”
Registration is open through Dec. 7 to apply for the program, which has four review stages:
“The Wonderful Innovation Challenge was born out of our mission to continually push the boundaries of sustainability by embracing bold, innovative ideas,” Steve Swartz, vice president of strategy at The Wonderful Co., said in the release. “This competition will provide a select group of winners the resources they need to grow their business, make a positive impact, and help us fulfill our environmental mission.”
Registration is open through Dec. 7 to apply for the program, which has four review stages:
- Submission of a short application with a proposal;
- Qualified applicants will submit a detailed plan;
- Semi-finalists will participate in a virtual interview; and
- Finalists will pitch their solutions virtually to judges.
The finalist will compete for the $1 million award pool and request the amount needed for their proposal, according to the news release.
The competition will generate ideas for the company to help it solve other sustainability issues, according to the release.
“Innovation can play a critical role in driving efficiency and value, as well as in addressing environmental challenges,” Alexandria Coari, director of capital and innovation at ReFED, said in the release. “The Wonderful Innovation Challenge is a call for inventive solutions that can create value from this byproduct.”
The Wonderful Co. has invested more than $1 billion in environmental sustainability and climate change projects, including $400 million in water-efficient irrigation, cutting energy use and $60 million in solar energy projects.
A year ago, The Wonderful Co. owners Stewart and Lynda Resnick pledged $750 million to Caltech to support its environmental sustainability research.
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By Potatoes USA
Since public health restrictions for COVID-19 were put in place, potato sales at retail have been well above historical levels. This has continued throughout the summer, even as some of these restrictions have been relaxed. For the period from March 16 – September 6, 2020, sales of potatoes have been up every week, and the total value and volume are up 22 percent over the same period in 2019.
All categories, except prepared sides at the deli (many of which have been closed or refigured), have shown increases but the largest gains were for canned, dehydrated, and frozen potatoes. Fresh potatoes have also fared very well, with a 24 percent increase in volume and a 33 percent increase in value. Potato chips, the largest category at retail, has also performed well; up 8 percent in volume and 15 percent in value.
The greater increases in the dollar sales over volume reflects significant increases in the price per pound through the summer. The largest increases in price per pound were refrigerated and fresh potatoes, up 7.6 percent and 7 percent compared to the same timeframe in 2019.
Southern hemisphere citrus exports have risen by more than 25 percent over the past 10 years, with the European market and the easy peeler category driving much of the growth, according to data from the World Citrus Organization (WCO).
Shipments from the region including South Africa, Peru, Chile, and Argentina – rose 27 percent from 2.6 million metric tons (MT) in 2010 to 3.3 million MT in 2019, with the majority of the growth coming after 2014. The region with the highest share of southern hemisphere citrus imports is the European Union with 34 percent. Next is Asia with 24 percent, North America with 18 percent, the Middle East with 13 percent and Eastern Europe with 7 percent.
The easy peeler category has been responsible for most of the growth. In 2008 there was a volume of 342,000MT of mandarins and tangelos traded worldwide from the southern hemisphere. In 2014 this figure increased slightly to 465,000MT.
However, to 2019 there was an increase to more than 739,000MT, representing 16 percent of southern hemisphere citrus exports. On average in this category there has been a 10 percent growth per year for the last five years.
North America imports the largest volumes of easy peelers from the southern hemisphere, with a total of 39 percent in 2019. Of this total, Chile is the leading exporter to this market with almost 150,000MT. In second place comes Peru with approximately 70,000MT, followed by South Africa, Uruguay and Argentina.
In second place as an importer is the European Union with 27 percent, which is over 200,000MT. In this case, South Africa is in the leading exporter, with a total of almost 150,000MT of the total exported. Peru is followed with a total of approximately 50,000MT.
In third position as an importer is Asia with 18 percent, representing almost 150,000MT, with Australia as the leading exporting country with almost 70,000MT. South Africa follows with 50,000MT, and in last place with 10,000MT each are Peru and Argentina.
A busy Texas port of entry has begun on a $40 million consruction project to cut wait times for produce and other agricultural goods.
Thirteen of 24 new secondary inspection bays at the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge will include cold storage unit equipment to ensure inspections don’t harm produce shipments.
“With the continued increase of imports from Mexico, especially produce-related commodities, that require an inspection from our agriculture specialists, having these additional dock spaces will have a significant positive impact on our ability to expedite the processing time and get shipments on their way into U.S. commerce,” Carlos Rodriguez, Port of Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas director, said in a news release.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection, General Services Administration and City of Pharr, Texas, formed a partnership that allows the city to donate to the project.
“The additional cold storage bays will also serve proactively in maintaining the integrity of certain products while they are inspected in climate-controlled areas, rather than exposing them to the South Texas heat,” Rodriguez said.
A 10,000-square-foot inspection and training facility will enhance the Custom and Border Protection’s agricultural specialist ability to detect pests, diseases and related testing on agricultural products.
The port processed nearly 1,800 commercial trucks transporting an average of more than $13 million worth of agricultural products each day in fiscal year 2019, which is nearly 15 percent of all fresh produce imported into the U.S.
“The City of Pharr remains committed to working with our federal partners to identify and implement innovative methods to expedite traffic and trade at our international port of entry, making border crossings and inspections function more effectively while helping our trade partners process and cross their goods more efficiently,” Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez said.
By Kelly Miller, Assistant Manager, ALC Los Angeles
There is so much uncertainty surrounding this pandemic, we are bound to see impacts on our food system and the supply and demand of fresh produce. Growers, packers, processors, transportation and shipping are some of the industries that have been affected. Halts and delays due to insufficient labor in the fields will cause dwell times to increase for drivers and ultimately delay transportation to stores as well as price hikes and availability of products. Tom Stenzel, CEO of The United Fresh Produce Association, estimates that the produce industry will take a $5 billion dollar hit from the Covid-19 outbreak. Stenzel stated that “restaurants and other foodservice outlets account for as much as 40% of fresh fruit and vegetable sales” and it’s unfathomable to be shifting that amount to retail outlets.
So far, we have not seen a shortage of produce in our stores which is great for consumers. Many people are looking to increase their consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables hoping to boost their immune systems in order to stay healthy and combat this virus. Behind the scenes, industry members are dealing with logistical complications like making sure the labor force in the fields, packing houses and stores are safe and employees are able to work.
In the transportation industry, there is a growing concern for driver shortages due to health issues as well as limited resources out on the road. Many rest stops have been closed which means limited bathroom or shower availability. These are just a few challenges that drivers are facing and some have even decided to retire early due to the pandemic. I don’t know about you, but I would not want to work without these necessities.
I would personally like to take the time to thank all the essential workers. Drivers, growers, manufacturers, grocery store employees and the healthcare workers for they are the heroes in this pandemic!
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Kelly Miller began working for the Allen Lund Company in October of 2001. She started her career as a transportation broker, was promoted to operations manager and now is the assistant manager of the Los Angeles Sales office.