Archive For The “News” Category
by Chelan Fresh
Chelan, Wash. – Chelan Fresh of Chelan, Wash., already one of the largest and most versatile apple, cherry and pear suppliers in the world, is merging with Borton Fruit of Yakima, Washington. The merger brings together two industry leading companies and 5 generations of farmers. Borton Fruit’s diverse production and innovative style joins the dynamic supplier base of Gebbers Farms, Crane & Crane and Chelan Fruit Cooperative in the marketing group. The addition of Borton Fruit brings an immediate 47 percent volume expansion to Chelan Fresh’s sales and marketing portfolio, including organic offerings, early-season cherries, innovative plantings and new proprietary apple varieties.
The partners in Chelan Fresh boast new and efficient production facilities and orchards. Together, the group has recently invested more than $235 million dollars in state-of-the-art packing facilities and technologies, new storage facilities, and production efficiencies. These investments, combined with more than 13,000 acres planted in young, high-density orchards with modern trellis systems, will drive innovation on a large scale. In addition, the group will become an industry leading producer of Honeycrisp apples.
Chelan Fresh will market the majority of the new fruit under the globally-recognized Trout label, which has long been associated with high-quality apples, pears and cherries. This marks the label’s largest brand expansion since the Trout label was first marketed in 1923. Chelan Fresh also markets the Cascade Crest Organic and the Chelan Fresh labels.
The combined marketing company will retain the Chelan Fresh name and operate from both Chelan and Yakima, Washington. Although the venture will officially begin on September 1, the sales and marketing teams are already working closely to bring immediate benefits to buyers.
Imported Koru Apples
Container shipments of New Zealand-grown Koru apples have started arriving at U.S. ports.
The Coast to Coast Growers Cooperative expects to receive 115,000-130,000 40-pound bushel equivalents of Koru throughout the import season — an increase of about 50% from 2016 — with shipments arriving weekly through the month of June.
The first shipments have already sold, but retailers can inquire with Glenmont, N.Y.-based New York Apple Sales, Wenatchee, Wash.-based Oneonta Starr Ranch Growers and Yakima, Wash.-based Borton Fruit about future shipments. Those suppliers comprise the cooperative.
By Potandon Produce LLC
Idaho Falls, ID – Potandon Produce LLC recently updated their Green Giant™ Vidalia Onion carton for the 2017 shipping season. Last season, Potandon updated their consumer bag, which had a visible impact on the retail shipping community, prompting the update to the master case.
Potandon’s main shipping point for Green Giant™ Vidalia onions is Ray Farms, owned and managed by Danny Ray, second-generation grower and previous winner of the Vidalia Grower of the Year (2012.) In a recent phone conversation, Danny Ray was very positive about the 2017 crop from an agronomic standpoint. His fields were healthy with 100% stand through the growing season and quality looked excellent. This season, in addition to the legendary Vidalia sweet onion, customers can load sweet red onions at Ray Farms.
Ralph Schwartz, Vice President of Sales for Potandon, also weighed in on this year’s crop. “We’re seeing yields increased over last season in the 15%-20% range and there are plenty of onions available from the Vidalia region. The increased yields are the direct result of an exceptionally mild growing season, with no major weather events”. Over the next three weeks, Potandon will ship onions from the field, afterwards moving to shipping from storage right around June 1st. The current crop profile is 30% Mediums and 70% Jumbo and larger sizes. Demand is expected to increase significantly over the next few weeks as Memorial Day nears.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Vidalia onion trademark. Vidalia onions are the state of Georgia’s number one vegetable commodity and are a major contributor to the state’s economy.
About Potandon Produce L.L.C.
Headquartered in Idaho Falls, Idaho, Potandon Produce is the largest marketer of fresh potatoes and one of the largest marketers of fresh onions in North America. Potandon holds the exclusive licensing rights to the Green Giant™ brand for fresh potatoes and onions in North America, and is able to provide year-round supply to any size retail, foodservice, or wholesale customer. Potandon is also an industry leader in food safety and in bringing innovative products to the market. Visit www.potandon.com to learn more about Potandon, and go to Potandon’s consumer website, www.klondikebrands.com, to learn more about the company’s distinctive potato varieties. To learn more about the Green Giant® Fresh program visit www.greengiantfresh.com.
Green Giant, the Green Giant character, Sprout, and associated words and designs are trademarks of B&G Foods North America, Inc.-used under license. ©2016 B&G Foods North America, Inc.
by Oppy
As taste-buds turn to fresh crop apples, Oppy announces increased volumes of Chilean Ambrosia, with first arrivals planned for mid-May.
“Ambrosia is a top performer in the premium apple space in both volume growth and dollar sales,” said David Nelley, Oppy’s vice president of categories, who points to the advantage of stocking new-crop premium apples, including this sweet, crunchy favorite, now.
“Volumes of the original BC Ambrosia are winding down, and the new crop really delivers the signature Ambrosia flavor and texture. Chile offers a fresh-picked Ambrosia that provides a color break, eats fantastic and keeps apple sales rolling into the summer.”
David Del Curto (DDC) of Santiago is one of two growers authorized to produce Ambrosia in Chile. DDC first planted the apple in 2009, selecting locations that best replicate the growing conditions in British Columbia known to produce the best-tasting fruit.
“We discovered that very good Ambrosia can be produced in Southern Chile, due to good chill hours that amplify the color and flavor characteristics North American consumers appreciate about the apple,” said Marcos Echenique, DDC sales director. “We’re replicating Ambrosia’s ‘natural environment’ as best we can, producing apples that deliver consistently on taste, which has emerged as Ambrosia’s most compelling attribute.”
Echenique notes that DDC’s Ambrosia has achieved good color intensity through the application of reflective film placed between the rows and nets for sun protection. After being picked and cooled slowly to retain flavor and crunch, 100 percent of the Ambrosia is packed on a single line for consistency by specifically trained staff.
Along with its other premium apple and pear offerings, the leading marketer and distributor’s business development team will drive retail sales of Oppy’s Chilean Ambrosia program via high-impact custom promotions.
Chile is the leading exporter of apples and many other produce items to the United States.
The University of North Carolina Tarheels may be the 2017 NCAA basketball tournament champions, but the Envy apple took home the 2017 Apple Madness “chomp-ionship.”Beating out Honeycrisp in the final contest, the Envy was the winner of the U.S. Apple Association-sponsored tournament pitting 32 apple varieties in a five-round online competition, according to a news release.
More than 31,000 consumers voted for their favorite apple variety during the event, a 20% increase from last year’s inaugural tournament, according to the release.
“We love the opportunity to merge March’s National Nutrition Month and bracket fever with this campaign,” Korenna Wilson, director of consumer health and public relations at the apple association, said in the release.
“It was fun to see apple fans’ passion for their favorite varieties play out on social media. Congrats to Envy!”
The contest shared apple facts, recipe ideas and health research data with millions of consumers on social media, according to the release.
“We are incredibly excited that consumers picked Envy, proving Envy’s truly exceptional widespread appeal,” David Nelley, vice president of categories at Oppy, which manages production and sales of Envy Apples in the U.S.
“Envy is selling extremely well in the U.S., and being voted champion in this fun competition is truly awesome for the consumers who enjoy Envy apple and for our passionate growers,” Joe Barsi, president of North America for T&G Global, said in the release. T&G manages the Envy apple global marketing efforts.
Apple Madness began in February at USApple.org/AppleMadness with a prediction period encouraging individuals to fill out their Apple Madness bracket for a chance to win a three-month supply of apples.
Throughout the event voters entered to win apple-related prizes from members including Borton Fruit, Chelan Fresh, Domex Superfresh Growers, the Michigan Apple Committee, New York Apple Association, New York Apple Sales, Oppy, Rainier Fruit Co., Red Jacket Orchards, Ridgetop Orchards, Riveridge Produce Marketing, Sage Fruit Co/ and Washington Apple Commission.
by Polymer Logistics
Riverside, CA – Polymer Logistics supplied over 22 million Wood-Look crates in 2016, introducing the product to major retailers in both the US and Europe. The introductory year for these crates has proven very successful, with retailers registering substantial sales increases in their produce departments and a study in Italy indicating a 94% consumer preference for Wood-Look crates.
“2016 was the year of our Wood-Look crate solution,” says Gideon Feiner, Polymer Logistics CEO. In response to growing demand, Polymer Logistics opened two new wash plants in the U.S. in the same year, now totaling five in number. The company also appointed a well-known executive in the produce industry – Fred Heptinstall, as CEO of Polymer Logistics North America to support its expansion, with the company achieving growth of more than 35% in 2016. It continues to make investments and anticipates continued corporate growth in the high 20% in the years ahead.
To complement the success of the Wood-Look crates, Polymer Logistics developed an in-store Wood-Look display fixture to create a unified store appearance. The innovative modular Wood-Look display stand is featured at Fruit Logistica 2017 at Hall 21 / C-04. The easily assembled stand can be customized to meet the needs of specific locations and is fully compatible with 600×400 mm as well as 400×300 mm RPCs. The display stand can also accommodate a combination of various industrial style crates from other suppliers as well as cardboard containers to boost overall produce aisle appearance.
With fresh produce often placed at the front of stores, appealing displays draw in more foot traffic and boost overall store sales. The distinctive “fresh from the field” appearance provides a memorable shopping experience while delivering crucial benefits such as hygiene, as well as lower cost and environmental impact. Visitors to Fruit Logistica 2017 are encouraged to see how the new combination of Polymer Logistics eye-catching products can transform both store appearance and operation.
About Polymer Logistics:
Polymer Logistics is a leading provider of One-Touch/Retail Ready Reusable Packaging (RRP) solutions. Since 1994, it has been helping retailers worldwide simplify supply chain management by offering them precisely what they need in terms of logistics services and display products – from the factory to the retail floor. The strength of the brand comes from the Company’s consistent track record in helping clients cut overall costs by up to 60% while simultaneously increasing in-store product availability. Add to that an innovative and flexible approach, expertise in materials handling and logistics management, and a focused commitment to superb service. Polymer Logistics numbers 17 service centers and wash sites with dedicated local teams in the USA and Europe.
by National Mango Board
Orlando, Fla – The National Mango Board (NMB) has launched a marketing campaign, renaming the Ataulfo mango variety to “Honey.” Over the years, the Ataulfo name has been repeatedly reported as hard to pronounce for U.S. consumers, retailers and the media, creating purchase barriers and missed education opportunities for this popular Mexican variety. Retailers and industry members are encouraged to use Honey as a more consumer-friendly name to help increase Ataulfo sales.
“When consumers struggle to pronounce Ataulfo, it can create resistance and lack of understanding of the fruit”, stated Manuel Michel, Executive Director at the NMB. “The NMB’s goal is to help consumers overcome the barriers of entry and encourage increase purchase of the fruit. Our ultimate objective is to make the Honey mango more mainstream and generate excitement amongst U.S. consumers, retailers and media by providing them a more consumer-friendly name.”
“When consumers struggle to pronounce Ataulfo, it can create resistance and lack of understanding of the fruit”, stated Manuel Michel, Executive Director at the NMB. “The NMB’s goal is to help consumers overcome the barriers of entry and encourage increase purchase of the fruit. Our ultimate objective is to make the Honey mango more mainstream and generate excitement amongst U.S. consumers, retailers and media by providing them a more consumer-friendly name.”
The NMB’s Honey mango renaming efforts will highlight the versatility, sweet taste, and creamy texture of the variety, as well as the deep roots within the rich Mexican culture. Throughout the renaming campaign, the information around the origin of the variety will continue to be shared on mango.org and promoted with media outlets.
About the National Mango Board
The National Mango Board is an agriculture promotion group supported by assessments from both domestic and imported mangos. The board’s vision, to bring the world’s love of mangos to the U.S., was designed to drive awareness and consumption of fresh mangos in the U.S. marketplace. One cup of the superfruit mango contains 100 calories, 100% of daily vitamin C, 35% of daily vitamin A, 12% of daily fiber, and an amazing source of tropical flavor. Learn more at mango.org
Alliance changes in the way container shipping lines operate are being welcomed by an executive with the Port of Oakland, CA.
Newly formed ocean carrier alliances will help the port, according to Maritime Director John Driscoll in a news release from the facility.
“We’ll see larger vessels coming to the port, which is a good thing,” he told employees in a podcast on the port’s website, portofoakland.com. “We’ll get more container moves-per-vessel which increases the efficiency of operations.”
Driscoll also said the port will receive a new weekly vessel service as a result of carrier realignment. Taiwan-based Wan Hai Lines plans to launch a new route connecting Oakland and Asia, which will increase to 29 the number of regularly scheduled vessel services calling Oakland.
“It’s a good sign when new players come to Oakland,” Driscoll said in the release.
The changes result from an April 1 realignment in which 11 of the world’s largest shipping lines formed three new alliances. Alliances let carriers pool ships on ocean routes to cut costs while expanding market reach. The carriers plan to deploy larger vessels in their alliances, carrying more containers to the U.S. West Coast. That should enable them to reduce the number of voyages while maintaining cargo volume levels, Driscoll said.
New alliance configurations should have little effect on Oakland operations, Driscoll said, noting that some vessels will change which of Oakland’s three international marine terminals they call, but the terminals are prepared.
The first vessels operating under new alliance configurations arrived in Oakland during the week of April 17.
Oakland has regular service to ports in Asia, Northern Europe and the Mediterranean, Latin America, Oceania and Hawaii.
The Port of Oakland was established in 1927 on the East shore of San Francisco Bay. Port history spans a period of 165 years, which encompassed the Civil War, the Industrial Revolution, two World Wars, and America’s coming of age as a global power.
by Allen Lund Company
La Cañada Flintridge Calif.: Allen Lund Company and Santos International are pleased to announce a new company, TransKool Solutions.
This joint venture represents a pooling of expertise to establish a supply chain process for produce LTL services. Allen Lund Company is a national third-party transportation broker with nationwide offices working with shippers and carriers across the nation to arrange for dry, refrigerated (specializing in produce), and flatbed freight. Santos International is a leading international freight forwarding company specializing in warehousing and U.S. Customs brokerage services to industries across the U.S. and Mexico.
TransKool Solutions will provide premiere warehousing solutions optimized in LTL and FTL services, load consolidations and Customs brokerage. Managing operations will be Kristi Salinas, with support from both Allen Lund Company and Santos International.
Eddie Lund, Vice President of Sales and Branch Operations commented, “We are really excited about the joint venture with Santos International. We knew going in that we could both help our customers if we put together a warehouse solution in the valley. Once we met the Santos family it became an easy decision for us to go forward with the program. We have a similar culture and values and they provide us the expertise and local knowledge in McAllen that is essential. They are great people and we are lucky to be associated with them and we are already looking to expand our services.”
The new firm, TransKool Solution’s central office is located at:
802 Trinity Street, Mission, TX 78572, (956) 432-0000.
About Allen Lund Company:
Specializing as a national third-party transportation broker with nationwide offices and over 450 employees, the Allen Lund Company works with shippers and carriers across the nation to arrange 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. If you are interested in joining the Allen Lund Company team, please click here.
Established in 1976, the Allen Lund Company was selected as the 2015 Coca-Cola Challenger Carrier of the Year, 2016 Top IT Provider by Inbound Logistics, 2015 Top Private Company in Los Angeles by the Los Angeles Business Journal, 2015 Top 100+ Software and Technology Providers, 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 310,000 shipments in 2015, 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.
Apple sales in February fell 5.4 percent compared to the same month in 2016, according to Stemilt Grower’s latest Fruit Tracker Fast Facts video analysis.
While apple volume is up year-over-year the video shows most regions fell short of performance, excluding the East.
“February is historically a strong month for apple sales,” said Brianna Shales, Stemilt communication manager. “Retailers sold 59 pounds of apples more on average in February, but brought in $190 dollars less weekly than in February 2016. This year’s larger crop and fruit size is ripe with opportunities for promotion, especially on the bulk side.”
Bulk remained the primary purchasing method for apple, accounting for 59.1 percent of sales. Bag sales accounted for the remaining 40.9 percent.
The top five apple varieties in February 2017 were:
- Gala at 28.2 percent of sales;
- Fuji at 13.8 of sales;
- Red delicious at 12.3 percent of sakes;
- Granny smith at 11.% of sales;
- HoneyCrisp at 11.1 of sales.
“Club apples are an important part of the apple category, and there are still opportunities to promote them this spring,” Shales said in the release. “Our signature variety, Piñata, will be available through May and we are seeing some of the best fruit of the year right now coming out of storage, with great color and dessert eating qualities.”
Apples accounted for an average of 6.8 percent of national produce sales in January 2017, which dropped to 6.5 percent in February.
About Stemilt
Stemilt Growers is a leading tree fruit growing, packing and shipping company based in Wenatchee, WA and is owned and operated by the Mathison family. Stemilt Growers is the leading shipper of sweet cherries and one of the nation’s largest suppliers of organic tree fruits. Stemilt has also demonstrated a commitment to sustainable agriculture and social responsibility since 1989, when founder Tom Mathison launched the company’s Responsible Choice program . For more information about Stemilt Growers, visit www.stemilt.com.
Technomic, a research company dedicated to the foodservice channel recently released their annual results report. Over half of the U.S. food dollar is now spent eating out at foodservice vs. retail, as more people go out to eat, rely on takeout or look for supermarket foodservice (convenient prepared food) options. Foodservice is now also the largest sales channel for potatoes in the U.S.The $845 billion-dollar foodservice industry grew 1.6% in 2016, with the sectors of fast food/quick service, fast casual, fine dining and convenience stores seeing the most growth. All sectors are expected to grow in 2017 with overall sales projected to be up 1.7%. The fastest growing segment should remain fast casual, with an expected sales increase of 6.1% in 2017, followed by an emerging sector, supermarket foodservice with projected 6% growth. Noncommercial Foodservice (e.g. Healthcare, Schools) is also a bright spot, and is expected to continue to grow at a steady pace. Fine dining, which has been down in recent years, is expected to grow 3.1% in 2017.
Potato Exports Increasing
U.S. exports of frozen and fresh potatoes continued to grow in December while dehydrated exports were still down but by a lesser degree. The strong dollar continues to be an issue, but tight exportable supplies are also having an impact on future sales.
Frozen export volume increased 22% in December and is up 6% for the first six months of the marketing year. Exports for the month were up 27% to Japan, 30% to Taiwan and 59% to Central America. Exports to China and Mexico continued to slip, down 21% and 2% respectively for December.
Exports of dehydrated potatoes declined 20% in December and are down 21% for the marketing year to date. December exports to Japan were down 37%, to the Philippines down 70% and to Mexico down 14%. Canada is up 10% for the month, but is still down 6% for the year.
Exports of fresh potatoes, both chip-stock and table-stock, increased 16% in December and are up 26% for the marketing year. Exports for December to Canada were up 26%, with a 47% increase to Central America, 116% to Taiwan and 10% to the Philippines. With the early opening of the Japan shipping window in December the U.S. exported 5,560 MT of additional chipping potatoes there. Exports to Mexico continues to decline down 10% for December, with Korea down 49% and Malaysia down 17%.