Presorted Standard U.S. Postage PAID

Permit No. 271

Tucson, AZ

PHOTOS & THANK YOUS THANK & PHOTOS

TOURNAMENT

27TH ANNUAL GOLF GOLF ANNUAL 27TH

PHOTOS & THANK YOUS THANK & PHOTOS

TOURNAMENT TOURNAMENT

39TH ANNUAL BOWLING ANNUAL 39TH

CONTINUES

RATES TRUCK OF

CYCLICAL NATURE NATURE CYCLICAL

INTO ORGANICS INTO

WEBINAR DIVES DEEP DEEP DIVES WEBINAR

THE FPFC MARKET REPORT MARKET FPFC THE ®

October / November 2019 November / October Digest Fresh A Publication of the Fresh Produce & Floral Council Floral & Produce Fresh the of Publication A

Fresh Digest FreshA Publication of the Fresh Digest Produce & Floral Council Carissa Mace Tim Linden Publisher Editor Dana Davis Heather Gray Advertising Design/Layout

FRESH PRODUCE & FLORAL COUNCIL 2019 Board of Directors Features In Every Issue OFFICERS Andrew Bivens Westlake Produce Company Chairman of the Board Brian Cook PRODUCE INDUSTRY ATHLETES Pete’s INVITING INDUSTRY Editor’s View Chairman Elect 10 TO THE CELEBRATION Sean McClure 4 Treasurer/Secretary BY TIM LINDEN Alfonso Cano Lucky CYCLICAL NATURE Immediate Past Chairman OF PAST CHAIR REPRESENTATIVES 12 TRUCK RATES CONTINUES Harland Heath Executive Notes Heath & Lejeune, Inc. Honorary Past Chairman THE FPFC 6 BY CARISSA MACE Roger Schroeder Honorary Past Chairman MARKET REPORT Connie Stukenberg 16 WEBINAR California Avocado Commission Past Chairman 39TH ANNUAL Council News DIRECTORS 8 Mike Casazza BOWLING TOURNAMENT FPFC HIGHLIGHTS FreshSource, LLC 18 PHOTOS & THANK YOUS Greg Corrigan United Vegetable Growers Rick Cruz MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON Trade News CERRITOS, CA Don Gann 38 INDUSTRY HIGHLIGHTS Stater Bros. Markets 26 PHOTOS & THANK YOUS Paul Kneeland Gelson’s Markets Scott Leimkuhler 27TH ANNUAL Progressive Produce, LLC GOLF TOURNAMENT Kori Martin 32 The Oppenheimer Group PHOTOS & THANK YOUS Liane Mast Stater Bros. Markets Jeffrey McLellan Credit Consulting Lynnie Nojadera Quebec Distributing Co. Kristen Reid MIXTEC Group Sheryl Salazar / Michael Schutt Raley’s Volume 47, Number 5 October / November 2019 Dannie Timblin Melissa’s World Variety Produce Rich Van Valkenburg Fresh Digest (ISSN-1522-0982) is published bimonthly for $15 of FPFC membership dues; $25 for Van Valkenburg & Associates Paige Venable annual subscription for non-members by Fresh Produce & Floral Council; 2400 E. Katella Avenue, Vallarta Supermarkets Suite 330, Anaheim CA 92806. Periodicals postage paid at Anaheim, CA, and at additional Bob Waldusky Fresh Gourmet Company, LLC mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Fresh Digest, 2400 E. Katella Avenue, Carissa Mace Suite 330, Anaheim CA 92806. Fresh Produce & Floral Council President Fresh Digest | 3 EDITOR’S VIEW By Tim Linden Are There Too Many Produce Trade Shows? t’s an interesting question and more in North America, Asia and there are too many produce shows one that is very difficult to an- Europe and the average month has is a myth. We have an industry in Iswer. Like beauty, the answer is more than one. Over the next 12 which variety is clearly the spice of in the eye of the beholder. months, both PMA and United life. Variety, in fact, is a trend driv- On its face, it seems obvious will be in California along with the ing produce department sales. The that there are. At every trade aforementioned three July shows. tomato, grape and apple categories show I went to this year, someone So are there too many? Again, are exploding with new options observed that there are just too the quick response is yes. But let’s every year. A week doesn’t go by many of them. A case in point was take a closer look at those three without some vegetable company the three shows held back to back July shows. While many of the seemingly introducing a new pack- to back in July in California, two of exhibitors were the same, the shows aged salad or value added meal kit. which were in the same conven- had a different focus. Exhibitors I can’t keep up with the new fresh tion hall. The second week of July attending all three could tailor their juices or salad dressings. featured the Organic Produce offerings to fit the show. Both the While there is some overlap in Summit in Monterey; week 3 our organic and foodservice shows wore the produce shows, the majority own FPFC EXPO was held at the their specialty in their title. The have carved out a niche...be it a Disneyland Hotel Convention new FPFC EXPO was actually the regional play (FPFC EXPO), a spe- Center in Anaheim; and week 4 result of the elimination of a show cific industry sector (PMA Food- was back in Monterey for the PMA this year as this organization, noting service) or a burgeoning category Foodservice Conference & Expo. that both exhibitors and conven- (Organic Produce Summit). When I started in this indus- tion-goers were going to both its Just like in the produce depart- try in the 1970s, there were two Northern California and Southern ment itself, it is up to the consumer major national conventions with California shows, combined the two of these events to vote with their trade shows. While there were into a larger regional show for all of dollars. Tasteless tomatoes, seeded many regional or commodity-based its members. grapes and mushy apples have been conventions, for the most part they I went to the Organic Produce replaced with dozens of alternatives. focused on educational and social Summit and the FPFC EXPO. If you don’t support the prolifera- networking events. Some of the Both received excellent support tion of trade shows, they will go conventions included table top dis- from both the buyer and supplier away. But for the time being, they plays but the trade shows were the community, and both got excellent seem to be thriving. I theorize that domain of the national conventions. reviews. I didn’t attend the PMA our digital existence, which tends That is no longer the case. Foodservice Show this year but I did to decrease human interaction, has Today, there are more than a talk to many people who did and it played a major role in the success dozen produce shows held in the also got good reviews. of these face to face events. But United States. Throw in a few So maybe the perception that that’s a column for another time.

4 | October / November 2019

Executive Notes By Carissa Mace

Seeking Tomorrow

riting an article for the of the article is about the companies attending to 35. At this magazine every other mergers that were going on at the year’s Expo, there were 87 different Wmonth can be a bit daunt- time. Linda spoke about compa- retail and foodservice companies ing at times. I remember my old nies having to put “FPFC activities present with a concentrated effort boss, former FPFC president on hold” as they waited for the to bring in those from outside the Linda Stine, mentioning this fact fall out. This sounds familiar. As area, specifically the Pacific North- when the Digest deadline would retailers change management and west. Linda wrote the increased roll around. Well let me tell you, in some cases ownership, we find attendance was “the fruits of the I totally understand what she was the same thing occurs – they take a labors of dedicated committee talking about since I’ve been in her break from activities while the dust members and directors.” Those shoes. settles. Eventually, companies are words certainly ring true today. I decided to take a look at what able to come back to participating. The Expo would not be the growing Linda wrote about 20 years ago. I We’ve seen the same cycle over and success it is nowadays without the was actually working at the FPFC over again. involvement of committee mem- 20 years ago as Event Coordinator/ Linda’s article also discussed bers and excellent leadership from Member Development Director. I the fact that the retail mergers hit its committee chair. had to look back in my old person- the floral segment of the industry Linda closed her article, again, nel file because honestly, I didn’t particularly hard. In her article, she written in 1999, with “As we enter remember what my title was back announced that the then stand- the new millennium, the leader- then. Basically my job back in those alone floral expo would be merging ship of the Fresh Produce & Floral days was part of what Amy Wun the following year with the produce Council must investigate diligently does now – manage event logistics expo. That continues to be the case all the areas of success and adopt and working with committees and – we have one show. This year, to new strategies that work well in giv- others to implement plans. help accommodate floral’s needs ing strength to the Mission of the The title of Linda’s article was we created a Floral Pavilion that FPFC.” Once again, truer words “Seeking Tomorrow” and yes, I was highly successful. With some could not be written. Leadership thought it sounded nice so I bla- tweaks based on floral exhibitor must constantly strive to move the tantly stole it for this article. feedback, we’ll be bringing back the FPFC in directions that will make It was interesting to read the Floral Pavilion in 2020. it a strong force and voice for the article as it made me realize that Regarding the produce show, it industry of the future. This fact even though things change, they was noted that in 1999 the Produce never changes. remain the same. A good portion Expo went from having 6 retail

6 | October / November 2019

Council News

THE FPFC WELCOMES THE FOLLOWING NEW MEMBERS Charles Muranaka Keith Slattery Trent Maple Muranaka Farm, Inc. Stonehill Produce Inc. Sunsweet Grower, Inc.

Jessica Luna Angela Hernandez Pablo’s Produce, Inc. Trinity Fruit Company

UPCOMING FPFC EVENT FPFC OFFICE 2400 E. Katella Avenue, Suite 330 Anaheim, CA 92806 December 4 tGBY 8FCTJUFXXXGQGDPSH FPFC MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON EDITORIAL OFFICE Sheraton Cerritos, Cerritos, CA Tim Linden 925-258-0892 [email protected] For additional information on FPFC Events, Visit our Website at www.fpfc.org ADVERTISING OFFICE Dana Davis or email [email protected] 302-750-4662 Ph: (714) 739-0177 Fax: (714) 739-0226 [email protected]

8 | October / November 2019 SAVE THE DATE! FPFC MISSION JanuaryJanuary 2525, 20202020 STATEMENT The mission of the Fresh Pro- duce & Floral Council is to con- nect members to the informa- tion, education and professional network they need to increase knowledge, grow their busi- THE CITY COMES TO LIFE nesses and collectively advance AT THE FPFC DINNER DANCE the industry.

Fresh Digest | 9 our de Fresh, a produce industry cycling of United Fresh, and a salad bar will be presented event, will end on the steps of the Anaheim to a local Anaheim area school to signify the many Convention Center on Wednesday, October more salad bars to be distributed following the 16, prior to the start of the Produce Market- ride. It’s not too late to donate to the cause with T these sponsors: Americold, And Now U Know, Arc- ing Association Fresh Summit. Produce industry cyclists have been in training for the epic ride and tic Apples, Atlas Produce, Basil Seasonal Din- will mark their success with an epic celebration that ing, C&S Wholesale Grocers, California Giant Berry the industry is invited to attend. Farms, CHEP, Church Brothers, Coosemans, Crunch Pak, DMA Solutions, Earthbound Farms, EBX As many in the produce industry are in training for Logistics, Emerson, Famous Software, Fight Like A yet another large industry convention in October, Girl Foundation, FreshPlaza, and Gold Coast Pack- there are 50 cyclists that are planning and training ing. every day for their own journey to the PMA. While most attendees choose to fly or drive to Anaheim, Also: Good Foods, Gusto Handcrafted Pasta & the produce industry cyclists will be riding together Pizza, Interfresh, iTrade Network, JAZZ Apples, Je- along the breathtaking Big Sur Coast taking the rue Trucking, Lipman Produce, Markon, Misione- long way in ultimately reaching those busy Orange ro, Mission Produce, Ocean Mist Farms, Paramount County streets. Export, PRO*Act, Procurant, Produce Marketing Association, Regal Marketing, Renaissance Food This year marks the 6th annual Tour de Fresh and Group, Sakata, Specialty Produce, SunFed Pro- the route is taking the group back to its roots, duce, Sunkist, Tat-On Inc., Taylor Farms, Total repeating the inaugural ride from Carmel to Ana- Quality Logistics (TQL), United Fresh Start Foun- heim hugging the Big Sur Coast, climbing the hills dation, and Western Precooling in Santa Ynez Valley and winding along the Pacific Coast Highway through Malibu. The route is simi- Tour de Fresh, presented by The California Giant lar to that first ride in 2014, but the riders are differ- Foundation, is a one-of-its-kind, collaborative event ent, and the non-profit organization has successfully that unites the most significant brands and influ- raised more than $750,000 in five years. encers in the fresh produce industry for a four-day cycling event that raises funds to benefit the Salad This year as the group makes that final turn onto Bars to Schools campaign. In its first five years Convention Way, the Tour de Fresh participants are (2014-2018), Tour de Fresh placed more than 230 inviting industry members to be there for the finish. salad bars in schools across the country. Sponsors The Finish Line Ceremony, which has been made and participants alike strongly believe that provid- possible by the Produce Marketing Association, will ing healthy eating opportunities for school children be on Wednesday, October 16, 2019 at 11:30 am. should be a requirement, which keeps this event thriving year after year. “We know everyone is already making their travel plans, meeting plans, and dinner plans for the Salad Bars to Schools is a public health campaign convention, so we are asking that you add just one to increase salad bars in schools across the country more event to your schedule and attend the finish so that every child has the choice of healthy fruits line event with us on Wednesday,” said Cindy Jewell, and vegetables every day at school. Salad Bars

Produce Industry Athletes Produce Industry Athletes on behalf of California Giant Foundation. “Bring a to Schools supports former First Lady Michelle sign, a noise maker, or just your loud voice to cheer Obama’s Let’s Move! Initiative to end childhood obe- these colleagues on as they complete their 300-mile sity in a generation. Salad Bars to Schools founding journey to support the United Fresh Start Founda- partners are: The United Fresh Start Foundation, tion and salad bars for schools.” National Fruit and Vegetable Alliance, the Chef Ann Foundation and Whole Kids Foundation. More As the riders stand on the stage made of CHEP Inviting Industry to the Celebration information can be found online at www.saladbars2s- pallets, a check will be presented to Tom Stenzel chools.org.

10 | October / November 2019

Cyclical Nature of Truck Rates Continues By Tim Linden

y all accounts, 2018 was a very good year for most of that time. It is a natural cycle for change. truckers, and as would be expected, 2019 has The only difference now is that the circles of cycle Bnot produced stellar results. are getting shorter.” “Last year (2018) was one of the best years Rose said the transportation arena tends to react ever for the trucking industry,” said Bob Rose, vice quicker to these cycles and they don’t last as long. president of national sales for the Allen Lund Com- Speaking to the Fresh Digest in early September, pany (ALC) and a longtime observer of the logistics he said rates were as low as he expects them to go. space. “Of course, a lot of our loads are based on “We are in a trough but I don’t think it is going to contract rates, but in the spot market we saw crazy last that much longer. Shippers are trying to lock in rates all year long.” prices right now and that makes sense.”

Truck owners of both large and small fleets are Rose reasoned that rates cannot stay down over the a lot like farmers. “The natural tendency was to long term because costs continue to rise. He said invest in equipment,” he said. Large fleet owners drivers are demanding more money and insurance significantly added to their inventory, and small op- and repair costs are also on the rise. erators with three, four or five trucks, added another. The Allen Lund Company operates on a national “In early 2019, we saw a slowdown and it has stayed basis with offices all over the country and a book with us all year,” Rose said. “There are plenty of of business that covers many different commodi- trucks, no driver shortages and companies have cut ties. The company has always been involved in fresh back on their orders for new trucks.” produce but it also operates in dry goods, beverages and many other lanes. Still, Rose’s report mirrored Rose said it is a predictable pattern with the only that of Rolando Nava of Rollin R Enterprises, a variable being how long each cycle lasts. “I’ve been cargo and freight company that operates largely doing this for 38 years and it seems like (tradition- in the Central Coast to Los Angeles County corri- ally) it has been a five to seven year life cycle for dor. In the produce business, Rollin R specializes in

12 | October / November 2019 less than full load (LTL) shipments from the many relationship with many shippers with the company produce shippers from his region to receivers in Los using its own facilities as a cross dock. Product Angeles. It is a specialty that has its own challenges from many different shippers comes into the Oxnard but the president and owner, Rolando Nava, agreed facility via small trucks. The LTL shipment is then that overall freight rates are down. built there and sent out with a new driver with a full slate of unused drive time. Of course, Nava said “There are more trucks than work right now,” he that is more expensive as he has had to invest in said. “We should see an increase in rates in winter more trucks and has hired more drivers. “But put- especially as the e-log mandate takes full effect.” ting it together and making it happen, that’s what we do. It’s a 24/7 job.” He explained that the mandate for electronic logging devices (ELDs) on interstate shipments is scheduled He did sound the alarm against some receivers – to be in full effect come December 16, 2019. The still in the minority --who are giving tight delivery mandate was passed into law in December 2015 with appointments and charging fees for late arrivals. a four-year phase in program. While the mandate “There are a couple of companies giving us an hour did go into effect in December of 2017, the regula- window for an appointment and charging a $250 fee tions required that for the past two years “carri- when the driver is late.” ers must begin taking compliance measures. Paper logging and logging software will no longer be Nava said an LTL shipment can easily get behind permitted. Carriers must use either ELDs that are schedule as the multiple pick-ups and drop-offs offer compliant with the mandate or AOBRDs (automatic lots of opportunities for delays. It’s common prac- on-board recording devices) that were installed prior tice, he said, for a driver to show up to pick up a few to December 18, 2017.” pallets from a shipper and they are not ready. That delay can throw off the whole schedule. “A ship- As of December 16, 2019, full compliance is in ef- per can make me late for the delivery and then we fect. “After this date, all drivers and carriers operat- get charged,” he said, indicating that just isn’t right ing in the United States will be required to track and he has to pass these charges back to the shipper. HOS (hours of service) using only registered and “It’s very frustrating.” compliant electronic logging devices,” according to the regulations. Rose decried these charges and said ALC tries to avoid working with shippers and receivers that don’t In addition, Nava said California, and many other treat truckers properly. In times when rates are low, states, have the same regulations kicking in for as they are currently, he said truckers sometimes intrastate shipments. California has begun phasing have to take a load from these bad actors. But when in its ELD mandate for shipments within its borders truck supplies are tight, shippers and receivers that with full compliance by the end of 2020. don’t treat truckers right are going to find it more difficult to secure equipment. “It’s better to be a Nava said the hours of service issue, which the ELD shipper or receiver of choice,” he said. mandate is designed to closely monitor, is especially difficult for LTL shipments. It is not rare for an Rose said the situation is much better than it was a LTL load to have four to six pick-ups and an equal decade ago when long waits to load or unload were number of drops. It can be very difficult to get the much more prevalent. He noted that in years past, task accomplished within the allowable drive time these pick-up and drop-off locations invested in nice for a day (basically 10 hours) when there is extra waiting rooms so the truckers could be comfortable wait time to load and/or unload. while waiting for the loading or unloading service. Rose quipped that it’s better to get those truckers in He explained that if a truck leaves his facility in and out quickly and not rely on a nice waiting room Oxnard and drives up to Santa Maria for three or to appease them. With today’s strict hours of ser- four pickups, it can easily take five to six hours to vice guidelines, that seems to be a mandate in itself. accomplish that task before heading to Los Angeles to unload. Add in a delay at a receiver’s dock and The ALC executive did say that truckers, shippers the total time has exceeded the drive time maximum and receivers do seem to be adapting to the new for that day. rules with all three important elements of a ship- ment “finding their rhythm” and adjusting to the To address this issues, Rollin R has established a new regulations.

14 | October / November 2019 Year around Kiwifruit and Fresh Fig shippers. Globally, meeting the demands of flavor conscious consumers.

Persimmons Asian Pears

Pomegranates Quince Stem & Leaf Citrus Western Fresh Marketing Servicing your Sales Needs with Quality & Integrity Since 1995 Phone: 559-662-0301 Fax: 559-662-0306 Susan or George: 888-820-0001 Carrie: 906-753-2131 Chris, Joel, Roedell or Peyton: 888-820-2011 WWW.WESTERNFRESHMARKETING.COM Madera, CA 93637 Organic Produce Sales Stall But Growth Still Evident By Tim Linden

deep dive into the latest FPFC Market Report revealed that sales of organic produce in California Ain 2019 are trending downward slightly, but the category is still over-index- ing with regard to contributing to produce department sales growth.

The FPFC Market Report is a quarterly survey prepared exclusively for Fresh Produce & Floral Council members that looks at the California retail marketplace and examines produce sales trends. Fu- sion Marketing creates the report and each quarter it does a deep dive into one aspect in a webinar presented to FPFC members. On Thursday, September 19, after compil- ing the 2019 Q2 report, Valerie Ferguson, senior category analyst for Fusion, took a closer look at organic produce sales for this quarter’s webinar.

She said that after five consecutive years of impressive dollar growth, the first two quar- ters of 2019 showed a 2.7 percent decline in revenue. Over the past five years, the FPFC Market Report has shown year-over-year growth ranging from 2.1 percent to 16.1 percent with 2018 registering a 6.2 percent increase in dollar sales.

“Lower volume and prices drove organic sales down,” said Ferguson, noting that the losses all came from Q2. In fact, Q1 of 2019 continued the five-year trend of year- over-year gains for the quarter with a 1.7 percent increase. But Q2 2019 registered a 3.7 decrease in sales from Q2 2018. In fact, the quarter represented the first year- over-year quarterly decline reaching back to 2015, which were the earliest records presented.

Decline in organic fruit volume during the first half of this year is the culprit as it registered a decrease of 2.5 million pounds compared to the first two quarters of 2018 in the data studied. The numbers are mined 16 | October16 | / OctoberNovember / November 2019 2019 from scan data and although they Q2 2019), organic produce had third in sales and ninth in growth. don’t represent 100 percent of a 6 percent volume share of statewide sales, the two years total produce yet represented 11 There was much more crossover are comparing volume and sales percent of dollar sales. And over on the fruit side with six items figures from the same sources. that year, organic produce growth appearing on both lists. Berries outpaced conventional produce topped the sales chart but did While fruit sales and volume were growth, according to Ferguson. not appear on the top 10 growth down, organic vegetable sales In fact, she revealed that “organ- list. Organic grapes and avoca- volume continued to increase, ics contributed 18 percent of total dos were arguably the top two making up for some of the fruit produce dollar growth in the past performers as they ranked fourth losses in the category. 52 weeks.” and fifth on the dollar sales list and first and second on the dollar Another contributing factor for Report also looked at growth list, each registering more the category dollar decline is that the top 10 fruits and vegetables than a 22 percent gain in dollar the average price per pound for respectively, noting both total sales over the previous year organic produce trended lower for dollar sales and dollar growth. In the first two quarters. the vegetable category, organic The report, as it always does, also lettuce topped the charts in sales broke out figures for the four ma- Despite the statistically less-than- but was not one of the top 10 jor markets in California with San stellar performance by organic growth items. Organic spinach Francisco leading the way with produce in California for the first was the top performer as it was 14 percent of produce dollar sales two quarters of 2019, there is second in sales and first in growth devoted to organics. still much to celebrate for the with a 10 percent increase. Car- category in general. Over the rots was the only other vegetable The full report is on the FPFC past 52 weeks (Q3 2018 through appearing on both lists, coming in website (www.fpfc.org).

Fresh Digest | 17 39th Annual Bowling Tournament

FPFC 2019 Apprentices, Thomas Rossi of Fresh Concepts, September 14, 2019 Amanda Nojadera of Quebec Distributing Company, Denise Gonzalez of Charlie’s Produce, Jeffrey Fish of Western Mixers Produce & Nuts and Esmeralda Mejia of Westlake BowlMor Lanes Produce Company. Orange County

Troy and Kristine Le Cheminant of Westlake Produce Company with their kids and Lupe Le Cheminant of Westlake Produce Company with her daughter.

18 | October / November 2019 1st Place Team 2019 Apprentice Peter Garcia, Quebec Distributing Co. Rusty Mills, Fresh Concepts, Inc. Amanda Nojadera, Quebec Distributing Co. Thomas Rossi, Fresh Concepts, Inc. 2nd Place Team Johnny Garcia of Charlie’s Produce, Great West Produce Company Cesar Guerrero of Albertsons/Safeway, Bobby Hunt, Dave Lizzarago, Cheyne Long, Mihae and Jim Finnie of Del Monte Fresh Produce. Doug Wakabayashi 3rd Place Team DLJ Produce Joe Jaen, Brian Lopez, Matt Lopez, Sue Momita 4th Place Team Veg-Fresh Farms Dan Floyd, Barry Parisotto, Megan Saenz, Daniela Santos 5th Place Team Interfresh, Inc. Sarah Borrelli, John Famini, Max Famini, Ed Morrison Women’s High Series Sue Momita, DLJ Produce

Troy LeCheminant of Westlake Produce Company trying for the Men’s High Series! Men’s High Series Dan Floyd, Veg-Fresh Farms

Fresh Digest | 19 Progressive Produce, LLC’s teams: Kelly New, Jordan Barta, Lauren Hessel, Ryan Conlon, Francisco Figueroa, Beto Lamas, Abel Ramos and Oscar Guzman.

Sponsors Team Photo Sponsors BFA Ready Pac Foods DLJ Produce FreshSource, LLC Megan Saenz hi-fives Daniela Santos Great West Produce Company after a Strike, with Barry Parisotto of Legacy Farms Veg-Fresh Farms. Westlake Produce Company

Pizza Sponsors Curations Foods The Giumarra Companies Litehouse, Inc. Marzetti Progressive Produce, LLC Quebec Distributing Co.

Event Contributors 4Earth Farms Legacy Farms Pete’s Vision Produce Company Del Monte Fresh Produce team shot with Brenna O’Leary, Mike Parsons, Paulo Figuerola and Aaron Herrmann. Westlake Produce Company

20 | October / November 2019          5  !,$" ,/ 7 5 3(, 5  !,$" ,/ 7,1%&) - 5 )# &&7&& 4 5 ,47( 5 (/7,$ 5 &/ 5 (7$ ") 5 )/$&7,1%7 ,2$ -

      7*37 7673(, 77 767    767$.+0#*&&$(*'7 Ryan Conlon of Progressive Produce, LLC going for a Strike!

Daniela Santos of Veg-Fresh Farms taking her shot at the Women’s High Series!

Oscar Guzman from Progressive Produce, LLC taking his shot at winning the Men’s High Series.

22 | October / November 2019 Bill Coombs of DLJ Produce with Blake Lee of .

Johnny Garcia of Charlie’s Produce, Cesar Guerrero of Alberstons/Safeway, Mihae and Jim Finnie of Del Monte Fresh Produce.

The kids had fun bowling on their own lanes and with the balloon artist!

Tournament Participants Albertsons/Safeway Bristol Farms Charlie’s Produce Corner Image Packaging Del Monte Fresh Produce DLJ Produce Fresh Concepts Great West Produce Company IFCO Systems Interfresh, Inc. Progressive Produce, LLC Quebec Distributing Co. Veg-Fresh Farms Barry Parisotto, Megan Saenz Western Mixers Produce & Nuts and Dan Floyd from Veg-Fresh Westlake Produce Company Farms.

Fresh Digest | 23 Westlake Produce Company Team shot with Jeff and Wendy Sunahara with their daughters, Esmeralda Mejia, Mike Casazza, Andrew Bivens, Troy and Kristine Le Cheminant with their son and daughter, and Lupe Le Cheminant with her daughter.

Kelly New, Lauren Hessel, Oscar Guzman and Jordan Barta of Progressive Produce, LLC.

Albert Hernandez, Jorge Zamorano and Denise Gonzalez from Charlie’s Produce strategizing before the tournament starts!

Yvonne Rios of Westlake Produce Company and her son enjoying the arcade fun!

To see more photos, search #FPFCBowling or visit us on Facebook at facebook.com/FPFCorg

24 | October / November 2019

Membership Luncheon Cerritos, CA August 7, 2019 Master of Ceremonies, Kent Kuwata of Smart & Final, Cheryl Kennick and Dr. Raynald Samoa with City of Hope presenting a check of $211,292.60 from the Thank You Produce Floral Committee to City of Hope. Sponsors!

Jennifer Zendejas, Shannon Dambach, Gerrie Pompa and Brandie Stump of FreshSource, LLC enjoying the post- luncheon cocktail hour with Darryl Bollack of Mariani Nut

LeighAnne Thomsen of Calavo Growers, Inc. and Mark Munger of 4Earth Farms posing at the Post-Luncheon Cocktail Hour sponsored by FreshSource, LLC. John Fuji of Gelsons Markets winning a Bose Speaker!

26 | October / November 2019 Key Sponsors Consolidated West Distributing DLJ Produce Grimmway Farms Guan’s Mushroom Westlake Produce Company

AssociateMarzetti Sponsors Zespri Kiwifruit

Angela Fraser with the California Avocado Commission singing the National Anthem. Networking Social Hour Sponsor FreshSource, LLC

Photo Sponsor North Shore Living Herbs + Greens

DecorMatsui Sponsor Nursery

Alis Ortiz and Caitlin Tierney of 99 Cent Only Stores, catching up with Dan Acevedo of GreenFruit Avocados and Briana Giampaoli of Live Oak Farms.

Richard Flamminio receiving the Spirit of Life Award with family: Amber and Melanie Flamminio and Zack Mahoney. The award was presented by Kent Kuwata of Smart & Final (left).

Fresh Digest | 27 Marvin Quebec of Quebec Distributing Co., Rick Cruz of Pavilions, Ken Ewalt and Francisco Jardim of Great West Produce Company.

Alexia Villanueva of Avocado Queen, Abel Meza of Northgate Gonzalez Markets, and Natalia Merienne of Avocado Queen.

Jim Roy of Mixed Nuts Inc, Don Gann of Stater Bros. Markets, and Bill Laliberte of WJL Distributors catching up!

Jan DeLyser of California Avocado Commission moderated a panel about industry trends with panelists Brett Grimm of Grimmway Farms, Tracey Lewin of the Allen Lund Company, and Jackie Jackson of Albertsons Companies.

28 | October / November 2019 Mark Widder with Veg-Fresh Farms, Jules Buehler North Shore Living Herbs + Greens, and Dick Spezzano of Spezzano Consulting Service, Inc.

Ken Ewalt of Great West Produce Company and Dennis Krondak of Northgate Gonzalez Markets catching up with Randy Akahoshi of 4Earth Farms

Dino Iacovino of Altar Produce, LLC, Patient Speaker and Cancer survivor, shares his own story of hope and courage.

Fresh Digest | 29 Dr. Raynald Samoa M.D. Assistant Professor, Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology & Metabolism, speaking about City of Hope.

Brian Cook of Pete’s and Patient Speaker Dino Iacovino of Altar Produce, LLC

Lindsey Sweeney and Andrea Santos of Renaissance Food Group chatting with LeighAnne Thomsen of Calavo Growers, Inc. and Mark Munger of 4Earth Farms

Amanda Nojadera of Quebec Distributing Co., Destiny Dulaney of Sunkist Growers, Julie Boland of Bonduelle Fresh Americas, Tom Rossi of Fresh Concepts, Inc., and Briana Giampaoli of Live Oak Farms, Kristen Reid and Emily Fragoso of MIXTEC Group, and Rachelle Schulken of Renaissance Food Group, LLC. attending the Panelist Session on Industry Trends before the August Luncheon. 30 | October / November 2019

27th Annual Golf Tournament Tustin Ranch Golf Course August 21, 2019

Thank You 1st Place Foursome Team Chad Miller, Felipe Villa, Susie Rea and Heath Sponsors! Shoup of West Pak Avocado, Inc.

2nd Place Foursome Winners Adam Laliberte, Bill Laliberte and Todd Butler of WJL Distributors. Not Pictured: Shonna Williams, Superior Grocers

Winners First Place Team Chad Miller, West Pak Avocado, Inc. Susie Rea, West Pak Avocado, Inc. Heath Shoup, West Pak Avocado, Inc. Felipe Villa, West Pak Avocado, Inc.

Second Place Team Tod Butler, WJL Distributors, Inc. Adam Laliberte, WJL Distributors, Inc. Bill Laliberte, WJL Distributors, Inc. Shonna Williams, Superior Grocers

Third Place Team Erick Coronado, Avocados from Mexico 3rd Place Foursome Winners Mike Nunez of Sonora Ernie Manzo, LA Specialty Produce Farms, Erick Coronado of Avocados from Mexico, Mike Nunez, Sonora Farms Felipe Orozco of Avocados from Mexico and Ernie Felipe Orozco, Avocados from Mexico Manzo of LA Specialty Produce.

32 | October / November 2019 Closest to Pin hole #3 and #17 winner, Bill Closest to Pin hole #6 winner, Justin Laliberte with Todd Butler and Adam Laliberte Whitcomb of Del Monte Fresh Produce of WJL Distributors. Not Pictured: Shonna with Mihae Finnie of Del Monte Fresh Williams of Superior Grocers. Produce with Cesar Valenzuela and Jeff Roa of Albertsons/Safeway/Vons.

Closest to Pin hole #11 winner Adam Sides of Rainfield Ranches with Blake Polisky of Natures Produce Company and Greg Emi of Rainfield Ranches. Not Pictured: Raymond Sun of Zion Supermarkets.

Closest to Pin Contests Winners Jessica Luna Hole # 3: of Pablo’s Bill Laliberte, WJL Distributors, Inc. Produce, Hole #6: Inc. wins the Mike Nunez of Sonora Farms wins the Women’s Men’s Longest Drive Contest. Justin Whitcomb, Del Monte Fresh Produce Longest Drive Hole #11: Contest. Adam Sides, Rainfield Ranches Most Accurate Drive winner, Jimmy Castro of Bristol Farms with Hole #17: Larry Larson of D. Gardikas Produce, Frank Zapata of Bristol Bill Laliberte, WJL Distributors, Inc. Farms and Dimetri Gardikas of D. Gardikas Produce.

Longest Drive Winners Men’s: Mike Nunez, Sonora Farms Women’s: Jessica Luna, Pablo’s Produce, Inc.

Most Accurate Drive Winner Jimmy Castro, Bristol Farms

Putting Contest Winner Mike Nunez, Sonora Farms

Fresh Digest | 33 Golfers watching as Brian Balladares of Grocery Company competes in the hole in one contest.

Lee Groon of Vons, Brian Silvas of Bland Farms, Mike Casazza from FreshSource, LLC; and Rick Cruz of Pavilions enjoy refreshments at the on-course demo station.

Jesse Ramirez of Ralphs Grocery Company with Phil Guardia of The Pinery, LLC; and Savannah Ramirez of Ralphs Grocery Company.

34 | October / November 2019 Justin Whitcomb with Del Monte Fresh Produce, Cesar Valenzuela of Albertsons/ Safeway/Vons, Jeff Roa from Albertsons/ Safway/Vons and Mihae Finnie from Del Monte Fresh Produce.

Kristyn Lawson of Chosen Foods with Caitlin Tierney of 99 Cents Only Stores

Sponsors On Course Demo Stations Golf Towel Dinner Program Brew Dr. Kombucha Beachside Produce, LLC WJL Distributors, Inc. Curation Foods Great West Produce Company Evolution Fresh Specialty Fresh LLC Event Signage humm kombucha Concord Foods Koia/Genius Closest to Pin Contest Fresh Gourmet Company Melissa’s World Variety Produce Perimeter Sales & Merchandising GreenFruit Avocados Peatos Henry Avocado Corp. Perricone Juice The Oppenheimer Group WTRMLN WTR Individual Longest Drive Contest Melissa’s/World Variety Produce Western Mixers Produce & Nuts

Cooling Neck Wrap Breakfast Sponsor Westlake Produce Company Hole in One Contest Consolidated West Distributing Cleveland Kraut Little Potato Company Travis Mathew Giveaway Marinani Nut Fresh Express Putting Contest Rebbl Umina Bros., Inc. Litehouse, Inc. Vive Marie’s/Ventura Foods Perimeter Sales & Merchandising Most Accurate Drive Contest Odwalla / Coca-Cola North America Contributor Quebec Distributing Co. organicgirl Taylor Farms Retail, Inc. Veg-Fresh Farms Team Photos Kern Ridge Growers Welcome Bar Progressive Produce, LLC West Pak Avocado, Inc. Warren Packaging

Fresh Digest | 35 Bradey Hall of Smart & Final, Andrew Bivens, Rob Rasmussen and Jeff Miller of Westlake Produce Company.

Abel Meza of Northgate Gonzalez Markets, Carlos Preciado of Melissa’s/World Variety Produce, and Dennis Krondak of Northgate Gonzalez Markets.

Robert Thompson of FreshSource, LLC., Brian Balladares of Ralphs Grocery Company, Basil Reale and Jason Minici of Christopher Ranch.

36 | October / November 2019 Championship Tees Advantage Fresh American AgCredit B & C Fresh Sales Bland Farms Chosen Foods Christopher Ranch Consolidated West Dist., Inc. D. Gardikas Produce Company Del Monte Fresh Produce Dole Fresh Vegetables, Inc. Fresh Gourmet Company FreshSource, LLC Great West Produce Company House Foods America Brandon Hoover of Albertsons/Vons/Pavilions, Jessica Gagel and Pat Fitzsimons of organicgirl Kern Ridge Growers with Trevor Allen of Albertsons/Vons/Pavilions. Legacy Farms, LLC Mariani Nut Co. Marie’s/Ventura Foods Melissa’s World Variety Produce organicgirl Pablo’s Produce, Inc. Peatos Perimeter Sales & Merchandising Pete’s The Pinery, LLC Professional Produce Progressive Produce, LLC Rainfield Ranches Robinson Fresh Sonora Farms Sunsweet Growers Tantillo Farms Veg-Fresh Farms Warren Packaging Inc. Westlake Produce Company West Pak Avocado, Inc. WJL Distributors, Inc.

Kevin Allen of Pacific Southwest Container, John Savidan of Gelsons Markets, Audrey Dunne of Curation Foods and Pat McDowell of Perimeter Sales & Merchandising.

To see more photos, search #FPFCGolf or visit us on Facebook at facebook.com/FPFCorg

Fresh Digest | 37 Trade News

Calavo Publishes consumer demand for more “I’m proud to introduce Calavo’s Sustainability Report environmentally-friendly prod- first report dedicated to our sus- ucts, such as organic or fair-trade tainability efforts. While environ- Calavo Growers, Inc. has pub- produce and greener packaging op- mental and social responsibility has lished its first ever sustainability tions; additional training programs been part of our corporate culture highlights report, covering perfor- to ensure all teams are equipped to for decades, this is the first time mance and sustainability-related uphold the company’s long-stand- we’ve put together a summary of initiatives across the enterprise ing values; and plans to centralize related activities to share with our (Calavo Fresh, Calavo Foods, and environmental data collection to stakeholders,” stated Cole. “With Renaissance Food Group). The further understand and optimize the growing interest in sustainability report is published on the Ca- waste impacts. from our customers, investors, sup- lavo website and introduces a new To further support sustainability pliers and communities, I anticipate sustainability policy and framework efforts at Calavo, the company has this will be the first of many reports designed to organize environmental formed a Sustainability Council, to come.” and social programs, as well as con- comprised of representatives from tinuous improvements to optimize each of its primary business units, Full access to Calavo’s Sustainabil- waste impact. that reports to an Oversight Com- ity Highlights Report can be found In its inaugural sustainability mittee led by Chairman, President on the company website at http:// highlights report, Calavo addresses and CEO Lee Cole. www.calavo.com .

Perimeter Sales and Merchandising has Relocated

We are proud to announce that Perimeter Sales and Merchandising has relocated their Sales Office to Anaheim. Our new address is 1200 N. Van Buren St., Suite H, Anaheim, CA 92807.

38 | October / November 2019      ORGANIC & CONVENTIONAL CITRUS • GRAPES PEARS • PERSIMMONS • POMEGRANATES

     7081 N. Marks Ave., Suite 104 • Fresno, CA 93711 John Hein • Andrew Roos • Adam Hix [email protected]