Opportunities for Diversifying the Exportable Supply of Guatemala

1. Opportunities for Diversifying the Exportable Supply of Guatemala

2. There is nothing more elemental than food.  It is one common denominator we all have regardless of culture or origin.  Yes, there are vast cultural differences, but this is what makes for a true spice of life.  But at the end of the day, we all have to eat.  How we eat and what we eat have gained prominent importance in the past few years, at least in the US.  As the population ages, increased importance is focused on nutrition, functional ingredients, disease fighting foods, weight loss, and food as a factor in quality of life.  The matrix of activities that go into the quality of life span the gamut from gastronomy to psychology from socialization to exercise, from spirituality to introspection. There is nothing more elemental than food.  It is one common denominator we all have regardless of culture or origin.  Yes, there are vast cultural differences, but this is what makes for a true spice of life.  But at the end of the day, we all have to eat.  How we eat and what we eat have gained prominent importance in the past few years, at least in the US.  As the population ages, increased importance is focused on nutrition, functional ingredients, disease fighting foods, weight loss, and food as a factor in quality of life.  The matrix of activities that go into the quality of life span the gamut from gastronomy to psychology from socialization to exercise, from spirituality to introspection.

3. World a reservoir of germplasm waiting to be discovered. There are between 300,000 and 400,000 plant species in the world. Of this, some experts say there are 20,000 edible plants; others say only 7,000. Let’s split the difference and say there are 14,000 edible plants. Of this, some say only 20 species are commonly eaten, but let’s be a lot more generous and say there are 5,000 commonly eaten plants (we sell nearly 1,000 ourselves). That still leaves 14-5 or 9 thousand edible plants waiting to be discovered.World a reservoir of germplasm waiting to be discovered. There are between 300,000 and 400,000 plant species in the world. Of this, some experts say there are 20,000 edible plants; others say only 7,000. Let’s split the difference and say there are 14,000 edible plants. Of this, some say only 20 species are commonly eaten, but let’s be a lot more generous and say there are 5,000 commonly eaten plants (we sell nearly 1,000 ourselves). That still leaves 14-5 or 9 thousand edible plants waiting to be discovered.

4. QUE HAY DE NUEVO? Basically as a specialty products wholesaler, we are trying to explore now and find the products for what will we be eating 10,15, 20 years from now. And what we eat is shaped by demographics, economics, life stages, and new accessibility.Basically as a specialty products wholesaler, we are trying to explore now and find the products for what will we be eating 10,15, 20 years from now. And what we eat is shaped by demographics, economics, life stages, and new accessibility.

5. Guatemala: 15° latitude = todo el año Row crops Specialty melons and cucurbits Asian vegetables Tray Packs Vacuum Packs Tropical fruits

7. USDA Admissibility Beet Blueberry Endive (chicory) Cucurbit spp. Cantaloupe Eggplant Jicama Loroco flower Mango Marang Pea Pepper Rambutan Rhubarb Roselle or jamaica Spinach Swiss chard Watercress Marang Marang

9. Pest Risk Analyses

10. Marang, (Artocarpus odoratissimus) Marang (Artocarpus odoratissimus) is a native to Borneo. It is closely related to the jackfruit, cempedak, and breadfruit trees. As indicated by the scientific name, the fruit has a strong scent, and is considered superior in flavor to both Jackfruit and Cempedak Marang (Artocarpus odoratissimus) is a native to Borneo. It is closely related to the jackfruit, cempedak, and breadfruit trees. As indicated by the scientific name, the fruit has a strong scent, and is considered superior in flavor to both Jackfruit and Cempedak

13. Guatemalan tray pack vegetables We need reliable logistics to Los Angeles for pallets, not containers.We need reliable logistics to Los Angeles for pallets, not containers.

15. Guatemalan Products Great quality but volume and cost have been obstacles.Great quality but volume and cost have been obstacles.

16. Guatemala: Pimientos, cucurbitaceae, frutas tropicales

17. Vegetables are in demand all year What is attractive about Guatemala is the possibility for Primavera eterna. Unfortunately with the rains between Dec-Mar, we have found that Guatemala is not always able to achieve that.What is attractive about Guatemala is the possibility for Primavera eterna. Unfortunately with the rains between Dec-Mar, we have found that Guatemala is not always able to achieve that.

18. Guatemalan Vegetables

19. We need logistics,minimum order flexibility, phytosanitary dcoumentation, Prior Notice, CIF pricing Baby Squash, French Beans (haricots vert), and Peas—air freight but must be competitive into Los AngelesBaby Squash, French Beans (haricots vert), and Peas—air freight but must be competitive into Los Angeles

20. Trayed, vacu pack vegetables Eggplant seems to be always in short supply But the problem for many of these things appears to be logistics. Getting the product to Los Angeles on a reliable basis in the quantity needed. Sometimes, even we cannot take an entire air container at one time. What would help is for the supplier to have a Guatemalan importer in Los Angeles and then we buy out of the Importer’s inventory as necessary.Eggplant seems to be always in short supply But the problem for many of these things appears to be logistics. Getting the product to Los Angeles on a reliable basis in the quantity needed. Sometimes, even we cannot take an entire air container at one time. What would help is for the supplier to have a Guatemalan importer in Los Angeles and then we buy out of the Importer’s inventory as necessary.

21. Asian vegetables are generally always in demand But competition from Mexico and California Bittermelon, Okra, Eggplants, Chinese long bean Pre-cooling Plant August, harvest in April Only moderate availability from MX and CA April through July Need CIF-Los Angeles pricing Need minimum order flexibility

22. Oriental vegetables are becoming more and more popular This category Is DESTINED to continue to grow. Technomic’s consumer tracking shows far more interest in Asian cuisines among younger generations, so the Asian trend is sure to be a durable one The New Urban Asian in a blend of generations—at least the current Asian one that grew up in the US. They take elements of both cuisines—concept of Asian and give it a twice with a few judiciously placed American ingredients, or vice versa. E.g.,, hotdog with kim chee and Sriracha sauce. Crossing over into mainstream and fusion cuisine. Cooking shows and health are causing this demand.This category Is DESTINED to continue to grow. Technomic’s consumer tracking shows far more interest in Asian cuisines among younger generations, so the Asian trend is sure to be a durable one The New Urban Asian in a blend of generations—at least the current Asian one that grew up in the US. They take elements of both cuisines—concept of Asian and give it a twice with a few judiciously placed American ingredients, or vice versa. E.g.,, hotdog with kim chee and Sriracha sauce. Crossing over into mainstream and fusion cuisine. Cooking shows and health are causing this demand.

23. Asian vegetables important fast growing demographic and cultural transcendance But we need logistics, pricing, and min orders Shelf Life: 1 month Prepack 12-150 gm Nov-Aug availability Need logistics to Los Angeles Minimum order flexibility But we need logistics, pricing, and min orders Shelf Life: 1 month Prepack 12-150 gm Nov-Aug availability Need logistics to Los Angeles Minimum order flexibility

24. Seasonal promotions are critical to our business and to the US grocery business in general. Chinese New Year, Valentines Day, SuperBowl, Easter, 4th of July, Christmas, Rosh Hoshana, Thanksgiving, New Years, Labor Day/Back to School, Memorial Day are all taken very seriously by Melissa’s. We stage promotions and events months in advance and secure promotional volume pricing.. For Valentine’s Day alone, Americans will spend more than $3.4 billion dining out for Valentine's Day this year, according to the National Retail Federation's 2011 Valentine's Day Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey conducted by BIGresearch. Seasonal promotions are critical to our business and to the US grocery business in general. Chinese New Year, Valentines Day, SuperBowl, Easter, 4th of July, Christmas, Rosh Hoshana, Thanksgiving, New Years, Labor Day/Back to School, Memorial Day are all taken very seriously by Melissa’s. We stage promotions and events months in advance and secure promotional volume pricing.. For Valentine’s Day alone, Americans will spend more than $3.4 billion dining out for Valentine's Day this year, according to the National Retail Federation's 2011 Valentine's Day Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey conducted by BIGresearch.

25. Consistent supply of peppers is desirable Great capsicums and there does exist a niche and need for organic bells on a reliable and consistent basis on minimum order shipments direct to Los Angeles, especially in the fall-winter months Always looking for new chile varieties, e.g., padron, piquillo, cayenne, mini bells Great capsicums and there does exist a niche and need for organic bells on a reliable and consistent basis on minimum order shipments direct to Los Angeles, especially in the fall-winter months Always looking for new chile varieties, e.g., padron, piquillo, cayenne, mini bells

26. Aji panca de Peru--porque non Guatemala?

27. Sweet Onions from Hawaii—why not Guatemala? How about something more mundane? Could you grow, sort, pack, label, provide logistics, and deliver to Los Angeles sweet onions to a Receiver or directly to us in the amounts we need? There are gaps right now during the winter months. Once again we will need minimum order flexibility. Maybe best to work with a Guatemalan importer located in Los Angeles or San Francisco.How about something more mundane? Could you grow, sort, pack, label, provide logistics, and deliver to Los Angeles sweet onions to a Receiver or directly to us in the amounts we need? There are gaps right now during the winter months. Once again we will need minimum order flexibility. Maybe best to work with a Guatemalan importer located in Los Angeles or San Francisco.

28. Melissa’s could be sourcing melons direct from Guatemala Charentais Personal watermelons Cantaloupes Galias Canary melon Honeydews We need assurance of GAP/GMP, BioSafety Registration with the FDA, reasonable delivery pattern, logistics to LA, pricing CIF-Los Angeles, reasonable minimum order, quality controlWe need assurance of GAP/GMP, BioSafety Registration with the FDA, reasonable delivery pattern, logistics to LA, pricing CIF-Los Angeles, reasonable minimum order, quality control

29. Tommy Atkins -- la mejor variedade? Verdad? Have sourced mangos in the past but have been inconsistentHave sourced mangos in the past but have been inconsistent

30. Ataulfo mangos from Peru—fill a gap between Ecuador and Mexico Buy through an Importer in Northern California and purchase out of their Los Angeles warehouse.Buy through an Importer in Northern California and purchase out of their Los Angeles warehouse.

31. Guatemalan Fruit Offerings A Tainung papaya that would be comparable to Brooks “Caribbean Red” would be highly desirable. Once again we need reliable logistics, minimum order flexibility, and pricing CIF-Los Angeles.A Tainung papaya that would be comparable to Brooks “Caribbean Red” would be highly desirable. Once again we need reliable logistics, minimum order flexibility, and pricing CIF-Los Angeles.

32. Papaya Brazil has the small pear shaped Kapoho Solo variety Mexico has the over-sized and redolent Maradol papaya. We are looking for a Caribbean Red type of papaya also known as Tainung or Formosa. I am not certain where your Mountain Papaya in Guatemala fits in Brazil has the small pear shaped Kapoho Solo variety Mexico has the over-sized and redolent Maradol papaya. We are looking for a Caribbean Red type of papaya also known as Tainung or Formosa. I am not certain where your Mountain Papaya in Guatemala fits in

33. Chilean mountain papaya

34. Our experience with Rambutan USDA--Rambutan authorized Phytosanitary certificate Free of Coccus moestus, C. viridis, Dysmicoccus, Planococcus lilacinus, P. minor, & Pseudococcus (all mealybugs) Reasonably good quality Good calcium & potassium We intend on sourcing Guatemalan rambutan in May. When we were bringing in direct, we were dumping too many. If we order through another importer (RHA) with an independent customer base, we can buy as many as needed and sell fresh product without the expense and shrink. This direct program worked fairly well before the Great Recession, but not so well during as people are cutting back on discretionary purchases and “luxury” items.We intend on sourcing Guatemalan rambutan in May. When we were bringing in direct, we were dumping too many. If we order through another importer (RHA) with an independent customer base, we can buy as many as needed and sell fresh product without the expense and shrink. This direct program worked fairly well before the Great Recession, but not so well during as people are cutting back on discretionary purchases and “luxury” items.

35. Rambutan May-Nov harvest windows Interested in pulasan, as well Postharvest—pre-wash, wash, wax, grading, electronic weighing, custom packing Access to direct flights to LAX Minimum order is important

36. Baby Pineapple Sweet & tart baby pineapple has a bold rich flavor. Clean, golden skin and brilliant yellow flesh color South African baby pineapple flesh is entirely edible, with no need to core. Coffee mug size-- about 4.5 inches high and 3.5 inches in diameter Unreliable Dec-Mar supply

37. Baby Pineapple

38. Vacuum pack products that expand the concept of the item Looking for ways to: 1) Introduce new vegetables 2) Respond to consumer demand for convenience 3) Take excess costs out of the supply chain We have seen gusseted pulps and purees in Latin America Looking for ways to: 1) Introduce new vegetables 2) Respond to consumer demand for convenience 3) Take excess costs out of the supply chain We have seen gusseted pulps and purees in Latin America

39. Value added and convenience This could be a possibility but: Need food safety first Ability to meet specs from us Vacuum pack experience Retort capability Refrigeration capacity Logistics to Los Angeles 7) Pricing CIF-Los AngelesThis could be a possibility but: Need food safety first Ability to meet specs from us Vacuum pack experience Retort capability Refrigeration capacity Logistics to Los Angeles 7) Pricing CIF-Los Angeles

40. Hearts of palm in pouch, juice purees, chulpichochi, vacu pack yuca Come to us with ideas on value-added processing and new forms of eating fruits and vegetables.Come to us with ideas on value-added processing and new forms of eating fruits and vegetables.

41. Experiences: Nicaragua Could not supply the logistics nor the qualityCould not supply the logistics nor the quality

42. Nicaragua But this is not the form in which we want to see jicama.But this is not the form in which we want to see jicama.

43. Experiences: Chile Organic fruits Berries Stonefruit—peaches, nectarines, cherries Apples, grapes CherimoyaOrganic fruits Berries Stonefruit—peaches, nectarines, cherries Apples, grapes Cherimoya

44. Experiences: Costa Rica Good supply logistics Some of this arrives into the US via a consolidator in MiamiGood supply logistics Some of this arrives into the US via a consolidator in Miami

45. Experiences: Peru Mangos and ginger have both been spotty; asparagus better and more reliable But recently we have been importing Kent mangos from Peru.Mangos and ginger have both been spotty; asparagus better and more reliable But recently we have been importing Kent mangos from Peru.

46. Experiences: Ecuador Plantains, bananas, and pepinos comprise a very steady program for us out of Ecuador.Plantains, bananas, and pepinos comprise a very steady program for us out of Ecuador.

48. Question is: how does one introduce your product to the store, when it already has 48,000 items?Question is: how does one introduce your product to the store, when it already has 48,000 items?

49. The Future March 11, 2011 -- 9:00 a.m. EST U.S. Retail Sales Climb U.S. retail sales climbed at the fastest rate in four months during February, increasing by 1.0% from the previous month to $387.12 billion, the Commerce Department said Friday. Economists surveyed by Dow Jones Newswires expected a 1.2% increase in February. While the gain in sales was less than expected, it was still the strongest since October.   Families Slice Debt to Lowest in 6 Years U.S. families shouldered a smaller debt burden in 2010 than at any point in the previous six years, putting them in position to spend more. • Vote: How does your net worth compare to a year ago?   Jury Hears Galleon Wiretaps The U.S. government played two of its best cards in the insider-trading trial of Galleon's Raj Rajaratnam: testimony from its star witness and secretly taped telephone recordings of Rajaratnam allegedly receiving inside information. • Topics: Galleon Group | Graphic: The Web   Trading Dispute Splits BNY, Fund A Los Angeles County pension fund has stopped funneling some currency trades to Bank of New York Mellon, protesting the way the bank profits from the transactions. • Forex Trading Adapts Amid Scrutiny   Banks Push Back on Foreclosure Pact Banks are pushing back on the proposed settlement of alleged mortgage-servicing abuses, predicting damage to the U.S. economy if penalties are too harsh. But advocates of tougher sanctions are scoffing. • Loan Mods Challenged   Judge Green-Lights Sale of Blockbuster Blockbuster won a judge's blessing to sell itself—and avoid liquidation—after lawyers hammered out a new deal to give better terms to movie studios.   Portugal Vows More Budget Cuts Portugal's government pledged a fresh batch of measures to reduce spending and boost revenue, amid growing fears that its high borrowing costs may soon force it to seek a bailout.   Chevron to Sell Refinery to Valero Chevron agreed to sell a U.K. refinery and other assets to Valero for $730 million. Valero also will pay about $1 billion for inventory and other items.   Nomura Unit in Talks to Sell Skylark Nomura Holdings is in talks to sell Japanese restaurant chain Skylark to U.S. private-equity firm Bain Capital, in a deal that could be worth about $3.62 billion including debt, a person familiar with the matter said.   Amazon Takes Action in Illinois Amazon.com is ending its relationship with marketing affiliates in Illinois because of a new law aimed at making the online retailer collect sales tax in the state.   Asset Managers Take Up the Pen Firms like BlackRock and Fidelity are writing to and meeting with regulators, prompted by the wave of regulation in the wake of the financial crisis. • Deal Journal: The New Kid on K Street • Financial Regulation Watch   Russia's Sberbank to Buy Troika Dialog Sberbank, Russia's largest bank, will purchase the country's oldest investment bank, Troika Dialog, for at least $1 billion in cash, a major Troika Dialog shareholder said.   Wal-Mart Gets Allies in Bias Suit More than 20 major companies, ranging from GE to Costco, have lined up to support Wal-Mart Stores ahead of a March 29 hearing at the Supreme Court on one of the largest sex-bias lawsuits in history. • Wal-Mart to Expand 'Express'   Exodus of Skilled Labor Saps Germany Germany faces a growing shortage of skilled labor as a result of recruiting from abroad for the country's top engineering and scientific talent. • Photos: Germany's Brain Drain • Italy Tries to Stop Flight of Youth   U.K. Producer Prices Rise at Fastest Rate in 2 Years U.K. producer prices accelerated at the fastest rate in two years in February as oil and food prices rose, adding to the inflationary pressures that could prompt the Bank of England to raise interest rates in coming months.   Pain in Spain Hard to Ascertain Spain's central bank said the country's lenders will need $21.07 billion in new capital, but Moody's published a far higher estimate that spooked markets and called into question the credibility of Spain's figures. • Opinion: Europe's Banking Blindfolds • Heard: Euro Crisis Contained, but Still Explosive • Sovereign Debt Watch   Panel Presses SEC on Ethics SEC Chairman Mary Schapiro said she will manage future ethics questions differently after the controversy over her handling of the agency's former top lawyer who inherited money tied to Bernard Madoff's fraud.   AIG Offers to Buy Back Subprime Bonds AIG, once hobbled by its bets on the mortgage market, is trying to buy back a large portfolio of subprime mortgage bonds from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, which acquired the securities as part of the insurer's massive bailout in 2008.   GM CFO Liddell Resigns General Motors said finance chief Chris Liddell, who often clashed with other executives at the auto maker but won plaudits for rebuilding its troubled finance department, is leaving after 14 months on the job.   FDA Set to Oversee J&J Plants J&J signed a consent decree with the FDA that puts three manufacturing plants under years of tight regulatory scrutiny. • Injunction Marks Serious Action From FDA   Ho Family Settles Dispute Macau casino billionaire Stanley Ho reached a settlement resolving a two-month dispute with his family over a controlling stake in his multibillion-dollar gambling empire. • Interactive: Ho's Gambling Empire | The Family   China Consumer Prices Rise 4.9% China said inflation remained high last month, fueling further doubt about the government's ability to tackle what officials have called their main economic priority this year. • China Real Time: Economists React   Beijing to Discuss Currency in Meeting French president Nicolas Sarkozy has staked his yearlong presidency of the G20 on getting China to talk about its foreign-exchange policy at international gatherings. After a rough start, it now seems the Chinese are prepared to meet him halfway.   The Journal Adds 200,000 Mobile-Device Subscribers The Wall Street Journal has added 200,000 paying subscribers who access the newspaper via mobile devices such as Apple's iPad and Amazon's Kindle.   Ashford Scores Highland's 28 Hotels in Debt Revamp Hotel owner Ashford Hospitality Trust and Prudential Financial on Thursday took control of the Highland Hospitality chain of 28 upscale hotels in a restructuring that wiped $600 million of debt from Highland's books.   Cumulus Media to Buy Citadel Cumulus agreed to acquire rival radio broadcaster Citadel Broadcasting in a $2.5 billion cash-and-stock deal, following months of exclusive talks. • Deal Journal: Strange Tale of the Radio War    MIDDLE EASTGadhafi Forces Escalate Attacks Rebels remained on the defensive and protesters gathered for demonstrations in the capital Friday, as forces loyal to Libyan leader Col. Moammar Gadhafi continued their offensive from air and ground against rebel-held positions in the east. • France, U.S. Reach Out to Rebels • News Hub: Gadhafi Remains Defiant • Gadhafi Drives Rebels Out of Key City • Photos | Map: Turmoil in the Mideast • Vote: Should West intervene militarily? • Audio: U.S. Debates Action   Hundreds Protest in Saudi Arabia Hundreds of protesters Friday took to the streets in the eastern Saudi Arabian city of al-Hofuf.   EU Freezes Assets of Libyan Entities The European Union froze the assets of five Libyan entities, including the central bank and the country's sovereign-wealth fund,in a further push against the Libyan leader Col. Moammar Gadhafi, according to its Official Journal.      *  *  * POLITICS & POLICYWisconsin Lawmakers Curb Unions Wisconsin lawmakers sent a bill eliminating most collective-bargaining rights for the state's public-employee unions to Gov. Scott Walker, setting a precedent other states could follow. • Opinion: Taxpayers Win in Wisconsin • Photos: Vote Sparks Protests | Audio   Three-Week Bill on Spending Seen House Republicans plan to unveil another short-term measure Friday to keep the government operating while they negotiate over this year's federal budget with Democrats and the White House.   U.S. & WORLDGates Warns on Afghan Troop Drawdown U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates delivered a blunt message to allies in Afghanistan: Don't rush for the exits.   *  *  * NPR in Dispute Over Fake Donor Offer A conservative activist released a recording of talks between NPR and a fake Islamic group over how to proceed with a $5 million donation.   *  *  * Giffords to Attend Shuttle Launch Giffords has shown so much progress in her recovery from a bullet wound to the head that friends and family are making plans for her to attend the launch of her husband's space shuttle mission next month in Florida.       Some Wish They Were Back in the U.S.S.R. No country in the world recognizes Transnistria as a sovereign state. But that hasn't stopped authorities in this breakaway part of Moldova from adopting the trappings of Soviet-style nationhood.   *  *  * Steve Martin's Other Job The actor, about to release his second bluegrass album, on comedy, melancholy and nail salons. • Listen: Best Love | The Great Remember   *  *  * Weather Journal: Floodwaters for Friday Friday's heavy rain will put rivers in Greater New York at high risk of flooding. The downpour will be heaviest during the morning commute.   *  *  * Covert Maneuvers Grease California Budget Talks California's top lawmakers have publicly distanced themselves from budget talks between five Republican senators and Democratic Gov. Jerry Brown. Behind the scenes, they have played key roles moving them along, according to people familiar with the matter.   *  *  * A Director Goes to the Mat For his latest film, "Win Win," Tom McCarthy had an unlikely mix of inspirations: difficult economic times—and the pressures of high-school wrestling.   *  *  * Her Master's Voice From the Other Side In "Ghost-Writer," a secretary continues to hear from her employer and transcribe his novels after he's dead. It's a tale pulled from the real life of author Henry James, at the Florida Stage in West Palm Beach.   *  *  * A License To Pry? Bump.com, an online start-up, is creating a way for people to ping each other using their license plates. The service is a bit like an online coupon and location-sharing sites that you can't turn off.    Follow WSJ on Facebook and Twitter.   But let’s think long term: So how do we see the future? Where do we go from here?March 11, 2011 -- 9:00 a.m. EST U.S. Retail Sales Climb U.S. retail sales climbed at the fastest rate in four months during February, increasing by 1.0% from the previous month to $387.12 billion, the Commerce Department said Friday. Economists surveyed by Dow Jones Newswires expected a 1.2% increase in February. While the gain in sales was less than expected, it was still the strongest since October.   Families Slice Debt to Lowest in 6 Years U.S. families shouldered a smaller debt burden in 2010 than at any point in the previous six years, putting them in position to spend more. • Vote: How does your net worth compare to a year ago?   Jury Hears Galleon Wiretaps The U.S. government played two of its best cards in the insider-trading trial of Galleon's Raj Rajaratnam: testimony from its star witness and secretly taped telephone recordings of Rajaratnam allegedly receiving inside information. • Topics: Galleon Group | Graphic: The Web   Trading Dispute Splits BNY, Fund A Los Angeles County pension fund has stopped funneling some currency trades to Bank of New York Mellon, protesting the way the bank profits from the transactions. • Forex Trading Adapts Amid Scrutiny   Banks Push Back on Foreclosure Pact Banks are pushing back on the proposed settlement of alleged mortgage-servicing abuses, predicting damage to the U.S. economy if penalties are too harsh. But advocates of tougher sanctions are scoffing. • Loan Mods Challenged   Judge Green-Lights Sale of Blockbuster Blockbuster won a judge's blessing to sell itself—and avoid liquidation—after lawyers hammered out a new deal to give better terms to movie studios.   Portugal Vows More Budget Cuts Portugal's government pledged a fresh batch of measures to reduce spending and boost revenue, amid growing fears that its high borrowing costs may soon force it to seek a bailout.   Chevron to Sell Refinery to Valero Chevron agreed to sell a U.K. refinery and other assets to Valero for $730 million. Valero also will pay about $1 billion for inventory and other items.   Nomura Unit in Talks to Sell Skylark Nomura Holdings is in talks to sell Japanese restaurant chain Skylark to U.S. private-equity firm Bain Capital, in a deal that could be worth about $3.62 billion including debt, a person familiar with the matter said.   Amazon Takes Action in Illinois Amazon.com is ending its relationship with marketing affiliates in Illinois because of a new law aimed at making the online retailer collect sales tax in the state.   Asset Managers Take Up the Pen Firms like BlackRock and Fidelity are writing to and meeting with regulators, prompted by the wave of regulation in the wake of the financial crisis. • Deal Journal: The New Kid on K Street • Financial Regulation Watch   Russia's Sberbank to Buy Troika Dialog Sberbank, Russia's largest bank, will purchase the country's oldest investment bank, Troika Dialog, for at least $1 billion in cash, a major Troika Dialog shareholder said.   Wal-Mart Gets Allies in Bias Suit More than 20 major companies, ranging from GE to Costco, have lined up to support Wal-Mart Stores ahead of a March 29 hearing at the Supreme Court on one of the largest sex-bias lawsuits in history. • Wal-Mart to Expand 'Express'   Exodus of Skilled Labor Saps Germany Germany faces a growing shortage of skilled labor as a result of recruiting from abroad for the country's top engineering and scientific talent. • Photos: Germany's Brain Drain • Italy Tries to Stop Flight of Youth   U.K. Producer Prices Rise at Fastest Rate in 2 Years U.K. producer prices accelerated at the fastest rate in two years in February as oil and food prices rose, adding to the inflationary pressures that could prompt the Bank of England to raise interest rates in coming months.   Pain in Spain Hard to Ascertain Spain's central bank said the country's lenders will need $21.07 billion in new capital, but Moody's published a far higher estimate that spooked markets and called into question the credibility of Spain's figures. • Opinion: Europe's Banking Blindfolds • Heard: Euro Crisis Contained, but Still Explosive • Sovereign Debt Watch   Panel Presses SEC on Ethics SEC Chairman Mary Schapiro said she will manage future ethics questions differently after the controversy over her handling of the agency's former top lawyer who inherited money tied to Bernard Madoff's fraud.   AIG Offers to Buy Back Subprime Bonds AIG, once hobbled by its bets on the mortgage market, is trying to buy back a large portfolio of subprime mortgage bonds from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, which acquired the securities as part of the insurer's massive bailout in 2008.   GM CFO Liddell Resigns General Motors said finance chief Chris Liddell, who often clashed with other executives at the auto maker but won plaudits for rebuilding its troubled finance department, is leaving after 14 months on the job.   FDA Set to Oversee J&J Plants J&J signed a consent decree with the FDA that puts three manufacturing plants under years of tight regulatory scrutiny. • Injunction Marks Serious Action From FDA   Ho Family Settles Dispute Macau casino billionaire Stanley Ho reached a settlement resolving a two-month dispute with his family over a controlling stake in his multibillion-dollar gambling empire. • Interactive: Ho's Gambling Empire | The Family   China Consumer Prices Rise 4.9% China said inflation remained high last month, fueling further doubt about the government's ability to tackle what officials have called their main economic priority this year. • China Real Time: Economists React   Beijing to Discuss Currency in Meeting French president Nicolas Sarkozy has staked his yearlong presidency of the G20 on getting China to talk about its foreign-exchange policy at international gatherings. After a rough start, it now seems the Chinese are prepared to meet him halfway.   The Journal Adds 200,000 Mobile-Device Subscribers The Wall Street Journal has added 200,000 paying subscribers who access the newspaper via mobile devices such as Apple's iPad and Amazon's Kindle.   Ashford Scores Highland's 28 Hotels in Debt Revamp Hotel owner Ashford Hospitality Trust and Prudential Financial on Thursday took control of the Highland Hospitality chain of 28 upscale hotels in a restructuring that wiped $600 million of debt from Highland's books.   Cumulus Media to Buy Citadel Cumulus agreed to acquire rival radio broadcaster Citadel Broadcasting in a $2.5 billion cash-and-stock deal, following months of exclusive talks. • Deal Journal: Strange Tale of the Radio War    MIDDLE EASTGadhafi Forces Escalate Attacks Rebels remained on the defensive and protesters gathered for demonstrations in the capital Friday, as forces loyal to Libyan leader Col. Moammar Gadhafi continued their offensive from air and ground against rebel-held positions in the east. • France, U.S. Reach Out to Rebels • News Hub: Gadhafi Remains Defiant • Gadhafi Drives Rebels Out of Key City • Photos | Map: Turmoil in the Mideast • Vote: Should West intervene militarily? • Audio: U.S. Debates Action   Hundreds Protest in Saudi Arabia Hundreds of protesters Friday took to the streets in the eastern Saudi Arabian city of al-Hofuf.   EU Freezes Assets of Libyan Entities The European Union froze the assets of five Libyan entities, including the central bank and the country's sovereign-wealth fund,in a further push against the Libyan leader Col. Moammar Gadhafi, according to its Official Journal.   

50. Ethnic demand: Minorities comprise over 1/3 of the population of the country In the long run, on the Demand side, things look good for imported fruits and vegetables, given Ethnic, Aging , and Health factors Blue—German Red—”American” Teal or light blue African American Green Irish Orange Mexican Purple Italian Dark purple English Minorities compose just over one-third of the population (102.5 million in 2007), with Hispanic and Latino Americans and Black Americans as the largest minority groups, by ethnicity and race, respectively Ethnic food resurgence according to Mintel's Global New Products Database (GNPD) with 150% increase in product launch in Caribbean; 230% increase in interest in Japanese, and 68% increase in product launch. –MintelIn the long run, on the Demand side, things look good for imported fruits and vegetables, given Ethnic, Aging , and Health factors Blue—German Red—”American” Teal or light blue African American Green Irish Orange Mexican Purple Italian Dark purple English Minorities compose just over one-third of the population (102.5 million in 2007), with Hispanic and Latino Americans and Black Americans as the largest minority groups, by ethnicity and race, respectively Ethnic food resurgence according to Mintel's Global New Products Database (GNPD) with 150% increase in product launch in Caribbean; 230% increase in interest in Japanese, and 68% increase in product launch. –Mintel

51. Importance of demographics: present growth Hispanics: 44% growth forecast between 2000 and 2020 Hispanic buying power is projected to reach $1.3 trillion in 2015, a cumulative increase of around 25%, according to Latino Shoppers: Demographic Patterns and Spending Trends among Hispanic Americans, 8th Edition by Packaged Facts. Mexicans in the U.S. account for 59% of all Hispanic buying power. On a per capita basis, however, Cubans are the most affluent of the major Hispanic population segments Hispanic population is expected to grow 44% between 2000 and 2020Hispanics: 44% growth forecast between 2000 and 2020 Hispanic buying power is projected to reach $1.3 trillion in 2015, a cumulative increase of around 25%, according to Latino Shoppers: Demographic Patterns and Spending Trends among Hispanic Americans, 8th Edition by Packaged Facts. Mexicans in the U.S. account for 59% of all Hispanic buying power. On a per capita basis, however, Cubans are the most affluent of the major Hispanic population segments Hispanic population is expected to grow 44% between 2000 and 2020

52. El futuro: Minority growth is changing the retail and culinary landscape  Influence cuisine and dietary trends Introduce new flavors and textures Shop more often Buy more per shopping trip Influence cuisine and dietary trends Introduce new flavors and textures Shop more often Buy more per shopping trip

53. Change in composition of demographic groups Hispanic—chiles, tomatillos, roots, papayas, masa, corn husks, piloncillo Asian –rambutan, longan, lychee, pomelo, lemongrass, bittermelon, eggplantHispanic—chiles, tomatillos, roots, papayas, masa, corn husks, piloncillo Asian –rambutan, longan, lychee, pomelo, lemongrass, bittermelon, eggplant

54. Growth in Ethnic Food Sales($ Billions) Rate of growth expected to double in next 5 years Hispanic, Asian, and Indian populations growing >1M foreign born residents become permanent US residents every year Mexican accounts for the most According to the Food Institute, Hispanic buying power is projected to reach $1.3 trillion in 2015, a cumulative increase of around 25%, according to Latino Shoppers: Demographic Patterns and Spending Trends among Hispanic Americans, 8th Edition by Packaged Facts. Mexicans in the U.S. account for 59% of all Hispanic buying power. On a per capita basis, however, Cubans are the most affluent of the major Hispanic population segments. Latin items: okra, chiles, mangos and Mexican papayas But the expanding population has culinary influence as ‘mainstream’ Americans explore new flavors and cuisines as they get familiarized over TV cooking shows and food editor reviews. New interest in creating ethnic dishes at homeRate of growth expected to double in next 5 years Hispanic, Asian, and Indian populations growing >1M foreign born residents become permanent US residents every year Mexican accounts for the most According to the Food Institute, Hispanic buying power is projected to reach $1.3 trillion in 2015, a cumulative increase of around 25%, according to Latino Shoppers: Demographic Patterns and Spending Trends among Hispanic Americans, 8th Edition by Packaged Facts. Mexicans in the U.S. account for 59% of all Hispanic buying power. On a per capita basis, however, Cubans are the most affluent of the major Hispanic population segments. Latin items: okra, chiles, mangos and Mexican papayas But the expanding population has culinary influence as ‘mainstream’ Americans explore new flavors and cuisines as they get familiarized over TV cooking shows and food editor reviews. New interest in creating ethnic dishes at home

55. Importance of aging population Note how the line takes a sudden leap upwards starting in 2010 as all those Baby Boomers suddenly become seniors. Poor economy, declining incomes, spotty health coverage will mean that more of the elderly will turn to produce as their best medicine cabinet. More focus on disease prevention—cardiovascular disease, cancer, elevated blood pressure, kidney disease, osteoporosis, memory loss, bone loss, visual acuity, etc. Many plants contain specific phyto-chemicals that can help. Local is big but so is the search for superfruits like acai, pomegranate, acerola, goji, blueberry, mangosteenNote how the line takes a sudden leap upwards starting in 2010 as all those Baby Boomers suddenly become seniors. Poor economy, declining incomes, spotty health coverage will mean that more of the elderly will turn to produce as their best medicine cabinet. More focus on disease prevention—cardiovascular disease, cancer, elevated blood pressure, kidney disease, osteoporosis, memory loss, bone loss, visual acuity, etc. Many plants contain specific phyto-chemicals that can help. Local is big but so is the search for superfruits like acai, pomegranate, acerola, goji, blueberry, mangosteen

56. Median age of population is growing Generally, aging is associated with more emphasis on healthy eating—to stave off diseases, keep fit, and reduce risk of bone loss and muscle mass Eating fruits and vegetables is the cheapest health insurance one could have. Generally, aging is associated with more emphasis on healthy eating—to stave off diseases, keep fit, and reduce risk of bone loss and muscle mass Eating fruits and vegetables is the cheapest health insurance one could have.

57.   What a travesty! America is literally eating itself to death! We are getting fat and gluttonous while a lot of the rest of the world is starving. How tragic, how arrogant, how ego-centric, and how wasteful! We need to push away from the buffet table and spend more time at the salad bar. Less time on the couch and more time on the running paths. And now the obesity crisis has begun to spill over into other areas of the world. Obesity rates worldwide have doubled in the past three decades, according to three studies reported by the Lancet on Friday. In 1980, 5 percent of men and 8 percent of women were obese -- not just overweight, but medically obese, which comes with serious and expensive ailments and treatments. By 2008, it was up to 10 percent of men (205 million people) and 14 percent of women (297 million people.) Obesity invites cardiovascular disease, cancer rates and diabetes. This is a problem for the United States, the world's fattest developed nation, which is grappling with health care costs it can ill afford. Solution? Less fats and sugars and more F&V! Make certain our silhouettes and our profile match our rhetoric   If you're going to the salad bar and coming back without a rainbow of color, you'd better go back again and get the right type of foods   From pallet to palate, we want to make certain we are offering our customers the best tasting and most nutritious foods  What a travesty! America is literally eating itself to death! We are getting fat and gluttonous while a lot of the rest of the world is starving. How tragic, how arrogant, how ego-centric, and how wasteful! We need to push away from the buffet table and spend more time at the salad bar. Less time on the couch and more time on the running paths. And now the obesity crisis has begun to spill over into other areas of the world. Obesity rates worldwide have doubled in the past three decades, according to three studies reported by the Lancet on Friday. In 1980, 5 percent of men and 8 percent of women were obese -- not just overweight, but medically obese, which comes with serious and expensive ailments and treatments. By 2008, it was up to 10 percent of men (205 million people) and 14 percent of women (297 million people.) Obesity invites cardiovascular disease, cancer rates and diabetes. This is a problem for the United States, the world's fattest developed nation, which is grappling with health care costs it can ill afford. Solution? Less fats and sugars and more F&V! Make certain our silhouettes and our profile match our rhetoric   If you're going to the salad bar and coming back without a rainbow of color, you'd better go back again and get the right type of foods   From pallet to palate, we want to make certain we are offering our customers the best tasting and most nutritious foods

58. Obesity If Americans ate only foods advertised on TV, they would consume 25 times the recommended amount of sugar and 20 times the amount of fat they need, but less than half the dairy, fiber and fruits and vegetables, according to a study published in The Journal of the American Dietetic Association, reported The New York Times on the Web. Full Story (Free Registration Required) June 11, 2010 Americans will consume seven billion hot dogs between Memorial Day and Labor Day, according to Specialty Foods Group. Full Story If Americans ate only foods advertised on TV, they would consume 25 times the recommended amount of sugar and 20 times the amount of fat they need, but less than half the dairy, fiber and fruits and vegetables, according to a study published in The Journal of the American Dietetic Association, reported The New York Times on the Web. Full Story (Free Registration Required) June 11, 2010 Americans will consume seven billion hot dogs between Memorial Day and Labor Day, according to Specialty Foods Group. Full Story

59. Obesity spawns a spectrum of morbidities—e.g., diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney failure, heart disease, bone density, thyroid disorders, memory, even cancer—depending on foods eaten But eating right can help reverse. Fruits and vegetables are fiber and nutrition dense per calorie and have properties that can help ward off or reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer. Dark leafy greens, berries, sweet potatoes, mushrooms, citrus, allium species, to name just a few.Obesity spawns a spectrum of morbidities—e.g., diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney failure, heart disease, bone density, thyroid disorders, memory, even cancer—depending on foods eaten But eating right can help reverse. Fruits and vegetables are fiber and nutrition dense per calorie and have properties that can help ward off or reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer. Dark leafy greens, berries, sweet potatoes, mushrooms, citrus, allium species, to name just a few.

60. We need your help through fruits and vegetables! Obesity triggers a number of risk factors for a host of diseases: heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, arthritis, We need your help through fruits and vegetables! Obesity triggers a number of risk factors for a host of diseases: heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, arthritis,

61. USDA New Dietary Guidelines The market for healthy food is expanding about 5% to 6% a year, three times faster than the food industry overall, according to an analyst at Evolution Securities, as reported by Bloomberg.com 2010     $27.3B—up 3.2% over previous year              volume up 1.5%,  avg retail price up 1.7 Wal-Mart Stores Inc., said today it plans to reduce prices on fresh fruits and vegetables as part of a broader Wal-Mart to buy more directly from growers Drive $1B out of cost of procurement by logistics savings Make its products healthier but initiatives to cut sodium and sugars by 2015 Response to Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move America” campaignThe market for healthy food is expanding about 5% to 6% a year, three times faster than the food industry overall, according to an analyst at Evolution Securities, as reported by Bloomberg.com 2010     $27.3B—up 3.2% over previous year              volume up 1.5%,  avg retail price up 1.7 Wal-Mart Stores Inc., said today it plans to reduce prices on fresh fruits and vegetables as part of a broader Wal-Mart to buy more directly from growers Drive $1B out of cost of procurement by logistics savings Make its products healthier but initiatives to cut sodium and sugars by 2015 Response to Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move America” campaign

62. China adds to world demand for fruits and vegetables Yuan is going up; demand is going up, and commodity prices are rising around the world. China, with its 1.3B people or nearly 1 out of every 5 people on the planet, is always a hungry nation; but now has the wealth and income to do something about it and is importing all sorts of commodity foodstuffs. Value added and F&V won’t be far behind. Huge demand pull---Just one extra beer a week for Chinese men would require 231,235 hectares of annual barley production in the UK - the equivalent of a fifth of its current output, claims the Institute of Grocery Distribution (IGD). Yuan is going up; demand is going up, and commodity prices are rising around the world. China, with its 1.3B people or nearly 1 out of every 5 people on the planet, is always a hungry nation; but now has the wealth and income to do something about it and is importing all sorts of commodity foodstuffs. Value added and F&V won’t be far behind. Huge demand pull---Just one extra beer a week for Chinese men would require 231,235 hectares of annual barley production in the UK - the equivalent of a fifth of its current output, claims the Institute of Grocery Distribution (IGD).

63. So, once again, what lies over the horizon?So, once again, what lies over the horizon?

64. Maqui Berry from Chile,Aristotelia chilensis So could the future hold this Maqui Berry, an admissible “superfruit” from Chile?So could the future hold this Maqui Berry, an admissible “superfruit” from Chile?

65. Maqui berry, the new superfruit?

66. Lucuma

67. Quenepa, Mangosteen

68. Loroco Currently evaluating this product from El Salvador…Currently evaluating this product from El Salvador…

69. USDA Pest Risk Analyses on New Crops in El Salvador Chufle Chipilín Pacaya Izote

70. Chufle Chufle is a small green vegetable best described as a cross between an artichoke and a baby corn, used primarily in soups. 

71. Pacaya, Chamaedorea tepejilote Pacaya is a vegetable, the initial blossom of a variety of date palm tree; has a slight bitter taste. Used in salads; deep fried in egg batter or served in a tomato based sauce. Most appreciated by Guatemalans and Salvadorians. Consumed year round in particular during Holy Week and November 1 (All Souls/Dia de los Difuntos). Cultivated as a crop for its male inflorescences. Pacaya is a popular and important vegetable, eaten raw or cooked, and sold in the markets. It is harvested before the inflorescence opens, at which stage it looks like an ear of corn. Pacaya is a vegetable, the initial blossom of a variety of date palm tree; has a slight bitter taste. Used in salads; deep fried in egg batter or served in a tomato based sauce. Most appreciated by Guatemalans and Salvadorians. Consumed year round in particular during Holy Week and November 1 (All Souls/Dia de los Difuntos). Cultivated as a crop for its male inflorescences. Pacaya is a popular and important vegetable, eaten raw or cooked, and sold in the markets. It is harvested before the inflorescence opens, at which stage it looks like an ear of corn.

72. Chipilín is undergoing Pest Risk Analysis by the USDA for import Chipilín (Crotalaria longirostrata) is a perennial legume native to Mexico and Central America. Chipilín is eaten as a common leafy vegetable in the local cuisines of southern Mexico and Central America, especially El Salvador and Guatemala. Leaves are high in iron, calcium, and beta carotene. They can be boiled and served green, dried and used as an herb, or added to tamale masa for color and flavor Pungent, herbaceous flavor when cooked and never eaten raw Can be found frozen in Hispanic groceries USDA is interested in establishing Admission status Chipilín (Crotalaria longirostrata) is a perennial legume native to Mexico and Central America. Chipilín is eaten as a common leafy vegetable in the local cuisines of southern Mexico and Central America, especially El Salvador and Guatemala. Leaves are high in iron, calcium, and beta carotene. They can be boiled and served green, dried and used as an herb, or added to tamale masa for color and flavor Pungent, herbaceous flavor when cooked and never eaten raw Can be found frozen in Hispanic groceries USDA is interested in establishing Admission status

73. Yacon,Smallanthus sonchifolius Sensient Flavors reports that Yacon is an up and coming New Flavor Trend for 2011 Yacon: Native to Peru, the yacon is a vegetable that has a distinctly unique flavor that is fruity and earthy and is compared most commonly with an apple. Crisp, sweet-tasting tuber with a texture and flavor similar to jicama. Yacon differs in that it has some slightly sweet resinous and floral (similar to violet) undertones to its flavor. It contains inulin, an indigestible fructose, useful for diabetics as it is not absorbed. A syrup can be made out of yacon which is a prebiotic aiding friendly gastrointestinal bacteria. A tea is made out of the leaves and is an antioxidant. . Sensient Flavors reports that Yacon is an up and coming New Flavor Trend for 2011 Yacon: Native to Peru, the yacon is a vegetable that has a distinctly unique flavor that is fruity and earthy and is compared most commonly with an apple. Crisp, sweet-tasting tuber with a texture and flavor similar to jicama. Yacon differs in that it has some slightly sweet resinous and floral (similar to violet) undertones to its flavor. It contains inulin, an indigestible fructose, useful for diabetics as it is not absorbed. A syrup can be made out of yacon which is a prebiotic aiding friendly gastrointestinal bacteria. A tea is made out of the leaves and is an antioxidant. .

74. Logistics

75. 85 recalls July 2009 to Sept 2010 Spinach, sprouts, lettuce, eggs, peanut butter, jalapenos, cantaloupes CDC estimates that foodborne diseases cause approximately 76 million illnesses, 325,000 hospitalizations, and 5,000 deaths in the United States each year. Known pathogens account for an estimated 14 million illnesses, 60,000 hospitalizations, and 1,800 deaths. Three pathogens, Salmonella, Listeria, and Toxoplasma, are responsible for 1,500 deaths each year . Cost of peanut butter recall between $500M and $1B, especially when lost sales are figured in. The company with the contamination was infiltrated with rat droppings, had to shut down, went out of business and is now bankrpupt. 85 recalls July 2009 to Sept 2010 Spinach, sprouts, lettuce, eggs, peanut butter, jalapenos, cantaloupes CDC estimates that foodborne diseases cause approximately 76 million illnesses, 325,000 hospitalizations, and 5,000 deaths in the United States each year. Known pathogens account for an estimated 14 million illnesses, 60,000 hospitalizations, and 1,800 deaths. Three pathogens, Salmonella, Listeria, and Toxoplasma, are responsible for 1,500 deaths each year . Cost of peanut butter recall between $500M and $1B, especially when lost sales are figured in. The company with the contamination was infiltrated with rat droppings, had to shut down, went out of business and is now bankrpupt.

76. Quality Involves GAP certification, GMP, food safety, etc. Involves GAP certification, GMP, food safety, etc.

77. Don’t get defensive. A quality issue that arises is your opportunity to teach and coach. If it is a shelf life issue like above, are there technologi4es that can be use to manage the risk, e.g., hydrocooling/vacu-cooling, ozenation of water, or use of viral phages to control bacterial pathogens.Don’t get defensive. A quality issue that arises is your opportunity to teach and coach. If it is a shelf life issue like above, are there technologi4es that can be use to manage the risk, e.g., hydrocooling/vacu-cooling, ozenation of water, or use of viral phages to control bacterial pathogens.

78. Customer Service Communication and planning Delivering on customer expectation Reliable customer service Customer support Promotional pricing Good two way communicationCommunication and planning Delivering on customer expectation Reliable customer service Customer support Promotional pricing Good two way communication

80. Muchas gracias de Colorado!