Richard,
Hansen's already flash pastuerizes its fresh apple juice, so the company has some equipment and has the know how.
I have talked to the co. regarding the price of orange juice and product pricing impact. Regarding Just Pik't, my previous guess was correct, the Just Pik't product is sold to a clientele where quality is more important than price, so there is no negative impact for Just Pik't. Just Pik't's content was harvested in the Feb-May period, so a favorable impact for Just Pik'd would develop if the low prices remain into next season for their frozen product. Regarding Hansen's there is favorable impact for the OJ sector. But remember, most of the decline is in the OJ Concentrates futures, not as much fresh oranges. Besides, Hansen's has many many juices in addition to OJ. However, FRSH is shipping CA fresh oranges, which are harvested YEAR ROUND, to the east coast. Being a national company, FRSH now has more flexibility.
Other things gleaned: consolidation of the Long Island and New Jersey offices and wherehouses is underway, integrating Fresh Juice and Ultimate Juice operations.
Internal review of requirements for listing on Nasdaq is underway (i.e. needing 2 outside members on the Board of Directors). NO PROMISES, NO DATES GIVEN.
Also, I'm satisfied that recent sales of FRSH by two insiders, particularly by Jeff Smith (a VP), are not because of any problems within the co.
John |
