PACA actions filed against Pa. business, sanctions lifted from Access Fresh
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has filed an administrative complaint under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act against James H. Paxson & Sons Inc. The USDA also announced that sanctions have been lifted from Access Fresh LLC, operating out of Carmel, CA.
James H. Paxson & Sons Inc., operating from Pennsylvania, allegedly failed to make payment to 13 produce sellers in the amount of $739,474 from February 2011 through October 2012. The company will have an opportunity to request a hearing.
SunOpta’s Chad Hagen to give keynote address at inaugural Organic Produce Summit
Chad Hagen, vice president of the Consumer Products Group for SunOpta, has been announced as a keynote presenter at the inaugural Organic Produce Summit, to be held July 13-14 in Monterey, CA.
Ruiz Sales a strong supporter of Produce for Better Health Foundation
At Ruiz Sales, quality and service are the guiding principles that drive every product it produces and every service it offers.
Christopher Ranch to feature full line and French-English bilingual packaging at CPMA expo
Leading grower of garlic and specialty items, Christopher Ranch, looks forward to another successful Canadian Produce Marketing Association Annual Convention & Trade Show, this year being held in Calgary on April 12-14.
Patsy Ross, marketing director for the Gilroy, CA-based company, said it will be exhibiting at booth No. 626.
Giumarra Cos. on the mark with Chilean fruit programs
Giumarra Cos.’ Southern Hemisphere division is currently importing Chilean grapes and stone fruit, including peaches, plums and nectarines.
Craig Uchizono, vice president of Southern Hemisphere, said these items will wrap up in early April.
Sigma Sales now representing Melo label Mexican grapes
RIO RICO, AZ — This spring Sigma Sales Inc. is deepening its involvement in the Mexican grape deal. Mike Smith, president of Sigma Sales, told The Produce News that the size of this trade will “continue to grow in the future.”
The new program is described in a press release as “a first-ever U.S.-bound spring grape deal from Obregon.”
Sigma, which is based in Rio Rico, has partnered with Pablo Borquez to become the exclusive distributors for the Melo and Don Poncho brand Mexican table grapes.
Chilean Fresh Fruit Association continues gang-buster promotions
The Chilean Fresh Fruit Association, whose headquarters are in San Carlos, CA, is supporting numerous sales and display contests, as well as promotions for a unique grape variety from Chile, the Muscat grape.
Karen Brux, managing director for the CFFA, said the Muscat grape possesses a delicate, pleasant, musky floral taste.
“The color of the Muscat grape varies from rosy pink with a green background to golden-yellow,” explained Brux. “There is still limited awareness for the Muscat, so great opportunities for promotions exist.
United Natural Foods Inc. acquires Nor-Cal Produce Inc.
United Natural Foods Inc. has acquired Nor-Cal Produce Inc. in a cash transaction for approximately $68.6 million. The acquisition highlights UNFI’s continued drive into fresh and, when combined with the company’s existing produce operations, gives it a national presence in produce.
Ambrosia claims top spot in USApple’s 32-variety tournament
The all-purpose Ambrosia apple variety claimed the top spot in U.S. Apple Association’s fiercely competitive, first-ever Apple Madness bracket tournament, a five-week, five-round online competition spotlighting 32 apple varieties and fresh health facts.
Hunts Point Terminal Market veteran Angelo Porricelli dies at 94
Angelo E. Porricelli, a longtime resident of Yonkers, NY, and second-generation family member of Jerry Porricelli Produce, located on Hunts Point Terminal Market, died March 25. He was 94.