La Montañita Co-op Food Market celebrating 40th year, hires new GM
La Montañita Co-op, based in Albuquerque, NM, is celebrating its 40th year in business and announced the hiring of Dennis Hanley as general manager.
NoKota’s Tweten: Red potato movement right on schedule
The Red River Valley fresh red potato crop “is moving right along on schedule,” said Steve Tweten, president and chief executive officer of NoKota Packers Inc., which is located in Buxton, ND. “The movement is where it needs to be.”
Tweten added that “prices have been flat for a couple of months or more. They need to be higher, but they’re not.”
Hess Bros. thriving with new generation among those at the helm
Currently, Hess Bros., in Leola, PA, is operated by second and third generation family members.
The company reorganized in 2012 upon the retirement and ultimate death of Jerry Hess, brother of Fred Hess, second generation members.
Today Fred Hess serves as company president. He is joined in overseeing the company’s operations by Jerry’s son, Ryan Hess; another nephew, Andy Figart; and Jerry’s son-in-law, Zack King.
More leadership changes at Publix
Last week Publix announced the upcoming retirement of Ed Crenshaw, chief executive officer, and the promotion of company President Todd Jones to president and CEO. With Jones’ promotion, Chief Financial Officer David Phillips will assume additional responsibilities and be promoted to executive vice president and CFO. Miami Division Vice President Kevin Murphy will be promoted to a newly created position, senior vice president of retail operations, reporting to Jones. The company also announced another executive's retirement and named two new vice presidents.
FPAA announces dates for Spring Policy Summit
The Fresh Produce Association of the Americas, based in Nogales, AZ, will hold its annual Spring Policy Summit March 15-16.
“At the FPAA, we believe that being involved in the discussions that take place during the establishment and implementation of policies and norms, understanding their background, furthermore participating in the exchange of ideas, suggestions and concerns can only facilitate our overall comprehension and ease the path to compliance in the operations of our business,” Lance Jungmeyer, president of FPAA, said in a press release.
Redesigned website showcases Hapco’s products and services
Hapco Farms, based in Riverhead, NY, has launched a newly redesigned website, which can be found at www.hapcofarms.com.
Generation Next: Produce industry and technology tightly linked for young staffer at Exp Group
When 23-year-old Anthony Serafino graduated from Michigan State University in May, he went directly to join his family’s business, the Exp Group LLC in North Bergen, NJ. The company is owned by his father, Emil Serafino.
PACA sanctions imposed on three, lifted from one company
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that it has imposed sanctions on three produce businesses for failure to pay reparation awards issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act. In a separate announcement, the USDA said it has lifted sanctions on a Georgia-based produce business.
RBest Produce names James Bonaro SVP
Philip and Carl DelPrete, co-owners of RBest Produce Inc., have named James Bonaro as the company's senior vice president with a partnership interest in the company.
Abundant red potatoes bring new opportunities
“As we look at demands in the potato and onion category, we feel real encouraged by our category” of fresh-market red potatoes, said Keith Groven, fresh sales manager of Black Gold Farms. The firm also is a substantial shipper of sweet potatoes.
“The russet category continues to shrink year on year,” Groven noted. “But sweet and red potatoes have slight to aggressive growth in both segments. That is giving us a lot of options and opportunities.”