ATS opens satellite office in Salinas Valley
Advanced Transportation Services, which has been in business for more than 31 years, has opened a satellite office in the Salinas Valley Jan. 4.
Kazan: Target Interstate Systems experienced good growth in 2015
Paul Kazan, president of Target Interstate Systems Inc. in New York, added a couple of Florida offices in 2015 and recorded his best year of business since 2010.
He said the economy rebounded and he and his staff were aggressive booking loads for new customers and working some new lanes of travel. He was not quite as optimistic for 2016 because he believes the rate structure may not be as good — at least not in the early going.
It’s a good time to be in the produce business for Ben B.
It’s a good time to be in the produce business, according to Nate Stone, chief operating officer at Ben B. Schwartz & Sons, Inc.
“More people are eating fruits and vegetables — even at restaurants there’s more vegetables on your plate than there used to be,” he told The Produce News in early January. “I think the overall population is trying to eat healthier, so it’s a good time to be in the industry, and it’s a great time for Ben B. in particular.”
Andrews Bros. hangs tight to strong principles
The cliché about not fixing what isn’t broken applies well to Andrews Bros. Inc. located at the Detroit Produce Terminal Market. But that includes keeping business running smoothly by staying on top of your game at all times and fine tuning wherever possible.
LaGrasso Bros. sees positive change in Detroit, looks forward to year ahead
Joe A. LaGrasso, fleet manager and purchasing for Detroit-based LaGrasso Bros., said he’s seen a positive change in the atmosphere of the city since it officially emerged from bankruptcy a little over a year ago.
“We are seeing more restaurants opening their doors in locations throughout the city, which creates new opportunities for startup companies to take root in Detroit,” he told The Produce News in early January.
Apple committee leader positive about season
Michigan fresh apple movement for the 2015-16 crop “has been great,” according to Diane Smith, executive director of the Michigan Apple Committee.
A good shipping season for All Fresh
“We’ve had a good year so far” in shipping the Michigan apple crop, said Scott Swindeman in mid-December.
“Demand has been good,” he continued. “We are blessed to have some larger fruit. We have larger Galas, especially.”
Fresh produce abounds during Year of the Monkey
Asian cuisine continues to gain traction with American consumers. Several companies shared their insights about Asian produce as people prepare to celebrate Chinese New Year, the Year of the Monkey, Feb. 8-22.
Jim Provost, owner of I Love Produce in Kelton, PA, said the use of fresh ginger is gaining in popularity.
Publix CEO to retire, Todd Jones named successor
Ed Crenshaw announced his plans to retire as chief executive officer of Publix Super Markets April 30, 2016. Upon Crenshaw’s retirement, President Todd Jones will serve as president and CEO.
Stemilt celebrates first year of Kitchen Council ambassador partnership
To build authentic credibility and engagement with consumers, Stemilt Growers launched its Kitchen Council program in April 2015. Each month, Stemilt sent fresh, premium-quality fruit for three bloggers to create original content — anything from a recipe to a tablescape to tips and tricks.