Capespan working with growers to manage Chilean grape movement
The Chilean table grape harvest covers a long north-to-south geography with a variety of elevations. It has more coastal influences in some areas and desert influences in others.
According to Mark Greenberg, president and chief executive officer of Capespan North America, a global supplier of fresh fruit, the Chilean grape harvest stretches from late November in the III Atacama Region to late April in the VI Rancagua Region.
Sara Reisinger crowned 2016 Michigan Apple Queen
Sara Reisinger of Freeland, MI, has been crowned the 2016 Michigan Apple Queen.
Hannah Rasch of Conklin was First Runner-Up.
Contestants for Michigan Apple Queen must have a connection to the Michigan apple industry in order to serve as its ambassador. The Michigan Apple Committee, based in Lansing, MI, sponsors the annual contest.
Rice Fruit out front with the hottest apple varieties again this season
Rice Fruit Co. in Gardners, PA, is taking great advantage of its new controlled atmosphere storage facility this season.
John Rice, vice president, said the facility, which went into operation last fall, will hold an additional 10 controlled atmosphere rooms.
“Added to our existing previous storage, we now have 41 rooms in all,” he said.
“We need this additional space to accommodate the four primary apple varieties that now represent between 80 and 90 percent of our growth; Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji and ‘KIKU,’” he added.
Washington Apple Commission reacts to news of Mexican tariff
Washington's apple industry was quick to react to the news that Mexico will impose new duties on apples it imports from the United States. “Obviously, we are dissatisfied with any imposed duty from Mexico (Ministry of Economia) that we feel lacks justification,” said Todd Fryhover, president of the Washington Apple Commission. “We stand firm in knowing the Washington apple industry has done nothing to deserve this action.”
Bland Farms announces top-level executive changes
Bland Farms LLC, based in Glennville, GA, has named Jeff Bailey as its new chief executive officer. Bailey had been chief legal counsel and director of administration since 2012. Troy Bland, formerly director of operations, has assumed the newly created position of chief operating officer.
Walmart's former perishables exec joins Fresh Market
The Fresh Market Inc. has named Pamela Kohn as executive vice president and chief merchandising officer. Kohn has more than 30 years of experience in retail, most recently spending 12 years at Walmart Stores Inc. in supply chain, merchandising, store operations, real estate, sourcing and merchandising operations. During her tenure there, she led Walmart’s perishables business and Neighborhood Market program.
Hot vegetable markets usher in the new year
The first supply outlook newsletter of 2016 for Tanimura & Antle reflected on 2015 and noted that the “phrase that sums the year up the best is ‘demand exceeds supply’.” For the next few weeks, and maybe even for the next several months, that could continue to be an apt description.
Houweling’s names new president
Houweling’s, a leading greenhouse vegetable grower, propagator and marketer based in Camarillo, CA, announced that Chief Operating Office Kevin Doran has been appointed the additional role of president for the Houweling’s Group of Cos.
Frank Donio revamps company and brand logos
Frank Donio Inc. is kicking off 2016 with the announcement of newly updated company and brand logos. The new logos were initially debuted at the New York Produce Show, which took place Dec. 2, 2015.