Alan Taylor announces retirement
Alan Taylor, who has worked with Wapato, WA-based E.W. Brandt & Sons for the past 27 years, announced he will be retiring at the end of 2015. Among his most notable accomplishments, Taylor has been associated with the development of the Pink Lady brand apple following its introduction to North America in 2001-02.
AMC Group forges partnership with Peru’s El Pedregal for exclusive grape line
Spain’s AMC Group and AMC North America announced a new joint venture with Peru’s El Pedregal S.A. for its proprietary grape varieties.
JV Pedregal-Muñoz Farming S.A.C will begin operations in 2016 with the first plantings from its Sheehan/SNFL exclusive stock in Ica, Peru.
Andy Physioc joins Gold Coast Packing as regional sales director
Gold Coast Packing Inc., based in Santa Maria, CA, has hired Andy Physioc as regional sales director. He comes to Gold Coast Packing with over 30 years experience in the produce business.
Fruits from Chile launches social media platforms to reach consumers and trade
For the past three years, CFFA has used nutrition data, usage ideas and beautiful photography to support the social media platforms of its importers, wholesalers and retailers. Karen Brux, managing director for CFFA, said it has now finally launched its own Fruits from Chile social media platforms.
Perishable Specialist touts relationship with SeaLand refrigerated containers
The Perishable Specialist Inc., a perishable customs broker headquartered in Miami, announced that it was the notify party and customs broker for SeaLand’s first branded refrigerated container into North America, which was offloaded at Florida International Terminal on Nov. 5.
Giumarra adds former Roundy’s category buyer to marketing department
Giumarra has added Kristina Lorusso, Midwest region business manager, to its marketing team. Lorusso was previously employed by Roundy’s Supermarkets Inc., where she most recently served as a category buyer.
Ahold division closing stores in Virginia
Martin’s Food Markets, a division of Ahold USA, will close three stores within the greater Richmond, VA, area in the summer of 2016. The leases for all three locations are set to expire and the company said a business decision was made not to extend the leases for these stores.
Allens Inc.'s $10 million PACA violation
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has cited Siloam Springs, AR-based Allens Inc., also known as Veg Liquidation Inc., for failure to pay $9.76 million to 40 produce sellers for 2,312 lots of produce.
Ocean Mist Organic hires sales manager
Ocean Mist Organic has hired Joe Angelo as sales manager. Angleo comes to the company from Dole Vegetables and Dole Berry Co. where he held district sales and commodity manager positions.
Western Growers opens Center for Innovation & Technology
Western Growers recently held a grand opening of its Center for Innovation & Technology, a technology incubator aimed at bringing innovative entrepreneurs together with farmers to facilitate creative solutions to the biggest challenges facing agriculture.