Consumer demand growing for fruit and nut gift baskets
It’s impossible to pass through a grocery store during the winter holidays without seeing a display of a variety of beautiful holiday gift baskets that have just about every combination of fresh and dried fruits, nuts and other tasty treats.
eat brighter! boosts sales of branded products
eat brighter! is growing in presence — both domestically and abroad — and 78 percent of suppliers are reporting an increase in sales of eat brighter!-branded products during the third quarter of 2015, according to results from a recent survey administered by Produce Marketing Association’s Research Center. The study also finds increased activity over this period among grower-shippers and promotional boards as eat brighter!
Schnucks welcomes new chief merchant
Schnucks Markets Inc. announced that industry veteran Mark Doiron has joined the company as its new chief merchant. Doiron, who has more than 25 years of experience in the food and grocery industries, will be responsible for procurement and merchandising throughout Schnucks’ 99 supermarkets.
U.S. Apple Association’s Apples for Education donates $20,000 to school causes
The season of giving is well under way as U.S.
Retail View: United Fresh seeks to add value to Produce Manager Awards program
Over the past dozen years, scores of retail produce managers have been honored during the United Fresh Produce Association convention, and now the group is planning to add value to the program on a year-round basis.
Greater Boston Food Bank and partners making meals possible for those in need
One in nine people in eastern Massachusetts do not know where their next meal will come from. For children, that number is one in four.
The Greater Boston Food Bank’s ongoing goal is to ensure that these people are fed all throughout the year.
“GBFB has a commitment to provide healthy and nutritious food, which includes fresh produce,” said Catherine Drennan, public and government relations coordinator.
Ken Cavallaro missed by many in the produce industry
Kenneth (Ken) J. Cavallaro, who served as treasurer of John Cerasuolo Co. Inc., located at the New England Produce Center in Chelsea, MA, died suddenly Feb. 23, 2015.
Cavallaro, who lived with his family in Everett, MA, is survived by his wife, Deborah (LePore); son Kenneth J. Cavallaro Jr. and his wife Danielle of Merrimac, MA; and daughter Kara Rullo and her husband Marcello of Middleton.
Giumarra expects Chilean import volumes of grapes and stone fruit to increase in mid- to late December
The start of the Chilean fruit season has become a near ritual in the overall produce industry, and as such, everyone who has any part in the program is happy to see it kicking off. Included in the lot is the Giumarra Cos., headquartered in Los Angeles.
In late November, Tom (TW) Wilson, grape sales manager for Giumarra Cos., said grapes from Chile are expected to arrive in December or early January, and continue through May.
Florida Citrus Hall of Fame 2016 inductees
The selection committee for The Florida Citrus Hall of Fame has announced three distinguished leaders will be inducted into the Hall during the 54th Citrus Celebration Luncheon on Friday, March 11, 2016, at Florida Southern College in Lakeland.
William S. (Bill) Castle of Lake Alfred, FL, John C. (Jack) Norris of Palm City, FL, and Victor B. (Vic) Story Jr. of Lake Wales, FL, will be honored at the luncheon, scheduled to take place at 11:30 a.m. in the Hollis Wellness Center.