Mushroom industry strengthens commitment to growth
In an effort to capitalize on the continuing success of the Mushroom Council’s program focus on The Blend along with continuing foodservice and retail promotions, ongoing nutrition research and targeted consumer communications, the council has recommended an assessment increase under the Mushroom Promotion, Research & Consumer Information Program.
Braga adds Chris Devan to its sales team
Braga Fresh Family Farms announced that Chris Devan has joined its sales team. Devan is responsible for managing and expanding upon key customer relationships and contributing to the continued growth of the Josie’s Organics line of premium-quality, organic fresh vegetables.
Wayne E. Bailey’s sweet potato fingerlings a hit
Fingerling potatoes were a hit when they were first introduced in the white category, but now, especially with such strong emphasis on nutrition, fingerling sweet potatoes are taking center stage.
George Wooten, president of Wayne E. Bailey in Chadbourn, NC, told The Produce News that the company has been marketing and promoting sweet potato fingerlings for about a decade.
The Alpha Vegetable comes to New York: You gotta problem with that?
Smith Packing Inc., a broccoli grower-shipper based in Presque Isle, ME, and Hastings, FL, will feature its Alpha Vegetable campaign for broccoli at the New York Produce Show in early December.
Tara Smith Vighetti, a partner and director of marketing at the company, said the Alpha Vegetable campaign was the brainchild of the agency Victors & Spoils, which set out to make broccoli “cool” and “something healthy people want to eat.”
C.H. Robinson continues Chicago growth with lease of new expanded office and warehouse space
C.H. Robinson will expand its business operations in Chicago by signing a seven-year lease for a 235,000-square-foot commercial office building and warehouse. Approximately 150 employees will be based at the new facility, which will open its doors in early 2016.
IGA's imperfect produce program extended, leads to jump in sales
IGA, one of the larger groups of independent grocers in Canada, saw a huge jump in sales as a result of its odd-looking produce program. Following this year's success, the program will return next year — possibly with the addition of new varieties.
Dole's new celery available in time for Thanksgiving
Dole is making its exclusive, consumer-preferred variety of celery hearts available nationwide to give fresh vegetable fans from coast to coast the opportunity to experience the variety’s milder flavor, snappier crunch and less-stringy texture.
RPE now the exclusive marketing partner of Discovery Garden’s
RPE Inc. has entered into a partnership with Discovery Garden’s LLC to become the exclusive marketing partner for the Discovery Garden’s brand of gourmet potatoes.
GloriAnn Farms marks another successful year in charitable donations
For the fourth consecutive year, GloriAnn Farms and partner Five Crowns Marketing have made significant charitable contributions to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund and National Breast Cancer Foundation Inc. This year the companies were able to donate over $36,000 in total contributions.
Van Groningen & Sons completes solar energy installation
Van Groningen & Sons Inc., a family-owned-and-operated grower and distributor of melons, pumpkins, sweet corn and nuts, has just completed construction of a 1 megawatt solar energy system at its packing, cooling and processing facility located at the company headquarters in of Manteca, CA.