Fresh Summit sessions to put focus on global trade
On the heels of the Trans-Pacific Partnership that was confirmed Oct. 5, the Produce Marketing Association will include two educational sessions on global trade during the upcoming Fresh Summit convention in Atlanta.
Representatives from the Food & Agricultural Organization of the United Nations, the Port of Los Angeles, Northwest Horticultural Council, Maersk and Camposol will address conference attendees on Friday, Oct. 23, to discuss international trade agreements, as well as shipping challenges.
Fresh Farms’ Havel: Nogales deal expands based on demand for quality product
rio rico, az — If Mexico shipped mediocre quality, its growers would not be extending their shipping season in the face of competition, said Jerry Havel, director of sales and marketing for Fresh Farms, which is located here amid many other distributors of Mexican fruits and vegetables.
But in recent years, produce distributors in Nogales have significantly lengthened their shipping season.
Bridges Produce expanding in Mexico
TUCSON, az — A growing factor in the Mexican organic produce deal is Bridges Produce, Inc. The firm is based in Portland, OR. Handling sales of the Mexican deal for the firm is Oscar Trujillo. In mid-September the firm moved its Nogales warehouse operations to a new location operated by Go Green Logistics LLC. Trujillo said that Go Green has provided “in and out” services for Bridges for the last three years.
Food-safety precautions helping to boost Righetti Farms LLC’s foodservice business
rio rico, az — By only buying produce in Mexico from growers with third-party food safety audits, Mike Righetti can assure his foodservice distributor customers that great precautions have been taken for food safety.
TruFresh hits large volumes
nogales, az — Tucked away in a gleaming modern facility here is TruFresh, which was founded in 2011.
Rafael Roiz is the chief executive officer and a minor-share partner in TruFresh. He said the primary owners are two major Guaymas, Sonora, growers, the Llano and Zaragoza families.
Roiz said the owners, who are cousins, have shipped to Nogales distributors for 30 years, but made the move before the 2011 season to market their own products from Nogales.
Veggies Inc. offers multiple services
rio rico, az — Veggies Inc. fulfills numerous roles working from its Primus-certified 25,000-square-foot warehouse.
Mike Vohland, chief executive officer, said the firm has not been involved in growing for the last couple of years. But Veggies’ role as a Mexican produce distributor has worked out well. As a wide-range produce distributor, “we take title to all we buy,” he said. The firm sells to customers across the United States and Canada.
First Bank Yuma engaged in Nogales produce community
nogales, az — Amid produce industry concern that national banks are withdrawing service from this border town, Nogales industry leaders are sending praise in the direction of First Bank Yuma.
First Bank Yuma officials told The Produce News that they would not discuss the policies and decisions of other banks.
Border banking matters having impact on the Nogales produce industry
nogales, az — A number of national banks closing branches or accounts in Nogales has become a real concern for some members of this industry.
P.D.G. expanding cold storage
rio rico, az — This fall construction of an additional 22,000 square feet of refrigerated space is under way for P.D.G. Produce Inc. The site is across Rio Rico’s Kipper Street from the firm’s main office and warehouse. The new construction is immediately adjacent to 33,000 square feet of space that is owned by P.D.G. The firm will operate a total of 76,000 square feet when the new project is completed in mid-March.
Former Salinas mayor joins World Food Expo as ag-tech judge
Dennis Donohue, former mayor of Salinas, CA, and chairman and co-founder of the Steinbeck Innovation Cluster, has embarked on an international trip carrying the banner of Salinas Valley Ag abroad. He spoke on a panel for the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Bari Oct. 9, and on a panel of judges for ag-tech innovation at the World Food Expo in Milan Oct.