Haun Potato celebrates 50 years in the potato trade
In Kansas City on Labor Day 1965 Richard (Spud) Haun launched the Dick Haun Potato Co. On Labor Day 1990 — 25 years later — he sold the company to his son, David Haun. The firm was renamed Haun Potato Co. On the firm’s 50th anniversary, and as the 2015 calendar has now rolled past Labor Day, David Haun can claim that he’s owned the company longer than his father.
From his office in Shawnee Mission, KS, David Haun said Sept. 22, “We like to brag that we’re a full-service potato brokerage. We sell all sizes, grades and varieties” to all sorts of potato buyers.
Imports may affect California kiwifruit prices
Kurt Cappelluti, sales manager at Stellar Distributing Inc. in Madera, CA, is concerned that kiwifruit imported from Chile and Italy may affect pricing for domestically produced fruit. Stellar is a year-round marketer of kiwifruit, and its California season runs from October through April 1.
Torrential rains could push back start of Sonora deal
RIO RICO, AZ — A torrential rain storm struck vegetable fields in Sonora, Mexico, Sept. 20-22, with the largest volume of rain falling on fields near the Gulf of California, west of Hermosillo.
Mexican produce distributors here indicate that the significance of the damage would not reveal itself until a week or 10 days after the storm in early October.
Harris Teeter, Titan Farms join to donate 34,000 pounds of peaches to help feed hungry people
Harris Teeter Supermarkets Inc. and Titan Farms in Ridge Spring, SC, have donated more than 34,000 pounds of peaches to North Carolina food banks to help feed the hungry in local communities.
Promotions, packaging jazz up California Giant winter berries program
California Giant Berry Farms is gearing up for movement of its imported berries. “We will begin importing blueberries in the next month from Argentina, then from Chile,” said Vice President of Marketing Cindy Jewell. “We will also be importing strawberries and blackberries during the winter months. I am not aware of any adverse weather.
Epic Produce contributes to fantasy trip
PHOENIX — Epic Produce Sales LLC, here, is going into its eighth year of supporting a Christmastime benefit for underprivileged Phoenix-area children. But the work to benefit the kids doesn’t wait until December.
New bi-color grape bags available from Sunlight
Sunlight International, based in McFarland, CA, is shipping red and green grapes in new “Pretty Lady” bi-color fixed-weight bags now until December.
Publix joins PFK in supporting Feeding America programs
Last spring, Publix was able to support Feeding America’s local children’s programs through the Produce for Kids campaign by supplying 1.2 million meals to local families and children in need.
On Sept. 24, Produce for Kids and Publix will launch a second 2015 in-store and digital campaign to educate local families on the benefits of healthy eating while raising funds for local Feeding America member food banks.
Calavo expanding tomato program, appoints new leadership
Calavo Growers Inc. has announced Brian Bernauer as its director of Nogales operations. Bernauer assumed his leadership responsibilities Sept. 1 and will be based at Calavo’s Nogales, AZ, operations.