First quarter earnings decline for Sobey’s parent
Empire Co. Ltd., the Stellarton, NS-based parent company of Canadian supermarket chain Sobey’s, reported a 14 percent drop in its first quarter earnings. The decline is due to costs related to the integration of its Safeway business.
Imports keep domestic shelves stocked
The Agricultural Marketing Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture provides a snapshot of imported berry movement its its publication, Fresh Fruit and Vegetable National Shipping Point Trends.
Alfred Imbimbo Jr., former sales and marketing executive at Suntreat, dies at 55
Alfred Constance Imbimbo Jr., a fixture in California’s Central Valley who worked for a number of citrus marketers during his career, died Sept. 7 following a yearlong battle with cancer. He was 55.
Albertsons moving forward with IPO plans
Albertsons is moving forward with its plans for an initial public offering of shares of its common stock in late September or early October, according to a Reuters report, which said people familiar with the matter suggested the value could be as high as $24 billion, including debt.
Chilean fresh fruit industry assessing damage from earthquake
The Chilean fresh fruit industry is assessing the impact of the Sept. 16 earthquake on production areas in northern and central regions of the country.
According to a statement released by the Chilean Fresh Fruit Association, it remains too early to deliver a full long-term analysis, but indications are that the industry has emerged with almost no damage.
An 8.4 magnitude earthquake struck the northern city of IL lapel around 282 kilometers from the capital city of Santiago the evening of Sept. 16.
STEP-UPP class reunion held at Southern Innovations Symposium
Charleston, SC — The Southeast Produce Council has many worthwhile and successful programs, one of which is the Southeast Training Education Program for Upcoming Produce Professionals.
Christopher Ranch says food trends moving fresh produce to the center of the table
Flavor is uppermost in the minds of consumers who want to serve their families and friends memorable meals. But food movements today, such as the Obama administration’s nutritional initiatives, along with other programs developed to help fight obesity and increase nutrition, are also causing trends to focus on produce.
Patsy Ross, marketing manager for Christopher Ranch headquartered in Gilroy, CA, said incorporating vegetables and making them the center of the plate is a popular and growing theme today.
Over-the-top, most expensive specialty produce items
Everyone would agree that specialty produce deserves the premium it often garners. Items in the category are in great demand among foodservice operators and home foodies alike due to their special flavors and unique qualities.
But a few fruits and vegetables are priced so high that the mere mention of the prices they demand is enough to make anyone outside of the billion-dollar net-worth coterie gasp for air.
Nuessly named director of the University of Florida’s Everglades Research & Education Center
Gregg Nuessly, who has served as interim director of the University of Florida’s Everglades Research & Education Center in Belle Glade, FL, since November 2013, has now been named to that post permanently.
“Gregg is an accomplished researcher in serving the industry in southeast Florida and has done an exceptional job as the interim director,” said Jack Payne, senior vice president for agriculture and natural resources at the University of Florida.
NEPC 2015 kicks off with Cape Cod clambake
CHATHAM, MA — The New England Produce Council Expo 2015 — "NEPC by the Sea" — kicked off in grand style on Cape Cod with a ritzy beachside clambake at the historic Chatham Bars Inn Sept. 16.