Southern Specialties’ South America Mango programs on schedule
Southern Specialties’ mango programs have grown consistently over the years.
Charlie Eagle, vice president of business development for the Pompano Beach-based company, a leading grower, importer and shipper of highquality specialty produce, said that mangos from Brazil began in mid-August.
“That program runs through October,” said Eagle. “Ecuador typically begins then and runs through the end of the year. However, Ecuador is predicted to start about three weeks late this year due to effects related to the El Niño weather system.”
Continental Fresh’s South American mango program off to a slow start with expectations of promotional opportunities in October
Mangos are one of the world’s most popular fruits, and they are enjoyed by many cultures around the world. Their unique flavor and texture makes them a versatile culinary sensation.
Continental Fresh LLC, headquartered in Miami, FL, handles mangos from Brazil. The fruit is running now and is expected to go through mid-November.
Albert Perez, chief executive officer, said the company was receiving mangos from three packing houses in Petrolina, Brazil in early September.
A&W to begin shipping cucumbers from different region next week
WASHINGTON — Andrew & Williamson Fresh Produce, the company linked to an ongoing cucumber outbreak, said it will start harvesting and shipping cucumbers from another region of Mexico starting the week of Sept. 21.
The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention reported Sept. 15 that 77 more illnesses appear to be linked to Mexican cucumbers distributed by the company, and that health officials picked up the outbreak strain on cucumbers sampled at the company’s facility.
Discount retailer plans rapid expansion
Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, an extreme-value grocery retailer, will open 14 stores throughout the Los Angeles area beginning this December, and it expects to continue at a rapid pace throughout 2016.
Tasteful Selections facility named 2015 Green Plant of the Year
Tasteful Selections' new facility in Arvin, CA, was named the 2015 Green Plant of the Year by Food Processing magazine. With a commitment to a higher standard of quality and innovation, the state-of-the-art 200,000-square-foot building was designed to reduce energy use, over its old facility, by 50 percent.
Rare September storm could be precursor for things to come in California
California farmers and homeowners alike have suffered through four years of the worst drought in history by some measures. There are very strong indications that will change this year with the El Niño conditions strengthening in sub-tropical Pacific Ocean. Early Tuesday morning, Sept. 15, Southern California was reminded what that might feel like as rains pelted Los Angeles for about 10 hours bringing flooding and traffic snarls throughout the area.
FPFC hosts Southern California bowling tourney
FULLERTON, CA — Scores of members of the Southern California produce community got together the evening of Sep. 12 for the annual Fresh Produce & Floral Council Bowling Tournament. The event was held at AMF Carter Lanes, here, and attracted a diverse group of produce professionals from the area. The event is always very well attended and is a favorite of the members of the Los Angeles Wholesale Produce Market.
Idaho is a one-stop-shop potato supplier
Ten years ago, Frank Muir, president and chief executive officer of the Idaho Potato Commission, presented the industry with a challenge. “Our goal is to become a one-stop-shop state,” he told The Produce News. “We’re definitely there.”
New Oneonta bin sleeve creates versatility in produce department
A new bin sleeve designed by Oneonta Starr Ranch Growers for its applesnaQ program will help retailers drive apple sales in the produce department. “It slides over a store’s existing tri-walled bin and has our school bus and kids graphics on it,” said National Marketing Representative Dan Wohlford.
Retailer uses app to introduce growers to consumers
To help customers understand where their produce comes from, the Great Basin Community Food Co-op in Reno, NV, is launching an innovative app that allows shoppers to virtually connect with the producers of their food. Launching in-store later this month, the Meet Your Farmer app is the first-of-its-kind for a U.S. grocery store — designed to increase awareness and appreciation of local food.