Avocados from Peru concludes unprecedented 2015 campaign
The Peruvian Avocado Commission has closed its 2015 season with more than 100 million pounds of fruit imported into the United States over a three-month period. Since it began exporting to the United States, Peru has become an increasingly important supplier of avocados during the summer peak season.
Jacobsen Farms opens its doors in Nogales
A new produce distributor has been created in Nogales, AZ. Jacobsen Farms LLC, which was launched Sept. 1, will be big in distributing Jalapeño peppers, according to Ryan Jacobsen, who founded the company. Italian, yellow and gray squash are leading among other Mexican items that will be sold to U.S.
Food Lion’s private label program includes fresh produce
Food Lion has relaunched its private label packaging under the ‘Food Lion’ brand and will begin offering fresh produce as part of the private label program.
In a press release, the Salisbury, NC-based retailer said that 7,000 private label items are now available in stores, with carrots, apples, potatoes, mushrooms and onions joining the lineup.
Northampton Growers makes switch to recyclable boxes
Global Green USA, in conjunction with a national grocer with over 1,300 location and members of its national Coalition for Resource Recovery, coordinated a pilot that led to the conversion of all cabbage packing at major produce supplier Northampton Growers to 100 percent recyclable packaging for cabbage.
FPAA develops attractive series of seminars for the fall-winter season
In order to face an evolving and competitive market and to take advantage of the great opportunities for growth and strengthening of all business, the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas has developed a series of seminars to address emerging and ongoing industry issues. The seminars will take place between September and December.
Stemilt builds consumer awareness for Lil Snappers
Stemilt has taken its three-pound pouch bag program for kid-sized apples and pears, Lil Snappers, straight to the consumer.
Christopher Ranch anticipates ample organic garlic to keep customers supplied
Christopher Ranch, a leading garlic producer and distributor of high-quality garlic and other specialty products, has been growing organic products since 1997.
Patsy Ross, marketing manager for the company, said that every year the company works to increase its organic acreage and supply by 10 percent.
“Today our organic line includes garlic, shallots and elephant garlic,” said Ross. “And we offer a full line of organic jarred items including chopped garlic, chopped shallots, chopped ginger and roasted garlic.”
Progressive Produce now certified to pack organic in its Los Angeles facility
Founded in 1967, Progressive Produce, headquartered in Los Angeles, became Certified USDA Organic by California Certified Organic Farmers, commonly called CCOF, eight years ago.
Scott Leimkuhler is the organic buyer and sales manager for Progressive Produce. He said the company’s organic line is produced in California and in Washington.
“We are now also certified to pack organic product in our Los Angeles facility,” said Leimkuhler.
Smaller apples a big opportunity for retailers
With an apple crop trending toward smaller-sized fruit, CMI has introduced its HERO snack-sized apple program for school lunches. The company is urging retailers to leverage the early small crop and the success of pouch bags to drive apple category movement in September.
A&P must boost severance if it wants $5 million retention plan
Shortly after sending layoff notices to more than 22,000 employees, The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co. requested the use of $5 million to retain key management employees. A union representing A&P workers, as well as a trustee involved with the bankruptcy proceedings, said the plan was unfair, and Robert Drain, U.S. Bankruptcy Court judge, agrees with them.