A&P issues layoff notices as it navigates bankruptcy proceedings
Following an inability to reach a compromise on its collective bargaining agreement with the union representing its workers, A&P has issued layoff notifications to workers at all of its stores. The notifications, called Worker Adjustment & Retraining Notifications, or WARN notices, are required by federal law when layoffs are expected within 60 days.
Most A&P locations are still on the market and the retailer hopes to sell them to competitors soon. A judge in the bankruptcy case previously approved the closure of 25 locations.
Hudson River Fruit Distributors launching ‘Lil Chief’ apple brand
Hudson River Fruit Distributors, a leading northeastern apple distributor headquartered in Milton, NY, has introduced a three-pound pouch bag of apples geared toward children and marketed under the “Lil Chief” brand.
Hector Soltero joins Freska Produce as avocado sales manager
Freska Produce has added Hector Soltero to its sales team as avocado sales manager to further develop its growing portfolio of regional and national accounts.
As summer winds down, smart retailers ramp up watermelon promotions
Walk into any supermarket in North America in the summer and you are bound to see a display of big, juicy watermelons waiting to be purchased for a picnic, backyard barbecue, or just as a tasty and refreshing treat for the family.
Entrepreneur offers financing option for growers and shippers
Growing up in a fourth-generation farming family in northwest Mexico, Pablo Borquez Schwarzbeck was well aware of the financial challenges that come with bringing a fresh produce crop to market.
Phillips Mushroom Farms prepped to participate in Pink campaign
When people think “pink” today, many think breast cancer research. The mushroom industry’s participation in October helps to fund the City of Hope hospital system in breast cancer research.
Spearheaded by the Mushroom Council, the campaign is supported by leading mushroom producers that pack mushrooms in pink tills and/or labels.
Cal Giant to initiate a new fall strawberry program
California Giant Berry Farms plans to harvest strawberries this fall with a new program based in Santa Maria, CA. Vice President of Marketing Cindy Jewell said production from this location will ramp up in August. “This crop is a little earlier than usual, but with weather conditions everything has been early this year,” she told The Produce News. “We expect to harvest into November, but are very aware that El Nino is very probable this winter as well, which may impact the end of the season for us in California.”
United Family, Aisles of Smiles help fight muscular dystrophy
The United Family is joining Acosta Marketing and manufacturers to collaborate in the fight against neuromuscular disease through the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s 17th annual Aisles of Smiles campaign. All 66 United Supermarkets, Market Street, Albertsons Market, Amigos and United Express locations in west Texas, Dallas-Fort Worth and New Mexico are participating.
Toxic spill hits Colorado waterway
Long-term effects resulting from the Aug. 5 inadvertent release of acidic heavy metals into the Animas River in southwestern Colorado were yet to be defined six days after the spill, and the entity responsible for the incident, the Environmental Protection Agency, had not fully assessed danger to humans.
Baldor's $20 million Hunts Point expansion
Baldor Specialty Foods has closed on a lease amendment that will expand its facility in the Hunts Point neighborhood in the Bronx, NY, by 100,000 square feet. The lease, signed with the New York City Economic Development Corp., will allow the fresh produce and specialty food distributor to strengthen the area’s robust food and beverage distribution network.