How does Christopher Ranch peel all that garlic?
What do auto mechanics and Christopher Ranch have in common? A lot, when it comes to garlic.
Fresh quality consistently high for Washington potatoes
Chris Voigt, executive director of the Washington State Potato Commission, said the state’s producers aim high and consistently hit the mark when it comes to fresh production. “About 13 percent of Washington potatoes are sold as fresh,” he told The Produce News. “This puts us in the top three or four states for fresh potato production, but really No. 1 for quality. That’s the reason why we have such a heavy presence of potato processors.
Dole taps culinary veteran as new director of culinary nutrition
The Dole Nutrition Institute, the nutritional research and education arm of the Dole Food Co., has named veteran culinary educator Mark William Allison as director of culinary nutrition, a new position. He will be based at the North Carolina Research Campus in Kannapolis, NC.
Stemilt Lil Snappers ready to head back to school with kid-sized apples and pears
Stemilt’s Lil Snappers are heading back to school with kids this fall thanks to an early start on both apple and pear harvest in Washington state.
Index Fresh in an expansive mood
Over the past several months, California-based Index Fresh Inc. has added a few new employees, promoted several others, contracted with a new advertising agency, launched a new ad campaign and will soon be rolling out a new website. The company also launched a new graphically-pleasing carton designed specifically to tout fruit grown in California.
Houweling’s continues to pioneer sustainability efforts
As a business, Houweling’s Tomatoes has been a pioneer in adopting sustainability practices, but the company has been disciplined in evaluating those investments. “Each project has to not only provide a conservation benefit, but also contribute to better performing crops and a return on investment,” said Lindsay Martinez, the company’s brand manager. “Without profitability, we cannot be a sustainable business for years to come.”
Chilean avocados on up cycle; more volume expected to U.S.
One of the challenges and wonders of most avocado trees is that they produce on somewhat of an alternate-year bases. A light crop one year is often followed by a much heavier one.
Martin’s chairman, former CEO dies at 78
Robert Eugene (Bob) Bartels, former president, chief executive officer and chairman of Martin's Super Markets, died July 17. He was 78.
Mr. Bartels was a 51-year employee of Martin’s. His wife, Nancy, was a daughter of the company’s founders, the late Jane (Cary) and Martin Tarnow. Mr. Bartels served as president and CEO of Martin’s beginning in 1973, and as chairman beginning in 2005.
Roundy’s-BrightFarms partnership to result in 1 million pounds of local produce a year
BrightFarms recently broke ground on the BrightFarms Chicagoland Greenhouse in Rochelle, IL. This project is a partnership with Roundy's Supermarkets Inc. Slated for completion in early 2016, it will provide produce for Roundy’s stores. It is being built in partnership with Clean Feet Investors.
New fresh salad lines launched at Costco
FiveStar Gourmet Foods, a culinary-focused provider of fresh and frozen prepared foods, has launched two new gourmet salad lines at Costco: Simply Fresh Organic, which features non-GMO, certified-organic ingredients; and Simply Fresh Gourmet, featuring non-GMO conventional and organic ingredients.