PMA Foodservice: Network, network, network
More than 1,800 fresh produce and foodservice professionals convened in Monterey, CA, for the 34th annual PMA Foodservice Conference — with one major goal in mind — to connect with new ideas and old friends. Catch some highlights of the most popular activity — networking.
Cilantro may be culprit in cyclospora outbreak totaling 358 illnesses
WASHINGTON — The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention is reporting that, as of July 30, there are 358 people confirmed with cyclosporiasis across 26 states in an outbreak that may be tied to fresh cilantro.
Most of the illnesses began around May 1, and health officials have been investigating clusters of illnesses in Texas, Wisconsin and Georgia.
“Cluster investigations in Wisconsin and Texas have preliminarily identified cilantro as a suspect vehicle,” CDC said.
NEPC golfers raise money for scholarship fund
HUDSON, MA — The New England Produce Council's scholarship fund got a boost at the end of July, thanks to the council's annual golf tournament. About 135 golfers participated in the council's 19th annual golf tournament, held on a sunny Tuesday, July 28, at the Charter Oak Country Club, here in Hudson, MA, west of Boston. The golfers were NEPC members, from both New England and other parts of the country.
New Jersey Agricultural Leadership Development Program celebrates 20th anniversary with exciting change
The New Jersey Agricultural Society announced July 20 its newly enhanced team to launch the 10th class of its New Jersey Agricultural Leadership Development Program in November.
The society welcomes two new staff members from the agricultural community to direct and implement the program, and deliver what is expected to be the most dynamic program yet.
D'Arrigo's farm and water conservation and protection
D’Arrigo Bros. Co. of California has taken serious measures to maximize the efficiency of water on its farmland in the Salinas Valley, Imperial Valley and in Arizona.
Pacific Northwest to harvest fourth-largest pear crop
The Pacific Northwest is expecting to harvest its fourth-largest pear crop during the 2015-16 season. “The first estimates for the fresh pear crop show it coming in at just over 20 million standard box equivalents,” said Kevin Moffitt, president and chief executive officer of the Pear Bureau Northwest. “While this is 2 percent below last year, it is 2 percent above a five-year average and would make it our fourth largest crop historically.
Courchesne Larose’s success reflected in its growth
It’s a busy summer at Courchesne Larose, with the recent 50 percent acquisition of Dandrea Produce, and more busy months are ahead as the company continues its growth.
Kroger exec to retire after 18 years with the company
Kroger announced that Lynn Marmer, group vice president of corporate affairs and president of The Kroger Foundation, will retire in early 2016, after 18 years with the company. The company said her replacement will be named at a later date.
Deep roots help Chuck Olsen Co. continue to thrive
With a legacy that dates back more than a century, the Chuck Olsen Co. Inc., based in Visalia, CA, has very deep roots in the California grape industry.