Paradigm Fresh adds logistics division to its brokerage services
As Colorado-based Paradigm Fresh, a brokerage that specializes in onions and potatoes, looks to celebrate its first anniversary on Oct. 1, the logistic division began operations June 26 with the “maiden voyage” of its first truck.
Owner-founder John Harris, with an extensive background in onions, said establishing logistics was a natural progression of the company’s growth.
“I founded Paradigm in 2014, but my background goes back to my family’s farm in the Fort Morgan area of eastern Colorado,” Harris said.
AMC Direct offering Tango clementines from Chile
GLASSBORO, NJ — This summer, AMC Direct will be importing the first Tango clementines produced in Chile. These will be received from the end of August through September.
Limoneira acquires citrus orchards in $3.3 million deal
Limoneira Co. has entered into an agreement to acquire 157 acres of lemon, orange and specialty citrus orchards in San Joaquin Valley for approximately $3.3 million. The transaction is expected to close in September.
Tom Lange celebrates 25 years of fundraising
Since 1990, Tom Lange Charitable Foundation has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars, to provide access to health care, grant wishes, ensure hot meals and facilitate education for children in need.
WP Rawl continues mission to end hunger along with Katie’s Krops
WP Rawl continues with its mission to end hunger by hosting the third-annual Katie’s Krops Camp this past week alongside its founder, Katie Stagliano. Katie’s Krops, a non-profit focused on empowering young growers to plant vegetable gardens and donate the harvest to the underserved in their communities, held the three-day camp at the WP Rawl headquarters in Pelion, SC.
US Foods promotes two executives
US Foods has named Pietro Satriano its president and chief executive officer, effective Monday, July 13. Satriano previously held the role of chief merchandising officer. John Lederer, the company’s former president and CEO, will continue as an advisor to US Foods and its board of directors.
Allegiance Retail Services names produce category manager
Noel Barboe has joined Allegiance Retail Services as the produce department category manager. He will report directly to Vic Savanello, director of produce and floral at Allegiance.
Barboe, a longtime industry veteran, brings to Allegiance a level of skill and accomplishment acquired over his 20 years of experience at the Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co. Inc. He began his career as an inventory control and systems manager and moved to grocery buyer. His most recent position was as produce and deli category manager.
Florida orange crop up in final USDA tally
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced its final tally for the 2014-15 Florida orange crop at 96.7 million boxes. The figure represents a slight increase from the June estimate.
"It's nice to have a bit of stability on this final number from the USDA," Michael W. Sparks, executive vice president and chief executive officer of Florida Citrus Mutual, said in a press release. "Because we all know what an up and down year it's been fighting HLB and all of the market issues."
During the 2013-14 season, Florida produced 104 million boxes of oranges.
Colorado Fruit & Vegetable Association’s plate brimming with activities
Robert Sakata, president of the the Colorado Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association, provided The Produce News with an update on association activities and priorities in 2015.
“We have just convened a ‘Health and Wellness’ committee in response to the numerous requests from outside of the agricultural community [from people wanting] to connect with Colorado fresh fruit and vegetable growers,” he stated. “We submitted comments to the draft Colorado Water Plan stressing the importance of clean, reliable water supplies for fruit and vegetable production.”
Eastern Propak anticipates Jersey peaches to start on schedule, expects great crop
Warm spring weather has resulted in a high-quality and good-volume New Jersey peach crop for Eastern Propak’s growers.
Jeff Danner, general manager of the Glassboro, NJ-company, told The Produce News that the crop was on track for a normal start of around July 4.