Fresh Software Concepts-Blue Book partnership helps deliver real-time ratings
Fresh Software Concepts, an industry-specific ERP software solution provider, is now a registered developer with Blue Book Services Inc. Under terms of the program, Fresh Software Concept users can leverage real-time Blue Book data to streamline several data entry activities and reference vital Blue Book rating information.
Frieda’s ready for Hatch chile season
Hatch chiles from New Mexico are back in season from August through September, and Frieda’s Inc. has guaranteed volume and good supply. Frieda’s team also has the expertise to assist retailers in a Hatch Chile roasting program.
Steven J. Fox dies at 67
Steven J. Fox, a longtime member of the produce industry and former president of Pro*Act, died July 5. He was 67.
Mr. Fox served as the Equitable Food Initiative's business development director from 2013 until his death, and he ran his own export marketing company from 2002-13. Prior to that he spent nearly 20 years in produce procurement for Sizzler, In-and-Out Burger and other companies and associations.
Mr. Fox had also served on the boards of the United Fresh Produce Association and the Produce Marketing Association, and he was president of Pro*Act from 1995-98.
Garden State to boast largest indoor vertical farm
AeroFarms, a commercial grower for vertical farming and controlled agriculture, and RBH Group are building a state-of-the-art 69,000-square-foot indoor vertical farm and global corporate headquarters in a converted steel factory located in Newark, NJ. Upon completion, it may be the world’s largest indoor vertical farm.
Church Bros. to showcase #ImperfectVeg at PMA Foodservice
The trend of selling aesthetically imperfect produce is picking up steam, with retailers and suppliers finding a market for produce that might have otherwise headed to a landfill. Church Bros. will showcase its #ImperfectVeg program at the upcoming PMA Foodservice Expo in Monterey, CA.
American Mushroom Institute's leadership transition
In early June, Patricia Foss-Bennie was appointed as the new president of the American Mushroom Institute. She joined the organization in November as executive director. Former AMI president Laura Phelps has transitioned to managing AMI’s legislative and regulatory issues as a consultant based at the Washington, DC, law firm McLeod, Watkinson & Miller.
Tater Traders specializes in spuds
With nearly 30 years in the industry, longtime Colorado-based potato broker Tonya McCormick has launched her own brokerage, Tater Traders LLC.
The new company, located in Golden, CO, was formed in June, and McCormick continues to handle spuds as her primary commodity. She is also handling onions. Working with McCormick is Kari Cook, who handles transportation.
Sunny Valley’s NJ peach crop in great shape thanks to cold winter
Sunny Valley International’s New Jersey peach crop is in great condition in both quality and volumes this year. And it’s expected to have a normal start.
Bob Von Rohr, director of customer relations, said that the cold winter and good moisture have combined to ensure a nice crop.
The peach trees had an outstanding bloom with a full crop set by around April 18,” said Von Rohr, noting, “We’re on track for a normal seasonal movement start of approximately July 1.”
Brutally cold winter perfectly wonderful for New Jersey peaches
Few will forget the nearly unrelenting past winter that delivered storm after storm across the Northeast.
For some, however, those frigid temperatures were a blessing, notably the New Jersey peach crop.
In the Trenches: Source packing can ease workloads for produce managers
In making my usual rounds to numerous supermarkets, I can easily see it’s that time of year again when heavy consumer demand for summer produce items picks up dramatically. It’s all about melons, stone fruit, grapes, cherries, berries, sweet corn, fresh-cut fruit and outdoor grilling items.