SEPC Southern Innovations Symposium to innovate and educate the industry
The Southeast Produce Council announced plans for this year’s Southern Innovations Symposium, to be held Sept. 17-19 in Charleston, SC. The symposium will offer an agenda designed to provide the industry with the most cutting-edge information as well as and high-profile celebrity keynote speakers. Additionally, the new Bright Ideas Platform will be launched.
Loblaw strikes canceled, union contract accepted in 69 Ontario stores
Employees of 69 Loblaw-owned stores in Ontario markets from Ottawa to Windsor have voted to accept a six-year contract offer from Loblaw Cos. Ltd.
Strikes commenced July 2 in nine stores and strikes were scheduled to commence in 60 additional stores on Saturday, July 11; however, at this time all have been called off.
"In a competitive market, the terms of the contract provide both our colleagues and our company a fair deal and security," the company said in a written statement. "Ultimately, it sets the stage for an even stronger relationship."
Provigo Le Marché celebrates two years of transforming Québec's grocery landscape
At the eagerly awaited opening of the new Provigo Le Marché flagship store in Longueuil, QC, Provigo's management took the opportunity to present a glowing report on the first two years of the banner's Québec relaunch. The concept's unique offer and modern design has revolutionized the shopping experience and customers' habits, resulting in a marked increase in sales, particularly in the fresh products category.
Heritage: Passion fuels Talley Farms toward fourth generation
For Talley Farms, it is passion, not pressure, that is lifting the successful agricultural company toward a fourth generation of family ownership.
“If you don’t have passion, it won’t work,” said 49-year-old Brian Talley, president of Talley Farms.
Save Mart opens first Lucky California concept store
Save Mart unveiled its first new store format in nearly 20 years when the doors open on its new Daly City Lucky California store July 8. A reflection of the San Francisco Bay area food culture, this new store concept will provide shoppers with diverse, eclectic flavors and foods — whether they are looking for prepared foods to carry out or all the ingredients to cook at home.
CFFA's Marcy Martin named to U.S. agricultural committee
Marcy Martin, California Fresh Fruit Association director of trade, has been appointed to the U.S. Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee for Trade in Fruits & Vegetables. Martin will serve until June 15, 2019.
California pear crop for 2015 anticipated at 170,197 tons
Volume estimates released by the California Pear Advisory Board on June 12 show that the state’s fresh pear volume is expected to be down when compared to the last crop year. According to the report, California fresh pear producers are expected to move approximately 2.894 million 36-pound boxes this season, a decrease of 6 percent compared to 2014.
David J. Elliot expecting quality product, good range of pear sizes
Customers of David J. Elliot & Sons Co. can expect to see high-quality pear volume and a full range of sizes this season. “Quality is very clean, and sizing is spread fairly evenly so we will have great size distribution for all markets,” said Sales Manager David Thiessen.
2015 New Jersey Peach Buyers Guide is a valuable tool for industry professionals
The 2015 edition of New Jersey’’s Peach Buyers Guide is now available. This year’s guide provides information for prospective wholesale and retail buyers on where and how to buy and handle New Jersey peaches and nectarines.
Jerry Frecon, Rutgers professor emeritus of fruit science, a consultant to the council, and editor of the New Jersey’s annual Peach Buyers Guide, said it lists growers and shippers of New Jersey peaches including their brands and general information on what and how they ship.
Metro's latest concept store opens in Quebec
Customers of the Metro Plus St-Nicolas store can now enjoy a completely reinvented supermarket. The remodelled store located on Route des Rivières in Lévis, QC, can lay claim to being the first in the Quebec City and eastern region of the province to offer many new cutting-edge products and services.