Some California growers voluntarily curtail water use in bargain with state
Amid discussions by a state water agency that agricultural users with senior water rights would soon face significant cutbacks, a group of California farmers have voluntarily agreed to a 25 percent reduction in water use in exchange for no further cuts this year.
The voluntary plan was approved May 22 by the California State Water Resources Control Board with participating farmers required to submit their water reduction plans by June 1.
FPAA finalizes educational lineup for 2015 fall convention
The Fresh Produce Association of the Americas has finalized an exciting list of speakers for its 47th annual Produce Convention & Golf Tournament. The convention will be held Nov. 5-7 in Tubac, AZ, located just north of the largest port of entry for fresh fruits and vegetables from Mexico.
Ripple effect from the Louis J. Acompora Memorial spreading around the world
Karen Acompora, president of the Louis J. Acompora Memorial, told The Produce News that the organization continues its work with the Minnesota High School Athletic Association and the Medtronic Philanthropy Foundation, whose goal is to expand access to chronic disease care for the underserved around the world.
F.H. Dicks, Melon 1 hope for better watermelon year in 2015
BARNWELL, SC — In 2013, heavy rains and flooding hit at harvest time, making many fields impossible to harvest. In 2014, planting was delayed by wet and cold conditions and the crop matured late, causing a shortage for the July 4 market and an oversupply after the holiday.
Fresno Food Expo seeks entries for New Product Awards
The 2015 Fresno Food Expo, presented by Union Bank, is accepting entries for its third annual New Product Awards through Thursday, July 2, 2015 at midnight. The New Product Awards, presented by Baker Peterson Franklin CPA LLP, showcase innovative San Joaquin Valley food and beverage products and packaging, recognizing food trendsetters with two distinctive awards: the People’s Choice Award and the Buyer’s Choice Awards.
Navilio absorption is strong for La Galera
CHICAGO — Absorbing Michael J. Navilio & Son Inc. into the operations of La Galera Produce LLC has boosted sales volume, according to Jose (Pepe) Vega, a La Galera buyer and family owner.
As Jim Navilio actively works from a desk within La Galera, with him came his shippers and customers. Navilio’s product line was primarily made up of American vegetables.
“We were already doing well,” Vega noted, “but this has helped very much.”
Strube headed in right direction
CHICAGO — In June 2013, Strube Celery & Vegetable Co. turned over its management to the new Strube generation. Two years later, Robert (Rob) Strube III, the firm’s new president, said the family business is going well: “Everyone is still adjusting. We know we are heading in the right direction. We have been focused on working ‘in’ the business, but now trying to work more ‘on’ the business and the strategic direction we want to take.”
Heartland golf charity
KENOSHA, WI — On July 28 the Heartland Children’s Foundation will sponsor the Heartland Produce 2015 Charitable Golf Outing at the ThunderHawk Golf Club in Beach Park, IL. This will be the second year for the fundraiser, which last year netted $20,000. Customers, suppliers and employees of Heartland are invited to participate.
Muller Trading is strong
LIBERTYVILLE, IL — Business has been good for Muller Trading Co. Inc., located in a small town on the northern fringes of Chicagoland.
Sarah Miller, the firm’s chief operating officer, said the produce brokerage house has five salespeople that are cultivating business in the Southeast. Five more are working the Northeast and another five are focusing sales in the Midwest. The company is building sales in the Southwest.
The firm offers almost a full line of produce. “There isn’t much we don’t sell,” Miller noted.
Produce Pro Inc. celebrating its 25th anniversary
WOODRIDGE, IL — As Produce Pro Inc. celebrates its 25th anniversary, Marc Hatfield, the firm’s national sales manager, said, “We are a consulting firm, not just a software company.” The consulting side provides produce industry customers — which include grower-packer-shippers, terminal market operations, retailers and foodservice operations — with “good service and more efficiencies to help the bottom line. We are an ERP (enterprise resource planning with business management software) but people forget we are really consulting with our customers, solving different problems.”