Executive changes at Associated Wholesale Grocers
Associated Wholesale Grocers, an 89-year-old retailer-owned grocery cooperative headquartered in Kansas City, KS, has promoted four employees to new executive positions.
E. Armata expands with new potato and onion department
In early May, E. Armata, located on Hunts Point Terminal Market in the Bronx, NY, announced its expansion into a full-line company with the addition of a new year-round potato and onion department.
SEPC gathers for charity golf tournament
ATLANTA — The Southeast Produce Council gathered here Monday, May 4, to enjoy a round of golf and, more importantly, to raise money for a very worthy cause: Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.
Bova Fresh takes root in Florida
Bova Fresh LLC, a grower, packer, shipper and broker of fresh fruits and vegetables based in Boca Raton, FL, has been launched.
Bova Fresh is owned by Robert Wilhelm and will handle items such as citrus, eastern and western vegetables, peaches, potatoes and onions, with strategic focus on growing and marketing both conventional and organic strawberries as well as watermelons.
Cassie Anthony joins Market Fresh Produce's corporate staff
Market Fresh Produce, based in Nixa, MO, announced the addition of Cassie Anthony to its corporate staff.
As the new director of human resources, Anthony will be responsible for recruiting, assessing, staffing and building a successful and high-performing Market Fresh workforce.
T.M. Kovacevich-Philadelphia expands distribution into Bermuda
Brian Nichols, overseas distribution manager for T.M. Kovacevich-Philadelphia Inc., commonly referred to as TMK, handles the company’s distribution in Puerto Rico and has now expanded the company’s distribution into Bermuda.
“We are very excited about our opportunities in Bermuda,” said Tommy Kovacevich, general manager of TMK, located at the Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market. “Although Bermuda has a rather small population, its demand for quality marries well with our strengths as a quality focused distributor.”
RJO the eyes and ears of its clients
With a cadre of “bird dogs” looking at the California fields, vineyards and orchards on a daily basis, RJO Produce Marketing Inc. in Fresno, CA, has focused its efforts on being the ears and eyes on the ground for its customers — especially those on the East Coast.
“We are not your typical broker model,” said Clint Lucas, an account manager for the firm. “We do whatever our customer needs us to do, including buying, category management and inspections. Inspections have become a big part of what we do.”
Sage Fruit launches Star Wars line
Sage Fruit Co. of Yakima, WA, announced the release of a new product line featuring Star Wars characters. The new apple and pear packaging and point-of-purchase materials showcasing Darth Vader, Yoda and many other fan-favorite characters, are currently available at retail stores nationwide.
Mushroom Council looking to expand The Blend into retail segment
The Mushroom Council’s successful introduction of The Blend into foodservice and school lunch programs is prompting it to expand into the retail segment with pilot programs, before a national rollout.
The Blend is a concept of mixing finely diced mushrooms into proteins such as beef, turkey, lamb or pork to make hamburgers, meatloaf and meatballs.