Big Idaho Potato Truck kicks off 2015 tour with new mission
The world’s largest potato on wheels embarked on its fourth cross-country tour with a new mission to help local charities across the United States. In a five-month period, the truck will visit 60 cities, travel 22,087 miles and help dozens of charities better serve their communities.
South Carolina Peach Council raises $130,600 in auction
The South Carolina Peach Council gathered in Myrtle Beach, SC, April 18 and raised $130,600 in a live auction for the council’s work in research and promotion in the year ahead. The auction offered donated items like paintings and hand-blown glass sculptures peaches, peach moonshine, a hand-crafted peach wood turkey call, and 2,800 boxes of peaches (in-season delivery) from eight growers.
Kocher named COO of Castellini Group
The Castellini Group of Cos., one of the larger fresh produce distributors in the United States, announced the appointment of Brian Kocher to a newly created position of chief operating officer.
Weis breaks ground on distribution center expansion
The ceremonial groundbreaking at Weis Markets' distribution center expansion in Milton, PA.
Vidalia celebrates history and heritage as 2015 season begins
The 2015 Vidalia onion season officially got under way April 27. Earlier in the month we spent some time in the field with the people who've been growing Vidalias for decades, discovering the history and heritage behind the world's most famous onion.
Domestic watermelon production a sweet sign of summer
Domestic watermelon production is set to kick in high gear for the summer months according to data gathered by the National Watermelon Promotion Board. “Most folks realize that watermelon is the king of Independence Day,” Jason Hanselman, industry affairs associate, told The Produce News. “But our second most important time of the year is the lead up to Memorial Day. Our shippers strive to get as much product into stores as they can for this important holiday that generally marks the beginning of summer for us folks up North.”
PMA Foundation's 2015 Women's Fresh Perspectives Conference
The PMA Foundation for Industry Talent's Women's Fresh Perspectives Conference kicked off April 26 at Loews Coronado Bay Resort in San Diego. Participants will benefit from a powerhouse speaker lineup that includes Geena Davis, educational sessions and networking opportunities.
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Flavor Tree Fruit to reintroduce popular ‘Cherry Bomb’ pack
With a larger California cherry crop this year, the Flavor Tree Fruit Co. LLC in Hanford, CA, can get a bit more creative with its offerings and plans to reintroduce its popular “Cherry Bomb” pack.
King Fresh touting new electronic sorter
It is a big investment for a crop that has only a seven-week season, but the electronic sorter that King Fresh Produce LLC installed this season on its cherry packingline is worth its seven-figure price tag, according to Keith Wilson, president of the company.
New normal forecast for California stone fruit crop
After several years of bad markets, California stone fruit growers began pulling out trees in the mid-2000s, which has created a new normal of lighter supplies and better markets.