Sarah Hoxie compares apples to apples at CPMA
An apple a day is always good policy. But as Sarah Hoxie found out at the 90th annual Canadian Produce Marketing Association convention April 15-17 in Montreal, you could go a couple of weeks without ever eating the same variety twice. Here she gets the scoop from Chris Pollock of BC Tree Fruits.
Collotti & Sons’ commitment to locally grown remains solid
Locally grown programs have always been a strong focus for Collotti & Sons Inc., located at the Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market.
The company has operated in Philadelphia for over 50 years, and during its history it has always been committed to local produce.
The company is also well known for its full line of western and eastern fruits and vegetables. And it carries all of the top brand names in the industry. It specializes in all categories of berries produced both domestically and offshore.
Zambito Produce looking forward to a great remainder of the year
Chuck Zambito, owner of Zambito Produce Sales in West Deptford, NJ, told The Produce News that he is glad to have winter behind, saying that such a bad winter runs a domino effect from the grower all the way to the end customer.
“We’re all in the same boat,” said Zambito. “But spring brings hope, and it’s a welcome relief in every way.”
Zambito handles potatoes, California navel oranges and onions and mixed vegetables. The company, in business since the mid-1970s, services primarily foodservice operators through distribution centers and wholesalers.
BRS’s Rick Milavsky says Jersey is coming on — a sure sign of good things to come
Rick Milavsky, president, secretary and treasurer of BRS Produce Co. Inc., located at the Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market, said everyone is glad to say goodbye to winter. When he spoke to The Produce News on April 20, he was happy to report that the New Jersey program was just opening up.
“We’re seeing some dandelion now, and other crops will follow in the coming week to two,” said Milavsky. “That’s a sure sign that things are opening up, and it’s a time of year we always look forward to.”
Top priority at M. Levin & Co. is servicing customers’ needs
Since moving into the Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market when it first opened four years ago this June, M. Levin & Co., a full line produce distributor, has welcomed the opportunity to diversify.
Mark Levin, chief executive officer, told The Produce News, that this is especially true in the company’s delivery abilities. Five years ago the company had six straight trucks and 10 trailers.
Monte Vista Potato Growers stays the course going into new season
Monte Vista, CO — Expecting to ship 2014 storage russets well into 2015’s summer, Monte Vista Potato Growers is looking to plant its 2015 crop during May, according to General Manager Jason Tillman.
Tillman said on April 13 that the grower cooperative association was on schedule to finish its spuds in mid-July and start shipping new crop in mid-October. Planting will be done in May, as the likelihood of Rocky Mountain wintry weather diminishes, and Tillman said the cooperative’s growers are looking at a normal crop with no big changes.
Martori's Kandy Lemondrop melons back for third season
Martori Farms announced its exclusive Kandy Lemondrop Melon will begin shipping June 1. This year marks the third season the Arizona-based grower and shipper of premium melons will distribute the specialty Lemondrop variety.
Grower Alliance shipping watermelons until July 4
An expected decrease in April Mexican watermelon availability will be reflected in relatively conservative prices for April retailer ads, according to Jorge Quintero Jr., the managing partner of Grower Alliance LLC, based in Rio Rico, AZ.
In early April, Quintero indicated that watermelon ads are normally in the range of 16 cents to 18 cents a pound. But promotions in April were going to be more in the range of 22 cents to 24 cents a pound because of lingering production problems that are expected to reduce early-season availability.
Diversity, category management drive Robinson Fresh sales
Robinson Fresh has developed a formula for success when it comes to distribution of watermelons. “Robinson Fresh sources melons grown throughout North, Central, and South America as well as Europe, making this a truly global category for the company as we strive toward global year-round production on all continents,” Category General Manager Josh Knox told The Produce News.
Nardella knows what it does perfectly and it sticks to it
Change at Nardella Inc., located at the Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market, is done with patient intent. The company, which occupies units G-4 through G-6 in the blue section of the facility, has 32 years of successful business history.
John Durante, president of Nardella told The Produce News that business is solid because the company recognizes its strengths.