Johnsons to serve time for crop insurance fraud
Brothers Aaron and Derek Johnson, who were convicted of felony counts of conspiracy and making false statements to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Risk Management Agency and law enforcement officials after a jury returned a unanimous verdict in Fargo, ND, Dec. 11, have 14 days to appeal their sentences handed down by U.S. District Judge Ralph Erickson on March 9.
Ocean Mist heirloom artichokes 'Easy as 1-2-3'
March marks the beginning of peak heirloom artichoke season and Ocean Mist Farms is supporting sales with multiple activities designed to generate sales and consumer awareness for this special variety of fresh artichokes.
Oppy named among Canada’s Best Managed for 14th year
In 2001, the Oppenheimer Group was named among Canada’s Best Managed companies, starting what is now Oppy's 14-year streak of consecutive recognition. The company was also the named to the Best Managed Platinum Club for the eighth time.
Professional Produce gains certifications, adds new packing/sorting machine
Professional Produce a grower, packer and distributor located in Vernon, CA, has recently undergone some vast overhauls of its operations between a new sorting/packing machine and achieving SQF Level 2 certification.
Kevin Coupe to keynote NEPC expo
The New England Produce Council has announced that food industry expert Kevin Coupe will deliver the keynote address at the council's annual expo this September.
Ciruli Bros.’s peak shipping for mangos coming in April
RIO RICO, AZ — For Ciruli Bros. LLC the Mexican mango shipping peak will come in April, according to Chris Ciruli, chief operating officer of the Rio Rico-based firm.
On Feb. 16 Ciruli received its mango season’s first fruit through Texas.
The firm’s volume will reach a substantial level on March 16 and then hit a high volume plateau in April.
Higueral anticipates mango quality to remain good into September
RIO RICO, AZ — Ataulfo mangos from Chiapas, Mexico, were given a little extra time to mature this year, according to Edgar Duarte, a partner in Higueral Produce Inc., located here. Thus, rather than the usual late-February start, the Ataulfo deal will gain volume in early March.
Duarte noted that the February market “was not that good either, and with the cost of transportation” from southern Mexico came the decision to wait until the fruit was at optimal maturity.
Loblaw to invest $1.2 billion, create more than 20,000 jobs in 2015
Loblaw Cos. Ltd., a leading Canadian retailer based in Brampton, ON, will invest more than $1.2 billion in its Canadian business in 2015. The investment includes construction projects for dozens of new and existing stores, e-commerce expansion and continued investment in supply chain and IT infrastructure.
As one of Canada's largest networks of corporate and independently owned retail stores and formats, each employing between 20 and 300 employees, Loblaw's investment is expected to create more than 20,000 jobs through store staffing and construction.
FPFC holds annual Day at the Races
While many people around the country were still digging out of snow drifts, around 700 produce professionals and their families "braved" temperatures in the upper 80s on Saturday, March 7, to attend the annual Fresh Produce & Floral Council Day At The Races at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, CA.
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Del Monte hires industry veteran to lead its North America tomato and vegetable business
Del Monte Fresh Produce, one of North America’s leading marketers and distributors of high-quality fresh and fresh-cut fruit and vegetables, announced that industry veteran Robert (Bob) Spence has joined the company as vice president of sales and product management for its tomato and vegetable program.