Coast Tropical initiates mango imports from Guatemala
During the months of March and April, Coast Tropical in San Diego is expected to import about 650,000 cartons of Guatemalan mangos into the United States, significantly augmenting its Mexican production.
R.C.F. Produce mangos rolling as season builds
RIO RICO, AZ — R.C.F. Produce Inc., based here, will be importing and marketing about 2 million packages of yellow and red Mexican mangos this season, according to Sales Manager Alan Alvarez.
Alvarez works from the firm’s distribution facility in McAllen, TX. On Feb. 19 Alvarez indicated that he had received R.C.F.’s first 10 truckloads of mangos. These Ataulfo mangos saw a “slow start” on the season “but we’re getting on track now,” he said.
Malu Crespo, president and general manager, said her Rio Rico warehouse received its first mango shipment on Feb. 18.
ACME Markets names new president
Dan Croce has been named president of ACME Markets, which operates more than 100 stores in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. He succeeds Jim Perkins, who was promoted to chief operating officer of parent company Albertsons-Safeway’s East region.
Mango supplies on the rise
Several factors have combined to create less-than-usual mango supplies over the last couple of months, but that’s all about to change. Mexico has been in production since late January and heavy supplies are expected no later than the beginning of April.
Red Sun Farms’ greenhouse organic program a huge success
Red Sun Farms, headquartered in Leamington, ON, began shipping both conventional and organic grape and cluster tomatoes from its new Dublin, VA, greenhouse facility last September. Jim DiMenna, company president, told The Produce News that it has been an amazing opportunity, and that the organic line is enjoying huge acceptance and success.
Mastronardi Produce/Sunset continues expansion of its Coldwater, MI, greenhouse
“As the largest greenhouse pepper company in North America, our family-owned, employee operated company has quietly grown its acreage and capacity in Coldwater, Michigan, since completing Phase II of the greenhouse operation this past summer,” said Paul Mastronardi, chief executive officer of Mastronardi Produce/Sunset, headquartered in Leamington, ON. “After the completion we decided to carry on expanding the Coldwater greenhouses to 100 acres.
Record crowd packs Reunion golf courses for SEPC Tom Page Classic
Close to 300 duffers churned up the Reunion Resort golf courses Feb. 26 for the Southeast Produce Council’s annual Tom Page Golf Classic at the Southern Exposure trades how and expo in Orlando, FL.
What did we learn? There’s a reason most of these folks are in the produce business.
Green Giant completes national network of fresh herb facilities
Green Giant Fresh has completed its national network of fresh herb packing facilities. These locations extend the company's ability to deliver premium fresh herbs around the country from certified local and regional farms.
Southern Exposure kicks off in Orlando
The Southeast Produce Council 2015 Southern Exposure trade show and expo kicked off Wednesday night with dinner for the executive council and guests at Orlando’s exclusive Eleven, a rooftop restaurant at the Reunion Grand Resort Club.