FTC files suit to block Sysco-U.S. Foods merger
The Federal Trade Commission filed an administrative complaint charging that the proposed merger of Sysco and US Foods would violate the antitrust laws by significantly reducing competition nationwide and in 32 local markets for broadline foodservice distribution services.
The FTC alleges that if the merger goes forward as proposed, foodservice customers, including restaurants, hospitals, hotels and schools, would likely face higher prices and diminished service than would be the case but for the merger.
Village Farms unveils new website
Village Farms has unveiled a new look and feel for its website, found at www.villagefarms.com.
The yearlong effort was a direct collaboration facilitating a cross-functional team process within the company combined with consumer-driven research. The primary focus of the redesign is to position Village Farms as a consumer brand.
USDA proposes rule to allow avocado imports from all of Mexico
The U.S. Department of Agriculture proposed a new rule last week that would amend regulations “to allow the importation of fresh Hass avocado fruit into the continental United States, Hawaii and Puerto Rico from all of Mexico, provided individual Mexican states meet the requirements set out in the regulations and the operational workplan.
Posted Feb. 18 in the Federal Register, the proposal calls for an initial 60-day comment period, with the USDA accepting all comments received by April 20, 2015.
Lipman now featuring ‘taters and maters’
Lipman, one of North America’s larger open field tomato growers, is rounding out its fresh produce programs with one of the most diverse vegetables available: potatoes.
“Fresh from Florida, Lipman’s red and gold potatoes are available to purchase for a 10-week period from the middle of February through April,” Jessica Kerstein, who handles marketing and business development at Lipman, said in a press release. “Our potatoes are consistently delicious and grown with a great deal of care to ensure quality.”
A passion for great food drives George DeLallo Co.
“At DeLallo, we are meticulous about our ingredients, careful to select just the right flavors and use only the best quality ingredients,” said Giuliana Pozzuto, marketing director of The George DeLallo Co., headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA. “What’s so distinct about our family-owned-and-operated company is our passion for great food, and we’ve been doing it for over 60 years.”
She added that while it’s apparent that the company’s “SaladSavors” are made for topping salads, the company makes sure that each single ingredient is good enough to eat straight out of the package.
Malena Produce Inc.’s spring watermelon deal to expand
RIO RICO, AZ — Early April will see the launch of an increased watermelon program for Malena Produce Inc., headquartered here.
Gonzalo Avila, Malena’s vice president and general manager, indicated that this “will be a larger program than we have marketed in the past with volume starting in early April and continuing through mid- to late-June.” Malena will also be offering honeydew melons during the same timeframe.
Trader Joe’s, Wegmans on top for customer satisfaction
Supermarket customer satisfaction is down, according to a report released by the American Customer Satisfaction Index. Rising food prices played a major role — increasing 3.4 percent last year. But there was good news for some retailers: Trader Joe’s and Wegmans were ranked first in customer satisfaction, the first time Publix didn't lead the category. Walmart was ranked lowest in the category.
Is West Coast port dispute near its end?
Several news reporters in California are claiming that the West Coast ports labor dispute revolves around one remaining issue and may be close to being settled.
Americans need to eat more produce, less meat
WASHINGTON —An expert committee has recommended that Americans eat more plant-based food, including fruits and vegetables. The Produce Marketing Association hailed the advice — as this report serves as a foundation for the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2015, which is due out later this year. In addition to the health benefits, the report stated that plant-based food is more environmentally sustainable than animal-based food.
New National Watermelon Queen crowned
Illiana Watermelon Queen Emily Mae Brown (center) was chosen as the 2015 National Watermelon Queen Feb. 19 at the National Watermelon Association Convention in La Quinta, CA.