California Strawberry Commission, U.C. Davis settle lawsuit
The California Strawberry Commission and the University of California-Davis have settled lawsuits against each other and have plans to further the partnership between the commission and the university's strawberry-breeding program.
Field Fresh Foods acquires assets of Superior Fresh Cuts
Field Fresh Foods Inc., a Los Angeles-based manufacturer and marketer of fresh-cut fruits and vegetables sold under the “Field Fresh Foods” brand, announced that it has purchased the assets of Superior Fresh Cuts LLC., a regional fresh-cut produce processor serving Southern-California foodservice distributors and industrial customers.
Superior Fresh Cuts’ operations will be consolidated into the Field Fresh Foods processing facility in Los Angeles.
PMA Tech Talks grapples with technology
CHARLOTTE, NC — About 75 industry professionals from various stops along the supply chain gathered here Feb. 4 for a one-day Tech Talks sponsored by the Produce Marketing Association to embrace change and banish fear of failure, and to learn about emerging technology, as the moderator put it, “that can change the face of the industry.”
Peapod by Giant launches in more than 60 Pa. communities
Giant Food Stores — in partnership with its sister company Peapod, a leading internet grocer — launched online shopping and grocery delivery service to more than 60 communities in Pennsylvania. A new fulfillment facility in Camp Hill services Peapod by Giant’s home and workplace grocery delivery to these communities.
New World Farming Trade launches distinctive ‘Muscatel from Grandma’ packaging
Jim Mulcahy, sales manager for New World Farming Trade, headquartered in New York, NY, said that the company is excited about the launch of its trademark “Muscatel from Grandma” grape packaging.
“The pink seedless Muscatel grape is a specialty product which is exotic in nature and has a brief window from March to approximately the first week of May,” explained Mulcahy.
“It isn’t a typical year-round on the shelf type of grape, and so we developed a highly distinctive packaging bag for instant customer recognition,” he added.
Florida vine-ripe business flourishing for Market Fresh
A year ago, Dana Summers joined Market Fresh Produce, LLC, based in Nixa, MO, as senior director of global operations.
Summers has 24 years of experience serving the foodservice market. Thus, she has a great deal of insight into the operations of Market Fresh’s vine-ripe tomato packing facility, West Central Florida Produce, based in Tampa, FL. Market Fresh acquired West Central Florida in August 2013.
USDA announces $30 million awarded to help growers battle citrus greening
WASHINGTON — Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced Monday that $30 million is being rolled out in research grants to respond to citrus greening, which continues to threaten the $9 billion citrus industry in Florida.
PMA Tech Talks highlights new technology, embraces change
CHARLOTTE, NC — About 75 industry professionals from 10 states gathered here Feb. 4 for PMA Tech Talks to learn about emerging technology. “Food production needs to go up 70 percent in the next 10 years, and change is already upon us,” said Cathy Burns, PMA president.
Former CEO of Kings dies at 91
Allen I. Bildner, the former chairman and chief executive officer of Kings Super Markets (now Kings Food Market), died Feb. 5. He was 91.
The Bildner family owned and operated the supermarket chain for 52 years until 1988, when it was sold to Marks & Spencer. Kings was founded in 1936 in Long Island, NY, and was originally a value format, employing the slogan “Never Undersold.” The focus was broadened to include good customer service when Mr. Bildner took over operations from his father in 1956.
Pennsylvania retail pioneer dies at 91
Raymond Bartolacci Sr., a founder of the Laneco supermarket chain in eastern Pennsylvania, died Feb. 2 in Fort Lauderdale, FL. He was 91.