AFM Super Bowl ad airs during big game
Avocados from Mexico became the first fresh produce brand to broadcast an ad during the Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 1 during the game between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots.
Good supply of strawberries on tap for Valentine’s Day
Though some reports indicated that there could be a supply gap for strawberries in early February that would affect Valentine’s Day, industry representatives in both Florida and California do not expect that to be the case.
“Supplies should be adequate,” said Shawn Pollard, who sits on the sales desk for Astin Strawberry Exchange LLC in Plant City, FL. “We are going to have good supplies, but there won’t be a lot of extra berries available. Ninety percent of what we will have [for the Valentine’s Day pull] is pre-sold.”
Albertsons-Safeway merger complete
The Albertsons-Safeway merger, first announced in March 2014, was completed Jan. 30. Under the terms of the agreement Albertsons will acquire all outstanding shares of Safeway. In December, the companies announced the sale of 168 stores to four separate buyers, as divestitures required in order to secure U.S. Federal Trade Commission approval of the transaction.
United Fresh seeking nominations for chef awards
United Fresh has opened the nomination period for the 2015 Produce Excellence in Foodservice Awards Program, which honors the foodservice industry’s most innovative produce performers.
The program, sponsored by PRO*ACT LLC since its launch in 2008, has honored 37 different chefs and foodservice operators for their exceptional work in incorporating fresh produce in menu development, proper food safety and handling, engaging in community outreach and building an overall positive dining experience with fresh produce as a centerpiece.
Titan Farms brings sales in-house under new vice president
SAVANNAH, GA — Daryl Johnston made his first appearance here Jan. 9 at the Southeast Regional Fruit & Vegetable Conference as the first vice president for sales at Titan Farms.
Johnston had worked in sales at Southern Specialties in Pompano Beach, FL; B&W Quality Products; and Dole Food Co. He also served as a consultant on reorganization and business development to Pure Fresh in Doral, FL.
Interfresh welcomes Shonna Williams to sales staff
Interfresh Inc., a national supplier of fruits and vegetables, announced that Shonna Williams has joined the company’s sales team at its Orange, CA, headquarters.
Season halfway mark at DNE a great way to kick off grapefruit month
“We’re just past the halfway mark on this 2014-15 Florida season, and the grapefruit has sized up nicely and at its peak flavor now,” said Mark Hanks, vice president of sales and marketing, North America, for DNE World Fruit Sales, headquartered in Fort Pierce, FL. “It’s a great way to kick off National Grapefruit Month, which starts Feb. 1. Our Ruby Reds are loaded with juice and are very sweet. We also have a good volume of large white grapefruit, which are at their peak as well and just as sweet as the reds.”
Spice World reporting a steady increase in organics over the past two years
Louis Hymel, director of purchasing and marketing for Spice World Inc., headquartered in Orlando, FL, told The Produce News that the company is seeing a steady increase in organic demand over the past two years.
“Consumers are focusing on eating healthier,” said Hymel. “Spice World has produced and handled organic garlic for more than a decade.”
Networking, education and community outreach top the priority list for SEPC president
MILLEN, GA — As Southern Exposure 2015 is expecting another record-breaking event, the Southeast Produce Council is also gearing up to welcome newly appointed board of directors President Mark Daniels. After seven years with Military Produce Group, Daniels in early January joined Global Organic Specialty Source Inc. in Sarasota, FL, as director of sales and procurement, bringing more than 30 years of experience in produce to his presidency.
Meijer expanding into Wisconsin with four stores, more planned
Meijer is preparing to expand into Wisconsin with four stores that will open in the greater Milwaukee area this summer. The retailer has plans to open two to three new Wisconsin stores in each of the next four years.