Warm western weather helps veg supply situation
A couple of weeks of above-normal temperatures since the middle of January have helped bring on vegetables supplies in the western desert areas causing f.o.b. prices to come off their highs.
In early- to mid-January, light supplies had Iceberg lettuce prices approaching $30 per carton and most other vegetables items in the high teens or in the $20 arena. But high temperatures in the 70s in Yuma, AZ, and California’s Imperial Valley brought on fields more quickly and increased supplies.
Former Starbucks executive to lead PCC Natural Markets
Natural foods retailer PCC Natural Markets has hired Cate Hardy as chief executive officer, effective Jan. 23. She brings more than 15 years of retail experience in general management, retail operations, supply chain, growth and store development, and strategy. She was selected following a national search conducted by PCC’s board of trustees. She joins PCC from Starbucks Coffee Co.
Love Beets launches new organic beet juice
Love Beets, a line of premium, all-natural, ready-to-eat beets, has expanded its growing product line with the introduction of a new Organic Beet Juice, which will hit grocery store shelves nationwide later this month.
Maverick movement steady domestically and to Mexico
Roger Christensen, who co-owns Maverick Potato Co. in Center, CO, with Michael Kruse, said the operation’s second full season could well run a bit longer than last year’s, with quality and supplies both good at the midwinter point.
ASOEX joins Chilean President on visit to port of Wilmington
Ronald Bown, president of the Chilean Fruit Exporters Association (ASOEX), accompanied Chilean President Michelle Bachelet on her first visit to Delaware and the port of Wilmington. They were joined by Chile’s Minister of Agriculture Carlos Furche, Foreign Trade Minister Heraldo Muñoz and other ASOEX representatives.
Oppy's berries get 'eat brighter!' makeover
With new sources and new packaging, 2015 is under way in a big, bright way for The Oppenheimer Group’s berry category.
Hunts Point strike averted, workers ratify contract
Workers at the Hunts Point Terminal Market voted to approve a new, three-year contract, with 97 percent of workers voting "yes." The 1,300 workers, members of Teamsters Local 202, will receive significant wage increases in each year of the contract.
"It's our best wage and benefits package in two decades," Daniel Kane Jr., president of Teamsters Local 202, said in a press release.
Following the ratification vote, teamsters members and leaders said the ball is now in the New York City's court to ensure that Hunts Point stays competitive.
One Banana names new president, expands in North American
One Banana announced its plans to increase its North American operations, including the appointment of produce industry veteran Craig Carlson as president of One Banana North America, effective immediately.
This North American expansion and new company structure are in keeping with One Banana's commitment to connecting with customers directly and maintaining consistent consumer accessibility.
Unified Grocers' senior management changes
Unified Grocers has made a number of key internal promotions and additions to its leadership team. Key among the announced changes are three promotions within the company’s senior management team. President of Market Centre Joe Falvey and Chief Marketing Officer Sue Klug have been elevated to executive vice president, and Chief Information Officer Gary Herman has been promoted to senior vice president.
Target Interstate predicting strong year
Paul Kazan, president and owner of Target Interstate Systems Inc., which is located on the Hunts Point Terminal Market in the Bronx, NY, makes no bones about it: the recession definitely hurt the trucking business.
Target hauls both produce and dry freight so the downturn in the economy meant fewer loads and less revenue. But the situation is looking better. “For Target, 2014 was significantly better than 2013,” he said.