LD Logistics sees good business ahead
With 10 years of service under its chassis, LD Logistics LLC of the Bronx, NY, expects 2015 to be a good year with moderate growth.
Lance Dichter, who is the general manager and founder of the company, said he does not have much new to report, other than business is good. “We had a good year last year; it was the best year we ever had.”
Dichter founded the company about a decade ago as a dry freight hauler. He quickly moved into the perishable commodities business and has seen his business grow every year. He indicated that the recession did not slow him down.
California Fresh Fruit Association hires Ian F. LeMay
The California Fresh Fruit Association has hired Ian F. LeMay as its new director of member relations and communications. In his new position LeMay will be responsible for membership recruitment and retainment, as well as a multitude of legislative concerns for association members at both the state and federal levels.
Domex expects year-round opportunities for Washington apples
The record 2014-15 Washington apple crop is currently forecasted at over 140 million boxes of fruit. This vintage crop is expected to provide good quality, sizing and aggressive promotional opportunities benefiting retailers and consumers alike.
AFM to keep momentum strong following football season
Avocados from Mexico plans to keep avocado consumption strong following the Super Bowl with its new Fanwich campaign. Launching nationwide and running Feb. 2 to March 13, the Fanwich campaign will feature a variety of consumer-focused marketing efforts to encourage consumers to create their own unique and delicious sandwiches featuring avocados from Mexico.
Modified order allows Bi-Lo to hold on to more Fla. locations
The Federal Trade Commission approved a modified final order settling charges that grocery store operator Bi-Lo Holdings LLC’s $265 million acquisition of 154 stores from Delhaize America would harm competition in markets in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina. Under the new order, Bi-Lo will retain ownership of three Sweetbay stores in Florida for which it could not find a buyer.
Hunts Point agreement pending contract vote
A press release issued by the Teamsters Union on Jan. 17 announced that Teamsters Local 202 had reached a tentative contract agreement with Hunts Point Terminal Market. The union’s 1,300 market members, who have the final say, will vote Jan. 21 on the agreement.
“Our members stood strong and the market knew we were serious,” Daniel Kane Jr., president of Teamsters Local 202 said in the press release. “We said we deserved a fair wage, we fought for it and we got it.”
Sustainability and organics a perfect match
Sustainability, careful use of the land and protecting the environment are key to the produce industry. Today, many major chain retailers and foodservice operators are asking fruit and vegetable producers and distributors about their corporate sustainability practices, and some are even asking for written commitments from suppliers to guarantee they will do their parts to help to protect the environment.
Bushmans’ ‘Boxcar Joe’ is leaving the station
With the new year, Bushmans’ Inc. is rolling with its new potato brand — “Boxcar Joe” — according to Mike Carter, president and chief executive officer of the firm, which is based in Rosholt, WI. Carter said the brand’s initial distribution will be regional and will slowly move to national sales.
WPVGA’s Spudmobile to hit the road again this spring
The Wisconsin potato industry’s Spudmobile was launched in 2014 to promote Wisconsin potatoes at regional venues, ranging from schools, hospitals and supermarkets to Green Bay Packers and University of Wisconsin football games.
Homegrown Organic Farms' new senior account manager
Homegrown Organic Farms, a premier organic fresh produce marketer, announced Fred Berry as a new member of its team. Berry was hired recently and is now operating as a senior account manager for the Homegrown sales team.
Berry comes from a diverse background in the agriculture industry. He received his bachelor's degree in agriculture economics and business management from University of California-Davis and was a member of the California Agricultural Leadership Program-Class XX.