Fuel costs down but truck rates may not follow
Fuel rates that are more than $1 per gallon cheaper than they were a year ago are great news for truck drivers, but that may not translate into a big savings for truck rates.
At least that is the view of Paul Kazan, president of Interstate Transportation Systems Inc. in the Bronx, NY. “Fuel costs are only one component of the rate,” said the longtime transportation expert.
Half Your Plate program launches to encourage consumption of fruits and vegetables
The Canadian Produce Marketing Association and its partners launched Half Your Plate, a new healthy eating initiative, across Canada.
Braga Fresh adds Iceberg and green onions to Josie’s Organics line
Organic Iceberg and green onions are now being offered by Braga Fresh Family Farms as part of its premium-quality, USDA-certified line of organic produce — Josie’s Organics.
Cavallero honored by United Fresh
Mike Cavallero, who spent his entire 40-year career at Dole Food Co., was honored Jan. 13 with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the United Fresh Produce Association's Midwinter Leadership Forum in La Quinta, CA. Cavallero was the fifth recipient of this award, joining Bob Grimm, Reggie Griffin, Frieda Caplan and Joe Procacci.
Mastronardi opens Pepperco USA greenhouse
Mastronardi Produce kicked off the new year by announcing its latest greenhouse venture: Pepperco USA, which will begin harvesting this spring.
Apache Produce thrives during challenging times
NOGALES, AZ — The volatile nature of the produce industry is good for its long-term health, noted Alejandro Canelos, director of Apache Produce Imports LLC.
NEPC dinner dance set for Feb. 7
The New England Produce Council will hold its annual dinner dance gala Saturday evening, Feb. 7, at the Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel in Boston.
The theme of this year's event is Moonlight Garden.
"We had about 225 people last year, and we expect about 250 people this year," NEPC Executive Director Laura Sullivan said Monday, Jan. 12. "Our annual gala is a nice opportunity for our members to bring their spouses or significant others and enjoy some fine dining, dancing and great company. It's just a great social event."
Opal apples delivered to the International Space Station
Opal apples were sent up to the International Space Station Jan. 10. The news came last fall when the Johnson Space Center sent the request for apples to FirstFruits of Washington, a collaborative apple marketing company owned by growers.
New York Apple Growers launch RubyFrost
New York Apple Growers has launched another new apple variety, called RubyFrost, which will be available at participating retailers in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic regions.
Florida orange supplies 'just got tighter'
The U.S. Department of Agriculture decreased its forecast of the 2014-15 Florida orange crop by almost 5 percent, or 5 million boxes.
The USDA now says Florida will produce 103 million boxes of oranges this season, down from the 108 million predicted in December. The early-mid orange varieties dropped by 4 million boxes to 48 million, while the Valencia forecast decreased 1 million boxes to 55 million.