The Marketing Department marks 15 years
SALINAS, CA — After a distinguished career in the fresh product industry, having worked for industry greats like Tanimura & Antle, D'Arrigo Bros. of California and Naturipe Berry Growers, Nick Pasculli established The Marketing Department in 1999 and is thrilled to have marked its 15th anniversary in October of 2014.
National Mango Board gears up for its new era in 2015
As the year comes to an end, the National Mango Board is getting ready for its new era of development and transitions with Executive Director William Watson handing over the reins to Manuel Michel, the new executive director. The NMB is also armed with a new director of marketing, a new strategic plan, a new vision and new projects.
IPR succeeds with McAllen summer ‘experiment’
RIO RICO, AZ — This summer IPR Fresh, headquartered here, expanded its business with a successful first-time experiment of consolidating in, and shipping through, McAllen, TX, according to Jose Luis Obregon, company president. IPR worked for three months in McAllen.
Obregon said the firm provided consolidation services to customers and shipped commodities that were new to IPR that typically have been shipped through McAllen. These included avocados, limes, papayas and pineapples.
SCC expanding in fifth year
NOGALES, AZ — “Our business is expanding. We are doing more with the chains,” said Sergio Chamberlain, president of SCC Fresh LLC, here. SCC is also consolidating produce for a large grocery cooperative in the United States. This year, “our business will be up. We are doing something different and we are locked in with major chainstores on a more consistent basis. We did this last year and now we are doing it more.”
Chamberlain launched SCC in 2009, “so we are celebrating our fifth anniversary. We are looking forward to a new season.”
Cub Foods donates to Susan G. Komen through Robinson Fresh program
Longtime Twin Cities grocer Cub Foods recently presented Susan G. Komen Minnesota with $30,134, which was raised through participation in Robinson Freshs MelonUp! Pink Ribbon watermelon program.
California rain storms: all good for ag
Though the wet weather that has drenched California over the past week has snarled traffic and created flooding issues in some low-lying areas, it is basically all good for agriculture.
From the Central Valley to the Central Coast to Southern California, growers have been smiling as the skies have opened up for the first time in seemingly years. “It’s pure water and it’s free; it’s all good,” said Phil Henry, president of Henry Avocado Corp. in Econdido, CA, which is in northern San Diego County.
Industry veteran Suzanne Wolter leaves Rainier Fruit Co.
Longtime Washington tree fruit marketer Suzanne Wolter has left Rainier Fruit Co. Dec. 3 after nearly 13 years as director of marketing.
New staff, developments at Wholesum
NOGALES, AZ — New staff members are among a variety of developments emerging at Wholesum Family Farms Inc.
Steve LeFevre, the firm’s sales manager, said Wholesum has hired Jessie Gunn to be its marketing specialist. Francisco Parra, who spent about 15 years at Safeway, has become a new salesperson and Denisse Sanchez has been named the firm’s sales coordinator.
Mexican industry ripped by unbalanced LA Times series
EMPALME, SONORA – Mexico’s produce-export industry has been ripped in a four-part series that appeared in the Los Angeles Times, Dec. 7-14.
If there is any positive for Mexico’s fresh produce industry in the piece, the point is made that food-safety efforts are strong. But it is also indicated that growers care about safe food more than the well-being of their employees.
Mexican industry ripped by LA Times
EMPALME, SONORA – Mexico’s produce-export industry has been ripped in a four-part series that appeared in the Los Angeles Times, Dec. 7-14.
If there is any positive for Mexico’s fresh produce industry in the piece, the point is made that food-safety efforts are strong. But it is also indicated that growers care about safe food more than the well-being of their employees.