Edinburg Citrus Association touts its longevity
For more than 80 years Edinburg Citrus Association has specialized in the Rio Star variety and its “Tropic Moon” label has been in the forefront of the Texas citrus market since 1932. In all its years of existence, ECA has tested its red grapefruit to be certain it meets its standards of sweetness before it’s packed in the recognizable “Tropic Moon” carton.
J.C. Watson shipping ‘best quality crop of Spanish Sweets seen in a long time’
Citing cutting-edge farming methods that include total drip irrigation and precise input management, Jon Watson, president of J.C. Watson Packing Co. in Parma, ID, said the 2014 season has “the best-quality crop of Spanish Sweets I’ve seen in a long time.”
Watson, third generation in a family operation that celebrated its century mark in 2012, said challenges presented themselves, but “we actually have a very good crop, not a small crop, and best quality I’ve seen across the board.”
New Santa Sweets packaging encourages youngsters to eat brighter!
Procacci Bros. Sales Corp. has unveiled new Sesame Street-themed packaging for its popular Santa Sweets authentic grape tomatoes. The new packaging and label, which features Sesame Street’s lovable red character, Elmo, is Procacci's first contribution to the Produce Marketing Association and Sesame Workshop’s nationwide eat brighter! initiative.
Fresh & Easy launching Smarter Market concept
Since transitioning to new ownership a year ago, Fresh & Easy has reinvigorated its brand and its stores with the aim of fulfilling a new mission: saving customers time by making fresh and natural food more available and affordable.
Side Delights Steamables are the answer for busy consumers
The NPD Group just released its 29th annual Eating Patterns in America report, and it found that one of the single biggest changes in U.S. eating patterns over the last five years is an increase in meals eaten at home. Side Delights Steamables are well-positioned to take advantage of this trend to satisfy Americans who want fresh, nutritious food.
New York Produce Show & Conference holds trade show
NEW YORK — The New York Produce Show & Conference held its annual trade Wednesday, Dec. 3, at a new venue this year: the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, on the West Side of Manhattan.
One of the highlights during the show: Theresa Nolan, president of The Nolan Network, received the Eastern Produce Council's second annual Woman of Distinction Award. Theresa Lowden of JOH Produce received the first award at last year's show.
Industry leaders see abundant opportunities for fresh produce and floral in 2015
Around the globe, the new year is celebrated in vastly different ways and at different times. Despite our diverse traditions though, I believe December is always a good time to reflect on the past year and prepare for what lies ahead (both good fortune and challenges).
New Ready Pac salad kits help at the holidays
This holiday season Ready Pac Foods Inc. has launched a series of innovative solutions for the dinner table, helping to turn a simple meal into special moments and traditions. Ready Pac’s latest innovations — the Cranberry Pomegranate Complete Salad Kit, Autumn Harvest Complete Salad Kit and Thai Complete Salad Kit — will make holiday meals easy and delicious so family and friends can focus on what matters most: enjoying their time together.
RPE names Ross Verner VP of sales
Sales veteran Ross Verner has joined Bancroft, WI-based RPE as vice president of sales.
In his new role, Verner will oversee the operations of all RPE offices and ensure continuity between the sales offices in Wisconsin, Idaho and Colorado. He will report to Gary Hansen, senior vice president of sales and operations.
Verner comes to RPE from Topco Associates LLC, where he served as the director of produce program management, prior to serving as the director of member development. He brings over 15 years of sales experience to RPE.
Bebo Distributing thriving as grower-shipper
More than 30 years ago, Jaime Garza launched Bebo Distributing Co. Inc. in Pharr, TX, as an importer of fine foods into Mexico.
That business model worked for a while, but his son Jimmy Garza said the devaluation of the Mexican peso in the early 1990s caused the company to change its strategy.
“We became a grower and shipper and started distributing throughout the United States,” he said.
Today Jaime Garza is still president of the family-owned operation, which includes his three sons. “Like many companies we are family-owned,” said Jimmy Garza.