Immigration reform debated at WGA meeting
LAS VEGAS -- The day before Republicans took charge of the U.S. Senate and strengthened their hold in the House of Representatives, a pair of journalists discussed the immigration reform inaction that has been part of the U.S. political scene for the past generation.
If the two debaters are accurate, the shift in power will not have a major impact on comprehensive immigration reform, at least in the short run.
Michigan-based Meijer shakes up retail scene in Wisconsin
Grand Rapids, MI-based Meijer, a retailer that operates 213 supercenters and grocery stores through Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky, is now setting its sights on its next target — southeast Wisconsin.
As a pioneer in the "one-stop shopping" concept, Meijer will be taking its full-service stores into Wisconsin's highly competitive grocery market next summer by opening its first grocery/general merchandise supercenters in the region.
Wonderful Halos entering second year of promotional campaign
"Wonderful Halos," the easy-peel variety of Mandarin oranges marketed by Paramount Citrus, is entering the second year of an unprecedented multi-million dollar promotional campaign and will feature new television spots and point-of-sale materials to drive consumption.
Delano, CA-based Paramount Citrus brought "Wonderful Halos" to the market last year after previously marketing easy-peel Mandarins under the "Cuties" brand in partnership with Sun Pacific Cos.
Archie Manning to keynote Southern Exposure
The Southeast Produce Council has announced that legendary football star Archie Manning will be the keynote speaker at the council's 2015 conference and trade show, known as Southern Exposure.
Southern Exposure will take place Feb. 26-28, 2015, at the Caribe Royale All-Suite Hotel & Convention Center in Orlando, FL. Manning will deliver the keynote address Saturday, Feb. 28, during the luncheon and general session.
Pear Bureau Northwest hires Kathy Stephenson as marketing communications director
Pear Bureau Northwest has hired Kathy Stephenson as the company's marketing communications director.
Infinity Transportation to launch new expedited refrigerated intermodal service from the Pacific Northwest
Infinity Transportation is launching a new expedited refrigerated domestic intermodal container service operating from the Pacific Northwest to the Midwest and East Coast.
IT's new intermodal operating platform, Infinity Transportation Logistics LLC. is headquartered in Atlanta, with daily operations being managed from a dedicated location in Kansas City, MO.
Stoneridge Orchards dried fruit now available in smaller, store-friendly size
Stoneridge Orchards, an expert in dried fruit and the consumer brand of Royal Ridge Fruits, has made a variety of its most popular products available in smaller, single-serving packages.
The new three-ounce bags are intended for retailers to merchandise as healthy, on-the-go snack options, and the company is making them available in eye-catching tray displays. The bags also can be hung from pegs in the snack aisles of convenience stores and other retailers.
Rossignoli: calculated strategies lift avocado sales at retail
Jose Rossignoli, category manager for Robinson Fresh, said avocado sales continue to be strong at the retail level. “Avocados continue to experience strong growth and are one of the top sales drivers in the produce category,” he told The Produce News.
Oppy cherries make holidays merry
Cherries have made the Oppenheimer Group's list of top items to promote over the upcoming holiday season, joining the traditional favorites Ocean Spray fresh cranberries and Japanese mandarins.
With their festive red color and resemblance to holiday ornaments, winter cherries just might become a new tradition for many.
Import cherries are more plentiful than ever, according to Evan Myers, Oppy's executive category director of South American imports, who noted that the increased cherry plantings in Chile and Argentina could mean the tradition is here to stay.
Houweling's tomatoes achieves 'Best' rating by Whole Foods Market
In September of 2013, Houweling's Tomatoes was among a group of top produce suppliers invited by Whole Foods Market to hear firsthand the retailer's plan to launch a "Responsibly Grown" rating system. Taking cues from similar programs implemented in their meat, fish, beauty and other departments, the grocer laid out the framework for what was recently launched.
After completing the assessment process, Houweling's Tomatoes Camarillo farm earned a "Best" rating for its tomatoes.