PMA Fresh Summit 2014 (Group 2)
On the day that the Produce Marketing Association’s 2014 Fresh Summit opened, Bryan Silbermann, PMA chief executive officer, promised it would be the most well-attended event in the history of the organization. His educated guess proved accurate, as the association announced that a new record of more than 22,400 people attended the three-day event.
Ready Pac names Phil Yamamoto VP of procurement
Ready Pac Foods Inc. has hired Phil Yamamoto as its vice president of procurement. In his role, Yamamoto will be responsible for establishing a consistent, dependable and cost-effective supply of materials and agricultural goods to ensure the most efficient delivery of high-quality products to the consumer.
Veg-Fresh ships 3 millionth box of ‘Good Life’ organic produce
Veg-Fresh Farms launched its “Good Life” line of organic produce in 2012 in response to the growing demand for organically grown products. Since then, the group has expanded the line to include peppers, onions, tropical fruits and, most recently, strawberries.
Upon the heels of opening its new distribution facility earlier this year, the Veg-Fresh team announced the shipment of the three millionth package of “Good Life” organic produce.
Industry Viewpoint: Mock recalls don’t live up to their name
I hear it often when talking to produce companies about recall planning. “We do very well in our mock recalls,” implying that this proves the company is prepared for a recall.
Most retail and many foodservice customers require their suppliers to go through regular “mock recalls.” According to produce suppliers, these entail being given a product code and having to trace it (including ingredients) backward and forward along the supply chain within a designated time frame.
New SunSelect greenhouse grows California peppers year-round
SunSelect, a leading Canadian greenhouse grower, will ship its first-ever California-grown tomatoes this week. This historic shipment marks the beginning of a new era for the British Columbia-based grower, as the doors to its brand new 32-acre greenhouse officially open to fresh opportunities.
Produce for Kids reaches $5 million to support children's charities
After the close of the 2014 Produce for Kids campaigns, the organization reached a milestone donation of more than $5 million raised to support local children’s charities. Through in-store campaigns, the digital Power Your Lunchbox Pledge, and with the help of retail and produce partners, Produce for Kids is making a substantial impact in local communities.
During Produce for Kids’ 12th year, campaigns were supported by 17 grocery store chains and more than 40 fresh produce companies, raising $453,000 to support children’s charities in retail partners’ local markets.
Record numbers attend PMA’s Anaheim convention
On the day that the Produce Marketing Association’s 2014 Fresh Summit opened, Bryan Silbermann, PMA chief executive officer, promised it would be the most well-attended event in the history of the organization.
Sun Pacific introduces Mighties kiwi
Sun Pacific, grower of Cuties clementines, is introduced a new brand name for its nutritious kiwifruit at PMA's Fresh Summit. As one of the largest kiwi growers in the United States, the company rebranded its Ripe & Easy kiwi as Mighties Kiwi, a new name developed to promote the little fruit’s powerful nutritious profile and delicious taste.
Envy makes believers out of apple fans
With the Washington Envy harvest now under way, the sweet, red apple enters the season inviting consumers to “Bite and Believe.”
Pro Citrus Network celebrates its 10 year anniversary with a new look
Pro Citrus Network is celebrating its 10th year in business by introducing a new look. With its new logo also comes new packaging for the upcoming California Navel season, as well as a new website to better serve its customers and growers.