Veg-Fresh Farms expands portfolio, launched Crystal Cove Berry Farms label
Following the recent opening of its new distribution facility and the addition of a long-time fresh berry expert, Veg-Fresh Farms announced the expansion of its business and the launch of the new consumer label, Crystal Cove Berry Farms.
NMB announces Mango Mania Display Contest winners
The National Mango Board has announced the winners of the Mango Mania Display Contest and reports an increase of 138 percent mango volume among participating stores compared to the same time last year.
Hot summer brings full flavor to Sunlight’s fall harvest
It’s a non-stop harvest in the vineyards as Jakov P. Dulcich & Sons’ Green and Red Emerald, Scarlet Royal, Autumn Royal, Autumn King, Luisco, Crimson, Vintage and Red Globe grape varieties are being picked and packed. Due to the hot summer, the brix are up, the crunch is strong and the taste is exceptional.
“Overall, the grape eating quality is at premium status,” said Nick Dulcich, president of Sunlight International. “If weather permits, the season will go all the way into January, increasing the availability of green, red and black grapes for the year.”
LSU Sweet Potato Research Station efforts yield improved varieties
The Louisiana State University AgCenter Sweet Potato Research Station is the only center in the United States, and possibly in the world, that is dedicated solely to sweet potato research and development.
Tara Smith, director of the center, explained to The Produce News that the station, established in 1949, is involved in all aspects of sweet potato production, including developing new seed varieties, increased technology and insect, virus and disease control.
From jungles of Cambodia to business venture: Slama husband and wife team have ‘good karma’ on their side
Chef Sokun and her husband, Guillaume Slama, own five successful restaurants in North Carolina. But their journey to this point is one that reaps of hardship, determination and what Guillaume calls “positive karma.”
Chef Sokun’s story starts in 1975 when her parents and three of their four children, including Sokun, were forced to flee to the jungle during the chaos as the Khmer Rouge went on a killing rampage.
Giorgio to feature stuffed Baby Bella mushrooms at PMA Fresh Summit
Bill Litvin Sr., vice president of sales for Giorgio Fresh, headquartered in Blandon, PA, said the company will be featuring its new line of stuffed Baby Bellas as well as its line of organic mushrooms at Booth No. 438 at the Produce Marketing Association Fresh Summit.
“These are our newest products,” said Litvin. “Giorgio offers a variety of tasty stuffed Baby Bella mushrooms, including cheese and imitation bacon bits, imitation flavored crab and Parmesan cheese, and artichokes and spinach. They are packed four, 8.5-ounce to a carton.”
Mars Super Markets and East Coast Fresh Cuts showcase Sesame Street campaign at Baltimore store
BALTIMORE — Maryland-based East Coast Fresh Cuts and Mars Super Markets, the first supplier-retailer team to jump on board the "eat brighter" campaign, showcased fresh produce branded with Sesame Street characters Sept. 24 at a Baltimore store alongside students from a nearby elementary school.
The 'eat brighter!' movement offers royalty-free access to Sesame Street characters and was forged by Produce Marketing Association, Sesame Workshop and the Partnership for a Healthier America.
Monterey expanding its organic production
“In addition to our 100 percent daily value vitamin D mushrooms in all white and brown packages, Monterey has recently introduced a new fresh stuffed mushroom line,” said Joe Caldwell, vice president of Monterey Mushrooms Inc., headquartered in Watsonville, CA. “These are currently in limited distribution. They include spinach artichoke, onion cheddar and pizza-flavored varieties in both Portabellas and Baby Bella options.”
Basciani Mushroom Farms gains permit to expand mushroom farms
Fred Recchiuti, general manager of Avondale, PA-based Basciani Mushroom Farms, told The Produce News that the company continues to work diligently on its food-safety audit and related initiatives.
Basciani’s most recent third-party quality assurance and HACCP audit score was 99.24 percent, said Recchiuti. And it continues to be keenly conscious of sustainability as it continually looks for ways to reduce its carbon footprint.
Mike and Mike’s rebrands, expands and repackages
After only 10 years in business, Mike and Mikes Inc. has seen substantial growth, resulting in a $1 million investment into rebranding, expanding and repackaging.
As of September 2014, the company will be called Mike and Mikes Organics.
Its Woodbridge, Ontario, facility will double in size to 43,000 square feet.
The company’s secondary brand, Organic Select, will be retired and all products will be sold under the Mike and Mikes Organics™ brand name. This includes nuts, dried fruits and mixed fruit and nuts.