Two new dehydration facilities in North Carolina to open, another possible
North Carolina is the nation’s leading grower of both sweet potatoes and tobacco, and two or possibly three new facilities opening Sept. 30 and in the second quarter of 2015 will build on both products to create new markets for farmers. The new companies will be located in Farmville and Nashville, and possibly Goldsboro, in eastern North Carolina where about half of U.S. sweet potatoes are grown.
Demand continues on an upward climb for organics from Phillips Mushroom Farms
Kevin Donovan, national sales manager for Phillips Mushroom Farms in Kennett Square, PA, told The Produce News that the company’s organic line of mushrooms is really gaining ground in demand and that customers are looking for more organic products on retail shelves at their grocery stores.
Innovative vision grows the apple category for CMI
Apples and innovation go hand in hand at Columbia Marketing International. Steve Lutz, vice president of marketing, said emphasis on brand development, organic sales and category management will keep the company and its customers at the top of their game.
The company is headquartered in Wenatchee, WA, and is among Washington’s leading tree fruit producers. CMI markets a full apple manifest. “Our volume will be up this year overall,” he told The Produce News. “The biggest changes will be organics and our proprietary apple brands.”
Love Beets unveils new branding as beet trend grows
Love Beets, a line of premium, all-natural, ready-to-eat beets, announced a company-wide rebranding campaign, featuring a fresh new look that more accurately reflects the brand's whimsical approach to preparing and eating beets. Its new, state-of-the-art packaging better aligns with its commitment to providing consumers with the best-tasting, highest-quality products.
Dave Howald joins Pear Bureau Northwest staff
Pear Bureau Northwest announced that Dave Howald has joined the company as the regional marketing manager responsible for the Western United States territory.
Domex Superfresh Growers launches apple recipe sweepstakes
Domex Superfresh Growers, a global leader in the growing and shipping of fresh apples, pears, cherries and apricots, continues to provide retailers with innovative tools to connect with consumers with the launch of a new social media promotion called “Your Awesome Apple Recipe Sweepstakes.”
Kroger donates 50 million pounds of fresh food
The Kroger Co. donated more than 50 million pounds of fresh meat, produce, dairy and bakery items to local Feeding America food banks in 2013 through its groundbreaking Perishable Donations Partnership — enough bread, meat, cheese and produce to lay 3,700 miles of Kroger's classic deli sandwiches side-by-side from Washington, DC, through Houston to southern Oregon.
Pink Ribbon Produce supports National Breast Cancer Foundation, promotes healthy lifestyles
This October, Pink Ribbon Produce will continue its partnership with big names in the grocery industry to support the fight against breast cancer during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Harris Teeter, Meijer and Price Chopper have once again joined together to support the National Breast Cancer Foundation by welcoming customers to take the Fresh Plate Challenge.
Wholesum Family Farms Fair Trade products enjoying strong demand
Fair Trade-certified products have become a very positive “hot issue” for Wholesum Family Farms, according to Anthony Totta, a consultant for the firm.
“The retailers interested in product like this are accelerating,” he said. “This is very good for us, our farm workers and our customers who are offering this to consumers.”
Wholesum Family Farms, which is owned by the Crisantes family, has for many years carried an interest in the environment and its workers. This has manifested itself as the company focuses on organic production and with Fair Trade certification.