Stemilt to introduce new ‘Rushing Rivers’ label
This season, Stemilt Growers LLC will introduce its “Rushing Rivers” pear label. “The ‘Rushing Rivers’ label will adorn all of our pear boxes this season and help retailers tell the special story of our locale through displays and signage,” said Director of Marketing Roger Pepperl.
Stemilt Growers is located in Wenatchee, WA, and is one of the state’s leaders in tree fruit production.
Cherie C. Watte named new chair at CA GROWN
Cherie C. Watte, executive director of the California Asparagus Commission, is the new chair at CA GROWN, a partnership between the California Department of Food & Agriculture and commodity groups representing the state’s agriculture industry. Watte follows former chair Kasey Cronquist, chief executive officer and ambassador for the California fresh-cut flower industry, who guided CA GROWN through a newly revamped promotions program and membership expansion.
New York apple growers geared up for a second fabulous crop
"We convened on a conference call with our members across the state on July 25," Julia Stewart, spokesperson for the New York Apple Association headquartered in Fishers, NY, told The Produce News. They forecasted then that crop would be 30 million bushels, just slightly above our average of 29.5 million but not as high as our 2013 crop which was estimated at 32 million."
Stewart added that this season's crop could get even larger as the apples tend to get bigger when the weather is as great as New York's has been throughout this growing season.
Del Monte announces 'Fresh Fan Fuel' social media promotion
Del Monte Fresh Produce N.A., Inc. will be hosting the “Fresh Fan Fuel” social media promotion to encourage healthy and fresh choices for fall games and tailgates. The promotion will give Del Monte fans the opportunity to win one of eight tailgating prize packages, just in time for football season.
California Giant announces executive director for blueberry division
To facilitate growth and expansion in the blueberry market, California Giant Berry Farms has promoted Nader Musleh to executive director-blueberry division.
Musleh will take on full responsibility for the profitability of the company-wide blueberry and non-strawberry division, working with senior management to develop the strategy and vision necessary to grow the business both domestically and internationally.
Sbrocco International sponsors 2014 JCC Maccabi Games
CHERRY HILL, NJ — Sbrocco International Inc. was a sponsor of the just-completed 2014 JCC Maccabi Games in the Cherry Hill, NJ, host community.
"It's always been important to Sbrocco to give back to our local community, and the Maccabi Games are especially rewarding since we share a common mission to encourage the health and well-being of our youth," Christina Regan, marketing manager of Sbrocco International, said in a press release.
Hollandia’s Overgaag family celebrates deep roots in the Netherlands
This summer, 22 members of the Overgaag family trekked to the Netherlands to visit their ancestral home where a couple of well-known California grower-shippers can trace their beginnings.
Watermelon, nature’s sports drink, kicks off with football
CHARLESTON, SC — At the end of a morning-long set of drills on a hot mid-August day, new head football coach Mike Houston called the 95 sweat-drenched players together on the 20-yard-line at Willson Field here, where the Citadel Bulldogs are holding their summer camp.
“We’ve got a real treat for you today, courtesy of the South Carolina Watermelon Association,” he announced. “All the watermelon you can eat.”
Michigan apple industry expecting second consecutive huge crop
Michigan’s apple growers appear to be hitting consecutive grand slams.
The 2013 crop was one of the largest fresh-market apple crops that Michigan has seen. According to USDA figures released July 11, 2014, the 2013 Michigan apple crop was 30 million bushels. Of that, 29.7 million were harvested.
The Michigan industry’s early and unofficial estimates indicate 2014 apple volume may be as big.
Donald Slot joins The Oppenheimer Group
Donald Slot recently joined The Oppenheimer Group as it’s new Toronto-based sales representative where he will market the company’s full assortment to Eastern Canadian customers.