Spicy Homestyle coming in Wholly Guacamole’s Minis pack this August
This August “Wholly Guacamole” brand’s Spicy Homestyle flavor of guacamole will become available in a two-ounce package. Tara Murray, the senior marketing manager for Fresherized Foods, based in Ft. Worth, TX, said the Spicy Homestyle has been “a very successful guacamole flavor in our eight-ounce and 16-ounce trays.”
Wholly Guacamole has long flourished with its eight- and 16-ounce packs of guacamole. But in the year since Fresherized introduced the two-ounce serving of various guacamole flavors, the brand has taken another step forward, according to Murray.
New Oneonta pear packaging making its way to retailers
Oneonta Starr Ranch Growers is introducing some new pear packaging options this season.
Fresh Express launches shredded broccoli and cauliflower mix
Fresh Express is launching a new shredded broccoli and cauliflower mix, which will offer a convenient, ready-to-eat, vegetable-packed salad.
California apple industry holding tight to its short but strong season
Richard Sambado, director of domestic sales for Primavera Marketing Inc. in Linden, CA, told The Produce News that the movement on the company’s California apple crop started around July 20, which is about the same timing as last year.
“But that was seven days earlier that the crop started the year before,” said Sambado. “An early start can also mean slow movement at the start. Imported apples are still moving and Washington still has some old crop Gala apples on the market.
Chiquita rejects buyout offer, reaffirms plans to merge with Fyffes
Chiquita Brands International Inc. announced that its board of directors — after careful consultation with its legal and financial advisors — unanimously determined that the unsolicited buyout offer from the Cutrale Group and the Safra Group is inadequate and not in the best interests of Chiquita shareholders.
Target keeping track of owner-operators
Truck fleet operators around the country are equipping their trucks with state-of-the-art tracking systems that allow customers to quickly see where those trucks are as they travel across the nation with freight.
“But what about the owner-operators?” asked Paul Kazan, founder and president of Target Interstate Systems, which is located on the Hunts Point Market in the Bronx, NY. “They aren’t putting these expensive systems on their trucks. They know where their truck is. They are in it.”
Extensive expertise, innovative programs keep C.H. Robinson humming
C.H. Robinson Worldwide Inc., headquartered in Eden Prairie, MN, has established a solid reputation for keeping fresh produce at the peak of perfection, thereby exceeding customer expectations.
“Since C.H. Robinson was founded in 1905, the company has been in the fresh produce business, and much of the company’s logistics expertise can be traced to significant experience in handling produce and other perishable items,” said Bob Biesterfeld, vice president of North American Truckload at the company.
G&D Wallace shines as premiere potato producer in Skagit Valley
G&D Wallace/Wallace Farms will commence its potato harvest around Sept. 8. Jack Wallace, co-owner and sales manager, said all indications point to a very successful year. “This has been a good growing season,” he told The Produce News in mid-August. “We had a good weather window for planting, and the summer has been nice as well.”
Southern Specialties to feature full line, including heirloom tomatoes, at NEPC Expo
On Aug. 6, Charlie Eagle, vice president of business development for Southern Specialties, headquartered in Pompano Beach, FL, explained to The Produce News that in 2001, in response to inquiries from the foodservice community, the company became involved in growing and shipping heirloom tomatoes.
“Chefs have been and continue to seek heirlooms for their intense tomato flavor, unique shapes and appealing colors,” said Eagle. “We are still shipping heirlooms. Our tomato line includes baby heirlooms, baby beefsteaks and other specialty tomatoes, such as yellow tomatoes.”
PMA reveals finalists for Impact Award
The Produce Marketing Association revealed the PMA Impact Award finalists for 2014. PMA's Impact Award: Excellence in Packaging is a global program recognizing companies that use innovation and excellence in packaging to maximize the selling of fresh produce and floral. This award recognizes trendsetters that create and deliver bold new concepts for produce and floral packaging.
The award attracted 67 entries submitted by 56 companies. Twenty of those submissions have been identified as program finalists. Winners will be announced Oct. 17 at Fresh Summit in Anaheim, CA.