Quebec wild blueberry producers expect bumper crop
Wild blueberry producers in Quebec are looking forward to an excellent crop this year, which will help meet some of the growing worldwide demand for Canadian wild blueberries. Last year, the yield was down due to frost damage, but growers this year are projecting a crop of 60 million pounds plus if the weather holds.
Serres Sagami receives award from Loblaw
Serres Sagami was one of the recipients to receive the 2014 Vendor Development Partnership Award from Loblaw. The company, a grower of greenhouse tomatoes with over nine hectares across Québec, was recognized for its leadership within the produce industry for food safety, quality, corporate social responsibility and sustainable development efforts. The award was presented at Loblaw’s annual assembly of local Québec growers held in Montréal.
Consistent quality means the world to Henry Avocado
ESCONDIDO, CA — Although it plays a major role in the global popularity of avocados, Henry Avocado remains focused on its own “world” of customers, who are serviced by its five ripening and distribution centers in three states.
Phil Henry, whose Escondido, CA, orchards are currently contributing to its year-round distribution, believes the global supply is so consistent and reliable that few, if any, of his retail and foodservice customers care when the domestic season ends and the imports begin.
Del Monte has avocado ripening and distribution centers across North America
Del Monte Fresh Produce N.A. Inc., a leading North American marketer and distributor of high-quality fresh and fresh-cut fruit and vegetables, is a year-round supplier of Hass avocados from Mexico, California, Peru and Chile, according to a written statement from the company to The Produce News.
Growing growing interest in farming and agritourism benefits Connecticut
In 2012 nursery and horticulture ranked number one of the top 15 agricultural products produced in Connecticut with a value of $252.9 million. And the number and sizes of farms in the state are increasing. The 2012 Census of Agriculture in the United States reported that Connecticut farms have increased by 22 percent in the past five years, the highest rate of any other New England state.
Friendly Hands Food Bank continues outstanding work
The Friendly Hands Food Bank in Torrington, CT, began in Maureen (Mo) Hubert’s home on Feb 9, 1991. Forced by the demand that grew continually since that day, the operation is now housed in its own separate facility.
“How many people in our community needing food was my driving force,” Hubert told The Produce News. “The places that donated food were controlled by so much bureaucracy that people were dissuaded or didn’t meet the criteria. I decided to do it my way. It’s just a bag of food-and we all need to eat.”
Dream Ride Experience to benefit Special Olympics
The 2014 Dream Ride Experience, presented by Bozzuto’s Inc. and the Hometown Foundation to benefit Special Olympics, will take place Aug. 23-24 in Farmington, CT. The event will unite motorcyclists, classic and exotic car enthusiasts, and families and friends who want to be part of a fun, festive event to support Special Olympics, according to a July 21 press release.
Kurrle named USApple's senior VP
Diane Kurrle, U.S. Apple Association’s vice president of public affairs, has been named senior vice president.
Kurrle is being recognized for more than 10 years of tireless work on critical industry issues.
Duda Farm Fresh wins chef demo with value-added celery and radish ministicks
Duda Farm Fresh Foods won the chef demo competition at the PMA Foodservice Conference with a recipe that featured the company’s value-added fresh celery and radish ministick products.
Marshall Sherman rejoins WP Rawl
WP Rawl, a grower, shipper and processor of leafy greens in the United States, announced Marshall Sherman as its new director of food safety and quality assurance on July 7.