The most unpleasant question in produce
There is an uncomfortable question asked by bosses every so often and especially addressed to the heads of produce operations: “What happened to the produce gross?” I’ve heard it on occasion and the subject is one of instant discomfort.
Oneonta makes it easy for children to eat and play the healthy way
Dan Wohlford, national marketing representative for Oneonta Starr Ranch Growers, said the company is making it easy for busy parents to incorporate healthy snacks into meal planning for children. “In general, we have become a nation of snackers,” he told The Produce News. “We grab something quick to eat as we are rushing from this activity to that. And parents want something that’s healthy and that kids will eat.”
Bridges Produce partners with Fruit d'Or cranberries
Bridges Produce, based in Portland, OR, announced that it has entered into a partnership with Fruit d'Or, a leading organic cranberry packer based in Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes, QC. This partnership expands Bridges Produce's current product line to include both fresh and dried organic cranberries.
New Walmart U.S. president and CEO named
Walmart announced that Greg Foran has been promoted to president and chief executive officer of Walmart U.S. Foran succeeds Bill Simon, who has been in the role since June 2010 and will be transitioning out of the company.
Foran will assume his responsibilities Aug. 9 and will report directly to Doug McMillon, Walmart president and CEO. Simon will be available on a consulting basis for the next six months to ensure a seamless transition.
Amid protests and boycotts, ousted CEO offers to buy Market Basket
Since Arthur T. Demoulas, now former president and chief executive officer of Market Basket, was fired by the company's board of directors — which is headed by his cousin Arthur S. Demoulas — there have been resignations, protests, related firings, boycotts called for by political leaders and now another interesting turn of events: The former CEO, who owns 49.5 percent of the company, has made an offer to purchase the remaining shares of Market Basket.
Produce industry weighs in at Senate school nutrition hearing
WASHINGTON — Schools that were proactive in improving the healthfulness of school meals before the new nutrition standards went into effect are not having problems complying with the stricter standards or experiencing plate waste, Phil Muir, president and chief executive officer of Muir Copper Canyon Farms in Salt Lake City told a Senate panel on the school nutrition standards.
Sunrain Varieties LLC announces increased capacity
Sunrain Varieties LLC, known for its innovation, expertise and dedication to fresh potato seed development, has just completed a series of capital improvements in its Idaho Falls-based facilities.
Gold Coast is big on product customization for foodservice trade
In addition to its standard foodservice packs, Gold Coast Packing Inc. in Santa Maria, CA, does “a tremendous amount of customization for the foodservice trade,” according to Brent Scattini, vice president of sales.
To-Jo Mushrooms engaging strongly in the ‘Trend to Blend,’ which is being embraced by foodservice operations
“To-Jo will be displaying a new chopped mushroom product that is both convenient and versatile; perfect for blending with a variety of menu applications including burgers and tacos,” said Pete Wilder, marketing director for To-Jo Mushrooms in Avondale, PA. “And we will be highlighting our full line of Baby Bella, Portabella and specialty mushrooms, such as our three-pound exotic blend that is perfect for foodservice operators.”
To-Jo is engaging strongly in the Mushroom Councils’ Blendability platform, commonly referred to as the “Trend to Blend.”
F&S Produce launches Sam's Fresh Salsa to test markets
F&S Produce Co. Inc., a leading manufacturer and marketer of fresh-cut produce and other refrigerated value-added products in the Northeast, announced it will be introducing Sam’s Fresh Salsa to all its customers after a successful test market in Philadelphia and New York.