RJO’s core competency is representing customers on the ground
“Everybody is saying it is going to be a good quality year,” said Clint Lucas, an inspector at RJO Produce Marketing Inc. in Fresno, CA, in interview with The Produce News, with regard to the 2014 California grape season.
But there has been some variation in yields early in the season, with generally early start dates followed by lower volumes in the early harvest than expected and considerable variance in grape size.
Allegiance Retail Services holds annual holiday food show
EDISON, NJ — A large number of industry people gathered Thursday, July 17, for Allegiance Retail Services LLC's annual holiday food show, held here at the New Jersey Convention & Exposition Center.
"Close to 600 people will be coming in and out during the course of the day," Victor Savanello, the Iselin, NJ-based cooperative's director of produce and floral, told The Produce News as the show was getting started.
Fusion Marketing promotes two key team members
Fusion Marketing, based in Los Angeles, announced the promotion of Jennifer Anazawa to senior category analyst and Matt Schraut to category analyst.
“Our goal is to help our clients increase the retail sales of their key items,” Steven Muro, president and founder of Fusion Marketing, said in a press release announcing the promotions. “It has always been my belief that when our clients are successful and growing, we’ll grow along with them. It has proven true with our internal progression of staff members.”
Turbana taps into community opinion to find new social program to support
Corporations often donate money to charities or non-profits, but it’s rare to find an organization that lets the consumer decide where their support should go.
Increased emphasis on fingerlings, specialty onions at Strohauer Farms
LASALLE, CO — Growing demand for specialty items has prompted northern Colorado grower-shipper Harry Strohauer to ramp up emphasis on his fingerling potato crop and specialty onion packaging this season.
Strohauer said the fingerlings, as well as russets and Yukons, are being offered both as conventional and organic.
Babé Farms to feature a kaleidoscope of vegetables at the PMA Foodservice Conference & Expo
Ande Manos, marketing and new business development manager for Babé Farms, headquartered in Santa Maria, CA, told The Produce News that the company is exhibiting at Booth No.110 at the PMA Foodservice Conference & Expo in Monterey, CA, on July 25-27.
In addition to Manos, the company’s booth will be manned by Rocio Muñoz, sales representative and Chris Cordero, vice president of the company.
Pricing expected to be strong as NW onion growers begin new season
On March 31, Northwest Farm Credit Services looked at onion production during the 2013-14 crop year and provided some insights about upcoming production and pricing for 2014-15 in its Onion Market Snapshot. "Northwest onion markets are closing the 2013-14 marketing year strong, with prices bolstered by tight supplies," the agency stated. "However, growers' profits are mixed, depending on yields, quality, contracts and market timing."
Western Fumigation plays active role to benefit Delaware River ports
Western Fumigation is actively involved in a number of approaches to enhance the business climate for the ports of the Delaware River.
J&K Fresh East continues to grow very quickly
PHILADELPHIA — The ports of the Delaware River are primarily known as the major gateway for U.S. perishable imports from the Southern Hemisphere.
In starting his own customs brokerage, Lawrence (Larry) Antonucci Jr., who had 25 years of experience in the industry, recognized the opportunities in perishables. On Jan. 1, 2012, Antonucci’s new enterprise, 721 Logistics LLC, opened a new division: J&K Fresh East.
Seatrade a regional and global ocean reefer service leader
Seatrade USA plays an important role in fresh produce along the seaport facilities of the Delaware River.
Howard Posner, general manager of Seatrade USA in Tampa, discussed these roles and noted a new refrigerated steamship design that will benefit the produce industry in years to come.