Retail View: Publix provides blueprint for success
By virtually all accounts, Publix Supermarkets is one of the best regional chains in the United States and is consistently listed as one of the best places to work by Forbes magazines and others who rate such things.
The company’s chief executive officer, Ed Crenshaw, told an audience at the United Fresh Produce Association convention in Chicago, June 10-12, that the first statement is the result of the second. He said it works for retailers but it will work for any company. If you have happy employers, you will have a successful company.
Limoneira’s lemon campaign continues to evolve
John Chamberlain, director of marketing for Limoneira Co., headquartered in Santa Paula, CA, said the company’s “Unleash the Natural Power of Lemons with Limoneira” campaign continues to evolve with the collaboration of global opinion leaders in each of the campaign’s five categories.
New Mexico kicks off an early onion season
Onion production is ramping up for New Mexico’s 17 shippers. “Many of those are also growers, while other growers broker their onions,” said Katie Goetz, public information officer for the New Mexico Department of Agriculture.
Onion movement began early this year. “The shipping season started in mid-May this year and will run through late August for the most part, although some sheds will ship through mid-September,” she said.
Duda announces celery recipe contest
To celebrate celery and the vegetable’s versatility, Duda Farm Fresh Foods is inviting cooks to enter the Sweet Celery Bake-Off and create an original dessert recipe featuring celery. Participants have a chance to win a grand prize of $500 and be a featured recipe on Duda’s website.
Castagnetto: Bell peppers help consumers stretch food dollars
Consumers are always looking for ways to stretch their food dollars. “A byproduct of this has been an increased interest in some of the items that fall within the dry vegetable category, such as Bell peppers,” said Michael Castagnetto, category general manager at Robinson Fresh.
Fresh Start Marketing selling onions from a great atmosphere
ST. LOUIS — An elegant stained glass mosaic tops the large display windows at the offices of Fresh Start Marketing LLC. The 110-year-old colored glass in this old St. Louis neighborhood on Macklind Avenue reflects a gentler, more formal era. Many of the buildings, including this one, are crafted from dark red brick.
The cozy atmosphere of the well-kept old building is warmed by the presence of black bear and elk hides on the walls. The beautiful pieces are gifts from onion growers who are hunters in the wild Northwest.
'America’s First Pear' harvest to begin July 7
The first Bartlett pears of the season are set to harvest in California’s Sacramento River growing region July 7. According to the official crop estimate set by the California Pear Advisory Board at its June 12 meeting, the state’s total crop of Bartlett pears is expected to be just over 2.6 million 36-pound packages, slightly down from the four-year average crop size of 2.9 million packages.
'Summer Gold Rush' for MountainKing's Butter Golds
MountainKing, one of North America’s larger producers of Butter Gold potatoes, has announced the rollout of its Butter Gold “Summer Gold Rush” retail merchandising program for 2014, featuring high-graphic bins, comprehensive marketing support and prizes to retailers with the most creative “Summer Gold Rush” displays.
Sean Kelley replaces his late father as manager of the St. Louis Market
ST. LOUIS — Sean Kelley is in his first year as market manager of the St. Louis Produce Market Inc., having taken the position held by his late father, Pat Kelley. Pat Kelley passed away in January 2014 after losing a battle with colon cancer. Sean Kelley said he had worked on the market for five years with his father, so he is very well-acquainted with the market operators and their needs. Pat Kelley worked on the St.
Chilean citrus exports expected to fall due to early freezes
“Overall, Chilean citrus exports are set to fall in 2014 due to the effects of last September’s freeze and a drought in the IV region,” Karen Brux, manager of marketing and promotions for the United States and Canada for the Chilean Fresh Fruit Association in San Carlos, CA, told The Produce News. “However, not all varieties are expected to decrease.”
Brux, who also serves as marketing director for the Chilean Avocado Importers Association, explained that global exports of Clementines are forecast to fall by 13 percent to 27,705 tons.