SunWest launches new website
SunWest Fruit Co., a leading citrus and tree fruit operation based in Parlier, CA, has launched a new website at www.SunWestFruit.com. The new website highlights SunWest's premium quality fruit, their family traditions, exceptional quality and commitment to sustainability.
SunWest committed to hard work, superior quality and caring for the environment, the company said in a press release. These values are at the heart of its family business, which started as a family farm over 40 years ago.
‘Robinson Fresh’ takes branding to next level for C.H. Robinson
The family of fresh product marketed by C.H. Robinson Worldwide Inc. is extensive. All national and proprietary brands will remain as they are coming together under the new ‘Robinson Fresh’ brand. (Photo courtesy of C.H.
Jim D’Amato joins SunFed
SunFed, headquartered in Rio Rico, AZ, recently hired Jim D’Amato to fill its newly created position of East Coast business development manager.
Independent retailers boost Chicago produce distributors
CHICAGO — Terminal produce markets thrived in the United States when mom-and-pop stores needed a regular, reliable source to shop for fresh fruits and vegetables.
In Chicago, independent retailers have been serving the metropolitan area’s diverse ethnic clientele for many years. At the end of 2013, the service to specific neighborhoods gave a final blow to one of the city’s two remaining chain operations. Safeway Inc., based in Pleasanton, CA, closed its 72 Dominick’s stores at the end of December and in the following weeks.
Nogales deal adds to expansion at Van Solkema Produce
BYRON CENTER, MI — Van Solkema Produce Inc. this winter was involved for the first time in shipping produce from Nogales, AZ, one of several moves that enabled the company to double its sales volume in the last two years.
Todd Van Solkema, chief executive officer of the family business, expects to see sales increase by at least 20 percent this year.
“We had a choice,” he said. “We could stop at four Van Solkema generations, or grow for generations to come.”
Castellini Co. acquires Atlanta-based General Produce, expands into Southeast
The Castellini Co. announced its acquisition of General Produce Inc., effectively extending the Cincinnati-based perishable distribution company’s reach into the Southeastern part of the U.S.
Avocados from Peru launches summer campaign
The Peruvian Avocado Commission recently launched a combination of trade and consumer marketing programs to support the largest Peruvian avocado crop ever exported to the United States.
Seventh Adams Produce official charged with fraud
A federal grand jury indicted the former chief operating officer of Adams Produce Co. in connection with fraud at the bankrupt Birmingham, AL, distributor of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Steven Craig Finberg is the seventh Adams Produce official charged in relation to a scheme to defraud the federal government of several hundred thousand dollars by creating false invoices and purchase orders in connection with government contracts.
IFE to co-locate with United Fresh in 2015 in Chicago
Organizers of the International Floriculture Expo have announced plans to co-locate the 2015 and 2016 editions of one of the floral industry’s leading education programs and trade shows with the United Fresh Produce Association’s United Fresh show, starting in Chicago June 9-11, 2015. The floral and produce expos will be staged side by side, directly across from the Food Marketing Institute’s FMI Connect.
Industry Viewpoint: Does your recall plan do this?
An estimated one in 10 produce companies has a plan that enables it to make strategic decisions, protect the company’s reputation and minimize its liability during a recall.
Produce recall plans vary with company size, product diversity, supply chain complexity, and even leadership style. Regardless of how long or short, detailed or general the recall plan, it should do these six things:
Start with the decision-making process