Mission Produce under way with construction of new avocado packing facility
Mission Produce Inc., based in Oxnard, CA, is under way with the construction of its new packing facility in Oxnard.
The new building will serve as Mission's avocado packing facility as well as a ripening and forward-distribution center. By the end of 2014, the site will feature 180,000 square feet of new construction including 40,000 square feet of conditioned production space. The facility will have the capacity for more than 6,000 high cube pallets with segregation capabilities by temperature or commodity.
Success lies in 'hanging out in the future,' Krivanek says
Founder of Denver-based Krivanek Consulting, considered the top strategic planning firm for the fresh produce industry, Julie Krivanek has a concise formula for business success: Hang out in the future.
Christopher Ranch announces launch of new ‘Easy Squeeze Garlic’
“We are proud to announce that we have a newly introduced version of a squeeze garlic, called ‘Easy Squeeze Garlic,’ made with 100 percent California garlic for the retail sector,” said Anthony M. DeAngelis, director, Northeast division, for Christopher Ranch LLC, headquartered in Gilroy, CA.
New York Apple Association gives its apples to many baskets
“The New York Apple Association will be actively promoting New York’s new apple varieties — the SnapDragon and RubyFrost — this season,” said Jim Allen, president of the New York Apple Association headquartered in Fishers, NY. “But as always, we’ll also be strongly promoting our other favorite New York varieties.”
Cornell University announced the two new varieties in August 2013. The apples were developed in partnership with New York Apple Growers.
Driscoll's names Tom O'Brien to senior executive post
Driscoll's, a leading distributor of fresh berries based in Watsonville, CA, has appointed Tom O'Brien to the newly created role of senior vice president of governance and external engagement and general counsel. O'Brien will join Driscoll's Global Leadership Team reporting to Kevin Murphy, president and chief executive officer.
Michigan apple crop appears strong
SPARTA, MI — Don Armock presented his usual professional countenance and positive attitude on the morning of May 16. But his puffy eyes couldn't hide that he was up all but a couple of hours on the previous evening, working with field crews to assure everything possible was done to avoid frost damage to the 2014 apple crop.
Current mushroom mania resulting in great things for the industry
The mushroom industry hit the proverbial nail on the head when the Mushroom Council launched its "Swap It or Top It" campaign with a recipe contest in June 2013. Since then, related terms like "blendability" had been attached to the movement resulting in a major boon — and expected strong growth — for mushroom producers across the country.
PMA launches redesigned website, provides better access to resources
In response to member feedback and as part of its new strategic plan implementation, the Produce Marketing Association unveiled its redesigned website (www.pma.com) Tuesday, May 27.
United Fresh 2014 to kick off trade show June 10-13
This year's United Fresh 2014 is shaping up to be the largest ever, hosting high-level speakers in sports, business and politics and providing the produce industry with cutting-edge insights from top branding experts.
Display contest highlights summer efforts of mango board
The National Mango Board will once again conduct the Mango Mania Display Contest throughout the month of July and give away more than $12,000 in cash prizes to retailers.
The display must be kept in place for at least one week between July 1 and July 31, and this year's contest will include both small and large retail chains. All entries must be received by the mango board office by Aug. 20, 2014.