Tina Garcia joins the California Table Grape Commission
The California Table Grape Commission announced the hire of Tina Garcia as its new research analyst.
In this newly created position, Garcia will be responsible for managing a broad-based research program focusing on consumers, the trade and table grape industry.
Safeway Group excited over new microwaveable vegetable line
“We are extremely excited about our new microwavable vegetable line,” said Sam Tedesco, a partner and the vice president of Safeway Group, headquartered in Vineland, NJ. “This line is all about fresh quality ingredients and delicious flavors that are cooked to perfection. Lightly dressed with olive oil, sea salt and cracked black pepper, the veggies natural flavor is about letting simplicity shine through in nutritious fast food.”
D’Arrigo Bros. Co. of New York launches new tropicals line
“During the past few months we have launched a tropicals line of fruits and vegetables,” Matthew D’Arrigo, vice president of D’Arrigo Bros. Co. of New York Inc., located at the Hunts Point Produce Market, told The Produce News. “The line is comprised of many of the items that are in high demand by ethnic groups and even foodservice operations today. To mention just a few, the line includes plantains, chayote and yucca.
It's going to be a star-spangled summer for retailers, consumers
This will be a special summer as retailers and consumers alike celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Star Spangled Banner and the nation's heritage and culture. "We will stitch together a colorful patchwork of summertime Americana that includes picnics, parades and patriotic motifs," said Stephanie Barlow, director of public relations and social media for the National Watermelon Promotion Board.
Hy-Vee Homefront distributes $270k to veterans charities
Hy-Vee Homefront, Hy-Vee’s veteran support initiative, held its latest Round Up event in all of its stores May 23-26. Customers will be able to round up their purchases to the nearest dollar amount, or more if they choose, with the additional amount going in full to Hy-Vee Homefront. The Homefront Round Up funds help support three veterans organizations: Puppy Jake Foundation, Hope For The Warriors and Operation First Response.
Big Y collecting worn American flags for proper retirement
For the third year in a row, in honor of Flag Day, Big Y is collecting worn, torn, faded or badly soiled American flags for proper retirement. Big Y is working with local Boy Scouts, American Legions, VFW's and military organizations to properly retire the collected flags.
Ralphs invites customers to support our troops
Ralphs and other Kroger-family stores, together with customers, employees and vendors, will provide $2.3 million to support the USO's broad range of programs that assist service members and their families. Since 2010, The Kroger Co., of which Ralphs is a division, has provided more than $8.5 million to support the USO, one of the largest cumulative gifts to the USO in the organization's history.
Louis J. Acompora Memorial efforts potentially saving lives around the world
Karen Acompora, president of the Louis J. Acompora Memorial, told The Produce News that the organization is currently working with the Minnesota High School Athletic Association and the Medtronic Philanthropy Foundation, whose goal is to expand access to chronic disease care for the underserved worldwide.
Vision Import and Vision Produce anticipating great summer mango and lime programs
"We are headed into the middle of our summer season with great lime and mango programs from Mexico," said Ronnie Cohen, vice president of sales for Vision Import Group, headquartered in River Edge, NJ. "We expect good volumes and high quality on both items. We got through the earlier lime shortage and are now into new production areas. Prices are down significantly and leveling off to more normal seasonal pricing than we've seen in the past few months."
Walmart celebrates more than 40,000 hires in first year of veterans commitment
During the first year of Walmart’s Veterans Welcome Home Commitment, it hired more than 42,000 veterans. The commitment, launched last Memorial Day, guarantees a job offer to any honorably discharged veteran within his or her first 12 months off active duty. Walmart projects it will hire more than 100,000 veterans in five years.