Auerbach feeling increase in demand for organic specialty produce
“We certainly are happy to have winter behind us,” Bruce Klein, director of marketing for Maurice A. Auerbach in Secaucus, NJ, told The Produce News in late April.
“While we did not really miss any work days, it was just a pain to live through,” he continued. “There was ice on our driveways for a solid month and half. People’s pipes were bursting, water was leaking in homes. The temperatures were simply too low for anyone to go outside. It just made for a very messy and uncomfortable winter for everyone.”
Stop and smell the berries with Naturipe
Naturipe Farms launched “The Very Berry Month of May” promotion and sweepstakes earlier this month, and it will continue through May 31. Each week of May is dedicated to one specific berry: strawberries from May 5-11, raspberries from May 12-18, blackberries from May 19-25 and blueberries from May 26-31.
Carolina Blueberry Association volume to see jump in 2014
The North Carolina blueberry season is ramping up, and signs are pointing to a favorable season in 2014. “Last year’s harvest was cut short by the excessive amount of rain that we had,” said Rod Bangert, general manager of the Carolina Blueberry Association. “I am hopeful that our production will be 30 percent higher than last season.”
The association, founded in 1941, is located in Garland, NC. Bangert said the cooperative has 24 members.
Shareholder lawsuit questions Safeway-Albertsons merger
On behalf of Safeway Inc. shareholders, a class action lawsuit has been filed against Safeway, its board of directors, Albertson's LLC, Saturn Acquisition Merger Sub Inc. and Cerberus Capital Management L.P. In March, Safeway and Albertsons announced a $9 billion merger agreement that was unanimously approved by Safeway's board of directors.
FreshXperts to offer consulting services at United Fresh 2014 and FMI Connect 2014
Produce consultancy FreshXperts will offer consulting services at the United Fresh and FMI 2014 trade shows, co-located at Chicago's McCormick Place, June 10-13.
First-time clients who schedule an appointment in advance are eligible for a free 30-minute initial consultation during the shows.
Turbana creating smiles and reporting success
This year, Turbana and its social foundation, Fundauniban, joined forces with the Rotary Club of Uraba and 50 other entities, along with surgeons, anesthesiologists and specialists from the United States and Colombia to provide free surgeries for economically challenged individuals suffering from cleft lips and split palates in Uraba, Colombia.
Burch Farms launches new website
North Carolina sweet potato and vegetable grower Burch Farms announced the launch of its redesigned website BurchFarmsNC.com. The site reflects Burch’s passion for farming, as well as provides information regarding its sweet potato and vegetable product line.
WP Rawl launches 'Nature's Greens' kale chips kit
WP Rawl has introduced a new product to its "Nature's Greens" brand line. The new ready-to-bake kale chips kit showcases the versatility of kale and will be launching soon at various retailers throughout the country.
John Amaya joins Lipman as chief development officer
Immokalee, FL-based Lipman, one of North America’s larger open-field tomato growers, welcomed John Amaya to its team.
In his new role as chief development officer, Amaya will manage international supply chain, as well as assist with acquisitions and go-to-market strategies focusing on the vegetable category.
Western Fresh sees increasing demand for California figs
George Kragie, the president of Western Fresh Marketing in Madeira, CA, and a longtime grower-shipper of figs in the Golden State, believes the popularity of the fruit has been helped tremendously in recent years by celebrity chefs.
“Chefs like Emeril Lagasse deserve a lot of credit. They have given us lots of publicity. And in one Iron Chef America episode, figs were one of the main ingredients. That all helps,” he said.