EPC holds its May 13 meeting in Philadelphia
Over 200 people attended the Eastern Produce Council's May 13 meeting, which took place at the Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market. This was only the second time that the council has held a meeting outside its traditional metropolitan New York and New Jersey zone. The council met in Philadelphia in 2012.
Walmart settles cantaloupe cases, other settlements still being negotiated
On Tuesday, May 13, Walmart announced through notices to the courts that it had reached settlement agreements on 23 cases involved in the 2011 Listeria outbreak tied to cantaloupes from Jensen Farms in Colorado.
In that food borne illness outbreak, 33 people died and 157 were sickened after eating cantaloupes that were subsequently traced to Jensen's Colorado farm and packingshed. Jensen subsequently filed bankruptcy and went out of business.
Dewey Gargiulo, tomato industry icon, dies at 84
Dewey Oliver Gargiulo, a legend in the fresh tomato business, died May 9, after a long illness. He was 84.
Before moving to Immokalee, FL, to farm tomatoes in 1952, Mr. Gargiulo began his career in the produce industry working for his uncle in a produce market in the Bronx, NY.
Upon his arrival in Florida, Mr. Gargiulo recognized the opportunity to create a high-quality brand and he worked to grow and pack a premium tomato. He branded the tomato “Beefstake,” which quickly became the standard in the industry.
EPC holds its May 13 meeting in Philadelphia
Over 200 people attended the Eastern Produce Council's May 13 meeting, which took place at the Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market. This was only the second time that the council has held a meeting outside its traditional metropolitan New York and New Jersey zone. The council met in Philadelphia in 2012.
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C.H. Robinson offers new approach with Robinson Fresh
In an effort to raise visibility for its expertise in fresh produce, C.H. Robinson has created a new global business brand named Robinson Fresh that speaks to the company's focus on fresh products and offers a clear identity within the produce industry.
Ayco announces pineapple venture
Ayco has entered into a pineapple venture with one of the leading pineapple growers in Costa Rica. While the grower has previously only provided product of the highest standard to Europe, these pineapples are now available in the United States under the "Ayco" brand.
Peach State readies launch of Georgia Grown Test Kitchen program
The names of 10 schools across Georgia, which applied to participate in the launch of the Georgia Grown Test Kitchen program will be announced at the end of May. “My email lit up,” Misty Friedman, who is coordinating the program, said. As of April 25, applications had been received from 18 schools. “This is the first time we’ve ever done something like this,” she added.
John Vena expanding its facility at Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market
John Vena, president of John Vena Inc., located on the Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market, told The Produce News that the company is expanding its space at the market. The company was among the first to move into the market when it opened in June 2011, taking spaces F-1 through F-5.
Mann Packing CEO named Ag Leader of the Year
Lorri A. Koster, chairman, chief executive officer and a primary shareholder of Mann Packing Co., a Salinas, CA-based grower, shipper and processor of fresh vegetables, received the 2014 Ag Leader of the Year award May 8, at the 10th annual Valley of the World Awards presented by The National Steinbeck Center.
Allegiance partners with new upscale banner
Allegiance Retail Services LLC announced the opening of Farmtastic Market, a new banner located in Whippany, NJ.
Farmtastic, owned and operated by Roberto Laracca, has a focus on the perishable departments, but the full-service supermarket also provides shoppers upscale amenities such as a coffee bar with wifi, a juice bar and a large prepared food section featuring daily selections and grab-and-go offerings. There is also a full service pharmacy inside the store to provide customers additional convenience.