Southern Corporate Packers continues growth track
Since 1989, Southern Corporate Packers, headquartered in Immokalee, FL, has worked to bolster its reputation in the fresh produce arena. Originally operating as a broker, President Brian Arrigo said the company is solidly entrenched in its current activity as a grower/packer/shipper of mixed vegetables and melons.
The company moves melons grown in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Nicaragua, giving Southern Corporate Packers a year-round reach with distribution. In Florida, Southern Corporate Packers grows melons on 1,400 acres in South and Central Florida locations.
Despite weather impact, watermelon season shaping up for Jackson Farming Co.
Jackson Farming Co., one of the premiere grower/packer/shippers of quality fruits and vegetables in North Carolina, is gearing up for a successful watermelon harvest. The company’s manifest includes both seeded and seedless watermelons, honeydews and Sprites. “We have added Caribbean Gold cantaloupes to the mix with Athena cantaloupes,” Vice President of Operations/Supply Chain Matt Solana told The Produce News.
Stenzel addresses Philadelphia ag society
Tom Stenzel, president of the United Fresh Produce Association, recently gave what was billed as "an inside look at today's fresh fruit and vegetable industry" at a meeting of the Philadelphia Society for Promoting Agriculture. The meeting was held Thursday afternoon, April 3, in Philadelphia.
Key Food names newest member of its executive team
Key Food Stores Co-operative Inc., a chain of independently owned and operated grocery stores, announced John Durante as the newest member of its executive team.
Naturipe announces two new directors of business development
Naturipe Farms announced the appointment of Jerry Moran as its director of business development-West and the promotion of Kasey Kelley as the director of business development-East. In their roles, Moran and Kelley will contribute to the company’s growth by leading strategic sales and business development activities for Naturipe Farms.
Honeybear bringing fresh Chilean Honeycrisp apples to U.S. markets
Key retailers and their quality-conscious apple customers now have a chance to get their hands on this spring’s ultimate Honeycrisp apple. Available the last week of April from Honeybear Marketing, a division of Wescott Agri Products, the Chilean Honeycrisp is the result of almost 10 years of meticulous planning and fastidious growing efforts in the carefully selected Southern Hemisphere microclimate.
Mission to hold third annual charity golf tournament
Mission Produce Inc., based in Oxnard, CA, will hold its third annual charity golf tournament April 24 at Moorpark Country Club.
There are 188 participants in this year's event, and the day includes golf, lunch, dinner, a silent auction and raffle. Proceeds will benefit local county charitable organizations. Last year's tournament raised over $20,000 for Ventura County Food Share.
NMB to host ripening webinar for retailers and importers
The National Mango Board — in conjunction with the department of plant science at the University of California-Davis — will be hosting a free mango-ripening webinar on Thursday, April 24 at 4 p.m. Eastern time. The webinar will discuss why mango ripening is important to the U.S. consumer and how to utilize the NMB’s new Mango Handling & Ripening Protocol.
Domex Superfresh Growers' orchard tech
Domex Superfresh Growers continues to innovate with use of GPS-equipped tractors as technology moves from the drawing board to the orchard. Use of GPS allows the tractor to create a planting line within an inch of accuracy. A specialized plant platform pulled behind the tractor opens the ground so trees can be planted within the trench created. Holes are then closed up using small blades and rolling drums.
Brett Lamar joins Market Fresh Produce
Market Fresh Produce, based in Nixa, MO, announced the addition of Brett Lamar to its corporate staff on March 25.
In his new position as VMI/transportation specialist, Lamar will be in charge of timely and accurate fulfillment of daily replenishment from customers. He will also handle logistics for the company.