Del Rey Avocado expects good volume of California fruit May through August
With the total volume of the Hass avocado crop expected to come in around 300 million pounds this year, down from around 500 million pounds in 2013, “one of the things you have to really be concerned about is the expectation that the California market is going to be short of fruit,” said Robert (Bob) Lucy, president of Del Rey Avocado Co. Inc. in Fallbrook, CA, in an interview with The Produce News March 19.
Business is booming for Scotlynn Sweet Pac Growers
Bryan Biederman, an owner of Scotlynn Sweet Pac Growers LLC in Belle Glade, FL, said business continues to boom since the company opened its doors two years ago. “We’re very thankful for the support we’ve received, and very optimistic about our future,” he told The Produce News.
EPC members gather for annual dinner dance
WOODLAND PARK, NJ — The Eastern Produce Council held its annual dinner dance Saturday, April 5, here, returning to the Westmount Country Club after last year’s event was moved to the Hanover Marriott in Whippany, NJ.
The council presented charitable contributions totaling $15,000 to three organizations: Lead New York Program, Tomorrows Children's Fund and New Jersey Farmers Against Hunger.
SunFed names Cassius chief innovation officer
SunFed, a Rio Rico, AZ-based distributor and importer of vegetables, has appointed Mark Cassius chief innovation officer.
Brookshire Bros. completes 25-store acquisition
Brookshire Bros., a Lufkin, TX-based supermarket retailer, has acquired the assets of David's Supermarkets, a grocery chain based in Grandview, TX. Of the 25 David's stores, nine will operate under the David's Supermarkets or David's Express banners, one will remain Pecan Foods and the remaining 15 will operate as Brookshire Bros.
David's Supermarkets was formerly owned by the Waldrip family, which operated stores throughout north-central Texas for 50 years.
To-Jo participates in mushroom 'Blendability' session
To-Jo Mushrooms recently participated in a joint education session at the annual Research Chefs Associations Conference held in Portland, OR. To-Jo — along with the Southwest Minnesota State University Culinology Department, the Mushroom Council and Iron Chef Jehangir Mehta — gave an in-depth review as to the progress the mushroom industry is making on the “Blendability” concept and its applications across various foodservice and manufacturing platforms.
Del Monte joins the CIW’s Fair Food Program
Del Monte Fresh Produce N.A. Inc. announced that one of its subsidiaries agreed to join the Coalition of Immokalee Workers' Fair Food Program. Del Monte joins the CIW and many of the largest U.S. retailers and restaurants that participate in the Fair Food Program.
EPC holds 46th annual dinner dance
The Eastern Produce Council held its 46th annual dinner dance Saturday, April 5, at the Westmount Country Club in Woodland Park, NJ.
United Fresh announces new board officer, director nominations for 2014-15
United Fresh Immediate Past Chairman David Krause of Paramount Citrus has announced the slate of new officers and directors nominated to serve on the United Fresh Produce Association board of directors, effective at its April 22 meeting in Santa Barbara, CA.
Ascending to chairman of the board is Ron Carkoski, president and chief executive officer of Four Seasons Family of Cos. in Ephrata, PA. Carkoski currently serves as chairman-elect of the board.
Klondike and Johnny's Fine Foods embark on third year of the Johnny's Be Good Tour
Potandon Produce announced the continued partnership of "Klondike" brands potatoes with Johnny's Fine Foods on the Johnny's Be Good Tour.
The two companies will once again be touring the Southeast and Midwest sampling Klondike Rose and Klondike Goldust potatoes along with Johnny's Seasonings in a 1950s diner-style concession trailer.
This one-of-a-kind concession vehicle has been an integral part of both companies' marketing strategy for the last two years with overwhelming success.