United Supermarkets opens next-generation store in Amarillo
United Supermarkets opened the flagship of its next-generation United stores March 5 in Amarillo, TX. The 55,000-square-foot store features a totally new design, according to a news release. United has been operating stores in Amarillo since 1971.
“This is our first United location which reflects our new brand strategy,” said Monica Schierbaum, senior director of marketing for United Supermarkets in Lubbock, TX. “It is a bold statement and truly represents the United Supermarkets brand and what we stand for.”
Spring has sprung, despite the weather
The first day of spring was officially ushered in March 20, but outside my office window there remain more than 18 inches of snow blanketing dormant grass. This cruel winter season unfortunately refuses to release its grasp on the northern parts of the United States. Meanwhile, on the West Coast, hot weather and lack of rainfall continue to challenge flower growers.
Retail View: Cinco de Mayo continues to spur avocado sales
Cinco de Mayo continues to be a magnet for avocado sales -- led by guacamole -- as sales in 2013 jumped almost 25 percent over already-robust sales in 2012.
"This is a big holiday for avocados, and it keeps getting bigger," said Emiliano Escobedo, executive director of the Hass Avocado Board, based in Irvine, CA.
But make no mistake about it. Despite its Hispanic name and Mexican origin, this is an American holiday.
Focus at Santa Cruz Berry Farming Co. is on flavorful berries
There are many factors to be considered in selecting a strawberry variety for planting. Certainly yield per acre is an important consideration, for at today’s high input costs, low yields would make almost any farming venture economically unsustainable. Shelf life is also important, particularly for a strawberry crop grow in California for customers on the East Coast.
But at Santa Cruz Berry Farming Co. LLC, the first criterion is flavor, according to Fritz Koontz, managing partner.
Pexco Produce Sales now holds superior rating on Primus GFS
J.T. Guida, president of Pexco Produce Sales in Pompano Beach, FL, said the company has held onto its superior rating of 98 percent from PrimusLabs since its first rating several years ago.
“We are now getting superior ratings from the more intensive Primus program; Primus GFS,” Guida told The Produce News. “This rating is geared toward packinghouses and consolidation facilities, and many chain retailers are requiring it today.”
The company’s value-added program, which it started a few years ago, continues to gain in popularity with its customers.
PMA-Sesame Workshop initiative announces ‘eat brighter’
Sesame Workshop and the Produce Marketing Association unveiled a national movement — ‘eat brighter!’ — applying the strength and influence of the "Sesame Street" brand and its beloved characters to inspire children ages 2 to 5, and their parents and caregivers, to eat fresh fruits and vegetables. The ‘eat brighter!’ tagline draws parallels between the characteristics of the "Sesame Street" brand and fresh fruits and vegetables — like healthy, brilliant and alive.
Early-season Vidalia crop tending toward jumbo size, pack and ship date appeal coming
A judge's mid-March ruling overturning Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Gary Black's mandate that no Vidalia onions can be packed or shipped prior to April 21 will have no bearing on this year's crop, which has been delayed by cool weather.
Fresh Express recalls Italian Salad due to Listeria risk
Fresh Express Inc. has issued a recall of a limited number of cases of 10-ounce Italian Salad with an already-expired use-by date due to a possible health risk from Listeria monocytogenes. No illnesses have been reported in association with the recall and no other Fresh Express products are being recalled.
The company is confirming with retailers that the expired product has already been removed from store shelves and inventories in accordance with its strict procedures for products that have reached their expiration date.
Jim Stewart joins Paramount Export Co.
Paramount Export Co., embarking on its 75th year as a leading importer and exporter of quality fresh produce, announced the addition of Jim Stewart as its domestic sales manager.
Foxy's REJUICENATE program to boost produce consumption
Foxy Produce looks to boost produce sales with the launch of its free educational campaign called “REJUICENATE with Foxy.” The program, which introduces 20 easy-to-make liquid-based meals and snacks, is designed to teach the public fun and cost-effective ways to enjoy produce while simultaneously encouraging the consumption of whole vegetables and fruit.