Grape commission positions itself for continued industry growth
The California Table Grape Commission recently hired Fabian Garcia as its new assistant director of international marketing, and expanded the responsibilities of Rachel Scott and Jeff Klitz in the areas of digital media/community service and marketing communications, respectively.
Southern Specialties garnering strong response from ‘Fair Trade’ product
“We are looking forward to the Florida blueberry season this year,” Charlie Eagle, vice president of business development for Southern Specialties, headquartered in Pompano Beach, FL, told The Produce News in early March. “As of now, we continue to bring product into our Pompano facility from offshore, such as asparagus, which we grow and import from Peru year-round. When Peru is in its slower season our Mexican volumes pick up, but Peru continues to move in conjunction with the Mexican movement.”
JemD Farms enjoying great ongoing success with ‘Hacienda Special Reserve’ heirloom tomatoes
Jim DiMenna, president of JemD Farms headquartered in Kingsville, ON, said that the company continues to receive outstanding feedback on its “Red Sun” brand of “Hacienda Special Reserve” heirloom tomatoes in a retail-ready display box.
“We will be featuring the item, along with our other outstanding ‘Artisan Series’ collection of greenhouse produce at the upcoming CPMA Convention and Trade Show in Vancouver on April 2-4,” said DiMenna.
Josie's Organics makes freshness easy, wins design award
Packaging that spotlights "Josie's Organics" Romaine hearts took home an award in the 2014 Graphic Design USA American Package Design Competition. The eye-catching design by Moxxy Marketing of Salinas, CA, was chosen for recognition out of 1,800 entries and is the ninth GDUSA award Moxxy has won.
FDA Chief Hamburg responds to congressional questions on produce-safety rule
WASHINGTON — U.S. Food & Drug Administration investigators may be on farms to enforce the new Food Safety Modernization Act, but they will not be “heavy handed,” FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg reassured a congressional subcommittee on Thursday.
Hamburg appeared at the House Appropriations agriculture subcommittee hearing to defend the administration’s proposed FY 2015 budget request and respond to questions from the panel on issues including FSMA.
A&P announces CEO, executive appointments
The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co. Inc. announced that Paul Hertz has been named president and chief executive officer of the company, effective immediately. Since joining A&P in 2010, Hertz has held the role of chief operating officer. In his new role, Hertz will be responsible for the leadership and strategic direction of the company, including oversight and implementation of all business and marketing decisions, as well as support of ongoing growth initiatives.
Study: Adding half avocado to lunch can reduce desire to eat between meals
The Hass Avocado Board in Irvine, CA, announced earlier this year the publication of a study “that suggests adding one-half of a fresh avocado to lunch may have helped 26 healthy, overweight people feel more satisfied and reduced their desire to eat following a meal.” According to a board press release, the study, which was funded by HAB, was conducted by researchers at the Loma Linda University and published in Nutrition Journal.
Supply chain gathers at the 2014 World Floral Expo
The 2014 World Floral Expo, held in Chicago March 26-28, was an international gathering of farms, growers and suppliers from more than 10 countries around the world. During the three-day event, buyers from the United States and Canada toured the booths of the 87 exhibitors, seeing new farms, new flowers and new trends.
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Colorado celebrates Agriculture Day by giving to the hungry
Farmers, ranchers and commodity groups from across Colorado gathered Wednesday, March 26, at the state capitol building in Denver to participate in Colorado Agriculture Day.
Frieda's salutes produce managers on Love Your Produce Manager Day
Frieda's Specialty Produce encourages shoppers and retailers to show appreciation for produce managers April 2, the national Love Your Produce Manager Day.