Sun World names new grape marketer licensees
Sun World International LLC has appointed three new grape marketer licensees — Giuliano Puglia Fruit of Puglia, Italy; Exportadora Santa Elena S.A. of Colina, Chile; and GESEX S.A. of Buin, Chile — to distribute the California company’s licensed grapes.
The appointments bring Sun World’s total marketer network to 32 grape companies and 22 stone fruit companies in 12 countries.
Giumarra increases watermelon tonnage in Mexico
Giumarra Nogales is currently shipping its west Mexico watermelon program and kicked off the spring season three weeks earlier than last year.
The early time frame is attributed to earlier transplanting, improved growing practices and ideal weather conditions.
TAMU research seeks to improve sweet onion production worldwide
In 1898, a packet of Bermuda onion seeds was planted near Cotulla, TX. In spring of 1899, the resulting crop was shipped to Milwaukee, WI, and the mild, sweet onions were an instant hit. The next year a larger crop was planted and an industry was born.
Onions caught on quickly in the hot, dry climate. By 1904, 500 acres of Bermuda onions were planted in south Texas. In 1907, 1,011 train carloads of onions were shipped out of state. The next year, production doubled. In 1917 that figure leapt to 6,735 loads and by 1920 Texas had virtually put Bermuda out of the onion business.
Southern Specialties’ year-round tropicals programs continually grow in demand
“We absolutely see the tropical arena as a major growth area, and for several reasons,” Charlie Eagle, vice president of business development for Southern Specialties, headquartered in Pompano Beach, FL, told The Produce News. “The first reason is that tropical fruit offers outstanding flavor, and people respond to great taste. Tropicals are also more widely available [to North American consumers] than at any time in the past.
Produce Alliance leads fundraising campaign for children’s hospital
Produce Alliance LLC, one of the larger produce management services companies in the United States, leverages its national distribution and grower-shipper network to lead an annual philanthropic campaign benefitting one of Chicago’s premiere Children’s Hospitals.
Sbrocco a sponsor at charity basketball event
CHERRY HILL, NJ — Fresh produce importer and distributor Sbrocco International Inc. was a key sponsor at a charity basketball event Saturday, March 8, and Sunday, March 9, held just a short distance from the company's headquarters in southwestern New Jersey.
Global Organic launches new, more interactive website
Global Organic Specialty Source Inc., a leading organic produce distribution company based in Sarasota, FL, announced the launch of its new website, www.globalorganics.ws.
Designed by Lee Gaines of Milestone Marketing Associates, the site went live on Thursday, Feb. 27.
Local sponsorship fuels national health and fitness messaging for California Giant
California Giant Berry Farms has teamed up with the local D-League Basketball Team for the Golden State Warriors this season and launched a kids club to promote health and fitness to fans.
The partnership with the Santa Cruz Warriors D-League team resulted in significant recruitment in less than a month before it was even publicized, and California Giant berries were quickly named the official fruit of the SC Warriors.
Bi-Lo rebranding 17 Sweetbay stores
Bi-Lo Holdings LLC, parent company of BI-LO and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, announced that on March 22, 2014, it will begin to rebrand 17 Sweetbay stores throughout much of the Ft. Myers–Naples and Tampa area in Florida.
Chris Jones joins Market Fresh Produce as category manager
Market Fresh has added Chris Jones to its corporate staff, where he will take on the role of category manager. Jones will oversee many of the products that Market Fresh currently offers. He will be responsible for negotiating a competitive cost of goods as well as developing and maintaining rapport with growers, shippers and other vendors.