New Tectrol pallet system meets special needs of McAllen coolers
Due to the significant growth in volume of strawberries and other berries moving across the border from Mexico into the United States at McAllen, TX, TransFresh Corp., which provides to the berry industry a modified-atmosphere pallet packaging system called Tectrol, has put “significant capital infrastructure into the key coolers down there,” according to Rich MacLeod, vice president of the TransFresh Pallet Division North America.
Jazmin Lopez joins California Giant Berry Farms
California Giant Berry Farms, based in Watsonville, CA, has created a new staff position focused on field-level education and training and recently hired Jazmin Lopez as the new food safety coordinator.
Southern Exposure's atmosphere increases connections for Oneonta
The intimate atmosphere at Southern Exposure gives Oneonta Starr Ranch Growers ongoing opportunities to strengthen business relationships and build new ones.
The company is headquartered in Wenatchee, WA, and was one of Washington’s first exporters of apples. Today, the company offers its domestic and international customers a wide array of quality apples, pears, cherries, stone fruits, table grapes, citrus and other commodities.
Sweet Clover increasing onion production for 2014
Looking to bump up its overall summer production significantly this year, Sweet Clover Produce of Walla Walla, WA, began planting new-crop onions in the Northwest during the week of Feb. 17.
According to Sales Manager Bill (Sweet Willie) Brownfield, the company is still shipping 2013 storage single-center Red Wing reds from Quincy, WA, as well as sweet yellows and yellows. Brownfield said 2014 planting began about a week later than normal, and the famed Walla Walla Sweets, Washington’s State Vegetable, are expected to start shipping the second or third week of June.
New HAB study provides insights about retail pricing of avocados
A recent consumer shopper insight study conducted by the Hass Avocado Board, reported that product display, quality/ripeness and price are three key purchase motivators.
Food Lion celebrates partnership with CIAA, announces 2014 tournament week activities
Food Lion announced its continued support of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association Tournament by sponsoring several events that have become favorites to CIAA fans. These events include the women’s tournament, Miss CIAA and “Food Lion Day at the CIAA” on Friday, Feb. 28. All events will be held Feb. 24 through March 1 in Charlotte, NC.
Curry & Co. kicks off Vidalia sweet carrot deal
Despite the highly publicized winter weather extremes that occurred in Georgia this year, Curry & Co. is off to a good start with its Vidalia sweet carrot season. Growing conditions have been good for carrots and the 2014 season is expected to run from late February into June.
National Mango Board to host second annual Mango Food Safety Conference
The National Mango Board will be hosting its second annual Mango Food Safety Conference Thursday, March 6 at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown. Attendance to this annual conference is complimentary, and industry members of all levels of the mango supply chain are encouraged to join.
Expanded production could fuel continuing growth for Nogales
NOGALES, AZ — To illustrate the importance of Nogales as a port of entry for Mexican produce into the United States, Lance Jungmeyer, president of the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas, pointed to numbers.
The most remarkable of these numbers may be Jungmeyer’s own prediction for the growth of produce arriving into the United States: “Six to ten percent annual growth forever.”
This will be driven by Mexico’s extension of growing seasons and an increasing variety of produce being produced in the country.
FPFC meets in Northern California
On Thursday, Feb. 20, the Fresh Produce & Floral Council held its semi-annual Northern California luncheon meeting at the Castlewood Country Club in Pleasanton, CA. The event featured well-known Northern California sportscaster Joe Starkey who was the voice of the San Francisco 49ers for many years and also broadcasts games for the Cal Bears. Chris Vasconcellos of Lucky Stores/Save Mart served as the master of ceremonies.