Producepackaging.com adds new line of packaging
With the addition of a compartmentalized plastic container, Producepackaging.com has expanded its line of packaging designed specifically for the fresh produce industry.
Kurt Zuhlke Jr., president of the Bangor, PA-based firm, said the new container, which comes in both two- and three-compartment figurations and holds about 20 ounces of product, is perfect for retail offerings, such as a berry medley.
“You could put three kinds of berries in the same pack such as blueberries, raspberries and blackberries,” he said.
Mango market remains strong as Mexican supplies lag behind
Since mid-January, the U.S. mango market has been stronger than what is typical at this time of the year, and all indications are that the hot market could last at least into late March.
Safeway exploring sale of the company
Safeway Inc. is in discussions concerning the possible sale of the company.
“Although the discussions are ongoing, the company has not reached an agreement on a transaction, and there can be no assurance that these discussions will lead to an agreement or a completed transaction,” the company said in a press release. “The company will not comment further on these discussions at this time.”
Primus lawsuits may redefine 'field to fork' philosophy
Lawsuits filed against Primus Group Inc. of Santa Maria, CA, in connection with the 2011 distribution of Listeria-tainted cantaloupe produced at Jensen Farms in Colorado may very well put a finer point on the concept of "field to fork" responsibility when it comes to food distribution.
Love Beets launches organic marinated baby beets, line of beet juices
Love Beets, a line of premium, all-natural, ready-to-eat beets, announced the launch of its first organic marinated baby beets, along with a brand new line of natural beet juices with no added sugar. Both Love Beets products are beginning to roll into grocery stores across North America.
Fresh Solutions Network hires Triou as president and CEO
Kathleen Triou has accepted an offer to lead Fresh Solutions Network LLC, a dedicated marketing services organization committed to the advancement of the fresh potato, sweet potato and onion categories, as its president and chief executive officer.
Triou, who was previously vice president of domestic marketing of the U.S. Potato Board and most recently chief marketing officer of Avocados from Mexico, took on the lead role Feb. 10.
The Retail View: Supermarket Guru says change is your friend
Consumers are constantly changing and altering their perception and retailers must do the same, if they are going to survive and thrive.
At least that was one of the major messages delivered by Phil Lempert, also known as “The Supermarket Guru,” who was the keynote speaker at the Feb. 5 luncheon of the Fresh Produce & Floral Council in Southern California.
Big Chuy’s Jesus Lopez leads Nogales Little League team into World Series
NOGALES, AZ — The World Series is the ultimate for every baseball player, coach and fan.
In 2013, Jesus (Chuy) Lopez Jr., sales manager for Nogales-based Big Chuy Distributors & Sons, Inc. coached his 13-year-old Nogales National Little League team into the Intermediate Division World Series (West).
Bartolotta fundraiser relies on generosity of produce industry
Just about everyone in the produce industry gives from the depths of their hearts when it comes to natural or man-caused emergencies and in helping organizations to raise money or collect food to help those in need.
For the third consecutive year, Kevin Bartolotta, president of Bartolotta Inc. in Torrington, CT, is stepping up for those in need and is holding his annual fundraiser, which began Feb. 10.
Warm, dry weather brings strawberry crop on early, but ongoing drought a concern
Winter strawberries out of Southern California are normally an up-and-down, on-again-off-again proposition. There is generally some moderate production from mid-December through February before volume starts to build for the more reliable spring deal. But growers expect that there will ordinarily be some cold spells that slow down production and rain that disrupts the harvest from time to time during that period.