Pro’s Ranch Markets acquired in $55 million deal
Two Southern California-based Hispanic retailers — Cardenas Markets and Northgate Gonzalez Markets — have come together and reached a successful agreement with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court to purchase Phoenix-based Pro’s Ranch Markets, which includes seven stores in Arizona, two in New Mexico and two in Texas.
Eco-friendly ProduceShield extends shelf life, reduces pathogens
A new product rolled out in October has been shown to beat back spoilage organisms and extend shelf-life for fresh produce as well as offer a sustainable pathogen-fighting wash that outperforms chlorine or acid-based alternatives, according to developer CMS Technology.
Avocados From Mexico partners for winning breakfast promotion
Avocados From Mexico is partnering with the American Egg Board and Cholula Hot Sauce to create a winning breakfast for consumers.
This national all-star partnership is designed to encourage the usage of avocados for breakfast, promote nutritional benefits and increase consumption of avocados.
Coast Produce lures Jerry Wagner out of retirement
Jerry Wagner, who retired Aug. 9 as director of sales and marketing at Farmer's Best International LLC in Nogales, AZ, after 27 seasons with the company, has joined Los Angeles-based Coast Produce Inc. as vice president of business development.
Wagner told The Produce News Feb. 6 that he had a meeting last fall with John Dunn, owner of Coast Produce and Dunn asked "if I would lend a hand" in helping the company achieve some of its goals.
Colby Varley joins Drew-Massa Transportation
Salinas, CA-based Drew-Massa Transportation recently announced the hire of Colby Varley as transportation dispatcher.
JemD Farms’ new Virginia facility taking shape on schedule
On Jan. 23, Jim DiMenna, president of JemD Farms, headquartered in Kingsville, ON, told The Produce News that things were going according to plan and every detail was in good order in the development and construction of the company’s new Dublin, VA, [Pulaski County], greenhouse facility.
The company celebrated its groundbreaking on July 1, 2013.
Ecoripe featuring full line of Asian vegetables and green papaya
Ecoripe Tropicals in Medley, FL, carries a widely diverse line of Asian fruits and vegetables. The line was originally developed specifically for the wide range of Chinese, Indian, Hispanic and Southeast Asian cuisines, but these foods have become highly desired by mainstream foodies who want to experience new, interesting and flavorful dishes. As the interest and demand has increased in recent years, so too has Ecoripe’s lineup and operation.
California Avocado Commission establishes demonstration grove
More than 100 California avocado growers and industry stakeholders attended the California Avocado Commission's inaugural field day Jan. 23 at Pine Tree Ranch Demonstration Grove in Santa Paula, CA.
Following presentations by researchers from the University of California-Riverside, attendees toured the new grove and experienced in-field demonstrations of different pruning practices.
President Obama signs farm bill
President Obama signed the Agricultural Act of 2014 Feb. 7 at a ceremony at Michigan State University in East Lansing in an event hosted by Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), chairwoman of the Senate Agriculture Committee.
Big Red Tomato Packers recalling tomatoes due to risk of Salmonella
Big Red Tomato Packers LLC in Fort Pierce, FL, is voluntarily issuing a limited recall of 790 20- and 25-pound boxes of fresh tomatoes of lot 1106, because they may have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.
This is a voluntary precautionary recall as there are no known illnesses associated with this lot number.
Tomatoes from the lot were distributed to a limited number of receivers in Florida, North Carolina, Michigan, Minnesota, Pennsylvania and Tennessee. All receivers of the lot have been notified.