Third-generation family member joins Mann's marketing team
Cammie Ramsey recently joined the staff at Salinas, CA-based Mann Packing Co. as a marketing assistant.
Ramsey graduated from Arizona State University in 2010. After returning to Salinas she interned at Mann in several different departments, concluding her internship in the marketing department.
Sam Sleiman leaves Accu-Label to start LABELPAC Inc.
Sam Sleiman, former co-owner and founder of Accu-Label Inc. in Lakeshore, ON, recently sold his half interest in Accu-Label to start his own company, LABELPAC Inc., where he serves as sole owner and president.
Giorgio Fresh saw significant growth in organic mushrooms in 2013
The year 2013 was an extremely successful year for Giorgio Fresh in Temple, PA, and for its organic sales, which increased at double-digit rates, according to Bill Litvin, regional sales and national account manager for the company.
Fresno Food Expo announces open registration for 2014
The city of Fresno, in partnership with the Fresno Food Expo Advisory Committee, formally announced open registration for the 2014 Fresno Food Expo, which shifted its dates from March to July 24, 2014 to accommodate the more than 2,500 fresh produce growers and packers in the San Joaquin Valley accounting for an economic impact of $113.4 billion in 2012. The announcement was made Jan. 28 at the Fowler Packing facility.
HAB approves structural change to provide offshore representation
At its most recent board meeting in January, the Hass Avocado Board approved a recommendation that represents a significant organizational change giving a greater voice in official matters to offshore producers.
Farm bill heads to Senate after House approves compromise deal
WASHINGTON — The 2014 farm bill heads to the Senate after the House of Representatives approved the conference report Wednesday by a 251-166 vote.
Some members of the House, including Rep. Jim Costa (D-CA), cited the boost for specialty crop program as a reason he supported the nearly 1,000-page conference report during the debate on the House floor.
Plants take center stage in midst of winter
Old Man Winter has had an unusually strong grip on the country this year. While northerners were dealing with snow and brutally cold weather, plant growers from around the country gathered Jan. 22-24 in warm Fort Lauderdale, FL, for the annual Tropical Plant Industry Exhibition. It was an outstanding event that brought together growers, sellers and buyers from all over the world. We have the on-the-scene report of what took place, who the players were and a pictorial tour of the event.
Sweet potato volume down, prices holding
National sweet potato marketing conditions "are better than what it was a year ago," said Charlie Walker, executive secretary of the Columbia, SC-based U.S. Sweet Potato Council Inc. "The growers feel they ought to get more out of the market. Production is down and there is a concern there are not stronger prices."
National sweet potato production is down 6.4 percent from the 2012 crop, and prices on Jan. 23 were a dollar or two per carton above the same level of a year earlier, according to Walker.
Dulcinea Farms focusing on spring and summer production
Since its acquisition by Pacific Trellis on Jan. 1, Dulcinea Farms has turned its attention to spring and summer production for this year.
"Melon season has become a year-round business but there is such an increase in watermelon demand starting in May versus the winter months," John McGuigan, general manager of Dulcinea Farms, said in a press release. "It's important we kick off the season with strong quality and marketing promotions in place to support the largest volume year so far for Dulcinea."
Lisa Andrea Marquez named VP of sales for Sunrise Produce
Los Angeles-based Sunrise Produce Co. recently named Lisa Andrea Marquez vice president of sales.
Marquez joined the Sunrise sales team in 2010, and one year later became the director of sales. In her new as vice president of sales, Marquez will lead the company in sales, channel sales, marketing and overall customer service organization.