Pure Flavor unveiling new eco-friendly packaging
Pure Flavor, a leading and innovative greenhouse produce company, has unveiled a new version of its Aurora Bites Mini Peppers and Beefsteak Slicer Tomatoes packaging and design.
USDA terminates plan for national leafy greens marketing agreement
The U.S. Department of Agriculture will announce Dec. 5 that it is terminating plans for a national leafy greens marketing agreement in light of the new food-safety regulations that have been proposed by the Food & Drug Administration.
The scant, seven-page notice, which will appear in the Federal Register, ends the four-year journey for a national leafy greens handling agreement that started when Western Growers Association and other trade groups petitioned FDA on June 10, 2009, before the Food Safety Modernization Act was enacted.
'Growing Smiles, Sharing Goodness' gains momentum in the Northeast
Turbana’s Growing Smiles, Sharing Goodness movement has gained momentum over the last few months. The Coral Gables, FL-based company kicked off the movement in August 2013 on its Facebook and Twitter pages, encouraging individuals to eat healthy, be active and get more involved in their communities.
Kroger continues to invest in new stores, remodels
This past year Kroger invested $71 million in the Cincinnati area, opening three new stores, performing major remodels at four locations and opening six new fuel centers. The company anticipates investing significantly more money in the area for 2014.
At this point the only two projects that have been approved are a new store in Florence, OH, expected to open in the spring and a major remodel at its Mt. Zion, OH, location.
Market Fresh Produce hires general manager for Florida division
Market Fresh Produce hired Windsor (Windy) Hall as general manager for Market Fresh Produce-Florida.
River Point eyeing facilities upgrades
Owners at River Point Farms, America’s largest onion producer headquartered in Hermiston, OR, are moving forward with a new business plan including major improvements at the company’s facilities. “We are currently focused on substantial equipment and facility upgrades to be completed over the next 18 to 24 months,” President and Chief Executive Officer Bob Hale told The Produce News.
Nebraska grower supplies local/regional onion market
Located just outside Kearney, NE, M&J Farms provides retailers and foodservice operators locally grown Spanish sweet onions that are hand-sorted and shipped either by bulk or in 50-pound bags.
New pilot program allows grapes and blueberries from Peru and Uruguay into south Florida ports
There could be some major benefits for southern receivers of fresh produce from offshore countries resulting from a new six-month pilot program that kicked off Oct. 1.
The program allows for the clearance of cold-treatment perishables, such as blueberries and grapes from Peru and Uruguay, through south Florida.
California citrus growers prepare for possible hard freeze
The National Weather Service in Hanford, CA, has issued a hard freeze watch for the central and southern San Joaquin Valley of California effective Wednesday night, Dec. 4, through Friday Morning, Dec. 6. Low temperatures are expected to range from 22 to 27 degrees Fahrenheit in most rural areas, which is cold enough to cause damage to citrus crops.
Roundy's to acquire 11 Dominick's stores from Safeway
Roundy’s Inc. has signed a definitive agreement to acquire 11 Dominick’s stores from Safeway Inc. in a $36 million cash and lease assumption transaction. The stores will be converted to the Mariano’s banner, Roundy’s growth banner, in the Chicago metropolitan area.