MountainKing rolls out Steakhouse Roasters
Crispy, wedge-cut fries served in America's finest steakhouses are now making their way to kitchen tables as younger, health-conscious shoppers are seeking a fresher alternative to saturated fat-ridden frozen french fries.
MountainKing, based in Houston, has introduced its new Steakhouse Roasters, a slender, thin skin, tubular-shaped fresh potato variety that doesn't require peeling and cooks up fast to create steakhouse-quality, oven-baked wedge fries.
Fire at Hunts Point damages Mendez International Tropical Foods facility
A Nov. 20 fire at the Hunts Point market in the Bronx, NY, began at Mendez International Tropical Foods Inc., which occupies units 158 through 162 in Row A of the market.
The fire broke out shortly after 11 a.m. and quickly escalated into a four-alarm blaze.
The first alarm reached firefighters at 11:15. They had to force their way into the building due to a steel beam that blocked their path to the source of the blaze, ultimately causing them to retreat to their fire ladders to fight the flames.
FreshPoint to pay $4.2 million for overcharging Defense Department
Houston-based FreshPoint Inc. has agreed to pay $4.2 million to resolve allegations it overcharged the Defense Department for fresh fruit and vegetable purchases after the government was tipped off about the fraud case through a whistleblower lawsuit.
Owned by Sysco Corp, FreshPoint is a leading distributor that operates 31 distribution facilities throughout the United States and western Canada. The government contracts at issue were awarded to East Coast Fruit Co. but later performed by FreshPoint when the company acquired East Coast in 2007.
‘Lil Snapper’ a big deal at retail for Stemilt Growers
The “Lil Snapper” brand of apples, pears and citrus created by Stemilt Growers LLC continues to provide retailers with ongoing opportunities to boost sales while helping children eat more healthily. “The big deal is still our ‘Lil Snapper’ line,” Director of Marketing Roger Pepperl told The Produce News. “We are really pushing the Gala/Navel mixed bag for Thanksgiving and Christmas. We are lining up a lot of customer demand for this bag and feel it will be a homerun.”
Christopher Ranch announces relocation of Northeast facility
Anthony M. DeAngelis, director, Northeast Division for Christopher Ranch, headquartered in Gilroy, CA, told The Produce News that the company recently relocated its Northeast facility to 78 Mayfield Ave., but it is still in Raritan Center in Edison, NJ.
Fire breaks out at Hunts Point market
A four-alarm blaze occurred the morning of Nov. 20 at the Hunts Point market in the Bronx, NY. The blaze started at 11 a.m.
About 200 firefighters were on the scene, with reports of four firefighters suffering minor injuries.
Hunts Point officials said operations were expected to continue normally, according to a NBC News report.
C&K Market files Chapter 11, plans to emerge in 2014
C&K Market Inc. has filed a voluntary petition for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection to address legacy costs, sell or close underperforming stores and resolve debt issues. C&K’s operations are expected to continue as normal throughout the bankruptcy process as it develops a reorganization plan.
Jensen brothers meet with Listeria victims, families
An off-the-record meeting between the owners of Jensen Farms in Holly, CO, and the families of victims of a 2011 Listeria outbreak took place Nov. 19 at the federal courthouse in Denver.
The families and relatives of all victims affected by the outbreak were invited. Attorney William Marler said only a handful of the victims were in attendance at the meeting.
Representatives from the stores that sold the contaminated fruit and inspectors who reviewed operations at Jensen Farms facilities were not invited to the meeting.
Vidalia onion growers support new mandatory pack and ship date
Vidalia onion growers have spent decades building their product’s name and reputation. Now, they are making moves to protect that image. Beginning with the 2014 season, no Vidalia onions will be packed or shipped before 12:01 a.m. on the Monday of the last full week of April each year, which will be April 21 for the upcoming season.
In recent years, some growers have rolled the season start back earlier and earlier, a move that others believe has been putting lesser quality early season onions on the market.
Peatland Reds goes year-round; offers wild rice
Peatland Reds, Inc., located in Trail, MN, has expanded to offer customers year-round supplies of red, russet and Yukon potatoes, according to Dennis Magnell, general manager and part owner.
Magnell said the firm has diversified to serving retailers and thus is offering a wider range of retail packs in paper and poly bags.