Grower Direct Marketing kicks off the Chilean blueberry deal
Grower Direct Marketing LLC. is distributing fresh Chilean blueberries to retailers throughout the United States. The 2013-14 blueberry deal began this October with the first shipments of blueberries from Chile being distributed by Grower Direct.
Eco Farms’ Mexican program is much the same as prior year
Although Mexican avocado shipments to the United States have been increasing nearly every year — and with it the volume of Mexican fruit handled by Eco Farms Avocados Inc. in Temecula, CA — President Steve Taft expects the volume for the 2013-14 season to be similar to what it was the prior year, or perhaps up just a little. Yields per acre could be a bit lighter, but with additional acreage certified for export to the United States, overall volume could be up a bit.
Index Fresh’s Mexican program continues to grow at 10 to 15 percent per year
“We have been growing in Mexico at a nice steady pace and will continue to grow at that pace, probably around 10 to 15 percent a year,” said Dana Thomas, president of Index Fresh Inc. in Riverside, CA, Oct. 21. “Our plan will be to continue with that.”
San Francisco market breaks ground on expansion
On Tuesday, Nov. 5, the San Francisco Wholesale Produce Market held a ceremonial groundbreaking event for market tenants on the first phase of a 10-year renovation project that will ultimately expand the market by 200,000 square feet.
USDA anticipates Florida orange crop to decrease
The U.S. Department of Agriculture issued its initial forecast pegging the 2013-14 Florida orange crop at 125 million boxes, down 6 percent from last season.
The USDA estimated early-mid varieties at 58 million, down from 67.1 million at the end of last season, while the Valencia orange total is at 67 million boxes compared to 66.5 million in 2012-13.
Joseph G. Procacci to be honored with United Fresh Lifetime Achievement Award
The United Fresh Produce Association will honor Joseph G. (Joe) Procacci with its Lifetime Achievement Award during its 2014 Winter Leadership Meetings this January at the Trump National Doral Resort in Miami. The award will be presented Jan. 21 at the Produce Legends Dinner, an annual event hosted by the United Fresh Foundation to recognize a career of lasting achievement in the produce industry. The evening will support the foundation’s programs that are investing in the next generation to increase their produce consumption.
Kroger's $150 million capital investment in Dallas-Fort Worth
Kroger is expanding its presence in one of the largest metropolitan regions in the United States. Over the next 24 months, Kroger will invest $150 million in north Texas to build five new Marketplace stores and to expand three locations, along with opening multiple fuel centers and remodeling existing properties.
The growth initiative will create more than 1,700 full- and part-time career opportunities that offer competitive pay, healthcare plans, retirement options, product discounts and other incentives.
Jimmy Kimmel, Adam Carolla honor Hronis
During Prima Notte, the gala event preceding the this year's San Gennaro Feast of Los Angeles, members of the Hronis family and staff were invited onto the Jimmy Kimmel Live stage in recognition for Delano-based Hronis Inc.’s support of the 11th annual event, Sept. 27-29, and the company's generous donation to The San Gennaro Foundation, which benefits underprivileged and homeless children in Southern California.
FPAA's 45th annual convention
The Fresh Produce Association of the Americas kicked off its 45th annual convention with an opening reception Nov. 7 at the Tubac Golf Resort in Tubac, AZ. The reception drew a capacity crowd, which feasted on southwestern food and drinks while reconnecting in a festive atmosphere. The convention also features a golf tournament Nov. 8 followed by a closing gala, where the FPAA Pillars of the Industry will be announced.
Mission Produce hires new director of global logistics
Mission Produce Inc., based in Oxnard CA, has hired Jose Maldonado as its new director of global logistics.