Avocados From Mexico and its CEO part ways
NEW ORLEANS -- When the Mexican Hass Avocados Importer Association and the Avocado Producers & Exporting Packers Association of Michoacán formed a new joint promotional organization earlier this year, they sought out an experienced leader to become chief executive officer.
Their search led to Tim O’Connor, the longtime CEO of the U.S. Potato Board, based in Denver. He took the helm of the group in April and oversaw the official launch of AFM in July.
PMA Foundation's Young Professionals Reception
The PMA Foundation for Industry Talent held its Young Professionals Reception Oct. 18 in New Orleans, one of the day's many events. The reception was a networking opportunity for industry members 35 years old and younger, and included many graduates from the PMA Foundation's Emerging Leaders Program.
Guest chef to help Village Farms celebrate 25 years in business
Village Farms, a grower and marketer of premium hydroponic greenhouse-grown produce, is marking 25 years in business during the PMA Fresh Summit in New Orleans and will be joined by Chef Darren Brown from Fairmont Pacific Rim as guest chef.
Jensens sue Primus in tainted cantaloupe case
Eric and Ryan Jensen, owners and operators of the defunct Jensen Farms in Granada, CO, have filed a lawsuit against Primus Labs alleging that the agricultural producer was given faulty advice by the inspector who reviewed their facility’s operations.
J&J Produce unveiling new company name and image at PMA Fresh Summit
J&J Produce, a grower and distributor of Bell peppers, cucumbers, squash, tomatoes and eggplant based in Loxahatchee, FL, has changed its name to J&J Family of Farms and transformed its corporate brand image.
Red River Valley potato harvest running late in 2013
A delayed Red River Valley red potato crop was very late in revealing itself. But by Oct. 3, about 50 percent of the shipping district’s crop had been harvested, according to Ted Kreis, the marketing director of the Northern Plains Potato Growers Association in East Grand Forks, MN.
Datepac launches bite-size snackable date packaging at Fresh Summit
Datepac, packer and marketer of the "Natural Delights" brand of Medjool dates and date products, will introduce the newest member of its Snack Pack line at the 2013 Fresh Summit.
Developed to meet the needs of today’s health-conscious and busy consumer, the all new Coconut Date Clusters and Almond Date Clusters are convenient, bite-sized cousins to Natural Delights' already-popular date roll snack products.
Southern Specialties expanding microwavable line
“Southern Specialties is in the process of creating an extension to our popular microwavable specialty lineup, all under the popular ‘Southern Selects’ brand,” Charlie Eagle, vice president of business development for Southern Specialties, headquartered in Pompano Beach, FL, told The Produce News. “The line additions will include a French bean medley, which is a blend of green and yellow beans. And our play on the ever-popular peas and carrots will include hand-peeled baby carrots and sugar snap peas.”
Brooks Tropicals promoting top-specialty tropical fruits and vegetables
At the Produce Marketing Association Fresh Summit in New Orleans, Oct. 18-20, Brooks Tropicals LLC, headquartered in Homestead, FL, will be promoting the company’s solutions for the rapidly growing category of tropical fruits and vegetables.
“Specialties include Caribbean Red papayas, ‘SlimCado’ avocados, Persian limes, Florida starfruit and Uniq Fruit,” said Mary Ostlund, director of marketing for the company.”
Superior Sales staff expands presence in Southeast with industry veteran leadership
Andrew Scott is looking forward to doing a little preaching at the Produce Marketing Association’s Fresh Summit in New Orleans, Oct. 18-20. For the past two decades, the industry has known Scott as a go-to produce guy in Atlanta and in recent years for his leadership role in the Southeast Produce Council, which he currently serves as president.