Dawson shipping Orleans
Delhi, LA-based Dawson Farms LLC is now producing the Orleans, a sweet potato variety that has a slightly redder skin than the similar Beauregard variety.
The Orleans is not stringy and is so sweet that sugar caramelizes on potatoes that have been baked, with one puncture at their top, said sales manager and family-farm member Eva Dawson.
The quality of the sweet potato crop at Dawson Farms is “fantastic, which is a blessing, but it’s a tad bit late,” Dawson noted.
Country Fresh to unveil environmentally friendly packaging at PMA Fresh Summit
Kirk Wilson, the newly appointed regional sales manager for Country Fresh Mushroom Co. headquartered in Toughkenamon, PA, said the company has continued its efforts to provide its partners with the freshest product and innovative packaging.
“Whether it is our soon-to-be unveiled environmentally friendly packaging, or our convenient ‘Personal Portion Portabella,’ we encourage all visitors to the PMA [Produce Marketing Association] Fresh Summit to look for these and other exciting items at the Country Fresh booth, number 1607,” Wilson said.
Gonzalo Avila promoted to CEO of Malena Produce
Gonzalo Avila, previously vice president and general manager of Malena Produce Inc. in Nogales, AZ, has been named chief executive officer.
Industry Viewpoint: Sorting through organic and natural
Never have there been so many choices in the produce aisle. New pack sizes, new varieties and fresh cuts have multiplied. With many available in both conventional and organic labels, it’s a good time to sort through what “organic” and “natural” mean, and their continuing marketing implications.
River Ranch to cease operations in November
River Ranch Fresh Foods, a grower-shipper-processor of fresh vegetables based in Salinas, CA, will cease operations, effective Nov. 8.
After successful second season, Goldew expansion is around the corner
With its second season winding down, Peppadew Gold peppers, produced by Peppadew Fresh LLC in Morganville, NJ, are poised to see an increase in production in the Garden State, with a future goal of expanding to other growing districts.
Pierre Crawley, managing director of the company, said the affiliation with the "Jersey Fresh" program and the Shop Rite supermarket chain, owned by Wakefern Food Corp. in Elizabeth, NJ, has been a great boost to the product this year.
Harris Teeter shareholders approve merger with Kroger
Harris Teeter Supermarkets announced that Harris Teeter's shareholders voted overwhelmingly to approve the previously announced agreement and plan of merger, dated July 8, among Harris Teeter, Hornet Acquisition Inc. and The Kroger Co.
Approximately 98.6 percent of the votes cast were in favor of the merger agreement, representing approximately 82.5 percent of Harris Teeter's outstanding common stock as of Aug. 22, 2013, the record date for the special meeting.
California Avocado Commission spices up Fresh Summit plans
The California Avocado Commission is putting the finishing touches on its plans for the Produce Marketing Association's Fresh Summit Oct. 18-20 in New Orleans. CAC communications will focus on California avocado proximity to the U.S. market and the commission's marketing programs to support retail sales growth.
Philip George Boskovich, co-founder of Boskovich Farms, dies at 97
Philip George Boskovich, co-founder of Boskovich Farms, died Sept. 30 at his home in Westlake Village, CA. He was two days shy of his 98th birthday.
FPFC launches apprentice program
The Fresh Produce & Floral Council has begun a new apprentice program designed to train and develop the next generation of leaders in the fresh produce and floral industry. The nine-month program, commencing in May and concluding at the FPFC's 2015 Dinner Dance, will include tours, seminars and panel discussions.
"Developing the next generation of industry leaders is a priority for the board," FPFC President Carissa Mace said in a press release. "We've been discussing different avenues toward that goal and the apprenticeship program is what has evolved."