SPC fall conference gets under way with opening reception
MYRTLE BEACH, SC — Over 200 people attended the Southeast Produce Council's "Get Acquainted Cocktail Reception" Thursday evening, Sept. 26, officially kicking off the council's 2014 fall conference, according to SPC Executive Director Terry Vorhees.
Close to 285 people were expected during this year's annual event, held Sept. 25-28, here, at the Myrtle Beach Marriott Resort & Spa at Grand Dunes.
SPC fall conference opening reception
MYRTLE BEACH, SC — Over 200 people attended the Southeast Produce Council's "Get Acquainted Cocktail Reception" Thursday evening, Sept. 26, officially kicking off the council's 2014 fall conference, according to SPC Executive Director Terry Vorhees.
{2jtoolbox gallery id:35}
Formal charges filed against Jensens in Listeria outbreak
Brothers Eric and Ryan Jensen each face up to one year in prison and a fine of $250,000 per charge if convicted of six misdemeanor charges of introducing adulterated food into interstate commerce and aiding and abetting.
The brothers, ages 37 and 33 respectively, were the owners and operators of the now-defunct Jensen Farms, a cantaloupe farm directly connected to an outbreak of Listeria that killed 33 people and sickened another 147 people in the United States in 2011.
Mastronardi named PMA Impact Award finalist
Product and packaging innovation are at the forefront again this year at the upcoming annual PMA Fresh Summit, and greenhouse grower-marketer Mastronardi Produce Ltd., based in Kingsville, ON, was recently named a finalist in PMA's Impact Award competition for its Top Seal packaging entry.
Creative tomato varieties and packaging join organics for Blue Creek offerings
CHICAGO — “Next year is our 10th year,” Roger Riehm said of the company he owns. “That’s a good milestone for us” at Blue Creek Produce LLC, based in St. Charles, IL.
The longevity reflects “our working relationship with growers in Mexico, and our customer base is growing.” Blue Creek succeeded “from the get-go by providing what the customer wants.”
There is an ongoing need to be creative and serve those evolving needs. What Blue Creek develops to suit demand are tomatoes with customized packs and specialty colors, shapes and sizes.
EveryDay builds ethnic segment into a thriving business
CHICAGO — Small building blocks can lead to long-term success.
Steve Chmelovsky Jr., general manager of operations for EveryDay Fresh Produce Inc., located amid the Chicago International Produce Market, said EveryDay enjoys a pretty steady business. The company has a niche in ethnic specialties that doesn’t see a demand waiver like what may exist for traditional produce items.
Del Monte Fresh launches 'Gold for Gold' pineapple promotion
Del Monte Fresh Produce N.A. Inc., based in Coral Gables, FL, has launched a first-of-its-kind pineapple promotion called "Gold for Gold."
This consumer promotion encourages U.S. and Canadian grocery shoppers to enjoy Del Monte Gold Extra Sweet Pineapples and participate in the sweepstakes for a chance to win 24-carat gold bars and other fun prizes.
Kroger CEO to retire, successor named
David B. Dillon, 62, a 37-year Kroger veteran who has been serving as chief executive officer since 2003, will retire as CEO on Jan. 1, 2014, while continuing to serve as chairman of the board. Dillon will serve as chairman through Dec. 31, 2014.
'Magical' produce displays at Albertsons Southern California stores
Albertsons Southern California Division created magical in-store displays to highlight the robust selection of "Disney" brand California-grown fruits.
Each store created a custom display for the "Disney" brand fruit and competed among one another to win an assortment of prizes.
Ocean Spray expects good cranberry harvest
Ocean Spray Cranberries Inc., a grower-owned cooperative based in Lakeville-Middleboro, MA, announced its latest estimate for the 2013 cranberry crop, with the harvest just under way.
Providing conditions stay as expected, Ocean Spray believes the global industry crop will range between 11.1 million and 11.5 million barrels, coming in close to the 2012 global industry crop of 11.2 million barrels.