Sunburst Farms and Bernie Thiel earn 2013 Texas Vegetable Association Award of Merit
Anyone who knows Bernie Thiel knows he was born to farm. Anyone who doesn’t found out in August when Thiel and his Sunburst Farms near Lubbock, TX, were honored with the 2013 Texas Vegetable Association Award of Merit at the Texas Produce Convention in San Antonio.
Thiel typically attends the Texas Produce Convention alone. This year his entire family was on hand for the festivities. It was fortuitous timing.
“I could not ask for more,” Thiel said. “To have my whole family here is reward enough, but to be recognized by my peers is just really special.”
Winter Garden proprietor J Carnes walks the walk in race for state agriculture commissioner’s office
J Allen Carnes, proprietor of Winter Garden Produce in Uvalde, TX, has always walked the walk, not just talked the talk. Carnes grew up in a farming family and he has continued the tradition. But now he is stepping up his commitment to the industry, announcing Sept. 5 that he hopes to serve the state of Texas as its next commissioner of agriculture.
Diversity of The United Family serves the needs of Texans from all walks of life
Editor’s note: As The Produce News went to press it was announced that the United Family had been acquired by Albertsons LLC, which operates 76 stores in Texas and has plans to grow the United brand.
Lone Star Citrus continues to grow with innovation and new infrastructure
Entering its seventh season, Lone Star Citrus Growers of Mission, TX, continues to grow and innovate. Recent additions in the packinghouse and improvements in procedure will make the company even stronger and more efficient, said partner and Vice President of Sales Trent Bishop.
New leadership structure provides an infusion of youth, vision and ideas for Val Verde Vegetable Co.
Almost three decades ago, Frank J. Schuster founded Val Verde Vegetable Co., Inc. to sell the crops grown on his family farms in Alamo, TX. The company has since become a major grower, packer and shipper in the Rio Grande Valley and importer of fruits and vegetables from Mexican partners. Now, Val Verde is setting the stage for the next generation of vision and leadership with a new management team comprised of industry veteran Jed Murray as well as Frank’s sons, Kurt and Max Schuster.
Vision’s view from Texas still clear
Several years ago when the East and West Coast partners in the family of companies tied to Vision Produce Co. launched Vision Produce Partners of Texas LLC, the goal was clearly defined: the Texas company would help source Mexican product and expand their reach south of the border.
Ben Brittain, executive vice president and managing partner of the Pharr, TX, operation, recently told The Produce News that the goal has remained in focus and on target.
Loop and Lund transportation alliance expanding LTL deliveries into Northeast and Midwest
About a year ago, Loop Fresh Produce of McAllen, TX and the Allen Lund Co. of Los Angeles formed an alliance to meet the needs of mutual customers shipping product from south Texas. The partnership has proved so successful that Loop and Lund is already expanding its service areas.
This season LTL transportation services are focused on expansion into the Northeast and Midwest, in addition to major markets in the Southeast and Texas.
Ruiz Sales built upon strong foundation of integrity
Richard Ruiz, president and owner of Ruiz Sales in Edinburg, TX, a distributor of tropical items from Mexico, likes to play by the rules.
Cutting corners is not an option when it comes to doing business.
In fact, Ruiz has led by example when it comes to food safety and traceability, investing in systems that bring it into compliance, and calling out retailers and other suppliers who do not place the same emphasis on those factors.
“It is important for the entire produce industry to take responsibility for providing safe food that is traceable,” said Ruiz.
Tex Mex Sales, LLC, a two-generation produce company
In 1964, Marvin Davis came to Texas and launched a produce company, that turned out to be a success.
Today, Marvin and son Mike Davis head up Tex Mex Sales LLC in Weslaco, TX, which has become a top year-round supplier of red, white and sweet onions from the Davises’ own farms and those of grower partners.
Paramount Citrus shines its spotlight on Texas red grapefruit
Paramount Citrus, a grower, shipper and marketer of fresh citrus in North America, owns over 50,000 acres across California, Texas and Mexico.