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.
Village Farms’ ‘Texas Grown’ concept sprouted from consumer demand for local produce
“Village Farms International’s ‘Texas Grown’ concept sprouted from the growing consumer interest in locally sourced fruits and vegetables,” said Helen L. Aquino, marketing manager for the Eatontown, NJ-based leading greenhouse grower. “Consumers want to understand where their food is grown while supporting their local farmers. In Texas, consumers also have a unique allegiance to not only locally grown, but also to a sense of place or ‘locale.’”
Ocean Mist Farms promotes two staff
Ocean Mist Farms, a leading grower of artichokes and other fresh vegetables, recently announced two new staff promotions.
Afreen Malik was promoted to director of technical services, and Arlin Valenzuela will be the company’s quality assurance manager.
In Malik's new role, she will be responsible for Ocean Mist Farms’ food safety, quality assurance and sustainability initiatives
QR technology connects consumers to Wholesum Harvest
Wholesum Family Farms has unveiled a new mobile web page utilizing quick response codes, or QR codes, as part of its strategy to help consumers make healthy food decisions wherever they are — at the grocery store, at home or on the go. This new tool follows closely the recent addition of short kitchen tip videos on YouTube and Pinterest.
Spice World’s organic ‘Squeeze Garlic’ taking off in a major way
Spice World, a leading producer of garlic and other spices and herbs, is 100 percent vertically integrated with its own seed program.
Louis Hymel, director of purchasing and marketing for the Orlando, FL-based company said it has offered an organic line for over a decade.
“Our organic line includes a variety of sizes, packages and value-added garlic,” said Hymel. “We offer bulk, fresh in cello or mesh bags, peeled, ready-to-use jarred garlic and, of course, our now very popular ‘Squeeze Garlic,’ all in both conventional and organic options.”
USA Onions 'Grill-Off' gives tailgaters plenty to cheer for
In anticipation of the competition between Boise State Broncos and Air Force Academy Falcons at BSU Bronco Stadium on Friday, Sept. 13, teams representing Boise State ROTC and nearby Mountain Home Air Force Base will come together in a fierce but friendly battle in the second “Grill-Off” sponsored by USA Onions.