J&J Produce hires new employees to accommodate recent growth and expansion
J&J Produce, which specializes in growing cucumbers, Bell peppers, squash, tomatoes and eggplant, has recently hired several new employees in the areas of operations, sales and food safety. The additions will help the company as it continues to grow and expand to a national platform.
New Jersey’s fall 2013 produce industry outlook
The 2013 fall produce season is under way and should be highlighted by good quantities of high-quality produce available for wholesale and retail purchase. To understand our fall season, one needs to take a look at the extraordinary weather that our farmers have had to deal with to produce our fall crops. This is the fourth season in a row that extraordinary weather has had a major effect on our season.
Larger apple crops create export opportunities
With expectations that the volume of Washington's annual apple crop will continue to increase in the future, the industry is recognizing the importance that development of export markets will hold in moving product into the pipeline. Todd Fryhover, president of the Washington Apple Commission, told The Produce News, "Washington is going to have to increase its export opportunities by 10-15 percent. This is an interesting year. We somewhat have our finger on the pulse."
QPMA's 66th annual convention a success
Montreal — The 66th annual Quebec Produce Marketing Association Convention was held Aug. 22-24 in Montreal at the Sheraton Hotel, and the event included excellent networking and learning opportunities.
Mann Packing hires new director of marketing and innovation
Mann Packing Co. hired Kim St George as the company’s new director of marketing and innovation.
Major update for United Family’s second-oldest Market Street
A major update of The United Family’s second-oldest Market Street location got under way Aug. 26. The project marks the first significant remodel of the store since its opening in January 2000.
Barring unforeseen delays the remodeling effort should be complete by Nov. 1.
The store will see a floor-to-ceiling makeover in the coming weeks, according to Wes Jackson, chief merchandising officer for The United Family.
Castle Rock sees fall season setting up for excellent quality
The weather in the Central Valley of California this growing season has been ideal for grapes, and the season “has really set up beautifully for what we are seeing is going to be … an excellent pick and excellent quality” for the fall harvest, said Jim Llano, sales manager at Castle Rock Vineyards in Richgrove, CA, in an interview with The Produce News Aug. 9.
“We are excited about the quality. We are excited about the condition. We are excited, certainly, with the size as well … so really this past month has been I deal for the industry,” he said.
Empire Grape Co. readies for first fall season with two resurrected labels
Empire Grape Co. LLC in Dinuba, CA, is a new marketing entity formed in February by Peter Vallis, who has been involved in growing grapes since childhood and is a former partner in Farmer’s Fresh Fruit Co., and his wife, Demitra Vallis.
Handling sales for Empire Grape are Jay Stover, who was also previously with Farmer’s Fresh and prior to that spent 10 years at Fazio Marketing Inc., and Susan Lucas, who has been in the produce business for 30 years.
Chiquita appoints Courtney Parker as VP of food safety and quality
Chiquita Brands International, Inc. announced the appointment of Courtney Parker as vice president of food safety and quality.
Parker will have responsibility for Chiquita’s Fresh Express salad quality assurance and quality control programs, as well as global responsibility to serve as Chiquita’s primary liaison to regulatory agencies and other industry stakeholders, coordinating cross-functionally for the company’s bananas and salads business units.
Western Growers hires Jeff Janas as communications manager
Western Growers has appointed Jeff Janas as its new communications manager in its Irvine, CA, office.
Janas comes to WG from Arizona, where he served as vice president of public affairs and communication at the Arizona Charter Schools Association. He has extensive experience in government and communications, having served previously as an appointee at the Ohio Department of Insurance in former Ohio Gov. George Voinovich’s administration and for 11 years as a congressional staffer at the U.S. House of Representatives.