Growth in new grape varieties, switch to all gusseted bags are big changes at Hronis
There are two major changes at Hronis Inc. in Delano, CA, for the 2013 grape season, according to Pete Hronis, vice president of sales and marketing.
One is a major increase to new varieties, which is “quite an amazing change,” he told The Produce News. “Number two, we are now 100 percent in what they call the handle bag or stand-up gusseted bag,” which makes it “easier for the consumers to pick up the grapes and continue on their way.” That has been “the other big change for us here at Hronis.”
Stemilt's Kyle Mathison named organic farmer of the year
The Organic Trade Association, based in Brattleboro, VT, has named Kyle Mathison, Stemilt Growers co-owner and grower, as its Organic Farmer of the Year for 2013.
Mathison, 60, farms apples, pears and cherries on Stemilt Hill in Wenatchee, WA, and also has cherry farms in Bakersfield, CA, and Chile. He has been farming fruit organically since the late 1980s and was one of the first organic growers to use an integrated organic program in his orchards. He also deploys innovative farming techniques, such as the use of fish oil and compost, in order to grow his fruit.
Fresh Grocer joins Wakefern as 50th co-op member
The Fresh Grocer, an eight-store chain owned and operated by Patrick J. Burns, will be joining Wakefern Food Corp. as its 50th cooperative member.
The Fresh Grocer has six stores in Pennsylvania, one in Wilmington, DE, and one in New Brunswick, NJ. Burns brings with him 25 years of experience in the supermarket industry and 17 years serving as the president and chief executive officer of The Fresh Grocer.
Strawberry Commission: One-third of the year's volume yet to come
Weather is always the caveat in agriculture, and that is particularly true on the shoulders of the strawberry season, either early or late. This year, according to Carolyn O'Donnell, marketing director for the California Strawberry Commission in Watsonville, CA, weather took its toll on the early season in Southern California. Since then, “the weather has been really great." Coastal growing areas have escaped the extreme heat felt farther inland this summer.
FDA releases two new food-safety rules that show food importation changes
WASHINGTON — Importers along with food companies will have to share the responsibility of food safety for the first time under far-reaching food import regulations proposed July 26 by the Food & Drug Administration.
The FDA released two long-awaited proposals to implement FDA Food Safety Modernization Act that will change the importation of foods.
Shaw's to close six New Hampshire stores
Shaw’s announced it will be closing six stores throughout New Hampshire no later than Sept. 2, 2013. The company stated that it does not have any current plans to close additional stores, but this news comes a few weeks after Shaw's announced six other store closings in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
Lee Daneshavske working with West Pak Avocado
Murrieta, CA-based West Pak Avocado welcomed LEE DANESHAVSKE as its first intern for a new summer program launched this year.
Community support, industry commitment hallmarks at Western Fumigation
Western Fumigation, headquartered in Parsippany, NJ, has long been a supporter of the health and vibrancy of the ports of the Delaware River and communities in which business is conducted. “As the largest company in the fumigation business, Western has a sense of commitment and social responsibility,” said Business Development Manager Miriam Borja-Fisher, who is also the company’s marketing expert. “Supporting the Delaware River community has been a consistent part of Western’s business philosophy since its inception.
Fruit Royale has increases in several varieties for the late season
Fruit Royale Inc. in Delano, CA, has increased several grape varieties this year, mostly for the latter part of the deal, according to Louie Galvan, a partner in the company.
The harvest in the San Joaquin Valley got off to an early start for Fruit Royale this year. “We are exactly 14 days ahead of where we were last year,” Galvan told The Produce News. “Currently we are harvesting Flames and Summer Royals and we are going to start Princess by the end of the week and Red Globes the next week.”
Volume feeders give suppliers tips at Monterey conference
A chefs panel made up of three representatives from the volume feed sector of foodservice discussed how produce suppliers can make their jobs easier at the Produce Marketing Association Foodservice Conference in Monterey, July 26-28.