Crops look good at Sakata Farms
Bob Sakata, president of Sakata Farms Inc. in Brighton, CO, said he is closely monitoring Colorado’s water situation. “We’re very fortunate right now,” he told The Produce News on June 24. “We have purchased surface water rights providing the river runs.”
Duda Farm Fresh Foods serving up ‘Dandy’ Celery Straws at expo
Nichole Towell, marketing development manager for Duda Farm Fresh Foods Inc., headquartered in Oviedo, FL, said that the company, a leading national grower, marketer and shipper of vegetables and fruits, including citrus, would be exhibiting at the Produce Marketing Association Foodservice Conference & Expo in Monterey, CA, July 26-28.
JemD Farms celebrates groundbreaking at Virginia greenhouse
Consistent growth, the desire to offer its customers an organic line of greenhouse vegetables and the locally grown trend are among the reasons why JemD Farms sought out the perfect place in the United States to construct it's new hydroponic greenhouse facility.
"Construction of the new high-tech Sun Farms' facility was announced March 15 during a press conference by Virginia Gov. Robert McDonnell," said DiMenna. "We broke ground on July 1, and we expect to be producing in Dublin in summer or fall 2014.
Future culinary influencers tour Well-Pict facilities and farms
Students from the world-renowned Culinary Institute of America toured Well-Pict's facilities and fields Friday, July 19, as part of the institute's Farm-to-Table program, which includes three weeks of farm tours of food producers across Northern and Central California.
Southern Specialties to begin shipments of Regal artichokes
Southern Specialties Inc., a grower, importer, processor and shipper of a variety of specialty products grown in Central America, South America, Mexico, Canada and the United States, announced that it would begin shipping its popular "Southern Selects" Regal artichokes the week of July 22.
Spartan Stores and Nash Finch merge
Spartan Stores Inc., a leading regional grocery distributor and retailer, and Nash Finch Co., one of the leading food distribution companies in the United States, have entered into a definitive merger agreement under which Spartan Stores and Nash Finch will combine in an all-stock merger valued at approximately $1.3 billion, including existing net debt at each company.
Ideal weather makes a nice crop of peaches from Sunny Valley International
“The New Jersey peach crop is expected to have a normal start this year,” Bob Von Rohr, director of customer relations for Sunny Valley International, headquartered in Glassboro, NJ, told The Produce News. “The normal winter chill and good moisture has combined to help ensure a nice crop this coming season.”
Von Rohr added that the peach trees had an outstanding bloom by around April 18 — and with a full crop set. He noted that Sunny Valley was expecting a great crop on track for its normal seasonal movement start during the week of July 8.
Country Fresh launching new products, touting new facility at expo
“We will have our full line of fresh whites, browns, exotics, and quick-blanch mushrooms on display at our booth, number 126, at the Produce Marketing Association Foodservice Conference & Expo,” said Bob Besix, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Country Fresh Mushroom Co. now headquartered in Toughkenamon, PA. “We moved into our new packing facility just outside Kennett Square in April of this year.”
Gourmet Trading names sales manager
Gourmet Trading Co., based in Los Angeles, announced the promotion of Kristen Francisco to sales manager.
Francisco is a 20-year career of the produce industry who has worked at several of the larger mainstream companies as well as a few specialty companies.
South African summer citrus plays lead role in Mandela International Day
The growers of South Africa summer citrus joined with the United Nations and the South African Consulate General of New York to celebrate Nelson Mandela International Day July 18, which was Nelson Mandela's birthday.
"As South Africans, we are proud that Mr. Mandela set an example to make the world a better place for everyone," Suhanra Conradie, chief executive officer of the Western Cape Citrus Producers Forum, said in a press release. "It is a privilege to export our fine fruit to the U.S. and around the world, and an equal privilege that our fruit can honor Mr. Mandela."