Walmart announcement gives big boost to PTI concept
The recent announcement by Walmart that its produce suppliers have to be compliant with the Produce Traceability Initiative by the end of the year should give the concept the impetus it needs to become the industry standard sooner rather than later. At least that is the view of several industry observers who are well versed on the subject.
Four Seasons earns sustainability award
Four Seasons Produce Inc., a leading wholesaler of top-quality organic and conventional fruits and vegetables based in Ephrata, PA, has been named the 2013 Green Plus Sustainable Enterprise Award winner. The award recognizes Four Seasons Produce as a leader in sustainable business practices among companies in the United States.
Well-Pict Berries launches new and improved website
Well-Pict Berries, known for innovation in growing methods and crop varieties, is continuing its forward-thinking theme with the launch of its new website.
Growing California video series wins two Telly Awards
The Growing California video series, a partnership betweeen CDFA and California Grown produced in association with California State University-Sacramento, has been recognized with two 2013 Telly Awards, a video competition now in its 34th year.
The two segments that won, “Chef’s Guide” and “Free-Spirit Farmer,” were honored in the category of Online Video – Information.
Chelan Fresh cherry season hitting stride at halfway point
Though some of the Northwest’s early cherries, particularly in the Rainier variety, saw diminished production due to weather conditions, Chelan Fresh Marketing has promotable volume and quality of peak-season reds.
“We are now shipping beautiful fruit, and some of our very best cherries are still to come,” Mac Riggan, Chelan Fresh director of marketing, said in a July 9 press release.
Retail View: Could Kroger acquisition signal new cycle of mergers?
The Kroger Co. announced July 9 that it has agreed to acquire Harris Teeter Supermarkets for about $2.5 billion, which has led some to speculate that a round of supermarket acquisitions may be in the offing.
Retail mergers seem to be cyclical, and in the past, one merger often seemed to beget another.
FoodLink sees increasing demand for PTI solution
FoodLink, a leader in supply chain and commerce solutions for the fresh food industry, announced a series of new customers that have selected its FoodLink PTI supply chain traceability solution for fresh produce.
Retail grocers are requiring new levels information about the origin and history of the fresh food they sell. As a result, growers and shippers of fresh produce are turning to solutions such as FoodLink to simplify compliance with new industry standards for labeling and tracking the food they grow and transport.
New water plan seeks to preserve Colorado’s agricultural heritage
On May 14, Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper signed Executive Order D2013-005, directing the Colorado Water Conservation Board to begin work on Colorado’s first water plan “written by Coloradans, for Coloradans.” Under the executive order, the board will submit a draft plan to the governor’s office no later than Dec. 10, 2014. A final plan is to be submitted no later than Dec. 10, 2015.
Rain doesn’t dampen enthusiasm for Turek Farms
Jason Turek, partner at Turek Farms in Kings Ferry, NY, said things are a bit damp in upstate New York. “It’s rainy and blah here,” he said. “We had a tropical storm that dumped a lot of rain. Some of the crops have wet feet right now.”
Turek Farms, a multi-generational grower and shipper of fresh vegetables, is located in New York’s Finger Lakes region. Grower operations are also situated in Delaware and Florida. “The vegetable business started with my father, grandfather and uncle in the late ‘60s,” said Turek, who is a member of the family’s fourth generation in the business.
Jimmy Coppola joins Westmoreland as key account manager
Westmoreland Sales/TopLine, headquartered in Leamington, Ontario, recently announced that Jimmy Coppola has joined the firm as key account manager.
“I will be helping with our current portfolio of partners as well as seeking out that ‘next great partnership,’” Coppola said. “My tasks also include working on our marketing endeavors with input from our entire organization.”
TopLine is one of the largest greenhouse producers, packers and shippers in North America. It is completely grower owned and therefore, Coppola noted, dealing direct with the grower cannot get any easier.