Increasing N.J. peach production and demand are a vote of confidence
On June 28, Pegi Adam, communication consulting director for the New Jersey Peach Promotion Council in Clayton, NJ, told The Produce News that as soon as New Jersey peaches hit the market in late June and early July, the demand shoots up immediately.
Adam added that this spring has seen large new plantings, especially in Gloucester, Salem and Cumberland Counties.
All details in place for another outstanding PMA Foodservice Expo
The Produce Marketing Association Foodservice Conference & Expo, which is held annually in Monterey, CA, is July 26-28 this year. Exhibitors and visitors alike are in store for another venue stuffed full of events to keep them busy throughout the entire weekend.
The show opens Friday, July 26 at 6:45 a.m. with the Joe Nucci Memorial Golf Tournament. The tournament features advice from golf pro Jason Owen and a chance to win $10,000 in the hole-in-one contest. Golfers also have a great opportunity to network with other industry members. Shotgun start is at 8 a.m.
BJ's names C.H. Robinson Perishable Vendor of the Year
Citing innovation, collaboration and creativity, BJ's Wholesale Club presented C.H. Robinson Worldwide Inc. with its Perishable Vendor of the Year Award.
Southern Specialties set for strong BC blueberry season
Southern Specialties, a grower, importer, processor and shipper of a variety of specialty products grown in Central America, South America, Mexico, Canada and the United States, is gearing up for a bountiful blueberry season out of British Columbia.
Kroger acquires Harris Teeter in $2.5 billion deal
The Kroger Co. and Harris Teeter Supermarkets Inc. announced a definitive merger agreement July 9 under which Kroger will purchase all outstanding shares of Harris Teeter for $49.38 per share in cash.
Included in the deal are Harris Teeter's 212 stores in the southeastern and mid-Atlantic markets and in Washington, DC. The stores are located primarily in high-growth markets, vacation destinations and university communities in North Carolina, Virginia, South Carolina, Maryland, Tennessee, Delaware, Florida, Georgia and the District of Columbia.
Oceanside Pole tomato harvest under way
Oceanside Pole vine-ripe tomatoes are back, and in a big way.
With increased volume thanks to added acreage and enhanced seed selection, West Coast Tomato Growers, owners of the famed "Oceanside Pole" tomato brand, are poised for an excellent season.
The Vineland Growers Co-operative Ltd. celebrates 100 years
Vineland Growers Co-Operative Ltd. celebrated their 100th anniversary on the grounds of H.A. Staff Farms on Saturday, June 15. The approximately 1,000 guests were greeted by a wine and hors d'oeuvres reception showcasing ‘Niagara’s Finest Wine’ and the formal opening ceremonies included addresses by Vineland Growers Co-operative Chair Phil Tregunno and political heavyweights. The mood for the event was set by the lively entertainment throughout the evening, a gourmet barbeque and the night was capped off with impressive fireworks by Garden City.
Dan Schatz appointed new general manager of DNE World Fruit
Mark Hanks, vice president of sales, marketing and operations for DNE World Fruit LLC, headquartered in Fort Pierce, FL, recently announced that Dan Schatz has accepted the position of general manager of the company.
“Dan graduated from Cornell University with a degree in economics and received his master’s in finance from Columbia University,” said Hanks. “He brings to DNE extensive sales and marketing experience from Kraft, Pepsi US, and AC Nielsen.”
Kings golf classic to benefit hunger relief services
Kings Food Markets announced that its third annual charity golf classic, which benefits its "Act Against Hunger" initiative, will be held Aug. 15.
The tournament brings together Kings and its industry partners to raise support for programs that provide hunger relief services in communities throughout New Jersey, New York and Connecticut.
HLB Specialties now shipping Guatemalan rambutans
HLB Specialties, a Pompano Beach, FL-based supplier of tropical produce items, is now shipping rambutans from Guatemala.
The company is offering the product in a masterbox of 12 3.8-ounce clamshells with four pieces of fruit to a clamshell. Also available are one-pound clamshells and a five-pound bulk box.