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.
FDA lifts import alert on Agricola Daniella mangos
An import alert levied by the Food & Drug Administration against Agricola Daniella mangos has been lifted, the Los Mochis, Mexico, shipper announced July 5.
Agricola Daniella, which ships fruit under the "Daniella" brand, was linked to a Salmonella outbreak last year, prompting the FDA action, which prevented Agricola Daniella from shipping mangos to the United States. The company said it improved its HACCP plan and good manufacturing practices program, which resulted in the lifting of the import alert and resumption of U.S. shipments.
Jeff Gargiulo joins Lipman board of directors
Lipman, a leading open field tomato grower, has elected Jeff Gargiulo to its board of directors. A produce industry veteran, Gargiulo currently owns and operates Gargiulo Vineyards, a Napa Valley winery, and is the chairman of Greenleaf Produce, a produce foodservice distributor in San Francisco.