Delta Blues Farms supports Arkansas growers with its all-female staff
Autumn L. Campbell is a sales representative for Delta Blues Farms headquartered in Wynne, AR. The company was founded in November 2009 by Kim Matthews, who with her husband, Terris, owns Matthews Ridgeview Farms, a major sweet potato grower and marketer, also located in Wynne.
Bi-Lo to acquire Sweetbay, Harveys and Reid's from Delhaize
Bi-Lo Holdings LLC, parent company of the BI-LO and Winn-Dixie grocery store chains, has entered into a definitive agreement with Delhaize Group, under which Bi-Lo Holdings will acquire substantially all of the stores in the Sweetbay, Harveys and Reid’s supermarket chains from Delhaize for $265 million in cash.
Earthbound Farm promotes, hires several staff members
Earthbound Farm, an organic food company based out of San Juan Bautista, CA, recently announced the promotions and hires of several staff members.
CRAIG HOPE was promoted to chief customer and marketing officer and is now responsible for leading the marketing organization in addition to the sales organization. Mr. Hope joined Earthbound Farm in 2010 as chief customer officer. He has 25 years of experience in consumer packaged goods sales organizations and previously held the role of customer vice president at Kraft, Nabisco and Distant Lands Coffee.
New promotion encourages increased use of mushrooms in summer grilling recipes
The Mushroom Council's inaugural "Swap It or Top It" summer promotion will challenge consumers to transform their typical summer grilling recipes into healthier versions, by adding mushrooms. The contest kicks off June 1 and offers participants a chance to win $5,000.
"The trend is to blend" Mushroom Council President Bart Minor said in a press release. "Mushrooms and meat are a natural pairing, and this contest will elevate the concept with the consumer while increasing mushroom sales."
Domex looking forward to vintage apricot crop from Washington
Domex Superfresh Growers, based in Yakima, WA, is looking forward to a vintage apricot crop from Washington this season.
The industry is estimating approximately 5,900 tons, which is the second-largest crop in the past 13 years. Weather this growing season for apricots has been excellent, which will result in above-average fruit sizing.
Fresh driving early success of Tops' new Orchard Fresh banner
The early success of Tops Markets' new upscale Orchard Fresh banner has executives exploring the possibility of adding more locations.
Frank Curci, president and chief executive officer of Tops Markets, said in published news reports that the retailer could open "a handful" of stores in each of its markets in upstate New York.
Certified Greenhouse Farmers partners with Grupo PM
As Certified Greenhouse Farmers expands its network of controlled-environment growers of tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and other greenhouse vegetables, the trade association is partnering with Grupo PM, which will serve as the organization’s marketing arm to Mexican growers.
Fresherized adds to sales team
Fort Worth, TX-based Fresherized Foods, the makers of “Wholly Guacamole,” announced the additions of JIM BLAIR and KIRK TURNER to its sales team.
As retail sales managers, Mr. Blair and Mr. Turner will be responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with retail outlets in order to strengthen the market positions of the company’s “Wholly Guacamole” and “Wholly Salsa” brands.
Associated Produce opens new ‘CASH’n’CARRY’ division
Associated Produce Inc. came on to the fresh produce industry in 2008, and since then, it has grown tremendously fast. The company is located on Casanova Street, just outside of the Hunts Point terminal market in the Bronx, NY.
Dimitri Soyfer, president of the firm, told The Produce News that its strongest focus is on tropical fruits and vegetables, but that it now also carries a full line of conventional produce.
Curry: Unique name, flavor create strong draw for Walla Wallas
Matt Curry, president of Curry & Co. in Brooks, OR, said Walla Walla sweet onions are nothing short of extraordinary. “Walla Walla sweet onions are certainly the best-known sweet onion in the Pacific Northwest,” he told The Produce News. “Growers, retailers and consumers are proud of this regional favorite. Walla Walla sweets are also well-known from the West Coast to Chicago and have niche markets throughout the rest of the country. The unique name and sweet flavor always seem to attract consumers from all corners of the U.S.”