BJ’s selects FoodLink to aid in produce sourcing and purchasing
SAN DIEGO — FoodLink, a fresh food and commerce traceability platform based in Los Gatos, CA, announced that BJ’s Wholesale Club will use its services to assist in the sourcing and purchasing of fresh produce across BJ’s 15-state chain. The announcement was made during the opening day of the United Fresh Produce Association’s convention and trade show, here.
Day two at United Fresh 2013
The momentum at the United Fresh 2013 trade show in San Diego continued on day two, as exhibitors looked to make the most of the final day of the expo. Traffic remained strong throughout the afternoon, as attendees were on the lookout for old friends and new items.
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Growing season for apples, pears ‘stellar’ for Giumarra
Customers can expect a superlative season for apples and pears in 2013, according to Jason Bushong, sales manager for Giumarra Wenatchee.
“The growing season in New Zealand was stellar and created a vintage crop in terms of pressure, flavor and shelf life,” he told The Produce News.
The company was created in 1992 as part of the Giumarra Cos. and markets a full line of apples, pears and kiwifruit in the United States.
This season, Giumarra will move Braeburn, Fuji, Granny Smith, Pink Lady and Royal Gala apples from New Zealand.
Magnaghi joins F.C. Bloxom Co. at new Walla Walla office
F.C. Bloxom Co., headquartered in Seattle, has expanded its presence with the creation of a new office in Walla Walla, WA. Bryon Magnaghi, a produce industry veteran with more than 30 years of experience, has been hired as sales manager to spearhead operations at the location.
“The company has been around for many, many years,” Mr. Magnaghi told The Produce News. “I have a history of working with them. The goal for me is to expand business outside the core business.”
Produce is in right place at right times says Whole Foods CEO
The produce industry is perfectly positioned to capitalize on many different trends in the retail industry, according to Walter Robb, co-chief executive officer of Whole Foods.
Gourmet Trading Co. Superblues feature retail-friendly pack sizes
California blueberry season is underway for Gourmet Trading Co., which has introduced five-, 10- and 16-ounce retail-friendly pack sizes of its Superblues, super-sized and crunchy blueberries from its own California blueberry farm.
Senate committee passes 2013 farm bill with specialty crop funding, apple amendment
WASHINGTON — Apple growers that ship bulk products to Canada for reprocessing or repacking would save up to $500,000 a year by not paying an additional U.S. inspection fee if an amendment that passed the Senate Agriculture Committee May 14 along with the 2013 farm bill becomes law.
The Senate Agriculture Committee took a little over three hours to pass the 2013 farm bill (S. 954) by a 15-5 vote, and the legislation may be on the Senate floor for a vote as early as the week of May 20.
United shatters salad bar donation goal
SAN DIEGO – The United Fresh Produce Association shattered its goal of donating 350 salad bars to schools in California when it announced that 436 schools would receive salad bars as a result of a passionate fundraising effort by key members of the association.
United Fresh expo off to a good start
SAN DIEGO — As attendees teemed through the aisles May 15 during the first day of the United Fresh 2013 trade show, here, they had a chance to view the latest offerings from marketers, manufacturers and service providers from across the country and around the world. Below is a snapshot of the people and products that helped create some of the excitement.
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Vidalia deal driving demand in sweet onion category despite seasonal volume reduction
VIDALIA, GA – Retailers and consumers alike anxiously await the beginning of the Vidalia onion season – and with good reason. The world-famous onion virtually created the sweet onion category and, retailers say, drives the deal and has spurred 12-month consumer demand for sweet onions.