Procacci Bros. launching exciting new tomato plant, expanding fruit basket program
New programs and expansions are always exciting at Procacci Bros. in Philadelphia, and this year is no exception.
Dream grows into profitable venture for Anthony Totta
Produce veteran Anthony Totta, who founded the consulting firm Grow My Profits, has the combination of professional qualifications and industry know-how to ensure clients receive the best return on investment by identifying the right product mix and appropriate sales strategies.
New York apple growers gearing up for a fast-paced year
“As of late April, New York’s apple trees look absolutely perfect,” Jim Allen, president of the New York Apple Association in Fishers, NY, told The Produce News April 29. “Growers are right on track with a textbook perfect season at this point.
United Supermarkets donating 40,000 pounds of apples to food banks
On May 2, United Supermarkets LLC helped serve the hungry in local communities for the second year in a row by making a donation of 12,800 pounds of apples to the South Plains Food Bank in Lubbock, TX. This donation is part of 40,000 pounds of apples United is giving to food banks in Abilene, Amarillo, Lubbock and Wichita Falls, TX.
The donation signals the company’s committed participation in the Take a Bite Out of Hunger program sponsored by FirstFruits Marketing of Washington.
Port of Wilmington marks its 90th anniversary
The board of harbor commissioners of the city of Wilmington, DE, opened the Port of Wilmington for commerce May 2, 1923.
Retailers, others called out on food safety by Earthbound Farm executive
BALTIMORE — Will Daniels, senior vice president of operations and organic integrity for Earthbound Farm, criticized retailers and other branches of the produce industry, including media, inspectors and researchers, for chasing the money and not moving fast enough on food safety during a presentation he delivered at the Food Safety Summit, held here.
Chiquita refocusing on core banana and salad businesses
CHARLOTTE, NC — Chiquita Brands moved its headquarters late last year to a downtown office building, here, located next to the sleek and stylish Hall of Fame for the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, which is apropos since the produce marketer is refocused on its core banana and salad businesses, which are on track and racing ahead, according to Bob Stallman, who gained a new job title during the move.
Georgia blueberry growers approach 20,000 acres, maneuver to take top spot in domestic production
Georgia is not the first place one thinks of when blueberries are mentioned, nor does one think of that fruit when the Peach State is mentioned. But steady growth based on early bearing varieties has in recent years positioned Georgia to compete for the title of the nation's top blueberry producing state.
Homegrown Organic Farms acquires new production facility
Homegrown Organic Farms plans to begin packing blueberries at its new facility in Kingsburg, CA, in 2014. Director of Marketing Scott Mabs said the new facility — which is significantly larger than its current production facility in Arvin, CA — will give the company the ability to handle commodities under one roof.
Giumarra go-to-market strategy for summer fruit is freshness and flavor
The Reedley, CA, division of Giumarra Bros. Fruit Co.