FPFC luncheon attracts large crowd
CERRITOS, CA -- Celebrity chefs Mary Sue Milliken and Sue Feniger, who bill themselves as the "Too Hot Tamales," were a big draw at the Fresh Produce & Floral Council's April 24 luncheon meeting, held here.
Bob Mast named president of CMI
Columbia Marketing International, a leader in the worldwide distribution of premium quality apples, pears and cherries, announced that Bob Mast, vice president of marketing of CMI, was promoted to president.
Mr. Mast assumed the position immediately and will continue to work on limited marketing projects as CMI posts and fills the vice president of marketing position.
Mt. Vernon Foodtown flourishing after renovations
MT. VERNON, NY — The Foodtown store in the city of Mt. Vernon, NY, has experienced strong growth following a six-month renovation and remodeling, which increased the size of both the store and the produce department, providing more room to showcase the exceptional variety of fresh produce items offered to its shoppers.
Baldor Specialty Foods’ ahead of the curve on specialty produce, customer service, timely delivery and food safety
“When was the last time you said ‘wow’ when you saw a fresh produce item?” Michael Muzyk, president of Baldor Specialty Foods in the Bronx, NY, proposed to The Produce News.
“It’s not just about new, unique or special packaging today — it’s as much about customer service. The difference between Baldor today and Baldor 15 years ago is that we now have tentacles that reach around the world. And we have a strong infrastructure and outstanding capacity to handle all categories of fresh produce.”
Ringer & Son Brokerage reinforces relationships with smaller distributors
Commerce City, CO — For decades Ringer & Son Brokerage has provided fresh fruit and vegetables from other growing areas to buyers in the Rocky Mountain region and — during Colorado’s growing season — moved an assortment of produce from this state to retailers in other areas as well.
That service continues, although with consolidation on both the grower and buyer end of the equation, the longstanding broker now works more with smaller distributors than with big chains, according to Ringer President Joshua Johnson.
Independent grocers play key role in U.S. economy
The National Grocers Association released the results of a study on the impact of independent grocers on America's economy. This groundbreaking research provides a clear picture of the key role independent grocers play at the national, state and congressional district level.
The research was conducted by John Dunham & Associates, an economic and government relations research firm based out of New York. The report provides information independent grocers and wholesalers sales, jobs created, wages paid and federal and state taxes paid.
Strong marketing opportunities for Coachella Valley grapes
Because of supply issues with some Chilean grapes this year, promotions were scarce, which should bode well for California's 10-week Coachella Valley deal.
At least that is the view of Andy Economou, general manager of Unifrutti of America and a longtime player in both the Chilean and California grape deals. He told The Produce News that Chile had some "miserable weather in all production regions except the north. So after we finished up with the northern grapes, we had big challenges on conditions all year."
Kegel's marks 65th anniversary with open house
Kegel's Produce, a distributor and fresh-cut produce processor , celebrated its 65th anniversary April 17 with an open house at its headquarters facility in Lancaster, PA. The open house featured tours of the facility and vendors were on hand handing out samples of products.
New York apple growers vote by landslide to continue generic marketing program
More than three-quarters of voting New York apple growers have elected to continue the state's marketing order, in a referendum conducted by the New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets. The vote also continues the work of the New York Apple Association Inc., which the department contracts to carry out the marketing order's activities.
Crown Jewels Produce teams with KY Packing for second season
Crown Jewels Produce Co. in Fresno, CA, which handles a wide assortment of produce out of California and elsewhere, “has been in the cherry business now for at least eight or nine years,” according to Atomic Torosian, a partner in the company. “We don’t have a big presence, but it is a nice presence.”