Increasing regulation, pending immigration, healthcare issues cloud Florida labor picture
Rising wages, a shortage of workers and the impending implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act — “Obamacare” — have the Florida agriculture community concerned about a scenario that could play itself out time and again this spring as deals come on in other growing areas, particularly across the Southeast.
Beyond Facebook: The evolution of communication and consumer decision-making
There’s a reason we keep inviting Carisa Miklusak to speak with produce industry members: She’s focused on the business applications of digital technologies rather than cheerleading for Facebook and Twitter.
Longtime New Jersey grower-shipper closes its doors
Wm. Consalo & Son Inc., which for decades was a pillar in the Garden State produce industry, has ceased operations and will liquidate its assets to satisfy creditors.
L&M planning to capitalize on ‘perfect’ California growing season
Speaking three weeks before the first onion was expected to be harvested, L&M Cos. General Manager Tracy Fowler said the firm was anticipating an excellent California crop because of the “perfect growing conditions” that have materialized this year.
“Of course anything can happen, but the crop looks excellent,” Mr. Fowler said on March 26. “We have had perfect growing conditions all season.”
Jay Angulo promoted at Baloian Farms
Fresno, CA-based Baloian Farms promoted JEREMY (JAY) ANGULO to its sales staff.
Agra Pro LLC and Al Harrison Co. end partnership
Agra Pro LLC in Nogales, AZ, a shipper, distributor and broker specializing in watermelons that was formed two years ago as a partnership between Mark Fletcher and Al Harrison Co. Distributors in Nogales, is now a sole proprietorship with Mr. Fletcher as owner and president.
Brent Harrison, president of Al Harrison Co., was previously president of Agra Pro and Mr. Fletcher was vice president.
“Brent and I were partners for a while” before dissolving the partnership. “We parted on very good terms,” Mr. Fletcher told The Produce News April 3.
2013 California avocado season dawns with breakfast promotion
California avocado season has kicked off with the California Avocado Commission’s “Wake up to Breakfast with California Avocados” promotion.
Sunkist’s secondary displays provide additional retail opportunities
Sunkist Growers is embracing opportunities to showcase its fresh citrus outside of the produce section by offering its customers secondary display units. Six different display offerings give retailers the flexibility to showcase Sunkist products in the front lobbies, at the registers or in various departments to drive incremental sales.
Paradise Produce proves one-stop shopping has its advantages
It has been a topsy-turvy year for Florida, weather- and market-wise, with record high temperatures in January and record lows in March. In fact, Joel Silverman of Paradise Produce Distributors Inc. in Lakeland, FL thinks 2013 might be the most unpredictable year he has seen in his three decades in the business.
Southeast Produce Council invests in its future
The Southeast Produce Council has been very busy for the last few years working to build its organization by investing in what it believes is its greatest asset: recognizing and promoting youth.