Winter storm could further disrupt vegetable supplies
A cold winter storm that plowed through California and moved east through Arizona the week of Feb. 18-22 is expected to have an impact on vegetable supplies in the short term.
The storm came down the coast and through the Central Valley on Tuesday dropping a few inches of snow at the higher altitudes and pelting fields and orchards with freezing rain and occasional hail. The storm moved quickly through each area so lasting damage appeared to be minimal.
PMA not expected to fill COO slot until June
The Produce Marketing Association will not be filling outgoing Chief Operating Officer Lorna Christie's position before June when a strategic planning group is scheduled to come up with a plan on personnel needs for the organization, Bryan Silbermann, president and chief executive officer of PMA, told The Produce News.
Gold Coast and Babé Farms set to move into new Santa Maria facility
The two prominent farming operations in Santa Maria, CA, that joined forces more than a year ago to build a new processing and shipping facility for their respective harvests are now under the same roof at Fresh Venture Foods.
Improving economy should help packaging industry
There is a direct correlation between the ups and downs of the economy and the sales trends associated with the packaging manufacturing industry. At least that is what the figures suggest, according to Andrew Duguay, who is a senior economist with the Institute for Trend Research in Boscawen, NH.
Bayer CropScience continues to grow food partnerships around the world
Bayer CropScience is forging new food chain partnerships around the world and has reaffirmed its commitment to working together with the food value chain for the sustainable production of fresh fruit and vegetables.
Papayas, mangos and vegetables moving strong with good volumes at Ecoripe Tropicals
Ecoripe Tropicals in Medley, FL, has enjoyed tremendous growth and evolvement in recent times.
The company enjoyed a highly successful PMA Fresh Summit last October, where it showcased its new one-pound clamshell of “Lafinita” brand rambutan, in addition to sampling the product to visitors. The product is packed fresh from Global Good Agricultural Practices certified orchards, and is marketed under the “Lafinita” brand.
Albert’s looks forward to networking opportunities at Southern Exposure
Simcha Weinstein, director of marketing for Albert’s Organics, headquartered in Santa Cruz, CA, said that the company is exhibiting at the Southeast Produce Council’s 2013 Southern Exposure Retail & Foodservice Conference & Expo that will be held on Feb. 28-March 2 at the Caribe Royale Resort & Conference Center in Orlando, FL.
Kingston touting good Sugar Pine supplies for spring promotions
Kingston & Associates Marketing LLC said that its Costa Rican MD2 golden pineapple program is building in volume, and supplies are on track to meet Easter demand and spring promotions.
“Overall, the crop looks great and setting up nicely for good volume and quality for the spring,” said Ken Nabal, president of the Idaho Falls, ID-based company, who recently toured the farms in Costa Rica. Kingston markets the variety under the “Kingston Sugar Pine” brand.
DNE promoting Florida red and white grapefruit and Valencia oranges at Southern Exposure
“DNE World Fruit Sales will promote Florida red and white grapefruit, and Valencia oranges at the 2013 Southern Exposure expo,” said Kathy Hearl, marketing promotions manager for the Ft. Pierce, FL-based company. “We will have some of these of varieties on hand at the expo.”
During the expo, DNE World Fruit will also be highlighting some of its upcoming varieties from South Africa, Chile, Australia, Peru and Mexico.
“The summer citrus season will kick off in mid-May and run through October,” Ms. Hearl added.
Country Fresh Mushroom preparing to move into new state-of-the-art facility
Bob Besix, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Country Fresh Mushroom Co., headquartered in in Avondale, PA, told The Produce News that the company has been a member of the Southeast Produce Council since its inception.