Sunrise Fresh Produce acquires Emerald Coast Finest Produce
Sunrise Fresh Produce LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Merchants Foodservice, announced the completion of its acquisition of certain assets from Emerald Coast Finest Produce located in Pensacola, FL. The closing, completed Jan. 18, enables Sunrise Fresh Produce to operate its third produce distribution center as Sunrise Produce Gulf Coast.
With the acquisition, Sunrise Produce Gulf Coast will have a 40,000-square-foot facility. The warehouse is climate controlled and has seven separate temperature zones to ensure the freshness of product for its customers.
United Fresh seeks extension for comments on FSMA rules
United Fresh has submitted a request to the Office of Management & Budget to extend the comment period on certain provisions in the proposed Produce & Preventive Controls Rules.
Several provisions currently face a comment deadline of Feb. 15. According to United Fresh, the extension is necessary to provide sufficient time for the industry to examine and respond to the complex and substantial changes proposed for the fresh and fresh-cut produce industry, as well as all other food industries in the United States.
Southern Specialties names new general manager for Texas division
Southern Specialties, a leading importer of specialty produce from South America, Central America and Mexico, announced that Andre Escobar has been named general manager of the company's McAllen, TX, division.
Scott Salyer gets six-year prison term
Frederick Scott Salyer, who owned both a major tomato processing company and fresh vegetable grower-shipper operation in California, was sentenced Feb. 12 to six years in federal prison for racketeering.
In March of 2012, Mr. Salyer pleaded guilty to 11 felony charges stemming from an investigation of the processing operation. He was accused of fixing prices, bribing buyers, doctoring lab tests and other related charges.
Growers Express announces new VP of sales
Growers Express promoted Merritt Bruce from director of national accounts to the company’s vice president of sales. Mr. Bruce has been an employee of Grower’s Express since 1990, working in a number of sales roles to help customers of all sizes identify opportunities for growth and ultimately aid them in reaching their own business goals.
Strawberry commission president leaves for post at Sunrise Growers
Sunrise Growers-Frozsun Foods in Placentia, CA, announced Feb. 4 that it has hired Mark Murai, president of the California Strawberry Commission, to fill the newly created position of vice president of strategy and development.
The commission's staff was notified Jan. 31 that Mr. Murai would be leaving to take a position at Sunrise but deferred to Sunrise to make the official public announcement.
Dave's Specialty hires David Federle
DAVID FEDERLE joined Miami-based Dave’s Specialty Imports as a sales executive, effective Feb. 6.
Prior to joining the company, Mr. Federle held various positions with Southern Specialties, Ayco Farms, Central American Produce, Chiquita and Del Monte.
JemD Farms enjoying excitement over expansions
Jim DiMenna, president of JemD Farms, headquartered in Leamington, ON, is currently serving a one-year term as chairman of the Canadian Produce Marketing Association. His term began at the 2012 CPMA convention in Calgary in April and will draw to a close when he turns over the gavel at the 2013 convention on April 17-19 in Toronto.
California Giant intensifies focus on food safety, traceability & quality
While an emphasis on food safety, traceability and quality is not necessarily new to California Giant Berry Farms, the company is focusing more intensely on them this year, according to Cindy Jewell, marketing director.
Savemart produce executive to keynote California Citrus Showcase
The 2013 California Citrus Showcase, scheduled to be held Thursday, March 7, in Visalia, CA, will feature Greg Calistro, executive director of produce for Savemart Supermarkets, as luncheon speaker.
"He is going to give a keynote address entitled The Game Changers: Industry and Consumer Trends," said Bob Blakely, director of industry relations for California Citrus Mutual in Exeter, CA, which puts on the annual event.