Mastronardi expanding distribution, increasing greenhouse acreage
Mastronardi Produce Ltd., a leading grower-shipper of greenhouse vegetables, based in Kingsville, ON, is expanding its distribution center, which will nearly double the company's headquarters location.
The new space, which will be completely refrigerated with different temperature zones, is necessary due to the addition of more than 100 greenhouse acres in Ontario alone for 2013, according to the company.
Crowley opens new cold-storage facility in Miami
Crowley Maritime Corp. and Customized Brokers, its Miami-based Customs brokerage company, announced the opening of a new cold-storage warehouse facility located in Miami.
The facility, known as Crowley Fresh, features multiple humidity- and temperature-controlled coolers. It is open around the clock to store and handle perishables imported from or exported to Latin America, South America, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia and the Far East.
New tomato suspension deal averts trade war, but Mexican growers say floor prices are too high
Mexican tomato growers and the U.S. Commerce Department were able to come to an eleventh-hour deal on a new tomato anti-dumping suspension agreement, thus avoiding termination of an agreement that has been in place for the past 16 years. But producers south of the border say the excessive floor prices will lock out a large percentage of Mexican production.
BelleHarvest hires new VP of sales and marketing
Belding, MI-based BelleHarvest Sales Inc. announced Jan. 23 the hiring of industry veteran CHRIS SANDWICK as vice president of sales and marketing. He brings an expertise in brand management and a passion for consumer engagement to the position.
Mr. Sandwick joins BelleHarvest with 20 years of produce industry experience under his belt.
For the past 10 years he worked at Pepin Heights Orchard Inc., where he ascended to the role of director of sales and marketing. Prior to that, he spent six years with Supervalu, where he was a merchandiser.
Lone Star Citrus Growers riding high with great weather, phenomenal crop
Texas citrus growers are in the catbird seat with none of the problems that have plagued other domestic growing areas through the first half of this season, according to Trent Bishop of Lone Star Citrus Growers in Mission, TX.
Lone Star was launched six years ago by three Texas industry veterans: Jud Flowers, T.J. Flowers and Mr. Bishop.
Christopher Ranch, citing strong demand, sees room for growth in organic category
Demand for domestically grown organic product is so strong that Christopher Ranch has trouble keeping up.
In its extensive organic line, Christopher Ranch, headquartered in Gilroy, CA, offers fresh whole garlic bulbs in bulk and packaged. Its organic garlic line also includes peeled, roasted and processed garlic, as well as chopped, crushed and roasted garlic puree, which are shelf-stable in jars.
Chelan Fresh Marketing enters Chinese pear market
Chelan Fresh Marketing of Chelan, WA, will soon begin shipping d’Anjou pears to China under its “Trout” label, according to Mac Riggan, marketing director.
New USDA snack food standards could increase produce sales
The produce industry is hoping a new U.S. Department of Agriculture regulation announced Feb. 1 that puts limits on snack foods sold to children during the school day will not only promote healthy eating but drive up produce sales.
Under the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, USDA must establish nutrition standards for all foods sold in schools, besides the federally supported school meal programs. The Smart Snacks in School proposed rule unveiled Feb. 1 requires all foods sold in schools meet the following criteria:
Tentative deal reached on tomato suspension agreement
The U.S. government and Mexican tomato growers reached a tentative agreement Feb. 2 that raises the minimum reference price for Mexican plum, cherry and other tomatoes that are sold in the United States.
"I am pleased that we were able to come to an agreement on fresh tomato imports from Mexico that restores stability and confidence to the U.S. tomato market and meets the requirements of U.S. law," Francisco Sanchez, undersecretary for international trade at the U.S. Department of Commerce, said in a statement.
Mike Martori joins Pura Vida
Pura Vida Farms, a nation-wide pineapple importer and grower-shipper of melon products based in Scottsdale, AZ, announced Jan. 21 the hire of MIKE MARTORI as vice president of East Coast sales.