High quality, good movement for O.C. Schulz
O.C. Schulz & Sons Inc. continues to move a good crop of red potatoes. Secretary and Treasurer Dave Moquist said the company’s customers are receiving high-quality product and movement has been good.
FDA issues long-awaited FSMA preventive controls, produce-safety regulations
WASHINGTON — The Food & Drug Administration Friday released two proposed regulations Jan. 4 that, for the first time, will require federal produce safety standards and new preventive controls for all food processors under the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act.
Chamberlain Farms cited by FDA for Salmonella, insanitary conditions
WASHINGTON — Federal inspectors found the outbreak strains of Salmonella in cantaloupe and in the packinghouse of Owensville, IN-based Chamberlain Farms, the firm tied to an outbreak that sickened 261 people and led to three deaths last year, the Food & Drug Administration said in a Dec. 14 warning letter.
The FDA warning letter came after FDA inspected the produce packinghouse and growing fields from Aug. 14-31 and returned for another field inspection Sept. 19-21.
The Produce Mom to partner with Sage Fruit to promote healthy start to new year with Biggest Loser Fresh
Indianapolis Fruit's The Produce Mom has partnered with Sage Fruit to construct a national marketing campaign for Biggest Loser Fresh produce and encourage consumers to make 2013 a "New Year, New You."
The Produce Mom is the official blog and consumer brand of Indianapolis Fruit Co. The blog is authored by marketing manager, Lori Taylor, a wife and mother of two children, who has seven years of experience with Indy Fruit as a sales representative, buyer and marketing manager for the company.
Leading North American marketer of fresh berries adds grapes to the mix
Dave’s Specialty Imports, one of the larger importers of fresh blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and strawberries in North America, added grapes to its Chilean import program.
The family-run company imports from Argentina, Chile, Guatemala and Mexico, and has primarily focused on the berry category during the last 20 years of business.
Grower Alliance sees increases in bells, honeydews, squash, Romas
The winter program for Grower Alliance LLC in Nogales, AZ, will be much the same this year as it has been in past seasons, according to Jorge Quintero Jr., managing partner. However, the company does have increases in several items, particularly colored bell peppers, honeydew melons, squash and Roma tomatoes.
“Euro cucumbers we just started a couple of weeks ago,” Mr. Quintero said. That is “a steady program. It goes all the way through May.” Regular cucumbers as well are “steady as it goes.” Those started in early October and will go “all the way through the Nogales season.”
New trade expo, food-safety discussions added to ATPC lineup
The America Trades Produce Conference promises to be as relevant as the two prior events, and the third-annual conference, scheduled for March 6-8 at the McAllen Convention Center in McAllen, TX, will add a trade expo and food-safety discussions to the agenda.
As has been the trademark of the event, educational sessions will encourage direct dialogue between the industry and U.S. and Mexican government officials.
Dan Hinkle, president of Hinkle Produce, dead at age 67
Daniel B. Hinkle, president of Hinkle Produce in Cissna Park, IL, died Dec. 24 at Hoopeston Community Hospital in Hoopeston, IL, following a prolonged illness. He was 67.
Mr. Hinkle, known by his friends, family, colleagues and business associates as Dan, was born July 20, 1945, in Watseka, IL, to Clifford and Luradean (Jean) Brown Hinkle.
Miriam Wolk promoted at United Fresh
United Fresh Produce Association announced the promotion of Miriam Wolk to vice president of membership and marketing. In her new position, Ms. Wolk will lead marketing efforts to drive member engagement and company participation. She will also continue to direct the programs and outreach initiatives that she has successfully cultivated as senior director of membership.
Community collaboration feeds the hungry in Kansas City
Families in need had a merrier holiday season thanks to the diligent efforts of Haun Potato Co., potato growers in the Red River Valley and The Salvation Army.
On Dec. 13, 42,000 pounds of fresh potatoes were distributed to dozens of charities that help feed the hungry in the Kansas City area through The Salvation Army’s Christmas Food Basket project.