Charlie Cook named speaker for SAF floral lobbying days
When Charlie Cook talks, politicos from both sides of the aisle pay close attention. So will Society of American Florists members when one of Washington’s most trusted voices on all things political is the kick-off speaker for Congressional Action Days, March 11-12, 2013. Mr. Cook will give an inside look at the post-election landscape.
Rocket Farms, Nurserymen’s Exchange to operate under Rocket Farms brand
Rocket Farms in Salinas, CA, a pioneer in the indoor floral industry, announced Oct. 16 that its sister company, Nurserymen’s Exchange in Half Moon Bay, CA, will operate under the Rocket Farms brand. Rocket Farms’ parent company, Monterey Peninsula Horticulture, has spent the last 12 months integrating the operations of both companies after acquiring Nurserymen’s Exchange last August.
Valentine’s Day prospects rosy for 2013, especially with certain groups
Prospects are rosy for Valentine’s Day 2013, according to several surveys and reports.
A recovering economy and the emergence of new groups with an affinity for buying flowers on Valentine’s Day are key pillars of the resurgence of this holiday, second only to Mother’s Day for flower and plant sales.
Limoneira’s ‘Unleash’ campaign boosts awareness of the many uses of lemons
Among the older companies in the California citrus industry, Limoneira Co. in Santa Paula, CA, has been growing citrus in Ventura County since 1993 and will mark its 120th anniversary in 2013.
Trucco’s Sal Vacca sees tight supplies, higher prices in nut category this season
In-shell nuts are a major category, particularly as the holiday season approaches, for A.J. Trucco Inc., a wholesaler, importer and distributor located on New York City’s Hunts Point Terminal Market.
This year, supplies will be tight and prices high on many items in the nut category, according to Salvatore (Sal) Vacca, president of the company.
PRO*ACT announces retirement of CEO Steve Grinstead
PRO*ACT, one of America's leading distributors of fresh produce to the foodservice industry, announced the retirement of Chief Executive Officer Steve Grinstead, who has served PRO*ACT for the last eight years. Mr. Grinstead leaves behind a strong senior management team that he was instrumental in developing during his tenure. Max Yeater, company president, will assume the majority of Grinstead's duties.
Election results raise hope for immigration reform, but still leaves farm bill in doubt
WASHINGTON — Tuesday’s election may not affect the 2012 Farm Bill debate, the produce industry’s most pressing legislative priority slated for this week’s lame duck session, but it will have implications for food safety, immigration reform and environmental regulations down the road, experts told The Produce News.
President Obama won re-election and nearly every battleground state, the Democrats maintained control of the Senate and the Republicans kept majority control of the House of Representatives.
Industry’s approach addresses sustainability issues
The word “sustainability” is on the lips of almost everyone in the produce industry these days, and it is something that more and more retail and foodservice customers are asking for from their suppliers.
IPM Essen to draw 60,000 for 31st show
IPM Essen will open its doors for the 31st time Jan. 22-25 to an expected 60,000 trade visitors. Show offerings will include plants, technology and floristry and garden features, a news release stated. Ilse Aigner, Federal Minister of Food, Agriculture & Consumer Protection for the German federal government, has once again agreed to be the patron of the trade fair in Essen, Germany, the sponsors indicated.
Expo Flora Russia tallies attendance at 600, show a success
The second edition of Expo Flora Russia closed its doors Sept. 7, having drawn about 600 attendees representing nearly 400 companies in 27 countries, said Jasper van Dijk, marketing manager for HPP Exhibitions in Holland, the show sponsor. The three-day show was held in the historic Gostiny Dvor building near Moscow’s Red Square. Inside Gostiny Dvor’s columned halls, 89 exhibitors from 13 countries displayed their products.