Mastronardi set to unveil 'Inspired by Flavor'
After more than 18 months of research, creative and strategic brand development, Mastronardi Produce is set to unveil its new "Inspired By Flavor" brand creative Oct. 27-28 at the upcoming PMA Fresh Summit convention in Anaheim, CA.
"The evolution of our 'Sunset' brand is an exciting time for us as we continue to grow both nationally and internationally," Chris Veillon, director of marketing for Mastronardi, said in a press release.
United Fresh and FMI to co-locate trade shows in 2014
The Food Marketing Institute and the United Fresh Produce Association announced Oct. 23 that they will co-locate their 2014 conventions June 10-13 in Chicago.
The trade show and education event will bring together the retail and fresh produce industries and highlight the shared interest in providing high-quality, fresh selections to consumers, according to a joint press release issued Oct. 23. The show will offer retail and produce executives unprecedented value in the opportunity to connect with customers and industry counterparts.
Garden Fresh Salad’s processing division sees steady business
Business as usual is a positive thing at Garden Fresh Salad Co.
Patrick Burke, sales and purchasing representative for the firm, located at the New England Produce Center in Chelsea, MA, told The Produce News that the company handles a full line of vegetables and that fruits represent about 10 percent of its business.
Avocados from Mexico fall-winter ad blitz will feature new creative content
“To drive retail sales, build the avocado category and sustain our strong brand momentum, Avocados from Mexico commits more funds to marketing support than any other avocado organization in the U.S.,” according to a written statement to The Produce News from Eduardo Serena, marketing director of the Avocado Producers & Exporting Packers Association of Michoacàn, commonly known by its acronym APEAM.
Kroger discontinues sprout sales due to food-safety fears
Sprout growers are likely to feel the effects of Kroger Co.’s decision to discontinue selling fresh sprouts as of Oct. 22 because of potential food-safety risks.
One of the leading U.S. food retailers, Kroger, announced Oct. 19 that it would no longer sell fresh sprouts in its supermarket chains because of the potential for a food-safety problem. Deliveries of sprouts into Kroger distribution centers and stores will be discontinued Oct. 22, the company said.
USA Today reported that Walmart made a similar decision in 2010.
Mushrooms outpace total produce
Retail data from the Mushroom Council indicates a strong upward movement in mushroom demand across the U.S. market.
Retail sales of mushrooms over the 13-week summer season grew 3.3 percent over the same period last year. For the four weeks ending Sept. 9, retail pounds grew 3.2 percent and retail dollars grew 2.6 percent, outperforming total produce's dollar growth of 1.9 percent.
'Oppy' brings freshness to Oppenheimer approach
While The Oppenheimer Group may be one of the better-known names in the international produce community, on a day-to-day basis the industry has long called the full-service marketing and distribution company something else altogether.
"Our friends call us Oppy," John Anderson, chairman, president and chief executive officer of the Vancouver-based company said in a press release. And as the organization began a brand-refreshment initiative earlier this year, the moniker resonated.
FFVA introduces Class 2 of Emerging Leaders Development Program
Members of the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association’s Emerging Leaders Development Program, Class 2, are Tom Mitchell of Riverfront Packing Co. LLC, Joby Sherrod of A.
PMA to unveil new leadership award at Fresh Summit
On Friday, Oct. 26, the inaugural PMA Robert L. Carey Leadership Award will be presented to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding volunteer leadership skills and an uncommon commitment to helping the Produce Marketing Association achieve its goals of advancing the produce industry.
PMA President Bryan Silbermann told The Produce News that the award is named in honor of Robert Carey, who served as the chief executive officer of the association for 38 years.
Wonderful pomegranate harvest is underway
Early-season pomegranate varieties have moved smoothly into the distribution channels, and now the Wonderful, the principal pomegranate variety, is starting to ship.
"Continued warm days and cool nights in California's Central Valley have helped to produce the cleanest and largest crop we've seen in years," Tom Tjerandsen, manager of the Pomegranate Council, said in a press release.