Southern Specialties launches new website
Southern Specialties Inc., a Pompano Beach, FL-based grower-packer-marketer-shipper, launched its newly designed, interactive and graphically appealing website, which features a fresh and updated look for the company's online presence.
"We set out to match the fresh look of our packaging and products," said Charlie Eagle, vice president of business development for the company, which is known for high-quality year-round supplies of specialty and gourmet fresh produce items.
EuroFresh Farms’ new snacking tomato and label
EuroFresh Farms, a year-round producer and marketer of greenhouse-grown tomatoes and cucumbers located in Willcox and Snowflake, AZ, has an exclusive new snacking tomato variety heading to the market.
Under the newly created “ArtiSun Farms” label, Redi Bites are packaged in a greenhouse inspired clamshell that allows consumers to rinse, eat and store these grape-sized tomatoes.
Berry demand outweighing locally grown trend
Today’s berry market is versatile. It involves not only fresh soft fruits, but also dried products, extracts, juices and beverages, oils and other highly specialized ingredients. The growing trends of convenience, naturalness and intrinsic health benefits compute to mean that the role of berries is more important today than ever. The category is experiencing strong growth in all areas of commerce.
American Pistachio Growers increase their international marketing efforts
At the July 2012 American Pistachio Grower’s Annual Grower’s luncheon, Executive Director Richard Matoian opened up with the problem and the opportunity facing pistachio growers.
“Production is increasing dramatically and we need to increase marketing and consumption, because the production increase is expected to continue,” Mr. Matoian said to the crowd of over 250 in Visalia, CA.
Southern Specialties hires tropical specialist
Since August, industry veteran Martin Maldonado has been in charge of the tropical program for Southern Specialties, which is headquartered in Pompano Beach, FL.
Charlie Eagle, the company’s vice president of business development who operates from its Atlanta office, said Mr. Maldonado has been hired to expand the firm’s tropical category. He said tropicals are an important part of the Southern Specialties mix but the company is known as a diverse player with a wide array of products.
Panorama to celebrate 30th anniversary
In January, Panorama Produce Sales Inc. of Mamaroneck, NY, will celebrate its 30th anniversary as an importer and broker in the fresh produce industry.
The firm was founded by brothers Jeff and Rick Nagelberg and includes Jeff’s son, Eric. “We are all integral parts of the company,” said Jeff.
Website provides science-based safety information for consumers
A recent Stanford University nutritional comparison study has generated intense consumer interest about the differences between conventionally and organically grown fruits and vegetables. But a website — www.safefruitsandveggies.com — was created specifically for consumers who are interested in science-based information and perspectives about the safety of both conventional and organic produce.
Del Monte Fresh launches fresh avocado pulp four-pack
Del Monte is now offering 100-percent fresh Hass avocado pulp in a convenient four-pack of two-ounce cups. The new value-added Hass avocado product is available for national distribution.
John Shuman: Southeast Produce Council is in good shape
ASHEVILLE, NC — In his last major presentation as president of the Southeast Produce Council, John Shuman delivered the State-of-the-Council report at the council's 2012 Fall Conference, held here Sept. 19-22, declaring, "The council is in good shape."
Mr. Shuman, president of Shuman Produce Inc. in Reidsville, GA, gave his presentation Friday, Sept. 21, during the general session and luncheon of the council's annual fall conference, held this year at the Grove Park Inn, here. Over 300 people attended this year's event.
To-Jo announces appointment of Bernie Ciuffetelli to chief executive officer
Paul Frederic, senior vice president of sales and marketing for To-Jo Food Products Inc., in Avondale, PA, announced to The Produce News that Bernie Ciuffetelli has been promoted to the position of chief operating officer for the company.
“Bernie has worked in the mushroom industry his entire life,” said Mr. Frederic. “He has been with To-Jo for the past 15 years, and was previously in charge of our processing operation. He is a true asset to our company, and we are pleased to announce this new appointment.”