Issues are clear as FFVA prepares for annual convention
It is tempting to reference Charles Dickens’ “A Tale of Two Cities” to describe the produce industry in the Sunshine State as the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association prepares for its 69th annual convention, set for Sept. 19-21 at the Naples Ritz-Carlton.
While there are numerous challenges facing Florida produce production, there are also many causes for optimism.
Web-based time and attendance gaining traction
In 2006 when Corona, CA-based TimeRack Inc. launched its first web-based proactive time clock systems, the concept was met with a bit of skepticism.
Bland Farms sees tight supplies, strong markets for Peruvian sweets
Delbert Bland, owner of Bland Farms LLC of Glennville, GA, and a year-round, worldwide onion producer, foresees tight supplies but excellent markets for this year’s Peruvian crop.
“In Peru this year our crop’s about 20 percent less because it’s been so warm,” Mr. Bland said. “It’s making a difference with the supply, too. Supplies are fairly tight down there.”
Craig Morris joins Homegrown Organic Farms
Porterville, CA-based Homegrown Organic Farms announced that CRAIG MORRIS joined the company Aug. 20 as citrus category manager.
Mr. Morris began his agriculture career by working on his family’s citrus ranches and raising livestock for 4-H and Future Farmers of America. He earned a bachelor’s degree in agriculture business from Fresno State University and previously worked for Gillespie Ag Services, The Kroger Co., LoBue Bros. Inc. and most recently as director of new business development at Pro Citrus Network.
Dulcich & Sons’ Harvest Hobgoblin promotion to run September-October
Coinciding with the peak production periods of September and October, Jacov P. Dulcich & Sons in Delano, CA, will again be offering retailers a special table grape promotion for the fall season, with a specially designed label and a specific tie-in to Halloween.
Leading eggplant supplier ramps up marketing
Malena Produce Inc., a premier provider of eggplant, peppers and other premium produce during the winter, announced its first integrated marketing program.
The campaign will include new trade and consumer web pages, publicity, social media and advertising, along with merchandising assistance and education on how receivers can maximize a growing category.
Mushroom Council hosts tasting event at USDA
The Mushroom Council hosted a tasting event and met with officials at the U.S. Department of Agriculture Aug. 21 to showcase a new concept of adding mushrooms to meat entrees.
The concept will expand the market for mushrooms with new uses in school meal programs, an untapped area for mushrooms, according to the council. Rather than replacing students' favorite foods, this "swapability" concept would develop meal options using mushrooms for a portion of the traditional protein component.
Cultivating the Next Generation theme of 65th QPMA convention
GATINEAU, QC — Cultivating the Next Generation was the theme of QPMA’s 65th annual convention, held Aug. 16-18 at the Hilton Lac-Leamy, here, where attendees experienced a weekend of nonstop networking and activity.
Engaging the next generation and succession planning were key themes throughout all the seminars and presentations. A recent QPMA membership survey indicated that succession planning was a key concern for the membership.
Prevent mistakes when calling on retailers
You are a sales representative with a responsibility to sell a new company product to a retailer. The first step is setting up that challenging appointment. You would prefer to see the top decision-maker, but you realize that may not be possible.
You anxiously make a phone call, hoping to get a date and time approved.