Innovative thinking and customer service keep Manfredi running 365 days a year
KENNETT SQUARE, PA — The relationship between the ports of the Delaware River and the rolling hills of small-town Pennsylvania a half-hour away may not be readily apparent until one spots the 7-million-cubic-foot complex that houses the Manfredi companies, here.
Pazderski spearheading business development at Utah Onions Inc.
This past April, Richard Pazderski, the former director of sales for Bland Farms LLC, joined Utah Onions Inc. as the company’s director of business development. “I think it’s going to be a great opportunity,” he told The Produce News July 17. “There’s a very good team in place. The [company] is in a unique stage in its growth.”
Texas Produce Association names senior vice president
Bret Erickson has been named senior vice president of the Texas Produce Association, effective Aug. 6.
"We are excited to have Bret join the Texas Produce Association," Ed Bertaud, director of business development for IFCO's Pallet Management Services division and chairman of the TPA, said in a press release. "We are confident that Bret possesses the professional qualities and experience to help position the association for continued future success as our industry continues to evolve."
Mexico expects larger avocado crop as APEAM boosts promotions
Avocados from Mexico remain “the remaining market share leader and the number one selling avocado” in the United States for the 2011-12 season, 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.
Christopher Garlic Evening Buffet
Karen Christopher, Jason Christopher, Ken Christopher and Bill Christopher of Christopher Ranch.
Wide variety of produce exhibitors at Bozzuto’s fall show
Robert Stark (center) of the East Hampton, NY, IGA, flanked by Dan McAllister and Greg Veneziano of Bozzuto’s Inc. The wholesale grocer’s fall show, known as Merchandising Marketplace 2012, was held Aug.
Nearly all grape varieties at Columbine Vineyards are coming early
The grape harvest in the San Joaquin Valley of California this year started earlier for Columbine Vineyards in Delano, CA, than it did the previous two years — which were late. But “things have moved up earlier and earlier since the start of the season,” said Keith Andrew, sales manager.
“It seems like we are plowing through the varieties quickly, and what are normally mid-fall to late fall varieties are inching up towards August,” he said Aug. 8.
“The colored grapes are coming off very quickly on harvest,” he said. “They are coloring up all at once.”
California garlic industry grapples with unknowns in food-safety law compliance
CLOVIS, CA — California garlic has never been implicated in a foodborne illness, at least not to the knowledge of Robert (Bob) Ehn, chief executive officer and technical manager of the Garlic & Onion Research Advisory Board, here.
But the industry is not taking for granted that it could never happen, and growers, shippers and processors are proactively taking steps to minimize the chances that it ever will.
California summer fruit market likely to remain strong
It’s an old-fashioned tale of supply and demand.
In April, California was hit with a freak hail storm that reduced the on-tree crop of peaches, plums and nectarines. Add to that an ongoing thinning of acreage over the past several years and decreased supplies of local summer fruit deals across the country, and demand is outstripping supply this summer for peaches, plums and nectarines.
California Strawberry Commission hosts workshop for chain restaurant leaders
To help inspire healthy menu options in chain restaurants, the California Strawberry Commission hosted a culinary workshop for select restaurant chain corporate chefs, menu developers and buyers. The two-and-a-half day event provided an in-depth look at the field-to-fork journey of California strawberries.