National Mango Board holds outreach meeting in New Jersey
TEANECK, NJ -- The National Mango Board held the fourth in a series of 15 outreach meetings that it will conduct this year in the United States, Mexico, Central America and South America on June 2, here, at the Marriott at Glenpointe.
2009 New Jersey produce industry outlook: good volume, high quality
The 2009 produce season is underway and should be highlighted by good quantities of high-quality produce. So far this year, the weather has had a mild impact on New Jersey produce. Early warm and dry spring conditions quickly yielded to overcast and rainy weather which slowly warmed the soil. This resulted in later plowing and planting as well as more gradual growing conditions and bee pollination.
Season's first shipment of South African citrus headed to U.S.
CITRUSDAL, SOUTH AFRICA -- The season's first shipload of South African citrus sailed May 31 from Cape Town and is scheduled to arrive about June 24 on the Delaware River's Gloucester Marine Terminal in Gloucester City, NJ.
Many grower-packers throughout the Citrusdal shipping district interviewed by The Produce News May 27-29 indicated that the quality of their fruit is excellent. Several packinghouse tours verified the claims.
Six L's Packing expands production of Vintage Ripe tomatoes
Almost one year after the debut of Six L's Vintage Ripe tomatoes, the new heirloom variety has found its stride with year-round production and increased acreage of nearly 25 percent.
The new Vintage Ripe tomato season kicked off June 1 with production coming from South Carolina. The deal then transitions to Virginia for the months of July through October before rounding out the season with Florida production November through May.
New draft food-safety bill to be marked up in House committee this month
WASHINGTON U.S. Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA) circulated a draft food- safety bill May 26 that would levy new fees on all facilities registered with the Food & Drug Administration to pay for more frequent inspections and set new produce safety standards.
After months of speculation about food-safety legislation, a powerful House committee is scheduled to hold its first hearing on the bill June 3.
Northwest cherries already generating industry excitement
Cherry growers and shippers in the Pacific Northwest are starting to exhale as they prepare to move into production for this season's crop. Unlike 2008, the year during which frost severely damaged the annual crop, prospects for 2009 have the industry excited.
Maine-made goods the focus of May promotion at Walmart
Maine agricultural products and Maine-made goods were the center of attention at a special "Made in Maine" celebration held May 19 at the Walmart in Augusta, ME.
Deputy Commissioner of Agriculture Ned Porter and Secretary of State Matt Dunlap joined representatives of Maine companies, legislators, local school children and Walmart associates and customers in promoting the quality of Maine products.
Robert Sawyer promoted at Metro Inc.
Longtime Metro Inc. staffer Robert Sawyer was recently named executive vice president and chief operating officer of the Montreal-based firm.
Mr. Sawyer, who is celebrating 30 years of service at Metro this year, most recently served as senior vice president of Metro's Ontario division, Metro Ontario Inc.
According to a company press release, "in his new position, he will be responsible for the Quebec and Ontario divisions, national procurement, corporate brands as well as information systems and marketing.
PMA announces plans to form first affiliate for Australia and New Zealand members
NEWARK, DE -- Produce Marketing Association's first-ever affiliate is now being formed for members in Australia and New Zealand, and will officially begin operating this fall, according to association leaders.
Setton disputes FDA claim that it knew of Salmonella
WASHINGTON -- From October 2008 to March 2009, Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella Inc., based in Terra Bella, CA, continued to process roasted pistachios and ship product despite the fact that four laboratories detected Salmonella on eight occasions, according to an inspection report by the Food & Drug Administration.