A. LoPresti & Sons ceases operations
Citing unprecedented financial challenges resulting from the effects of the economic downturn across the nation and in Ohio, A. LoPresti & Sons Inc., a family-owned, wholesale foodservice distributor that has been serving northeastern Ohio for more than 100 years, announced that it is ceasing operations and will liquidate the business. The company, which has annual revenues of approximately $40 million, had more than 1,200 customers - primarily restaurants, hotels, caterers, schools, hospitals, and business and industry accounts throughout the region.
Seald Sweet adding numerous non-citrus offerings
Seald Sweet International, a Vero Beach, FL-based unit of the Belgian company Univeg, is moving forward with a plan to diversify its offerings by adding non-citrus items to its product line.
Agritrade 2009 features 'America's Garden
ANTIGUA, GUATEMALA -- Guatemala's position as "America's Garden" was highlighted March 19-20 at the Agritrade Expo & Conference 2009. The 14th edition of the show was held for the first time in Antigua at the five-star Casa Santo Domingo Hotel & Convention Center. Previously, the show was held in Guatemala City, which is about 30 minutes from Antigua.
Bland Farms' purchase of Empire Sweets a done deal
On Feb. 19, representatives from Bland Farms LLC in Glennville, GA, were the only bidders for the farming operations of Zappala Farms LLC in Cato, NY, including its "Empire Sweets" trademark, in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Northern District of New York, in Syracuse, NY.
United States attempting to solve trade dispute with Mexico
In mid-March, Mexico levied tariffs on dozens of U.S. products as a retaliatory measure to the ending of a cross-border trucking program that allowed a specific number of Mexican trucks to deliver their loads past the 20-25-mile commercial zone and to the point of destination within the United States.
The Obama administration announced the week of March 23 that it was engaged in efforts to end the dispute and hoped to do so by the time President Obama travels to Mexico in April.
BI-LO files for bankruptcy protection, blames current credit crisis
BI-LO LLC, a South Carolina-based supermarket chain of more than 200 stores owned by Lone Star Funds, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection March 23, apparently in relation to a $260 million debt obligation that was maturing three days later.
In a press release announcing the action, the company said that it "intends to use the court-supervised process to address an upcoming debt maturity," and it "expects to reach mutually acceptable resolutions with all of its constituencies and to exit bankruptcy as expeditiously as possible."
Imagination Farms continues success with 'Disney Garden' stone fruits
INDIANAPOLIS -- In anticipation of the upcoming summer season, Imagination Farms is adding two new suppliers, SGS and Dayka & Hackett LLC, providing stone fruit and grapes to the "Disney Garden" offerings.
In addition, the suppliers will also roll out new promotions and branded packaging to keep the Disney Garden product line exciting for consumers.
California Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement honors Schwarzenegger
SACRAMENTO, CA -- While a national debate on how to improve the safety of the U.S. food supply continues, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger was honored by the California Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement for his role in developing an innovative food safety program.
The award was presented March 24 to Gov. Schwarzenegger as part of the state's celebration of Ag Day.
Chelsea Armata represents the fourth generation at E. Armata Inc.
Chelsea is intelligent, and her father is the president. However, this Chelsea's dad is named Chris, not Bill, and he is not a former president of the United States but rather president of E. Armata Inc., a longtime wholesaler located at the Hunts Point Terminal Market in the Bronx, NY. Chelsea Armata, 20, is the fourth generation to work in the family-owned- and-operated business, and since January 2008, she has served as the executive assistant for her dad and her uncle Paul, the firm's vice president.
Ocean Mist gets cooking with Mr. Food segments
Ocean Mist Farms is working with nationally known food expert Art Ginsburg, also known as Mr. Food, to show Americans just how easy it is to cook artichokes.
Ocean Mist partnered with Mr. Food to produce two 90-second segments that will air on television stations in more than 200 markets across the country March 30-31.