RETAIL VIEW: Food prices should register modest gains in 2009
Both food suppliers and food retailers are in relatively good shape and should see modest sales and price gains in 2009, according to two economists who participated in a recent webinar sponsored by the Food Marketing Institute. Ephraim Leibtag, who works with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Economic Research Service, and Kenneth Zaslow, a food analyst with BMO Capital Markets, looked at food prices and costs from a historical perspective and concluded that the sector is in much better shape than many other segments of the economy.
Stemilt first to earn PBH's Non-Retail Role Model status
The Produce for Better Health Foundation has named Stemilt Growers Inc., based in Wenatchee, WA, the first company to attain its Non-Retail Role Model honors for its support of the Fruits & Veggies - More Matters health initiative.
The formal announcement of Stemilt's role model status will be made at the foundation's board of trustees meeting April 3 in Monterey, CA.
Stemilt Growers Inc., a family-owned tree fruit grower-packer-shipper, is a leading Washington-grown sweet cherry shipper that also ships Washington- grown apples and Northwest pears.
After closing some operations, Craig Ito remains in farming
Ito Packing Co. Inc. in Reedley, CA, once one of the larger fruit-packing operations in California, has suspended its packing operation and discontinued its sales and marketing activities but will continue to grow fruit.
Craig Ito, the company's president, told The Produce News that Ito Packing will no longer be packing or marketing fruit, confirming rumors and speculation to that effect from several sources.
Flooding won't affect Red River Valley potato deal
Flooding in the Red River Valley, reported on some national news outlets, is having no impact on Red River Valley potato growers, according to Ted Kreis, marketing director for the Northern Plains Potato Growers Association, based in East Grand Forks, MN.
Mr. Kreis told The Produce News March 23 that the flooding is "upstream" around Fargo, ND. "Upstream" on the Red River Valley is unique in the United States as a southerly direction for a major river. The Red River of the north flows north into Canada.
Progreso Produce expands Florida volume; inks deal with Clear Springs Packing
BOERNE, TX -- Progreso Produce recently announced an exclusive sales and marketing agreement with Clear Springs Packing LLC in Bartow, FL, to market blueberries, watermelon, strawberries and cantaloupe.
The new relationship provides ancillary sales and sourcing support from Progreso Produce while maintaining the current sales staff, company name and labels of Clear Springs Packing. The Clear Springs relationship builds on Progreso's current watermelon interests in Florida and further solidifies its year-round presence while also adding additional products and facilities.
California Giant Berry Farms launches Sweet On Sports promotion
WATSONVILLE, CA -- California Giant Berry Farms is teaming up with two heavy hitters -- the Major League Baseball Player Alumni Association and the Tennis Channel -- for a Sweet on Sports promotion this spring.
The retail promotion includes separate programs featuring each partner for a total of 20 weeks. Sweet on Sports supports the healthy, active lifestyle consumer message that California Giant said it promotes through its full line of berries.
More than $500,000 slated for leafy greens research
The Center for Produce Safety at the University of California-Davis and the California Leafy Greens Research Program awarded grants to seven leading scientists to conduct research that will provide the produce industry with new data to help mitigate the food-safety risks associated with leafy greens production.
Funded equally by the center and the research program, the awards represent the center's first collaboration under the Partners in Research Program.
Customized Brokers expanding since acquisition by Crowley Holdings
As a result of its acquisition last fall by Jacksonville, FL-based Crowley Holdings, Customized Brokers, a Customs-clearance company that specializes in refrigerated cargo that arrives by air and sea, now offers additional logistics services to its current and expanding customer base.
Patricia Compres, president and chief executive officer of Miami-based Customized Brokers, told The Produce News March 6 that her firm is stronger than ever with the Crowley connection, and that the company is expanding its Philadelphia and Los Angeles offices.
IGA stores thrive with help from produce supplier
After close to three decades in the corporate retail environment in a number of different executive positions, Rick Rynke was a bit frustrated and wanted to get closer to his retail roots. So 19 years ago, he and his son, Bob, bought a small retail grocery company and haven't looked back.
Mexican mangos may be out of hot water
By this time next month, mangos from Mexico should be arriving in the United States without having to undergo a hot-water treatment process that many feel compromises the quality and flavor of the fruit.
An irradiation facility in the Mexican state of Hidalgo has applied for certification from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and expects to be shipping irradiated mangos to the United States by mid-April.