Peanut butter recall likely to push FDA food-safety reforms
WASHINGTON -- What does a peanut butter plant in Georgia have in common with fruit and vegetable producers? Not much until the peanut butter plant becomes the focus of one of the larger food recalls in history and fuels calls for new legislation to tighten food-safety regulations for the entire food industry.
Products added to Fair Trade item list in U.S. market
TransFair USA, based in Oakland, CA, has opened channels for all Fair Trade- certified products to be marketed in the United States. The move, which became effective Jan. 22, comes at the prompting of importers and greatly broadens opportunities for Fair Trade growers around the world.
TransFair USA is the only independent third-party certifier of Fair Trade products in the United States.
Retail panel says struggling economy affecting consumer produce-buying habits
PLEASANTON, CA -- A panel of retailers declined to formally shed the produce industry's "recession-proof" label, but it did say that the downturn in the economy is definitely affecting what consumers buy in each of their stores.
Putnam to run for Florida ag commissioner
WASHINGTON -- U.S. Rep. Adam Putnam (R-FL), a leading voice for the specialty crop industry, will run for Florida agriculture commissioner when his congressional term runs out in two years.
Oppenheimer again named to Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies
For the eighth consecutive year, Vancouver, BC-based The Oppenheimer Group has been named among Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies, and 2009 also marks the second consecutive year the produce marketer has been awarded Platinum Club member status by the judging panel.
Overseen by sponsors Deloitte, CIBC Commercial Banking, The National Post and Queen's School of Business, the award selection entails a detailed assessment process, and each year's recognition reflects the previous year's performance.
Ben Parker Inc. owner left behind millions in produce debt
Ben Parker, who operated a produce wholesale brokerage operation in Dallas named Ben Parker Inc., died last month leaving behind $5 million to $6 million in produce debt, according to Kate Ellis of the law firm of McCarron & Diess in Washington, DC.
Robert Cochran II was 87
Robert Cochran II, a third-generation member of Robert T. Cochran & Co. Inc. on the Hunts Point Terminal Market and father of current President Richard Cochran, died Jan. 7 of natural causes. He was 87.
Florida makes it through first night of freeze
The predicted freeze was "not as bad as forecast last night," Ted Campbell, executive director of the Florida Strawberry Association in Dover, FL, told The Produce News Thursday, Feb. 5. He was referring to the cold front that passed through Florida Wednesday night and Thursday morning.
"We feel like we dodged the proverbial bullet," said Michael W. Sparks, executive vice president and chief executive officer of Florida Citrus Mutual in Lakeland, FL. "There will probably be spot damage here and there, but in terms of large scale problems, we came through OK."
Maxco-Proactive alliance looks to bring packaging to the next level
Maxco Supply Inc. in Parlier, CA, and Proactive Packaging & Display Inc., with locations in Stockton, CA, and Ontario, CA, have signed a multi-year, strategic alliance agreement to better serve the agricultural industry's packaging needs with the ultimate goal of producing premium packaging with as little impact on the environment as possible.
The alliance provides for superior package construction and graphics for consumers, while at the same time helping to conserve resources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by using less paper and less power in production.
Marketing message targets potato nutrition and convenience
MONTE VISTA, CO -- With an updated marketing strategy that dovetails with the U.S. Potato Board's "Goodness Unearthed" campaign, the Colorado Potato Administrative Committee is sponsoring a 2009 consumer recipe contest that encourages creativity with spuds.
The recipes, which will ultimately be compiled in a new cookbook from the committee, take in all menu categories, from breakfast-brunch to soups to main dishes. A category designated "other" can include desserts and snacks, according to CPAC Administrator Linda Weyers.