PMA announces changes to senior management roles
The Produce Marketing Association has restructured its senior management team to more closely align it with the association's new strategic plan and the expectations of its members. The restructuring began with the PMA board of directors' decision in October to add the title and responsibility of chief executive officer to PMA President Bryan Silbermann's existing charge.
Fruit Patch adds to sales team
Fruit Patch Sales LLC in Dinuba, CA, which hired Rick Eastes as vice president of sales and marketing in December, has announced the addition of several other people to its sales team.
William F. Consalo was 82
William F. Consalo, a former president of Wm. Consalo & Sons Farms Inc. in Vineland, NJ, died Sunday, Jan. 4, at his home in Vineland following a bout with cancer. He was 82 years old.
Mr. Consalo was one of four sons of company founder William Consalo, who started the wholesale produce distribution firm in 1927. The other sons were Anthony, known as Andy, who died some years ago, as well as Augustus (Augie) and Vincent Sr., who both retired a few years ago.
To-Jo makes commitment to reduce electricity usage
To-Jo Mushrooms, based in Avondale, PA, has partnered with EnerNOC Inc. for Demand Response, an energy-conservation program that reduces stress on the electric power grid during periods of high demand.
Anthony D'Amico, executive vice president of To-Jo, cited environmental stewardship as a company priority and a driving force behind the decision to implement the program that conserves energy and makes a positive impact with community neighbors.
John Vena Inc. bids farewell to retiring Charlie Pigliacelli
After 23 years with Philadelphia-based John Vena Inc., Charles D. Pigliacelli, partner and director of store operations, retired on the final day of 2008.
"I will miss everyone in this industry," Mr. Pigliacelli said in a press release. "I was proud to be a part of John Vena Inc.'s growth and expansion and rise to one of the best houses on the street."
SPC to honor Ferdinand S. Duda
The Southeast Produce Council will honor Ferdinand S. Duda with its 2009 Lifetime Achievement Award at the council's annual conference in early March.
Mr. Duda, who has been a member of the board of directors of Oviedo, FL- based A. Duda & Sons Inc. since 1981 and chairman since January 2005, will receive the award Saturday, March 7, during the keynote luncheon, part of the council's annual retail and foodservice conference and exposition, scheduled for March 5-7 in Tampa, FL.
Ted Campbell bringing together production and retail perspectives
When Ted Campbell, executive director of the Florida Strawberry Association in Dover, FL, joined the firm in early August, he brought many years of retail experience with him. That experience is proving helpful in the production and wholesale ends of the business.
Dan Vache joins United Fresh as VP of supply chain management
Dan Vache, formerly vice president of sales for the food division at Sensitech Inc., will head the United Fresh Produce Association's new Supply Chain Logistics & Technology Program as vice president of supply chain management, a new position.
Marketers of Asian produce gear up for Chinese New Year
With the Chinese New Year occurring later this month, marketers of Asian produce items are gearing up for increased demand for a variety of products.
Patsy Ross, marketing director for Gilroy, CA-based Christopher Ranch, said that the company expects more volume of ginger from Hawaii this year than was available last year.
"We feel that Hawaiian ginger is the best," Ms. Ross said, adding that it always is the premier ginger and as a result tends to be higher in price. Hawaiian ginger harvest also is the longest, she said.
Fruit Patch picks Rick Eastes to lead sales and marketing
Fruit Patch Sales LLC in Dinuba, CA, a major marketer of California stone fruit and other fruit and the exclusive sales agent for grower-packer Fruit Patch Inc., has hired industry veteran Rick Eastes as vice president of sales and marketing.