Duda confirms sale of citrus acreage, but says category still growing
On Dec. 3, Mark Bassetti, vice president of customer development for Duda Farm Fresh Foods, headquartered in Oviedo, FL, told The Produce News that reports stating that A. Duda & Sons (the parent company) has sold 2,000 acres of citrus groves in the state's Indian River region to Premier Citrus Packers in Vero Beach, FL, are true. But he added that A. Duda & Sons has no plans to reduce its involvement in citrus fruits, including citrus from Florida.
Recent executive hires settling in at Naturipe
In recent months, Naples, FL-based Naturipe Farms LLC, an international grower-owned producer and marketer of foods, added four new faces to its team in key positions.
Those hires are Mohinder Sikka, senior director of operations; Michael Bentel, director of food safety and quality assurance; Richard Burden, director of transportation; and Robin Doran, director of communications.
National Mango Board takes on foodservice in 2008
The National Mango Board in Orlando, FL, strives to affect the foodservice arena and provide restaurants with the tools they need to create excellent mango dishes. This year, the board organized a day with Chef Allen (The Mango Man) Susser for Sodexho and The Cheesecake Factory. The board will also be partnering with Sodexho in the spring and summer of 2009. It will wrap up the year by participating at the International Foodservice Editorial Council conference and updating the foodservice section of Mango.org.
Lain Jager appointed Zespri chief executive
Lain Jager has been appointed chief executive officer of Zespri Group Ltd. following five months as acting CEO. Before that, he served as the firm's human resources manager and general manager of its supply chain.
Schuler to lead 2008-09 PMA foundation board of directors
The board of directors of the Newark, DE-based Produce Marketing Association's Foundation for Industry Talent took office at the close of PMA's 2008 Fresh Summit International Convention & Exposition in Orlando, FL, in October. Chairman of the Board Bill Schuler, president and chief executive officer of Castellini Co. in Newport, KY, is joined on the 2008-09 board by three other officers and 17 directors to lead next year's foundation activities.
Todd Fryhover to head Washington Apple Commission
The Washington Apple Commission announced Dec. 4 that Todd Fryhover was selected as the organization's next president. Mr. Fryhover formally takes the reins Jan. 1, but he is already working with Interim President Ken Severn to facilitate a smooth transition.
Mr. Fryhover is a native of Wenatchee, WA, the city where the commission is headquartered. He graduated from the University of Idaho with an agricultural and business degree. He has 20 years of industry experience, having worked for several leading apple shippers.
Best-in-class web site rapidly attracts produce pros
Launched this past spring, the produce industry has a new credit reporting and marketing web site. Blue Book Online Services, at www.bluebookprco.com, is the latest offering from Blue Book Services and follows the very successful Electronic Blue Book on CD-ROM.
Peruvian Asparagus Importers Association positioning asparagus industry for success
According to the Peruvian Asparagus Importers Association, the Peruvian asparagus industry is setting standards for innovation, compliance with food and safety requirements, promotion and production.
Central American melon outlook is strong
Amid a variety of internal changes in the Central American melon business, North American produce buyers expect plenty of high-quality imported melons this winter.
Rodale Institute's Jeff Moyer elected to chair USDA National Organic Standards Board
Jeff Moyer, farm director of the Rodale Institute in Kutztown, PA, has been elected chairman of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's 2009 National Organic Standards Board. The board elected Mr. Moyer at its recent meeting in Washington, DC, elevating him from the 2008 vice chairman role. His five- year board term began three years ago.