USDA officials field COOL compliance questions during webinar
WASHINGTON -- U.S. Department of Agriculture officials took the first crack at fielding scores of questions about the new country-of-origin labeling rule during an Aug. 6 webinar sponsored by the Produce Marketing Association and Western Growers Association.
The webinar was the first opportunity members from both trade groups had to hear top-level Agricultural Marketing Service staff members navigate through specific questions regarding how the produce industry should comply with the Aug. 1 interim final rule, which goes into effect Sept. 30.
IN THE TRENCHES: Bigger is no longer better these days
This is an interesting food industry. It is amazing to see how it evolves from year to year under so many struggles and challenges. Yet it continues to change dramatically and move forward each time we turn around.
Galone moves to Booth Ranches
After more than eight years in the Northwest fruit industry, Diamond Fruit Co. Vice President of Marketing Neil Galone has announced he is moving back into California citrus as vice president of sales for Booth Ranches in Orange Cove, CA.
Mr. Galone, who has been with Odell, OR-based Diamond since 2005 and who was vice president of sales for the fresh division of Snokist in Yakima, WA, for five years prior to the Diamond move, told The Produce News Aug. 5 that his last day in Odell was to be Aug. 8.
Safeway's Better Living Brands Alliance takes private labels national
In late April, Pleasanton, CA-based Safeway Inc. announced that it had formed Better Living Brands Alliance to market its "O Organics" and "Eating Right" brands to other retail channels in the United States.
James White, president of Safeway's Lucerne Foods Inc. division, will lead the newly formed alliance. He has a lengthy background in the consumer packaged goods sector. Lucerne Foods is a top food manufacturer with programs for private label, co-packing and foodservice.
IPC announces iTuber Take II Video Contest winners
From coast to coast, Idaho potato fans showed their love for the spud in the Idaho Potato Commission's iTuber Take II Video Contest. Entrants submitted spud-inspired shorts including animated educational videos, horror flicks and documentaries, all vying for a chance to win the $3,000 grand prize.
Canada issues 'import alert' for Mexican Jalape?os and Serranos
Following the discovery of the same Salmonella Saintpaul strain that was identified in the current Salmonella outbreak in the United States in a Jalape?o pepper and a sample of irrigation water collected on a farm in Mexico, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency established an import alert and hold-and-test sampling plan for Mexican Jalape?o and Serrano peppers entering Canada.
Sun World grape expo draws growers from around the world
BAKERSFIELD, CA -- More than 100 grape growers and marketers from 14 countries around the world converged here July 29-31 for Sun World International's second Table Grape Producer Expo.
The first such event was held five years ago.
Industry leader joins Seald Sweet International
Seald Sweet International in Vero Beach, FL, is continuing to grow and diversify its global strategy. To that end, produce industry leader Mark Lewis has been appointed its executive vice president, launching an aggressive expansion strategy. He will be in charge of new product development.
A former director and product leader of Chiquita's deciduous division and chief executive officer of Richland Sales Co., Mr. Lewis is credited with developing and growing several highly successful domestic and import programs globally.
QPMA to honor women in produce at its annual convention
LONGUEUIL, QC -- The Quebec Produce Marketing Association will pay tribute to women working in the produce industry at its 61st annual convention Aug. 14-16 at the Fairmount Le Manoir Richelieu in LaMalbaie, QC.
In addition to numerous networking and educational opportunities, convention attendees will be able to partake in many exciting outdoor activities that the venue, about two hours northeast of Quebec City on the St. Lawrence River, offers.
Valerie Grenier balances family with her produce career
There are no tomatoes in Valerie Grenier's home garden. That is not because the 29-year-old does not like them; quite the contrary, she has an unlimited supply of them at her disposal at her job. Ms. Grenier is the sales and marketing director at Les Serres du St.-Laurent, recognized throughout Quebec by its "Savoura" label and renowned for its premium greenhouse-grown tomatoes.