Oso Sweet names new marketing firm
Rainmaker Media Group, a Charleston, WV-based advertising, marketing and public relations firm, has been hired by Waterford, MI-based Saven Corp., owners of the Oso Sweet onion, to promote its winter and spring sweet onions.
Wal-Mart increases partnership with local growers
Wal-Mart highlighted its commitment to carry more local fruits and vegetables in California, to keep produce prices down and offer affordable selections that are fresh and healthy during a watermelon promotion event in West Sacramento, CA.
The retailer also said that partnerships with local farmers have grown by 50 percent over the past two years -- one example of the company's efforts to support local economies, cut shipping costs and provide fresh food.
Rep. Mahoney introduces bill to compensate tomato growers
WASHINGTON -- Tomato growers and first handlers nationwide could get money for losses stemming from the federal government's Salmonella warning if a bill introduced June 24 by U.S. Rep. Tim Mahoney (D-FL) becomes law.
FDA clears all Jalapeno peppers grown in the U.S.
The Food & Drug Administration announced Friday afternoon, July 25, that it is revising its consumer advice to indicate that all fresh Jalapeno and Serrano peppers grown in the United States are not associated with the Salmonella Saintpaul outbreak, and are thus safe to consume.
Retailers and restaurants are advised that they may sell U.S.-grown peppers without concern about this outbreak, according to a report e-mailed by the United Fresh Produce Association, in Washington, DC.
Alain Pare leaves Metro to join Groupe Connexion
After a 16-year run with Metro Inc., Alain Pare has left the Montreal-based firm -- one of Canada's larger retailers -- to join Groupe Connexion in Joliette, QC.
Mr. Pare's first day with Groupe Connexion was July 21. Groupe Connexion is a holding company for three businesses owned by Daniel Berard: Danfreight Systems Inc., VegKiss and B&B Gardens.
Foodservice Forum: Hyatt's Corn Maiden menu an international mix but dedicated to local community
The Corn Maiden Restaurant in the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa is located on the Santa Ana Pueblo Native American Indian reservation between Santa Fe and Albuquerque, NM. It is a fitting place for Executive Chef Mark Ching to seek out a new culinary oasis. Since arriving there three years ago, the 38-year restaurant veteran has pushed the culinary envelope to new levels.
FDA gets first lead by finding Salmonella-tainted jalapeno at Texas distributor
WASHINGTON -- Described as a breakthrough by FDA officials at the Food & Drug Administration, the agency has found a Mexican-picked jalapeno pepper at a Texas distributor that matches the Salmonella Saintpaul serotype that has caused more than 1,200 people to become ill.
Now FDA officials are working feverishly with Agricola Zaragosa, a small distributor in McAllen, TX, to issue a recall notice to its buyers. "We presented the information to the firm, and a recall is underway," David Acheson, FDA's associate commissioner for food, said in a July 21 call with reporters.
Satur Farms supplies retailers and upscale restaurants alike
CUTCHOGUE, NY -- Paulette Satur knew that the farm she and her husband, Eberhard Muller, bought here on Long Island's north fork in 1997 would be a success.
Miriam Miller joins United
WASHINGTON -- United Fresh Produce Association has named Miriam S. Miller as its new director of membership, adding a full-time staff position devoted to growing and supporting the association's membership.
Ms. Miller will work closely with Jeff Oberman, vice president of industry relations, to grow United's membership base and assist members with maximizing the benefit of United's services.
Maile Shanahan Geis to lead 'California Grown' campaign
The Buy California Marketing Agreement, which oversees the "California Grown" campaign, recently promoted Maile Shanahan Geis from marketing director to executive director, where she is now responsible for the program's strategic direction, long-term planning and signatory relations.
In addition, she will continue to oversee the marketing and promotional activities of the statewide campaign, including public relations outreach, advertising programs, retail and foodservice merchandising, and industry communications.