Gourmet Mushrooms Inc. extends its organic line
Gourmet Mushrooms Inc. in Sebastopol, CA, grower of the "Mycopia" brand of organic specialty mushrooms, has concluded agreements with two other Pacific Coast growers and now offers an all-organic program to its customers.
Gourmet Mushrooms' five varieties of specialty mushrooms are now complemented by organically grown Shiitake and Maitake. The company's own varieties have been certified-organic since 2003. Bob Engel, director of marketing, believes that customers are becoming familiar with and demanding a wider range of organic varieties.
Chelan Fresh Marketing takes on sales and marketing for E.W. Brandt
Starting with the 2008 pear and apple crops, sales and marketing for the entire fruit manifest of Wapato, WA-based E.W. Brandt & Sons Inc. will be handled by Chelan Fresh Marketing in Chelan, WA.
The collaboration provides buyers with fruit from Washington's two primary fruit-growing regions: the Yakima Valley in the state's midsection on the eastern side of the Cascade Range and the Wenatchee-Chelan region further to the northeast.
Sun World promotes Thornberry
Sun World International LLC in Bakersfield, CA, has promoted Darren Thornberry to vice president of strategic planning and analysis.
He will have the overall responsibility for the firm's planning practices, including strategic business planning, supply chain analysis, financial performance analysis and capital budgeting.
Mr. Thornberry came to Sun World in 2006 as a senior operations analyst and most recently functioned as the director of strategic planning.
Coquimba gourmet banana debuts in U.S.
A Fort Pierce, FL, entrepreneur has brought the Coquimba gourmet banana to Florida.
"We feel it is only fitting to bring another world-class flavor leader to Florida," Jose Ubilla, owner of Real Stone & Granite and now co-owner of the Coquimba gourmet banana, said in a press release. "Our fresh Coquimba bananas initially will only be available for Florida residents. However, we are in active discussions with produce distributors in California and other locations throughout the United States as word gets out on this new gourmet product."
Registration open for PMA benefit golf tournament
Registration is open for the third annual Produce Marketing Association Education Foundation Golf Tournament, which is a fundraiser for the Nucci Scholarship for Culinary Innovation.
"PMA established the Nucci Scholarship in honor of our brother, Joe," Gina Nucci, director of foodservice marketing for Mann Packing Co. Inc., said in a press release. "It's a great way for Joe's friends and colleagues to get together, have fun and raise money for a great cause."
Hailstorm damage to New York apple crop a 'wait-and-see' game now
"It is a wait-and-see game now," said Jim Allen, president of the New York Apple Association in Fishers, NY. "We are now waiting to see how [the apples] grow and how they can best be used."
Mr. Allen was referring to the damage to apple orchards resulting from a hailstorm that swept across New York state June 16. Current damage assessments stand at about 6 million to 7 million bushels that could have been damaged during the storm.
Professional development goal of this year's FPFC Expo
This year's Fresh Produce & Floral Council Expo has added an extra emphasis on professional development, which has led to a change in its seminar structure.
"Rather than focusing on floral or produce with separate seminars, the committee is stressing professional development for store-level attendees with a joint opening session featuring Harold Lloyd," said Carissa Mace, president of the council.
Industry remembers longtime industry leader and retailer Robert Backovich
Former Safeway produce executive Robert Backovich died June 30 of a kidney ailment at the age of 76.
Mr. Backovich spent his entire produce career with Safeway Stores, rising to the top position in the produce department, which he held for many years. He was also very active in the produce industry, especially in volunteer roles within the Produce Marketing Association.
Mann Packing Co. introduces 'Simply Singles'
Salinas, CA-based Mann Packing Co. has introduced its highly successful "Simply Singles" whole-leaf lettuce items to the retail supermarket channel.
"Simply Singles" are washed and ready-to-use single lettuce leaves available in three popular varieties: Romaine hearts, red leaf and green leaf lettuce. Mann introduced the items to the foodservice industry in 2000, and they were met with overwhelming success.
Seald Sweet citrus to benefit wounded and fallen service members
Seald Sweet International has launched a special marketing campaign benefiting wounded and fallen veterans.
The firm will contribute proceeds from fresh citrus commodities in special promotional packaging to help wounded and fallen service members and their families through the Fisher House Foundation. The program commences in conjunction with Seald Sweet's summer citrus program with plans to run throughout the year.