Consumers don't view moderate grape shatter as indication of poor quality
FRESNO, CA -- "A proposed change to the federal regulations on the permissible levels of loose grapes has California's fresh grape industry and U.S. retailers talking about an earlier survey by the California Table Grape Commission that indicates the change will have no impact for consumers," according to a March 7 press release from the commission. The proposed change would apply only to consumer packs such as bags and clamshells.
Fresh Quest goes fully 'new generation' Harper cantaloupe
"Last year was our first large production of the Harper cantaloupe," said Lou Kertesz, vice president of Fresh Quest in Pompano Beach, FL. "It represented about 50 percent of our movement, but it was so successful that we increased our program to 100 percent Harper. It's the 'new generation' of melon."
Mr. Kertesz said that the Harper has several qualities that make it a superior cantaloupe.
Redner's executive found dead at home
A Pennsylvania retail executive was killed March 9.
Gary Redner, 55, was found March 10 beaten to death at his Lower Heidelberg Township residence in State Hill, PA, near Reading, PA. Mr. Redner was the executive vice president of procurement for Redner's Warehouse Markets Inc. He had worked for 38 years for the company, which was founded by his parents, Earl Redner of Wyomissing, PA, and the late Mary (Germond) Redner.
Dulcinea Farms reinforces leadership
Dulcinea Farms has reinforced its leadership with the appointment of Luzius Caviezel as general manager and Keith Kato as senior vice president of sales and marketing. The new management structure places a strong emphasis on sales and marketing, concentrating on key retail customers and the continued growth of the brand.
Cross-border trucking project under fire on Capitol Hill
WASHINGTON -- A broad coalition of groups urged Congress to continue a pilot program that would allow cross-border truck deliveries into the United States and Mexico, though Congress has passed legislation to cut the program's funding.
Produce veteran Dave Anderson joins Superior Sales
Dave Anderson joined Superior Sales Inc. in Salinas, CA, as a produce broker/salesperson Feb. 3.
Mr. Anderson will handle a full line for the company, where he said commodities include "lettuce, Romaine, all the leaf lettuces, melons, dry onions, potatoes, veggies -- if a customer asks for it, we try to find it to make sure their need is covered."
New grower partnerships double Oppenheimer's stone fruit program
The Oppenheimer Group in Vancouver, BC, may be 150 years old, but the marketer is still doing some things for the first time.
In partnership with Bujulian Bros. Inc., Wildwood Packing & Cooling, and YNT Enterprises, all based in Kingsburg, CA, Oppenheimer will bring stone fruit grown in the state's Central Valley to the market for the first time this spring.
Senate extends farm bill until April 18
WASHINGTON -- The Senate voted March 12 to give farm bill negotiators until April 18 to broker a deal with the White House, and the House of Representatives was expected to vote on the stopgap extension later in the day.
The 2002 farm bill expires March 15, so lawmakers struggling to agree on how to finance the bill said they needed more time to negotiate differences before they recess for the two-week Easter break. Congress extended the bill once before to March 15 after failing to reach an agreement in September.
Ciruli Bros. expands into organics
Chuck Ciruli lll, chief executive officer of Ciruli Bros. in Rio Rico, AZ, has announced that the firm will be making a significant commitment to the organic produce market.
"The organic produce market has expanded dramatically in the last 10 years, and we want to be a part of that growth," Mr. Ciruli said in a press release. The organic produce will be marketed under the "Ciruli Brothers Organika" brand, Mr. Ciruli added, and will be guided by the same strict standard of excellence that has been the trademark of Ciruli Bros. for over 65 successful years.
Stan Paluszewski returns to Four Seasons Produce
Stan Paluszewski rejoined the Four Seasons Produce Inc. team March 10 as national sales manager.
Recently, Mr. Paluszewski was in eastern division sales and marketing for produce and floral with Supervalu Inc. in Mechanicsville, VA.
He brings over 35 years of wholesale and retail operations and merchandising experience to the business development team at Four Seasons. He had previously worked with Four Seasons' retail and merchandising group and additionally worked with a variety of retailers including Kroger, Food Lion, Sams Club, SuperKmart and Winn Dixie.