NWPB names director of industry affairs
2005-01-16
William Winsemann III has joined the National Watermelon Promotion Board as director of industry affairs, where he will be responsible for overseeing the operations of the industry affairs department. Mr. Winsemann has 23 years of experience in business administration, logistics accounting and systems and data management, as well as in policy, trade, agriculture and government.
Justice investigation clears mushroom group
2005-01-16
A two-year U.S. Department of Justice Antitrust Division investigation into the Eastern Mushroom Marketing Cooperative in Wayne, PA, was completed in mid-December. EMMC Executive Director Charles Matthews said that his group has discontinued its challenged foray into the real estate business, but otherwise received a clean bill of health.
Mr. Matthews said that the cooperative was investigated "from stem to stern? on an anti-trust allegation. Cooperative e-mails and records were analyzed; membership agreements and organization policies were scrutinized.
Rosemont Farms to enter Florida strawberry deal with acquisition of J.W. Hunt Co.
2005-01-13
Rosemont Farms, a vegetable grower-shipper located in Boca Raton, FL, acquired the assets of J.W. Hunt in Plant City, FL, in a move that will give Rosemont a much-coveted presence in the Plant City area and will keep active one of the more respected brands in Florida produce " particularly strawberries. Included in the transaction are all assets of J.W. Hunt, including a 65,000-square-foot refrigerated building located in Plant City. The purchase agreement was signed in early December; terms were not disclosed.
Sun World sees auction as positive step
2005-01-13
The long road out of bankruptcy appeared near an end for Sun World International Inc. in Bakersfield, CA, with the announcement that the company was scheduled to go on the auction block Jan. 13 with at least three bidders showing strong interest in acquiring the company. The Chicago Sun-Times reported Wednesday, Jan. 12, that "an auction for the business, which generates $120 million in annual revenue, will be held Thursday [Jan. 13], subject to approval of a bankruptcy judge on Friday."
New Dietary Guidelines urge Americans to eat more produce
2005-01-12
WASHINGTON " Consumers will need to nearly double their daily consumption of fruits and vegetables to meet the new Dietary Guidelines, which in turn will form the blueprint for a host of federal agriculture policies and the yet-to-be-released revised food pyramid.
NAS report finds perchlorate not as toxic as first believed
2005-01-12
WASHINGTON " In a long-awaited report released Jan. 11, the National Academy of Sciences concluded that people can safely tolerate more perchlorate " a chemical that has leached into milk, food and water supplies in trace amounts " than the Environmental Protection Agency had thought was safe.
NOA names director of public and industry relations
2005-01-12
The National Onion Association, based in Greeley, CO, announced that Kim Reddin has been selected to direct the association?s onion promotion and membership efforts. Ms. Reddin officially began her duties on Dec. 20. She replaces Tanya Fell, who left the association in the fall for a position as vice president of the Texas Produce Association.
Cole brothers ensure inventory at Rosemont Farms
2005-01-11
The Cole brothers, Pete, 25, and Eric, 28, have all the supply angles covered for Rosemont Farms Corp. in Boca Raton, FL. Pete is a quality-control inspector. "Bird-dog is what they call us in the industry." As for Eric, "Currently I work in sales and I manage the inventory for the warehouses in North Carolina." He focuses on Eastern vegetables. Although he handles some sales duties, "mostly buying and managing the inventory is my main focus."
Steve Phipps to lead sales and marketing at Pride Packing
2005-01-11
WAPATO, WA " Pride Packing Co. announced earlier this month the appointment of Steve Phipps as national director of sales and marketing. He brings over 25 years of industry experience and has worked for companies in Missouri, Texas, Oklahoma and Minnesota. Most recently, he served in the same capacity for NationFresh, an affiliate of Pride Packing?s parent company, United Salad Co.
Anthony Gallino named vice president of sales at Cal Giant
2005-01-11
California Giant announced that Anthony Gallino has been promoted to vice president of sales. Previously sales manager for all fresh berries, and now beginning his 11th year with the company, Mr. Gallino has witnessed tremendous change and growth at California Giant.
