It's 'amore' at Sunfish Grill
If you're in the Fort Lauderdale area of Florida with your loved one Feb. 14, don't miss dining at Sunfish Grill. Besides wonderful appetizer and entr?e offerings, it is acclaimed for its dessert menu created especially with "love" in mind. Husband-and-wife team Tony and Erika Sindaco will celebrate Sunfish Grill's 10th anniversary this April. It gained international recognition for its fine cuisine many years ago.
California delegation travels to Cuba and returns with hope for trade
A group of California agriculturists led by the state's secretary of agriculture, A.G. Kawamura, traveled to Cuba in January, and the produce representatives returned believing that there is opportunity to do some business.
Mr. Kawamura's group represented a wide range of commodities, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, raisins, cheese, rice and cotton. He told The Produce News that "California was following the lead of 18 other states in attempting to establish a trading relationship with Cuba."
Organic produce drives growth at Vitamin Cottage
Consumer interest in fresh organic produce has proven to be a significant driving force for Vitamin Cottage Natural Grocers.
The family-owned company, which began in 1955 as a door-to-door operation in Golden, CO, opened its 26th store Jan. 15 in Colorado Springs, CO. This latest addition expands the company's regional visibility in Colorado and New Mexico.
"It's a very well-prepared store," said Vice President of Marketing Nancy Flynn. "It was a very productive opening. People have been asking for more produce."
Mexican producers abuzz about this year's tomato deal
The 2008 Mexican tomato season is shaping up to be one of the better ones in several years, with reliable supplies and steady markets expected, according to industry sources.
"The season started light, but now we are moving into some great crops," said Javier (J.J.) Badillo, director of diversified products for Calavo Inc., who oversees Calavo's Mexican tomato program from the company's Nogales, AZ, office.
He told The Produce News Jan. 30 that he expects to see "high quality and consistent supplies" throughout the balance of the season.
Family Tree Farms begins R&D program to achieve better, more consistent fruit flavor
REEDLEY, CA -- Family Tree Farms, here, has announced the addition of Eric Wuhl to its staff as director of research and development, overseeing all activities of the company's new research and development center that is scheduled to be operational in about a month. The announcement was made in a Jan. 28 press release.
David Warsh named UPGA board vice chairman
Dave Warsh, owner of Warsh Farm in Center, CO, has been named vice chairman of the United Potato Growers of America board of directors. Mr. Warsh, a first-generation farmer, came to Colorado from Waukesha, WI, and has been farming for 25 years.
He brings a wealth of experience in the potato industry to the table. Mr. Warsh is a founding director of United Potato Growers of America, and he served for two years as secretary-treasurer of the organization.
Sholl partnership with Gourmet Trading will bring 'Green Giant Fresh' asparagus to retail
The Sholl Group II Inc., the Minnesota-based marketer of selected "Green Giant Fresh" produce products, is expanding the brand through a partnership with Gourmet Trading Co., based in Los Angeles. The alliance will involve growing, packing, shipping and marketing "Green Giant Fresh" branded asparagus.
Rains tighten strawberry market, keep prices high
Prolonged and heavy rains in Southern California have tightened strawberry supplies, resulting in a soaring berry market that may continue into the Easter pull.
Naturipe adds key executives
Naturipe Farms, a nationwide grower and marketer of berries, has added industry veterans Don Harris and Robert Verloop to its senior management team.
Company President Bruce Peterson announced that Mr. Harris is joining the company effective Feb. 4 as director of procurement and wholesale sales, a new position that leverages Mr. Harris' extensive experience on the buying side of the equation.
Mr. Harris has more than 30 years of experience in the retail sector and most recently was director of procurement for Wild Oats. He was also with Safeway for many years.
HEALTHY PERSPECTIVE: The produce industry's unrealized potential
The Produce for Better Health Foundation, the American Heart Association, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and other organizations and agencies, including virtually all fruit and vegetable commodity boards, have been working for years to get the word out about the benefits of eating more fruits and vegetables.