Philadelphia focuses on new site for produce market
PHILADELPHIA -- The general manager of the Philadelphia Regional Produce Market believes that the market could still move to a site adjacent to its current location, but it could take four years or more for Sysco to move its existing warehousing operation from that to another location.
With the rapid escalation of construction costs, the then-affordable new Philadelphia market size would not be as large as the existing facility, which was built by the city in 1959. For that reason, the next-door plan has been abandoned.
Contest to award trip to Cancun
Bartolotta Inc. is looking to give a boost to a traditionally slow time in the produce industry with a new contest set to begin in early January.
The contest rules are simple: every truckload of produce purchased between Jan. 7 and Feb. 1 by a new or existing customer of the company will earn that customer one entry in a drawing for a trip to Cancun, Mexico.
IN THE TRENCHES: A new year of changes, challenges and wishes
As the old saying goes, "Time flies when you're having fun." Well, get ready for another exciting fun ride on the produce roller coaster, complete with more speed, opportunities and responsibilities than ever before.
Another year has come and gone in the produce business. Did you make it over most of the tough hurdles this past year? No doubt 2008 will bring with it more changes and challenges. Some may be accomplished with ease, while others may be stressful and burdensome. What are your wishes and resolutions for the new year ahead?
Florida and Southeast dodge weather bullet
Growers in the southeastern United States were scrambling Jan. 1 to put into action any plan possible to protect their crops from a weather forecast advising that temperatures could drop to below freezing and last from several hours to as many as 72 hours.
Fortunately, the cold front that blew as far south as Key West was considerably less damaging than predicted.
Judge sides with Florida on citrus quarantine
On Wednesday, Dec. 19, in an emergency injunction attempt in a Tallahassee, FL, courtroom, a judge ruled against California in its attempt to have a quarantine lifted on citrus fruit shipped to Florida due to Septoria citri. The quarantine went into effect Dec. 7. California Citrus Mutual, Sunkist Growers Inc. and others filed the lawsuit.
HLB seeing good movement of Brazilian papayas
PLANTATION, FL -- With winter demand for papayas in overdrive, HLB Tropical Food USA is well positioned with good supplies of both the "HLB" and "Caliman" labeled Golden and Formosa varieties.
According to Homero Levy de Barros, president of HLB Tropical Food USA, based here, the Brazilian fruit has prevented any gaps in supplies caused by August's Hurricane Dean, which plowed through production areas in the Yucatan and Belize.
Fyffes buys majority share of Sol Group
Fyffes plc, based in Dublin, Ireland, announced Jan. 2 that it had entered the U.S. winter melon business by investing in a number of independent companies. These include operations in Honduras and Guatemala, and the acquisition of 60 percent of Sol Group Marketing Co., based in Pompano Beach, FL.
In separate transactions, Fyffes has also invested in an 85,000-square-foot warehouse and cold storage facility where most of the imported fruit is distributed from, and has acquired the right to ship all the fruit imported by Sol Group Marketing from Honduras and Guatemala.
In Arizona, new law could impede winter harvest
A new law that penalizes Arizona employers who hire illegal immigrants took effect at the start of 2008, and many are calling it the most Draconian anti-immigration law in the nation -- one that could have a major impact on the nation's winter vegetable supply.
Del Monte Fresh launches consumer web site
Del Monte Fresh Produce N.A. Inc., based in Coral Gables, FL, will unveil www.fruits.com, a new web site dedicated exclusively to helping consumers lead healthy lifestyles.
The site will contain several sections in which consumers can learn about Del Monte products; find recipes, nutrition and fitness tips; and participate in the latest Del Monte promotions. The site will also include a kid's corner with child-friendly recipes and games.
Foodservice is getting new emphasis at potato growers association
Perhaps for the first time ever, the Northern Plains Potato Growers Association, based in E. Grand Forks, MN, will be exhibiting at the huge National Restaurant Association convention in Chicago.