Nick Zaninovich dies at age 87
Nick Zaninovich, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, died Nov. 7 after a long battle with Parkinson's disease.
Born Oct. 24, 1920, in Cutler, CA, he was the youngest son of Antone and Domina Zaninovich, who emigrated from Croatia in the early 1900s. Mr. Zaninovich attended grammar school in Sultana, CA, and Dinuba High School. His college education was interrupted by the death of his father and the need for him to return home to help run the family farm.
New York growers introduce 'Apples to Apples' consumer variety guide
The New York Apple Association in Fishers, NY, has launched a new variety guide and merchandising display that makes it easy for retailers to promote the excellent eating qualities of "Apple Country" apples.
"These are the most beautiful p-o-s materials we've ever created," Jim Allen, president of the association, said in a press release. "We're already getting hundreds of requests from retailers to put these up in their produce aisles."
Mexfly infestation detected in northern San Diego County
Agricultural officials have detected a Mexican fruit fly infestation, a threat to the fresh produce industry, in Escondido in northern San Diego County.
The California Department of Food & Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Agriculture have expanded insect trapping in the area to detect any additional flies. A quarantine will be imposed to prevent the spread of the infestation once the boundaries of the infested area have been determined.
Rainier trade ad campaign creates stir
In February 2007, with the objective "to get people talking" about the connection between fresh fruit and glowing, good health, Selah, WA-based Rainier Fruit Co. Marketing Director Suzanne Wolter challenged a development team and creative consultant David Barbrack of New Path Marketing Inc. to "try something outside our comfort zone" in a trade advertising campaign.
The result was the ad series launched during PMA Fresh Summit in October, and the response has been "mixed," according to Ms. Wolter.
And that is a good thing, she added.
Mandatory recalls and import certifications part of FDA's new plan
WASHINGTON -- Mandated food-security rules, food recalls and new import- certification requirements for "high-risk foods" are some of the policy changes the Bush administration will recommend in the coming months.
Top administration officials delivered the Import Working Group report to President Bush with 50 recommendations to change policies in the wake of several recalls of contaminated imported toys and foods. Some changes may be sent to Congress as early as February in the government's next spending plan.
Native soil a growing inspiration for native son
Twenty-one-year-old Pat Brownfield has a lot to keep him grounded -- figuratively and literally. Two months ago, he became part of the family team at Sweet Clover Produce in Walla Walla, WA. Along with his father, Bill, and his mother, Jan, Mr. Brownfield is helping the company get quality onions into the pipeline. That's the figurative part.
Calavo to market Maui Gold pineapples
Calavo Growers Inc. has entered into an agreement with the Maui Land & Pineapple Co. to market and sell the firm's proprietary Maui Gold pineapple throughout the continental United States and Canada.
The agreement is effective on Dec. 1, but the firm will not officially close its Maui Pineapple Co. office in Northern California until Dec. 31, according to Gerry Watts, vice president and general manager. At that point, the Northern California sales and marketing team, including Sales Manager Howard Nager, will be let go.
Buyer food safety demands condemned
In a sharply worded missive to its members, Western Growers Association condemned the actions of Publix Super Markets and a consortium of produce buyers that are seeking to impose their own set of food-safety standards on suppliers.
Other organizations, including the Produce Marketing Association, expressed concern that the food-safety issue was being handled in such a manner.
Spanish clementines arrive in U.S.
GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ -- The green-hulled refrigerated ship Green Freezer docked Nov. 1 at the Gloucester Terminals LLC on the Delaware River waterfront, here. Under sunny and cool skies the next morning, stevedores unloaded the ship's cargo: the season's first Spanish clementines for the United States.
New EPA regulations may disrupt Chilean fruit
PHILADELPHIA -- The new rules on the handling of methyl bromide for fruit fumigation and their potential impact on the distribution of imported fruit was one of the topics discussed at the annual preseason Chilean fruit meeting held here Oct. 26.