FTC still fighting Whole Foods-Wild Oats merger
Contrary to what might be expected, the Federal Trade Commission has not stopped its efforts to block the merger of Whole Foods Markets and Wild Oats, even though the acquisition has been completed.
The FTC went to court this summer to block the acquisition, and it initially lost the case. However, the commission filed an appeal in the District of Columbia's Court of Appeals and received a temporary injunction that temporarily stalled the efforts of Whole Foods. Eventually, the judge in the case vacated the stay and allowed the acquisition to move forward, which it did.
Reliable Organics gets funding
Reliable Organics, an organic tomato-farming company based in Cedar Creek, TX, has reached terms for $2 million in funding from the investment firm Venio Capital Partners.
The funding will enable Reliable Organics to more than double its current production of locally grown organic greenhouse tomatoes the first year and then double again in 2008. The facility is currently a half-acre in size, and will expand to a full acre. It will produce approximately 10,000 pounds per week per acre.
ATS and creditors close to reaching an agreement
PACA creditors who were owed about $500,000 were close to reaching a settlement agreement with ATS LLC (formerly known as Arkansas Tomato Shippers), which suspended operations the third week of October.
Priscilla Grannis of the law firm Rynn & Janowsky told The Produce News Oct. 31 that every time the phone rings, "I hope it is the debtor's counsel accepting the terms of an agreement. I am hopeful that we can get it done by the end of this week; if not, then early next week."
Keith Mathews gets nod to lead Yakima Growers-Shippers
Keith Mathews assumed the position of executive director of the Yakima Growers-Shippers Association in Yakima, WA. He was selected Oct. 15 following the resignation of former Executive Director Miles Kohl, who is now working in the private sector for Allan Bros. in Nachez, WA.
Mr. Mathews is no stranger to the organization. In the early 1990s, he was responsible for a number of fiduciary programs, including self-insurance programs, for growers and shippers in southern Washington. "As the warehouses became larger, the focus changed," Mr. Mathews noted.
SALINAS SCENE: Television crew visits Ocean Mist Farms
The crew of the popular television food show "Bringing It Home with Laura McIntosh" paid a visit to Castroville, CA-based Ocean Mist Farms Oct. 24 to film a segment that features Chef Tony Baker cooking artichokes and asparagus in one of Ocean Mist's fields. The piece is scheduled to air sometime this spring.
Ms. McIntosh's crew visited Ocean Mist's booth at the PMA Fresh Summit in Houston. Kori Tuggle, marketing manager for Ocean Mist, said that the Fresh Summit filming of Ocean Mist is destined for use on "food-oriented web sites."
Damage to California avocados not as severe as expected
Widespread wildfires and even more widespread fierce Santa Ana winds in Southern California early in the week of Oct. 21 caused damage -- in some cases severe damage -- to thousands of acres of avocados and other crops. But the scope of the damage to the state's total avocado crop is now believed to be less than some in the industry initially feared and much lower than some early news reports indicated.
Country Fresh debuts line of premium snack packs
Country Fresh Inc., a leading manufacturer and distributor of fresh-cut produce and ready-to-eat meal solutions based in Houston, introduced a new line of snack packs combining varieties of fruits, vegetables and cheeses with Labrada Nutrition Hi-Protein granola bars.
Country Fresh's new snack packs come in four varieties featuring apples, grapes, celery, carrots and sharp cheddar cheese cubes.
Each snack pack includes one of two flavors of the Labrada Hi-Protein Granola Bars, which boast 20 grams of protein each.
Bush tabs former N.D. governor for agriculture post
WASHINGTON -- With the Senate slated to debate the farm bill during the week of Nov. 5, President Bush named former North Dakota Gov. Ed Schafer as his choice to head the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The two-term former governor would replace Acting Secretary Chuck Conner, who was installed when Mike Johanns quit the job in September to run for the Senate. Mr. Schaefer would have to be confirmed by the Senate before leading the USDA. In the coming weeks, questions will be raised about his position on key issues before Congress.
Chiquita restructures to improve profitability and accelerate strategy
From global management to its product line, a wide set of changes will be implemented at Chiquita Brands International Inc.
The Cincinnati-based company announced Oct. 29 sweeping changes designed to accelerate its previously announced strategy to become the "global leader in healthy, fresh foods."
The company said that this business restructuring is designed to improve its profitability by consolidating operations and simplifying its overhead structure to improve efficiency, stimulate innovation and further enhance focus on customers and consumers.
Pro*Act names new VP of sales
Pro*Act, a leading fresh produce supplier to the foodservice industry based in Monterey, CA, announced that Nick Proia has been promoted to vice president of sales. He assumes the responsibilities from Steve Finberg, who recently stepped down to accept a senior executive role at Adams Produce, one of Pro*Act's distribution companies.
Mr. Proia has over 20 years experience in the industry, holding sales and management positions in foodservice produce distribution, value-added processing and product development. Most recently, he was client services director for Pro*Act.