Sunlight adds former retail produce executive
Sunlight International Sales Inc. in McFarland, CA, the marketing arm of Jakov P. Dulcich & Sons, has hired Bert Boyd, a former executive of American Stores and Topco Associates LLC, as vice president of marketing development, according to Nick Dulcich, a principal in Sunlight and also a partner in Jakov P. Dulcich & Sons. Mr. Boyd started with Sunlight Sept. 10.
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Terror charges against Chiquita dropped
The U.S. Department of Justice will not prosecute 10 executives at Cincinnati- based Chiquita Brands International who were involved in a payoff of Colombian terrorists, according to Associated Press reports.
The decision was part of a sentencing memo that urged U.S. District Judge Royce C. Lamberth to fine Chiquita $25 million and have the company serve five years probation. The sentencing hearing is set for Sept. 17. If accepted, the fine would mark the largest criminal penalty ever imposed under U.S. global terrorism sanctions laws.
2007 NAM contest underway
National Apple Month's retail display contest began Sept. 1 and will run through the end of November, allowing supermarkets across the United States ample time to feature one of autumn's premier categories. The contest is open to all retailers in the United States as well as to all military commissaries in this country and abroad, according to NAM Director Kay Rentzel.
Maui Pineapple launches web promotion
As consumption of fresh pineapple increases throughout the nation, Maui Pineapple Co. is making its extra-sweet Maui Gold pineapple available for purchase on the Internet.
Earlier this month, the company launched a new Internet promotion to boost sales of its Maui Gold pineapple. Over the next several months, the company will use a special promotional tag on over 4 million Maui Gold pineapples offering consumers up to a $10 savings when purchasing pineapples on-line at www.mauipineapple.com through Dec. 31.
Al Gosiak takes the helm of Diamond Fruit Growers
Diamond Fruit Growers Inc., based in Odell, OR, has named Al Gosiak as its new chief executive. Mr. Gosiak, who is now on board full time in the position, was initially hired May 22. During a transitional period, he phased out his responsibilities as president of Pendleton Grain Growers in Umatilla County.
PGG is a 2,400-member grower cooperative with extensive experience in seed growing and cleaning. Under his 12 years of leadership, the cooperative made significant strides to produce and market biodiesel made from waste grease and oilseed crops.
Big Red Tomato Packers LLC ceases operations
The 2006-07 tomato season was the last for Big Red Tomato Packers LLC.
The Ft. Pierce, FL-based grower-shipper, one of the larger tomato operations on the state's east coast, closed its doors in June after 30 years in business, said David Neill, Big Red Tomato Packers' managing partner.
Michigan Honeycrisp apples set to hit stores
Honeycrisp apples from Michigan are about to hit store shelves, according to the Michigan Apple Committee. Consumers can expect to see the Honeycrisp in supermarkets and farm markets soon.
Some growers have already started to harvest the Honeycrisp, about two weeks earlier than originally anticipated, Denise Yockey, the committee's executive director, said in a press release.
Mayda Sotomayor named CEO of Seald Sweet International
Seald Sweet International LLC, a leading citrus marketer based in Vero Beach, FL, announced several high-level executive changes, including the appointment of the first female chief executive officer in its 98-year history.
Mayda Sotomayor, who previously held the title of senior vice president, is now chief executive officer. Ms. Sotomayor was promoted to senior vice president of Seald Sweet in 2004, having been the company's director of import sales since 2000. For 11 years prior to that, she developed the import program of Great American Farms in Pompano Beach, FL.
OSU studies show avocados help prevent oral cancer
Nearly three years ago, a study conducted at the University of California at Los Angeles and published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry found that "nutrients in avocados can work together to inhibit the growth of prostate cancer cells."