Buzz builds for new late-season grape
Its harvest is some three months away, but a new late-season green seedless table grape called Pristine is creating a stir.
Pristine was developed by Delano, CA-based Anton Caratan & Son after more than 20 years and more than 225,000 crossbreeds. The result is a new late variety that produces large, crispy grapes that have characteristics retailers covet, including long shelf life.
New Michigan warehouse serves Toronto and Philly sister firms
PHILADELPHIA -- A new refrigerated warehouse in Brooklyn, MI, is serving the interests of sister produce marketing companies in Toronto and Philadelphia. Tom Leonardi, vice president of Fresh Taste Produce USA & Associates Inc., here, said that the warehouse, which is operating as a separate company called Produce Depot, is being used in a variety of consolidation, shipping and marketing means by his firm and Fresh Taste Produce Ltd. in Toronto. The Michigan location is primarily geared to help Toronto's logistics, Mr.
Western Slope cherries short but sweet
DELTA, CO -- Spring frost and sluggish pollination action by bees are being cited as factors contributing to the short cherry crop for Colorado's Western Slope, but at the same time, shippers are calling this probably the best quality they've ever had on cherries.
Maui Pineapple hires territory sales manager
Kahului, HI-based Maui Pineapple Co. Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Maui Land & Pineapple Co. Inc., has announced that Aaron Nakamura has joined the company as its territory sales manager. In his position, Mr. Nakamura will be responsible for managing Hawaii sales for MPC and expanding the sales of fresh retail and foodservice pineapple products as well as processed pineapple products for the firm.
Florida Tomato Committee's annual student chef contest a delicious success
NEW YORK -- An impressive group of executive chefs, food consultants, editors and executives came together June 21 in New York City to judge the Florida Tomato Committee's annual "Best of the Best" recipe contest. The event is open to student culinary chefs in both the United States and Canada, and winners are chosen from both countries.
T&A makes commitment to biodiesel
During a ribbon cutting in Soledad, CA, Salinas Valley produce company Tanimura & Antle formally announced that it has taken action to reduce its carbon footprint by fueling its tractors with biodiesel. The Salinas Valley- based grower and shipper accepted its first delivery of 8,000 gallons of B20 (20 percent biodiesel and 80 percent diesel) fuel in May of this year, and it anticipates offsetting 125,000 gallons of traditional diesel fuel with biodiesel by the end of 2007.
Gills Onions recalls one lot of diced onions
Oxnard, CA-based Gills Onions LLC has voluntarily recalled some of its diced yellow onions after the Washington state Department of Agriculture, during routine testing, detected Listeria monocytogenes in one retail bag of diced yellow onions.
WGA announces several promotions
The Western Growers Association in Irvine, CA, has announced that Dave Puglia was promoted to senior vice president of government affairs and communications, and other promotions at the organization have also been announced.
In addition to his ongoing government affairs role, Mr. Puglia will assume responsibility for all Western Growers communications strategies and tactical activities.
PMA to recognize innovation with new packaging award
NEWARK, DE -- In recognition of the critical importance packaging plays in increasing the sales of fresh fruits and vegetables, the Produce Marketing Association has announced its new PMA Impact Award: Excellence in Produce Packaging. An award will be granted in five categories: food safety/ traceability, functionality/technology, marketing design/messaging, sustainability and merchandising/transportability.
Index Fresh appoints new COO
Bloomington, CA-based Index Fresh has appointed Giovanni Cavaletto chief operating officer. "Giovanni brings his valuable field experience in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties to the executive board of Index Fresh. His experience and understanding of both local and international markets are greatly appreciated," Dana Thomas, president of Index, said in a press release.