High expectations abound for 2007 New Jersey blueberries
Confidence is high among blueberry growers throughout New Jersey, and barring any unforeseen situations, growers in the state expect nothing less than a banner year.
Tim Wetherbee, sales manager for Diamond Blueberries Inc., expects a very good season. His growers have recorded near normal timing with the possibility of the harvest beginning one or two days later than last year.
Fazio will pack Champagne grapes in 'Disney Garden' label
FRESNO, CA -- Fazio Marketing Inc., here, will be packing its Champagne grapes this year exclusively for Imagination Farms in the "Disney Garden" brand, according to Tony Fazio, president of Fazio Marketing.
Champagne grapes are tiny, pea-sized grapes that are usually deep purple to red-black in color, are exceptionally sweet and have tender, edible stems. Clusters of the diminutive grapes can be eaten in one bite, stem and all. Fazio Marketing previously sold the grapes as Champagne grapes in clamshells under its "Tri-Borough" label.
Troubled hot-house operation illustrates complexity of the industry
In 2003, a group of Nebraska investors built a 10-acre, state-of-the-art, hydroponic hot-house tomato operation in O'Neill, named the company 21st Century Growers and began selling tomatoes to the local community as well as wholesalers across the country.
In its mission statement, the group believed that the central location of its operation offered a freight advantage with "affordable and convenient access" to 50 million people within a one-day shipping time frame.
SPC adds Supply Chain Summit to fall conference
The Southeast Produce Council has added a new workshop to its annual fall conference designed to enhance its value for all attendees.
The new component is a Supply Chain Summit, which will feature a panel discussion by guest speakers representing each channel in the supply chain process, including conventional retailers, mass marketers, wholesalers, foodservice distributors, growers, shippers and those in transportation, according to information on the council's web site.
Louis Penza Sr. golf tourney raises $13,000 for charity
MEDFORD VILLAGE, NJ -- The Philadelphia chapter of the United Fresh Produce Association held its annual Louis Penza Sr. Memorial Golf Tournament June 8 at the Medford Village Country Club, here.
More than $13,000 was raised for local charities on a day when the 88 golfers likely lost a few pounds, with temperatures in the mid-90s. Most of the players came from -- or were customers of -- the Philadelphia Regional Produce Market.
House agriculture chairman says COOL should not be in farm bill
WASHINGTON -- If it were left to U.S. House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson (D-MN), there would be little doubt that meat and produce businesses would be complying with the country-of-origin labeling law that goes into effect next year.
Mr. Peterson sent a letter to the meat industry this month, asking all the groups to sit down and draft a workable system for COOL. Meat packers -- leading opponents of the labeling law -- have questioned the cost and workability of the labeling program under the U.S. Department of Agriculture's regulations.
FDA launches safety initiative targeting Virginia and Florida tomatoes
WASHINGTON -- Starting next month, the Food & Drug Administration will partner with Virginia officials to investigate the cause of occasional food- safety problems during the tomato-growing season there, then turn to Florida fields in the fall as part of a federal tomato-safety initiative announced June 13.
Immigration reform bill to be revived this week
WASHINGTON -- Debate on an immigration reform bill is expected to resume late this week, after Senate leaders brokered a deal to limit the number of amendments and add new border security provisions to the bill.
"When the bill returns to the Senate floor, I plan to add $4.4 billion in guaranteed funding -- to be funded by the fees and penalties established by the bill's new programs -- to strengthen border security and speed other important elements of comprehensive reform," said Sen. Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV).
Westlake to have more minis
Westlake Produce Co. announced that its West Side melon program will be at full strength and that the popular mini-watermelon will see an increase in volume over 2006.
Andrew Bivens, California melon manager for the Los Angeles-based distributor, said that the company would offer an excellent supply of cantaloupes, honeydew, mixed melons and all varieties of watermelon throughout the deal, which launches the first of July.
Paul Kneeland to head produce and floral for Kings
Paul Kneeland, director of produce and floral operations for Roche Bros., headquartered in Wellesley Hills, MA, has taken a new position to head produce and floral operations for Kings Super Markets Inc., based in Parsippany, NJ. Mr. Kneeland said that he was to begin at Kings on June 18.
Kings Super Markets is an upscale retail chain that was founded in 1936 and operates 25 stores. Mr. Kneeland also is first vice president of the New England Produce Council, based in Burlington, MA, and was on the founding board of the council.