Mushroom supplier cleared in BJ's recall
Two laboratories have confirmed that mushrooms recalled by BJ's Wholesale Club Inc. were not contaminated with E. coli, the retailer said Feb. 23.
On Feb 20, BJ's recalled mushrooms packaged under the "Wellsley Farms" brand that were purchased between Feb. 11 and Feb. 19. The retailer took the precautionary measure when preliminary test results showed the possible presence of trace amounts of E. coli from one lot code of the sliced mushrooms, said the warehouse retailer.
Indianapolis Fruit and Piazza Produce acquire McCartney Produce
The assets of McCartney Produce Co. Inc. in Paris, TN, were acquired by an affiliated company of Indianapolis Fruit Co. Inc. and Piazza Produce Inc.
McCartney, originally a family business founded in 1947, distributes fresh produce and related items to both the retail and foodservice sectors in several states. The company will continue to operate in Paris under the McCartney Produce name. Jerry Bowden will continue as chief operating officer, and the management team and all other employees will remain in place.
Oppenheimer and Origin Organic ink long-term marketing agreement
Two British Columbia companies have joined forces to make top-quality greenhouse organics a North American mainstay.
Through an exclusive marketing agreement, the Vancouver-based Oppenheimer Group recently solidified a long-term partnership with Origin Organic Farms of Delta, a top organic greenhouse vegetable grower in North America. The agreement centers on efficiently supplying the market with a broad range of "OriginO" branded produce into the next decade.
Washington and Oregon added to list of states exhibiting CCD
Washington and Oregon have been officially added to the list of states showing evidence of Colony Collapse Disorder, a mysterious and unexplained ailment which is killing honeybee populations in the United States.
On Feb. 28, only hours after Washington was added to the list, Jerry Tate, Washington State Beekeeper Association's director, told The Produce News that three Washington beekeepers took substantial losses. While a loss of 20 percent is considered average for beekeepers, Mr. Tate said that two of the three beekeepers lost approximately 50 percent of their honeybees.
Deardorff Family Farms debuts recyclable celery container
Deardorff Family Farms in Oxnard, CA, announced that it is shipping celery in the first-of-its-kind recyclable box. The box along with company's slogan, "Sustainable Farming for a Healthier Life," signifies its efforts to achieve sustainability.
Kopke to supply Chilean grapes for the 'Disney Garden' brand
Imagination Farms in Indianapolis has expanded its distribution by adding William H. Kopke Jr. Inc. in Lake Success, NY, to its list of "Disney Garden" brand premium suppliers.
Delicious Foods and Brandt Farms team to market 'Sunsweet Fresh' stone fruit
Brandt Farms Inc. in Reedley, CA, and Delicious Foods LLC in Fresno, CA, have announced the formation of a new joint venture company, Brand-DF LLC, that will market and sell California stone fruit under the "Sunsweet Fresh" brand.
The "Sunsweet" brand is owned by Sunsweet Growers Inc., a grower cooperative headquartered in Yuba City, CA. Delicious Foods uses the "Sunsweet Fresh" brand for fresh products under a licensing agreement with Sunsweet Growers, according to Mike Pereira, managing director of Delicious Foods.
Pathmark in discussions with A&P
CARTERET, NJ -- Pathmark Stores Inc. announced Feb. 27 that it is engaged in negotiations to be acquired by The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co. Inc. at a possible price of $12.50 per Pathmark share to be paid in cash and A&P stock.
No final agreement has been reached and there can be no assurance that any such agreement will be reached. If a final agreement is reached, it will be subject to a number of uncertainties and conditions. Among such conditions would be shareholder and regulatory approvals, including federal and state antitrust clearances.
Downtown development revitalizing St. Louis, good for produce suppliers
A new Mississippi River casino and continuing development are revitalizing downtown St. Louis.
According to the gaming company Pinnacle Entertainment Inc., headquartered in Las Vegas, it is building a $430 million project located on its site at Laclede's Landing, near the famed Gateway Arch. This will feature a large casino, a 200-room luxury hotel, spa, business center, fine restaurants and 12,000 square feet of meeting and convention space.
North Shore Greenhouses hires new sales manager
Thermal, CA-based North Shore Greenhouses Inc. has hired Donald Souther as sales manager.
Mr. Souther replaces Tom Kueneman, sales and marketing manager for the past two years, who left the company recently to pursue an opportunity outside the produce industry.