Record attendance expected for fourth annual SPC conference
The Southeast Produce Council has a full program to offer the record crowd expected for its fourth annual conference and expo Feb. 22-24 in Tampa, FL.
Frontera unveils new transportation group
Frontera Produce Ltd. in Edinburg, TX, has added a new transportation group as part of its growth plan for 2007.
Realizing the need to reduce freight costs and develop a more efficient method of securing transportation, the company turned its focus to developing an in-house team dedicated to timely and reliable deliveries. To manage this program, Larry Stone and Dewayne Finn have joined the company, bringing with them an extensive background in transportation and logistics.
Cherries touted as the new super fruit
NEW YORK -- Cherries in every imaginable form, from pre-luncheon cherry lime rickey cocktails through several courses and all the way to the passion chiboust with tart cherry consomm? for dessert, were on hand for a luncheon presentation at Town Restaurant in the Chambers Hotel, here, Feb. 6.
Dole recalls cantaloupes
WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA -- Dole Fresh Fruit Co. announced Feb. 16 the recall of cantaloupes in the eastern United States and the Canadian province of Quebec due to potential health concerns.
Some cantaloupes packed on Jan. 25, 26 and 27 by an independent, third- party grower in Costa Rica have tested positive for Salmonella. Although no illnesses have been reported, Dole voluntarily has decided to recall all cantaloupes imported from Costa Rica and packed by that grower.
PBH prepares for national rollout of new campaign
As the March 19 national rollout date nears, the Produce for Better Health Foundation is putting the finishing touches on its new "More Matters" campaign.
Changes to help industry suggested at congressional food safety hearing
WASHINGTON -- The Food & Drug Administration has the authority to regulate the produce industry, but it needs sufficient funds, staffing and research dollars to do the job, Tom Stenzel, president of United Fresh Produce Association, said at a Feb. 8 hearing on Capitol Hill.
At the first of a series of food-safety hearings planned in the powerful House Appropriations subcommittee, U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) explored whether the current system needs to be overhauled to prevent future recalls and outbreaks.
Mexican avocado producers see opportunities in opening of California and Florida markets
As of Feb. 1, Mexican-grown Hass avocados that have met the required U.S. Department of Agriculture protocols may be shipped to California, Florida and Hawaii for the first time in some 80 years.
Traceback teams in produce-growing areas
WASHINGTON -- The Bush administration is asking for a $10.6-million increase for food safety regulators to better investigate outbreaks related to fresh produce in next year's budget, including an initiative to place U.S. Food & Drug Administration and state inspectors in produce-growing areas.
Ruby Tuesday makes commitment to use more fresh avocados
Ruby Tuesday, a 900-unit casual-dining restaurant chain based in Maryville, TN, has made a commitment to use more fresh avocados on its menu. The chain has added several avocado items to its menu and is testing others.
Ruby Tuesday is scheduled to open its first California store near the Ontario airport in April or May.
During a California Avocado Commission board of directors meeting in January, two Ruby Tuesday executives joined the commission members in their high-tech Irvine, CA, conference room via live video conference from Tennessee.
NWA poised to hold its largest convention yet
The National Watermelon Association plans to provide "a slice of North Carolina" to attendees of its 93rd annual convention to be held Feb. 21-25 in Asheville, NC, at the Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa.
"This is the first time we have had a convention in the state of North Carolina," Bob Morrissey, the NWA's executive director, told The Produce News. "It will be the single-largest convention that we have ever had. We are anticipating an attendance of 450 to 500 people, and that's huge for us. We set the record in Lake Tahoe last year, and we've already blown that away."