First container of greenhouse tomatoes exported from Central America to U.S.
On Nov. 24, for the first time ever, a container of greenhouse tomatoes was exported from Central America to the United States, according to Francisco Viteri, president of Agropecuaria Popoy?n S.A. and La Carreta in Guatemala City.
The first container was produced at Chirioj Farm in San Raymundo, Guatemala, and packed at La Carreta Farm's packing facility in El Jocotillo, Guatemala. The receiving importer in the United States was Del Monte Fresh Produce in Coral Gables, FL, according to Mr. Viteri.
Hinton's 24-year run at FSGA comes to an end
The Florida Strawberry Growers Association issued a press release Nov. 29 to the trade advising that Charles F. (Chip) Hinton's employment as executive director of the association was to be discontinued effective Nov. 30.
Steve Peirce, consultant to CAC, has died
Steve Peirce, founder of Avocado Marketing Services Inc. and for the last 11 years a consultant to the California Avocado Commission, died suddenly Wednesday, Nov. 22, of a heart attack at his home in Lake Elsinore, CA. He was 55 years old.
Earthbound Farm newest customer of Park City Group
Park City Group Inc. in Park City, UT, a leading provider of inventory and labor optimization solutions for retailers, has announced that Earthbound Farm has joined its roster of customers. Earthbound Farm, a leading provider of organic produce and specialty salads, becomes Park City Group's newest Supply Chain Profit Link customer.
USDA delays implementation of Canadian inspection fees
WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture has agreed to delay collection of new inspection fees for Canadian shipments coming across the U.S. border, but Canadian authorities are still pressing for the rule to be withdrawn.
Executive director's employment with Florida Strawberry Association discontinued
PLANT CITY, FL -- The Florida Strawberry Growers Association announced that Charles F. (Chip) Hinton's employment as executive director of the association has been discontinued effective Nov. 30, 2006, and that an effort is currently underway to locate a qualified replacement.
In the interim, Erin Best, member services director for the association, has been named acting executive director.
Friend of Chile award goes to Michael Stack
PHILADELPHIA -- Pennsylvania Sen. Michael Stack was named the recipient of the annual Friend of Chile Award at a Nov. 16 luncheon at the Hyatt Hotel, here.
The luncheon was attended by nearly 200 industry members and was presented by the Chilean & American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia. The hotel ballroom appropriately overlooked the Delaware River, which last season received more than 60 percent of the fresh Chilean fruit exported to the United States.
Blazer Wilkinson builds new distribution center in Maryland
Salinas, CA-based strawberry grower-shipper Blazer Wilkinson LP recently completed construction of a new 25,000-square-foot distribution center in Easton, MD, that will provide overnight shipping to customers up and down the Eastern Seaboard and as far west as Indiana.
Produce Alliance adds Kentucky member
Produce Alliance, headquartered in Nashville, TN, has added Creation Gardens to its membership.
"Creation Gardens is a very unique company that has been bringing outstanding quality and value to its customers over the past nine years," Russ Wingo, director of sales and marketing for Produce Alliance, said in a statement. "Creation Gardens cares about a customer's needs. They have proven that they will do whatever it takes to make the customer satisfied with their service. They are a great match for Produce Alliance."
WGA responds to buyer concerns
Western Growers Association has responded to requests from buyers and others for a plan to improve food safety and has publicly outlined the actions the association and its members are taking with regard to food safety concerns.