Dulcinea Farms and Rosemont Farms form strategic alliance
California-based Dulcinea Farms and Florida-based Rosemont Farms announced at the Produce Marketing Association convention in San Diego a strategic alliance that will increase the production and distribution of "Dulcinea" brand fresh fruits and vegetables.
'Fantastic' opportunities seen for U.S. fruit and nut exports to Russia
SAN DIEGO -- There are "fantastic" opportunities for U.S. produce marketers to export fruits and nuts to Russia, according to Matthew Tripodi, client relations manager for Euromonitor International in Chicago. Speaking at a workshop Monday, Oct. 23, during the Produce Marketing Association Fresh Summit, here, Mr. Tripodi told attendees that the outlook for U.S. exports to Russia is expected to nearly triple by 2010, with fruit and nut exports topping $125 million. Apples, pears, grapes, stone fruits and grapefruit will "lead the way on that," he said.
Honey Bear Tree Fruit brings several well-known labels under one marketing effort
A mid-October merger of Nuchief Sales in Wenatchee, WA, and Elgin, MN- based Wescott Agri Products is anticipated to bring more than 2.5 million cases of tree fruit, primarily apples and pears, under one marketing umbrella in 2007.
According to Nuchief President Randy Steensma, the new company, Honey Bear Tree Fruit Co., is based in Wenatchee with offices also in Elgin, and Don Roper has taken the position vice president of sales and marketing. Mr. Steensma added that Honey Bear integrates marketing, growing and packing services for its domestic retail and export customers.
KES honors W. Newell at PMA Fresh Summit
SAN DIEGO -- KES Science & Technology, based in Atlanta, honored the W. Newell & Co., the specialty produce division of Supervalu Inc., with its inaugural Seal of Air Security Award Oct. 22, here, during the PMA Fresh Summit.
San Diego helps spike attendance at PMA Fresh Summit to record level
SAN DIEGO -- Much like a Super Bowl halftime extravaganza, each year the Produce Marketing Association tries to outdo its previous annual Fresh Summit International Convention & Exposition. Perhaps one day the event literally may blow the lid off the building. Until then, PMA will have to be content with setting attendance records and pleasing attendees with its conference.
Family Tree Farms adds specialty citrus line
Family Tree Farms in Reedley, CA, has announced a marketing alliance with Shiraz Ranch in Newman, CA, to market a line of specialty citrus products. The announcement was made Oct. 16 in a press release from Family Tree Farms.
The company "has been focused on a growth pattern recently, gearing up for a future that will enable them to expand beyond their current line-up of stone fruit," the release stated.
Havel joins new Nogales company
Jerry Havel, who was previously vice president of sales and marketing at SunFed in Nogales, AZ, as well as a partner in the company, is now director of sales and marketing for a newly formed produce distribution company in Nogales called Fresh Farms.
Fresh Farms, which opened in early October, is owned by the Molina Family in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, who are among the larger grape growers in Mexico, Mr. Havel told The Produce News. "They do an outstanding job in farming and in packing grapes."
Panel shares report card on fresh produce industry
SAN DIEGO -- The fresh produce industry tends toward high marks in the areas of marketing its goods but much lower marks in preventing foodborne illnesses, including the rise in those illnesses from consumption of fresh produce, according to a report card on the industry presented as a workshop at the recent Produce Marketing Association's Fresh Summit.
Retail format adding more foodservice offerings
SAN DIEGO -- One of the faster-growing employment opportunities for professional chefs is a supermarket, according to Jennifer Gallagher, a professor at the culinary-focused Johnson & Wales University in Charlotte, NC.
Global Berry Farms is now Naturipe Farms LLC
Global Berry Farms in Naples, FL, is changing its name to Naturipe Farms LLC and will be introducing a new "Naturipe Farms" consumer brand.
The company disclosed to The Produce News in a written statement that it planned to unveil the new corporate identity and consumer brand at the PMA Fresh Summit on Oct. 22. Along with that, the company will announce its "vision for the future."
In making the changes, the company is "building on its reputation as the berry experts with superior customer service and premier growers," according to the statement.