Aconex has a new sales manager
SANTIAGO, CHILE -- In mid-September, Miguel Raczynski became the new sales manager of Exportadora Aconcagua Ltda., here. Mr. Raczynski rejoined the organization, known as Aconex, after a five-year hiatus he spent in the wine business. He previously had worked for Aconex for four years. Mr. Raczynski worked for Decofrut in Rotterdam as a fruit inspector, then received a master's degree in agribusiness in New Zealand before joining Aconex. He was born in Chile, but Mr. Raczynski lived in Washington, DC, until he was 12, as his father worked for The World Bank.
Nunes issues lettuce update
The Nunes Co. Inc. announced in an Oct. 9 statement that it has voluntarily recalled its "green leaf lettuce" sold under the "Foxy" brand harvested from one farm, shipped from Tuesday, Oct. 3 through Friday, Oct. 6.
This recall does not involve Iceberg lettuce or Romaine lettuce.
Nunes issues lettuce recall
Although there have been no reports of any illnesses, The Nunes Co. has voluntarily recalled some lettuce over concerns about E. coli contamination.
Company executives ordered the recall after learning that irrigation water may have been contaminated with E. coli, according to company President Tom Nunes Jr., who noted that the company has not found E. coli bacteria in the lettuce itself.
Emil DeMartini, former produce buyer for Jewel stores known for advancing produce industry, has died
Friends, family and food industry professionals are mourning the death of Emil J. DeMartini, who died Sept. 30 at his home in Geneva, IL. He was 83.
Produce industry professionals who were close friends and business associates of Mr. DeMartini agreed that if a memorial were developed to honor those who contributed to the industry's progression to the advanced state it operates in today, Mr. DeMartini's name would certainly be among those etched in the stone.
Executive director looks back on EPC
The Eastern Produce Council was founded 40 years ago in l966; it represented the produce industry on the East Coast. At the same time, a similar organization called the Fresh Produce Council was founded on the West Coast.
Both of these organizations are still flourishing today.
FBI probe adds new twist to spinach investigation
WASHINGTON -- While some Salinas Valley growers are already implementing new food-safety measures in hopes of resuming consumer and buyer confidence in spinach, consumer confidence in the produce industry may be shattered again with news that the Federal Bureau of Investigation served search warrants Oct. 4 at the Salinas Valley offices of Natural Selection Foods and Growers Express in connection with the E. coli spinach outbreak.
New twist on Dodger Dogs a big hit with fans
It was a fine night for Los Angeles Dodgers fans Friday, Sept. 22. The game against the Arizona Diamondbacks was a 2-0 shutout, bringing the Dodgers within half a game of the National League Western Division lead.
On top of that, the fans got another big treat. They were introduced for the first time to the new Dodger Avo Dog. According to Xavier Equihua, executive director of the Chilean Avocado Importers Association, which sponsored the first-of-its-kind promotion, the new twist on the famous Dodger Stadium foot-long hot dog was a home run - and the fans went wild.
Specialty crop producers push EAT Healthy America Act
WASHINGTON -- More than 70 commodity groups say the next farm bill should include provisions of the Equitable Agriculture Today for a Healthy America Act that would for the first time give specialty crop producers a higher profile in an agriculture policy dominated by subsidized crops.
While farm policy experts say that major agricultural policy changes are inevitable in the 2007 farm bill, especially as programs get squeezed by trade disputes and economic downturns, specialty crop producers are hoping to be part of the solution.
Florida citrus growers get good news for a change
Although Florida's 2006-07 Indian River grapefruit crop volume is at its lowest in at least 30 years, the price per box in the coming season is higher than producers there have seen in several years.
Oppenheimer promotes Grant to top operations position
Doug Grant, who is well known in the produce industry for his information technology expertise, has been promoted to the position of vice president and chief operations officer for The Oppenheimer Group, based in Vancouver, BC.