Connecticut Department of Agriculture officially names new mascots
The Connecticut Department of Agriculture's Veggie Mascots were officially named during a special ceremony that was held at the Big E on Wednesday, Sept. 20, Connecticut Day.
The names were selected from suggestions submitted by residents throughout Connecticut, and the individuals who submitted the winning names were greeted and introduced by Connecticut Agriculture Commissioner F. Philip Prelli during the ceremony.
WPPC centers on immigration reform, farm bill, food safety
WASHINGTON -- Fruit and vegetable producers continue to push for improvements in nutrition and farm policies, but their agenda may hinge on whether Congress spells relief for an industry struggling to maintain a stable foreign workforce, said Mike Stuart of the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association.
Speaking at the Sept. 14 United Fresh Produce Association meeting, here, Mr. Stuart said that the industry has opportunities to expand the school snack program and provide more fruits and vegetables to mothers and children on a government feeding program.
Philadelphia wholesalers invest in new market
The talk is over. On Sept. 15, 71 stockholders of the Philadelphia Fresh Food Terminal Corp. put down $15,000 per unit to hold their place in a new wholesale produce market.
Liberty Fruit Co. holds seventh annual charity golf tournament
Liberty Fruit Co. in Kansas City, KS, held its seventh annual golf tournament to benefit Children's Mercy Hospital on Monday, Sept. 18.
The tournament was held at Tiffany Greens Golf Resort in Kansas City, MO, and approximately 150 golfers participated. Everyone enjoyed the gorgeous 70-degree sunny day, despite the brisk wind.
Sunkist removes interim tag from its president and CEO
The board of directors of Sunkist Growers in Sherman Oaks, CA, unanimously elected Timothy J. Lindgren as president and chief executive officer of the citrus marketing cooperative. He had been serving as interim president and CEO of the organization since June.
IPC debuts new TV commercials
NEW YORK -- As the fall potato harvest gets ready to kick off, the Idaho Potato Commission returned to the media capital of the world Sept. 20 to celebrate and explain its significance, as well as to unveil two new commercials that star fitness icon Denise Austin, its spokesperson.
Consumers taking spinach recall in stride
For the most part, supermarket customers appear to be taking the spinach recall in stride and are not altering their produce purchasing habits significantly. At least that is the view of a handful of retailers interviewed by The Produce News from different regions of the country, which mirrors many media reports across the nation.
FFVA convention highlights ways to market smarter
NAPLES, FL -- Members of the Florida produce industry were afforded opportunities to improve their businesses with a combination of educational and networking events during the 63rd annual convention of the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association held Sept. 17-19 at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, here. The theme of the convention was "Market Smart."
McLaughlin joins Driscoll's executive management team
Watsonville, CA-based Driscoll Strawberry Associates Inc. hired Brian McLaughlin to its executive management team as senior vice president and chief financial officer.
Simplified Procurement principal forms Custom Produce Sales
SALINAS, CA -- Salinas native David Gattis, who launched Simplified Procurement here in July 2004 in conjunction with The Chuck Olsen Co. of Visalia, CA, moved on and started a Salinas division of Custom Produce Sales on Sept. 1.