Curl joins Blue Book Services
Chuck Curl has joined Blue Book Services as director of ratings. He succeeds Larry McDaniel, former director of ratings, who after 18 years with the Blue Book relocated to Florida to be closer to family.
Mr. Curl has over 25 years of produce industry experience and most recently was director of ratings for Red Book Credit Services.
Darby Jones thrives on a challenge
Darby Jones, former communications manager for the Washington State Horticulture Association, has something in common with technology tycoon Bill Gates: they both retired on the same day. But the 27-year-old Quincy, WA, resident hasn't let this brush with near fame go to her head. The Produce News caught up with Ms. Jones -- who was eight months pregnant earlier this summer -- shortly after she left HORT. Ms. Jones was decorating the nursery for the arrival of infant Bridget Jones with apple tree wall paper and fuzzy barnyard friends.
SALINAS SCENE: Event to benefit ag education programs
Monterey County Agricultural Education Inc. will host "Flavors of the World" on Saturday, Sept. 16.
The annual event provides funds for the ag awareness and literacy programs of the organization such as The Farm Day Experience, Careers in Agriculture, Education & Agriculture Together and Ag Knowledge.
The 2006 event will be held at the Orradre Building in King City, CA, and will feature the cuisine and atmosphere of South America.
NYApple campaign to target Hispanic population
The realization by the New York Apple Association that there is an increase in apple consumption by the Hispanic population has spurred a promotional campaign that brings together the association and Pride of New York, a New York state-based program that promotes and supports the sale of agricultural products grown and food products processed within the state.
Peter Gregg, spokesman for the New York Apple Association, said that promotion organizers have met with about 350 independently owned Hispanic retail grocers throughout New York and other areas of the country.
U.S. opens door to Central American tomatoes
Effective Aug. 28, pink and red tomatoes grown in approved registered production sites in Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama may be shipped to the United States.
Nick Gutierrez, acting administrator of the USDA's Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service, made the announcement Aug. 22 in the Federal Register.
'New' association set to debut in Washington
WASHINGTON -- At the kickoff of the Washington Public Policy Conference Sept. 12, the newly formed United Fresh Produce Association will share its new logo, staff structure, a combined board of directors and the vision for an organization that will reach out to newly added fresh-cut industry members.
After 12 years with FFVA, Gilmer moving on
Leaving the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association to move up the next step in his career ladder is bittersweet for Ray Gilmer, who has worked for the Maitland-based association for the past 12 years, most recently as public affairs director.
Mr. Gilmer has accepted a new position as communications manager for BASF's agricultural products division, and will start his new job in October. The position with BASF also means that Mr. Gilmer will relocate to Research Triangle Park, NC, where the BASF facility is located.
Sundia goes international with watermelon juices
Sundia Corp., maker of watermelon juice and marketer of fresh watermelons, announced that it has expanded distribution into Hong Kong and Canada.
Sundia watermelon juices are now exclusively available at CitySuper Stores in Hong Kong, while nearly a dozen retailers will be selling the juices in Canada by the end of September.
Executives appointed to key roles at Duda subsidiaries
Joseph A. Duda, president and chief executive officer of A. Duda & Sons Inc. in Oviedo, FL, announced the appointment of key executives at two of the corporation's wholly owned subsidiary companies: Duda Farm Fresh Foods Inc. and Duda Products Inc.
Robert P. (Bob) Gray, a 25-year veteran of Duda's fresh operations, has been named chief executive officer of Duda Farm Fresh Foods Inc. Edward D. (Dan) Duda Jr., who has served for 26 years in fresh sales and marketing for the family-owned company, has been promoted to chief operating officer of Duda Farm Fresh Foods Inc.
Four Seasons Trading is now Fresh Pro Trading
Four Seasons Produce Inc. in Ephrata, PA, has changed the name of its importing operation from Four Seasons Trading to Fresh Pro Trading Inc. The new name is designed to provide a unique identity to Four Seasons' importing operations while maintaining a focus on its expertise as an experienced importer.