Giant mushroom pops up in New York City
Any industry would like to have a promotion in New York's Grand Central Terminal. With prices consistently down despite declining supplies, the mushroom industry can really use such a promotion.
Riveridge adds to juice line
Riveridge Produce in Sparta, MI, announced the addition of 100 percent red tart cherry juice concentrate to its lineup of products.
According to the Cherry Marketing Institute, the latest research shows that Montmorency cherries have antioxidant properties that may relieve the pain of arthritis and gout. Specifically, Montmorency cherries contain melatonin, an antioxidant that attacks free radicals and could help prevent or reduce brain deterioration. Other antioxidants present in red tart cherries also may help prevent cancer and heart disease, according to research.
Florida tomato production and value down in 2005-06
NAPLES, FL -- Attendees of the 2006 Florida Tomato Institute, part of the 31st Joint Tomato Conference being held at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, here, heard some bad news delivered by Reggie Brown, manager of the Florida Tomato Committee. The news was that Florida tomato production was down 5 million packages and the value of the crop is almost $200 million less this season than it was the year before.
Upbeat outlook for Idaho potatoes at 78th annual IGSA convention
SUN VALLEY, ID -- The Idaho potato industry is operating under a new paradigm, and other potato-growing states around the country have followed suit, Jerry Wright, chief executive officer and president of United Fresh Potato Growers of Idaho, said in his remarks at an industry luncheon during the 78th annual Idaho Grower-Shippers Association convention, here, Aug. 30.
That new paradigm, he explained, is for growers to grow "only what is needed for the fresh market," rather than to grow as many potatoes as they can and then try to market them.
For apples, the Next Big Thing is here
With members in five time zones, "Next Big Thing," a growers' cooperative, was formed at the end of July. The apple cooperative headquarters is in Lake City, MN.
The chairman of the new co-op, which operates with the abbreviation N.B.T., is Dennis Courtier, who is also the owner and chief executive officer of Pepin Heights Orchards Inc. in Lake City, MN.
Tjerandsen to lead CAIA marketing efforts
The Chilean Avocado Importers Association announced that Tom Tjerandsen of the Chilean Fresh Fruit Association has been appointed marketing manager to lead the association's efforts to promote Chilean Hass avocados to U.S. consumers.
Steve Lutz of the Chicago-based Perishables Group has completed his work with CAIA to oversee the development of the associations initial marketing and media plans, and Mr. Tjerandsen will begin work to implement the CAIAs $5 million marketing plan for the import season.
JAFCO expands with Florida office
Johnson Associated Fruit Co. in Denville, NJ, has opened an office in Sebastian, FL, and named Thomas (Tommy) Martorana to oversee the satellite operation.
"We are very pleased to make him an addition to our staff," said Robert Johnson, company president.
Mr. Martorana's title is director of business development and shipper relations. "The opening of the Florida office and what I'll be doing here is multifaceted," he said Aug. 30.
Melissa's and HAB collaborate to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month
Los Angeles-based Melissa's/World Variety Produce and the Hass Avocado Board are partnering in a co-marketing campaign to promote Latin produce during Hispanic Heritage month from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. The project is specifically targeted to approximately 2,500 retailers that cater to Hispanic customers.
Mann Packing's Don Nucci dies at 70
SALINAS, CA -- Mann Packing Co. Inc.'s Don Nucci -- the companys co-owner and co-chairman of the board -- died unexpectedly Monday, Sept. 4 while vacationing with his wife, Joan, in Sun River, OR.
Bill Ramsey -- the other half of the Mann Packing partnership along with Mr. Nucci -- said that the Nuccis had returned to their hotel room following a canoeing excursion.
"My understanding is that Don had a failure in his aorta," Mr. Ramsey said, adding that Mr. Nucci was rushed to a hospital where he later died.
PMA mourns the loss of Don Nucci
(Produce Marketing Association President Bryan Silbermann released the following statement Sept. 6.)
NEWARK, DE -- The produce industry lost a true leader and innovator with the sudden death of Don Nucci, co-chairman of Mann Packing.
PMA staff and volunteer leaders extend our sincere condolences to his wife, Joan, his three daughters -- Lorri, DeeDee and Gina -- his stepson, Nathan Jenkins, his daughter-in-law, Debbie Nucci, his grandchildren and the entire family of Mann Packing employees.