Improved Nogales port of entry facility expected to open in mid-August
An infrastructure improvement at the Mariposa Port of Entry in Nogales, AZ, consisting of the addition of two new lanes, including a new fast lane, is expected to be completed by mid-August. The improvement is designed to speed the process of getting produce trucks from Mexico across the border into the United States to the warehouses in Nogales.
Bryan Silbermann sizes up PMA's efforts at 25-year mark
MONTEREY, CA -- In taking stock of the effectiveness of the Produce Marketing Association at its foodservice expo's 25-year mark, PMA President Bryan Silbermann said that the organization is enjoying record membership, event attendance and hits to its web site.
PMA's "Heart and Soul" campaign has been effective and resonates with PMA's members, Mr. Silbermann said. The campaign "emphasizes the fact that in this business, people matter a lot more," he said.
Philadelphia market to break ground in September
PHILADELPHIA -- The Philadelphia Regional Port Authority, here, was expected to sign an agreement July 19 to access property key to building a new Philadelphia fresh produce market.
Robert Blackburn, executive deputy director of the authority, told The Produce News July 18 that this deal is a critical component to making the new produce market a reality. The authority will be the landlord for the new produce market.
Glory Foods names new VP of sales
Glory Foods in Columbus, OH, a category leader in Southern-style heat-and-serve products, recently announced the promotion of Lisa Cliff-Burk to vice president of sales. Ms. Cliff-Burk has been with Glory Foods since its inception in 1992 and had previously served as national sales director.
Demand high for new tomato-safety guidelines
Before federal officials asked the tomato industry to better educate businesses on food safety, the North American Tomato Trade Work Group had started working on new safety guidelines for the handling of tomatoes in the field, greenhouse, packinghouses and throughout the food supply chain.
Gertmenian returns to helm at Ready Pac
Dennis Gertmenian, the founder and chairman of the board of Ready Pac, has returned as its chief executive officer, a position he left almost three years ago.
Mr. Gertmenian told The Produce News that he is once again in this position simply because he was elected to the position by the Ready Pac board of directors. "The board felt that I was the best person to lead the company to the next level," he said.
Harvest worker shortage concerns Florida citrus industry
From 2 million to 6 million Florida-produced oranges may remain on citrus trees in the state in the coming year because of the current labor situation, according to Liz Compton, spokesperson for the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services. "It looks as though it could be a very tight situation as we head into the 2005-06 season."
PMA's foodservice conference draws a record attendance
MONTEREY, CA -- Citing a figure of "more than 1,500 attendees," the Produce Marketing Association said that its 2006 Foodservice Conference & Exposition drew record attendance. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the show.
Early estimates put Northwest pear losses at 1.1 million boxes
KENNEWICK, WA -- A freak hailstorm that hopscotched around the fruit- growing region of Peshastin, Dryden, Chelan and Manson in eastern Washington on July 5 might have knocked more than 1 million boxes of pears -- roughly 6 percent of the Northwest's crop -- out of production this year.
Salyer American looking to build its brand
Lyn Hughes, who for the past three-and-a-half years has boosted the "Birds Eye Fresh" brand in the produce industry with the development of licensing agreements for a number of commodities, has left that company for a position as senior director of sales and marketing for Salyer American, based in Salinas, CA, effective Aug. 1.
In her new role at Salyer American, Ms. Hughes will assist in identifying and developing new business opportunities as well as spearheading new product development and packaging innovation.