Katzman now sourcing in Guatemala
GUATEMALA CITY -- Specialty products are new on the product list of S. Katzman Produce Inc. The Bronx firm's organic and specialties specialist, Eric Mitchnick, was recently in Guatemala to look for sources of such products.
Mr. Mitchnick joined Katzman in February after a stint with Earthbound Farm in San Juan Bautista, CA.
Katzman Produce recently acquired five units on Row D of the Hunts Point Terminal Market, which will be used to sell organic and specialty produce.
California cherry volume is expected to be similar to last year but about half of potential
In 2005, the California cherry crop, statewide, was about 3.5 million packages (18-pound equivalent) for all varieties, according to the 2005 Annual Report of the California Cherry Advisory Board. That was about half of a potential full crop, and it is just about the same as the total volume expected this year, according to the cherry board's manager, Jim Culbertson.
"We are hoping for something greater than that, but that remains to be seen," he said.
IN THE TRENCHES: The reality of a changing grocery store business
When someone mentions the name Babe Ruth, we automatically link it to baseball because of the impact he had on the game with his ability to hit home runs.
When something has an impact on someone, it often gives him or her a reason for liking it and maybe even wanting it.
Perhaps it's specific clothing, an attractive automobile model, a style of furniture or even a particular retail outlet. If something has exciting impact, it will draw the attention of consumers.
'Ambassador Organics' to debut at All Things Organic
Carol Moseley Braun, U.S. ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa, announced that she will introduce her new "Ambassador Organics" brand at the All Things Organic conference and trade show, May 6-9 at Chicago's McCormick Place. She and company members will be in booth 553. She will also give the keynote address May 9.
Salinas prepares for worker walkout
SALINAS, CA -- Though the effects of an expected national boycott and walkout of workers planned for May 1 are as yet unknown, efforts are being made here in agriculture to lessen the economic blow.
Texas season starts on a high note for area handlers
With favorable weather conditions and fairly strong markets, Texas shippers are heading into a heavy shipping period in a pretty good mood. Interviews with shippers of onions, melons and tropicals revealed a lot of optimism.
John McClung, president of the Texas Produce Association in Mission, TX, said that it appears to be the beginning of a pretty good season for Texas growers and shippers. While the heavy Texas melon and onion seasons are just getting underway, the reality is that the season has been going for quite some time with pretty good results.
WSPC attends luncheon for Chinese president
Washington State Potato Commission Chairman Randy Mullen and Director of Trade Matt Harris participated in the historic friendship luncheon welcoming China's president, Hu Jintao, held recently in Everett, WA.
Respected dignitaries and representatives of major Washington state businesses were also in attendance. The importance of the event was evident to the two state potato commission representatives, as they were seated across from former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger.
Robert Wegman dies at 87
Robert Wegman, a pioneer of one-stop shopping who transformed his family's business into one of the nation's largest private companies, died April 20. He was 87.
Mr. Wegman, chairman of Wegmans Food Markets, died at Strong Memorial Hospital, where he was admitted after his health deteriorated in recent days, according to a company statement. The cause of death was not disclosed.
"Until recently, Mr. Wegman kept a full schedule working in the office and enjoying his favorite pastime of visiting Wegmans stores," the statement said.
Duda takes celery to a new level
One of the larger U.S. celery producer has taken fresh-cut celery to new levels of sophistication.
"Anyone can buy celery and cut it with a knife, put it in a bag and put it on a shelf," said Bill Munger, manager of foodservice and fresh-cut sales for Duda Farm Fresh Foods Inc., based in Oviedo, FL.
Highpoint cabbage addresses consumer taste preferences
Consumers say that taste does matter. In a variety of surveys, consumers overwhelmingly select taste as a top priority when selecting produce, and seed producers have responded with a new variety of cabbage that was recently tested and released. The variety is a pointed-head, sweet cabbage that addresses the consumer preference issue of improved taste.