Guatemalan melon grower shipping to Florida and California
GUATEMALA CITY -- One of Guatemala's larger melon grower- exporters, Agricola La Labor S.A., is increasingly focusing on the U.S. market vs. the European market and has created a strong logistical position in serving the United States.
Ricardo Alfaro, whose family owns the melon company, said that he is chartering Green Reefers ships for deliveries to port Manatee, FL, and San Diego, CA. The firm, which is more casually known as Alfaro Melons, consolidates customer loads and affirms quality for customers in cold storages located at the two ports.
California Grown campaign takes low-key approach
A Californian with purchasing power has likely heard of and participated in the California Grown campaign to buy California-made and California-originated products.
Nowhere are the efforts more evident than in the Coachella Valley, where the marketing thrust started as a grass-roots effort undertaken by growers.
Mary Wallace Teague keeps it fresh at IFPA
Mary Wallace Teague's trips to the grocery store have changed a little since she joined the International Fresh- cut Produce Association in Alexandria, VA, as its manager of membership services in October. "I spend way more time in the produce section," she said. Already a big fruit and vegetable eater, Ms. Teague now takes a more specific interest in what IFPA's members are selling and how they are packaging their products as well as keeping an eye out for potential new members for the organization.
Aunt Mid Produce finds great success with dressing line
Aunt Mid Produce Co., based on the Detroit Union Produce Terminal, has enjoyed great success with the dressing line it debuted in 2005. The six-flavor line of all-natural dressings complement Aunt Mid's extensive cut product offerings, which can be customized to the firm's clients' requests for cut size and style and for the blends of products such as in mixed lettuce salad items.
Stemilt expands marketing program featuring Sesame Street characters
One of the nation's leading tree fruit shippers and some of the more beloved characters on children's television are teaming up to bring the health and nutrition of fresh apples and cherries to consumers and retailers nationwide.
Supply gaps possible in Salinas
SALINAS, CA -- A relentless stretch of rainfall has backed up harvesting and planting operations in the Salinas Valley that may have implications in the marketplace in months to come.
IFPA conference to address technical and management issues
WASHINGTON -- Expect to see an expanded conference program focusing on technical issues such as packaging and food safety, but also a new attention to business management at the April 26-29 International Fresh-cut Produce Association meeting in Baltimore.
Gargiulo joins Sundia board of directors
San Francisco-based Sundia Corp. announced that Sunkist Growers Chief Executive Officer Jeff Gargiulo has joined the company as its chairman of the board of directors and advisors.
Brad Oberwager, CEO and founder of Sundia, told The Produce News that Mr. Gargiulo's role would be a "strategic" one. "Someone like Jeff doesn't have to put in 100 hours a week to have an impact," Mr. Oberwager said.
Sambrailo to unveil Snap Flap container at IFPA
Sambrailo Packaging in Watsonville, CA, will introduce a new clamshell container line at the International Fresh-cut Produce Association convention and exposition in Baltimore that it believes will offer many benefits to users throughout the distribution chain.
Tony Cadiente, vice president of new business development/ marketing for Sambrailo, said that the new addition to the company's MIXIM line, known as Snap Flap, is unique for its one-piece construction. The advantages of that construction are numerous.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE UNITED-IFPA ALLIANCE
The following are the main points to the recently announced proposed merger of the United Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Association and the International Fresh-cut Produce Association.
--- Current United President and Chief Executive Officer Tom Stenzel will retain those titles for the new United Fresh Produce Association. Current IFPA President Jerry Welcome will become executive vice president of business development.