Canadian firm rolls out clamshell at CPMA convention
VANCOUVER, BC -- Smart Technology/LLS Canada thinks it may have built a better clamshell, and its own early tests suggest it might be on to something.
Oliver, BC-based Smart Technology rolled out the clamshell at the 81st annual Canadian Produce Marketing Association's convention and exposition, held here March 22-25.
Robert Sanders of Ben B. Schwartz stays on top of the produce game
When it comes to the produce industry, Robert Sanders really knows the ropes. The 29-year-old salesman and buyer with Ben B. Schwartz & Sons, a wholesaler on the Detroit Union Produce Terminal, has been working in the trade since he was a teenager and has been exposed to the business since he was a preschooler hanging out - and helping out - in his uncle's fruit market.
Kim Greer, Steinbeck center president, was 49
SALINAS, CA -- Kim Greer, president and chief executive officer of the National Steinbeck Center, died March 28 at his home in Monterey. He was 49.
Garlic duty decision delayed; imports continue to increase
The U.S. Department of Commerce announced March 23 that it was delaying the decision on import duties for Chinese garlic for the 2006-07 season for at least one month as it was not "practicable" to complete the analysis in the time initially allotted.
Chilean apple volume may coincide with U.S. finish
Philadelphia-area importers of Chilean apples said that while the Chilean deal is behind schedule, the storage apple deal of Washington state is also running behind. So it is expected that the Chilean apple imports will begin to increase as Washington cold storages clean up.
Produce industry hails committee-approved guest worker bill
WASHINGTON -- The produce industry welcomed news that a Senate committee approved a guest worker program for agricultural workers last week, but the battle is far from over.
Racing against the clock, the Senate Judiciary Committee approved a comprehensive guest worker bill during a day- long session that included an amendment sponsored by Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) designed to maintain an agricultural workforce. By an 11-5 vote, the Feinstein amendment was attached to a bill destined for the Senate floor in the coming days.
Guatemala's Agritrade evolves with maturing industry
GUATEMALA CITY -- The faces of Agritrade have changed in the 18 years since the Guatemalan trade show was launched.
CPMA draws record crowd
VANCOUVER, BC -- The Canadian Produce Marketing Association's 81st annual convention and exposition held here March 22-25 drew record attendance for the second straight year.
In 2005, when the CPMA event was held in Toronto, overall attendance -- including exhibitors and patrons -- stood at a record 3,400. This year the show drew 4,100 registered attendees, said Ron Lemaire, CPMA's executive vice president and director of marketing. There were 321 exhibitor booths at the Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre.
NEPC expo set for April 5 in new venue
The one-day New England Produce Council Produce & Floral Expo 2006 will be held April 5 in the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. It will be the first time the meeting has been held in this new center.
Laura Sullivan, executive director of the council, told The Produce News March 20, "We anticipate 200 booths with full retail support from New England retailers." The retail representation ranges from many of New England's retail store-level produce managers to the buying level.
Pride of New York showcased at Eastern Produce Council meeting
TEANECK, NJ -- New York state Agriculture Commissioner Patrick H. Brennan showcased the Pride of New York marketing and promotional program March 28 to the members of the Eastern Produce Council at its monthly meeting, held here at the Glenpoint Marriott.