Robert A. Grimm dies at 54
Robert A. Grimm, co-founder of Grimmway Enterprises Inc. in Bakersfield, CA, and the current president of the operation, died Friday, March 17 of a massive heart attack. He was 54 years old.
Sobey's focused on food and driven by fresh expertise
TORONTO -- In its quest to become the destination of choice for consumers in a highly competitive Canadian marketplace, Sobey's Inc. has developed a strategy that seeks to leverage its expertise with category management to provide the freshest products possible.
According to Joseph Sbrocchi, senior director of produce, floral and bulk foods for Sobey's, the company will achieve its goal by being focused on food, driven by fresh expertise and supported by incomparable customer care in the right-sized, right-format stores that serve the unique needs of each market.
International Restaurant & Foodservice Show draws many produce professionals
NEW YORK -- Over 600 exhibiting companies showcased thousands of new products and services at the 13th annual International Restaurant & Foodservice Show of New York, held here March 5-7 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. The event drew numerous chefs, restaurant owners, operators, distributors, wholesalers and producers, including members of the fresh produce category.
Hunts Point lawsuit hearing postponed
BRONX, NY -- In an abrupt and somewhat dramatic fashion, the local industry's heavyweight battle for a sprawling vacant warehouse here has been postponed nine days.
The lawsuit was brought by the Hunts Point Terminal Produce Cooperative Association, Inc., here, against New York City's Economic Development Corp., the New York City Business Integrity Commission and one of the market's major customers, Baldor Specialty Foods Inc., also based in the Bronx.
Oppenheimer's Asian pears help differentiate category
The Oppenheimer Group's Southern Hemisphere pipfruit bill of fare experienced a boost in early March with the arrival of Chilean-grown Asian pears to Los Angeles and Philadelphia.
Jerry Kraft, West Coast pipfruit category coordinator for Vancouver, BC-based Oppenheimer, recently returned from the orchards of Chile where he got a first-hand look at the season's Asian pears.
Personnel moves have Sun World poised for growth
BAKERSFIELD, CA -- Sun World International LLC has announced several structural changes to the company to accommodate aggressive plans for business development and growth.
Dirk Winkelmann has been named to the newly created position of senior vice president of global business development, with responsibility for international sourcing activities and to expand the importing program to more adequately meet the needs of Sun World's customers.
United re-ups for Chicago convention
When the United convention convenes in Chicago about six weeks from now, it will represent the third year of its three-year commitment to hold its annual event along with four other trade associations in one giant gathering under one roof. But the event has proven so successful that United Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Association has already renewed its commitment to the idea for the foreseeable future.
"Our board of directors feels very strong about the show," United President Tom Stenzel told The Produce News Monday, March 6.
Interest ramped up for annual CPMA Convention & Trade Show
The Canadian Produce Marketing Association's 81st Annual Convention & Trade Show will be the association's "biggest Vancouver show in history," said Ron Lemaire, the organization's executive vice president and director of marketing.
The convention takes place at the Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre from March 22-25.
"We're seeing a lot of new exhibitors," Mr. Lemaire said, including representation from 17 or 18 countries, including South Africa, Belgium and Asia-Pacific countries.
James N. Duggan was 59
James N. Duggan, a 30-year veteran of the produce industry, died Sunday, Feb. 19 in his Chico, CA, home after a brief battle with cancer.
Born in San Francisco, Mr. Duggan started his produce career in 1976 when he bought Dale Landing Produce in Eureka, CA. A. Levy & J. Zentner subsequently made Mr. Duggan a deal and took over Dale Landing, making Mr. Duggan manager of the Eureka branch. He then transferred to San Luis Obispo, where he managed that location from 1977 to 1979.
Dan Gunter resigns as head of FDOC
LAKELAND, FL -- Florida Department of Citrus Executive Director Dan L. Gunter announced March 15 that he will leave the department after almost two years.
Mr. Gunter, whose resignation is effective April 16, will become president and chief operating officer of Alico Inc., an agribusiness company based in LaBelle, FL.