RETAIL VIEW: Wal-Mart to increase organic offerings
If raw figures weren't enough, a clear signal that organic produce is on the rise is a revelation by the nation's largest retailer that it will be doubling the offerings in its "organic cluster" stores. Ron McCormick, vice president and divisional merchandise manager for produce and floral for Wal-Mart Stores Inc. in Bentonville, AR, told The Produce News that in the week following Easter (April 16), the retailer will be significantly increasing the SKUs in its organic produce sections.
Fields tours are a key part of SPC conference
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL -- Participants of two recent field tours had an opportunity to visit two of Florida's premier grower-shippers, where they saw produce growing in the fields and under glass, watched packinglines in action and heard about the latest advances in celery research.
The all-day field tours held March 3 were part of the Southeast Produce Council's annual conference and expo, held here March 2-4.
William Manis Co. opens Vero Beach office
Plant City, FL-based William Manis Co. announced the opening of a Vero Beach sales office.
Lloyd Rosen, vice president of the firm, told The Produce News that it has been put in place to function as a sales arm to help the company in its future strategies. Newly hired sales associate Gary Parris, a veteran in the produce industry, will head the office.
California stone fruit may soon be heading down under
The California Tree Fruit Agreement in Reedley, CA, which represents growers of California peaches, nectarines and plums, has learned that the Australian government will "try to fast track opening Australia to our fruits," Dale Janzen, field director for the CTFA, told The Produce News March 8.
That news comes on the heels of an announcement earlier this year that China had opened its doors to California plums.
New Vidalia onion logo unveiled
The Vidalia, GA-based Vidalia Onion Committee decided it was time that the famous onions it promotes had a recognizable image.
"Consumers know the value of a Vidalia, and they're looking for us by name in stores," said VOC Executive Director Wendy Brannen. "But for several years now, we've had bits and pieces of old marketing campaigns left floating around the country."
Rabobank donates $2 million to National Steinbeck Center
SALINAS, CA -- The National Steinbeck Center Museum, here, received a $2 million donation from Rabobank, a leading bank serving the global food and agriculture industry with retail branches throughout California, in a ceremony held March 7 at the center.
California carrot harvest should continue upward trend
California fresh-market carrot production came in at 20.6 million hundredweight in 2005, 2.5 percent higher than both 2003 and 2004, when production came in at 20 million hundredweight.
"It was a bit of a surprise to me," said Jerry Munson of the California Fresh Carrot Advisory Board in Dinuba, CA, adding that it is further confirmation of the popularity of the baby cut-carrot market. He said that the full effect of baby cut-carrot production was first noticed in 1998, when fresh-market carrot production jumped into the 19 million range and stayed there through 2002.
SALINAS SCENE: Colorful Harvest adds Robbie Coyle to sales team
Monterey, CA-based Colorful Harvest has added Robbie Coyle to its sales team as business development sales manager.
Mr. Coyle's main focus will be to grow the artichoke, blueberry, raspberry and blackberry business while supporting other sales needs at Colorful Harvest.
He brings 18 years of direct produce sales experience to Colorful Harvest in the areas of fresh vegetables and berries.
FPAA program works to increase retail promos during peak season
NOGALES, AZ -- One of the major activities of the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas, here, according to Lee Frankel, the association's president, is "increasing the number of retail promotions during our peak season." The program was introduced just last year, and it has been going "very, very well this year," Mr. Frankel said.
Fresh Del Monte to repurchase stock
Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. in Coral Gables, FL, announced that its board has authorized a three-year stock repurchase program of up to $300 million of the company's ordinary shares.
The timing and number of shares to be repurchased in the open market will depend on a number of factors, including market conditions and alternative investment opportunities. Repurchases are expected to be funded with the company's cash from operations and revolving credit facility.