DiMare Scranton facility to be completed this summer
DiMare Fresh Scranton is building a new repacking warehouse facility that is expected to be completed in July.
Paul Holmes, general manager of DiMare Scranton, said that the facility will be a state-of-the-art operation featuring the latest technology for packaging and distribution.
It is the third new facility constructed by DiMare Fresh, which is owned by Paul DiMare of DiMare Inc. in Boston. DiMare Fresh built its first new warehouse in Tampa, followed by one in Chicago.
Port security issue felt in Delaware River Valley ports
PHILADELPHIA -- Delaware River Valley ports collectively comprise the largest fruit port in the United States and one of the larger in the world. Thus, the national firestorm over the United Arab Emirates involvement in U.S. port security has at least indirectly touched the industry here, as the ports of Philadelphia, Camden, NJ, and Wilmington, DE, are on the front lines of homeland security issues.
U.S. apples, pears, peaches and cherries may now go to Colombia
The second-largest agricultural market in Latin America took a significant step toward becoming a free trade partner with the United States Feb. 27 with the conclusion of free trade agreement negotiations between the United States and Colombia, although Congress must still approve the deal.
Wood packaging violations not centered on produce
Though there have been hundreds of violations of the new wood packaging regulations regarding imported packaging materials, few have been specific to fruits and vegetables, according to Cathy Sauceda, director of the Special Enforcement Office of Field Operations/Trade Programs for U.S. Customs & Border Protection.
"In anticipation of that question, I asked [the individual port directors] and was surprised to find that fresh produce violations do not represent a disproportionate amount," she told The Produce News Feb. 22.
Sweetbay Supermarket chain names new CEO
Sweetbay and Kash n' Karry announced the promotion of Shelley G. Broader to chief executive officer at the Tampa- based supermarket chains. Ms. Broader, formerly president and chief operating officer at the chains, has led the successful creation of Sweetbay.
United foundation kicks off fundraising for Project Fresh Start
During his March 4 keynote speech to attendees of the Southeast Produce Council annual conference and exposition in Fort Lauderdale, FL, United Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Association President Tom Stenzel announced the launch of a three-year, $1.5 million fundraising campaign for Project Fresh Start, a new nutrition and health policy project of the United Research & Education Foundation.
USDA eyes opening U.S. market to Indian mangos
WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture is considering opening the U.S. market to mangos from India after 17 years. But the world's largest producer of mangos will still need to overcome several obstacles to seal the deal.
U.S. agriculture officials have been reluctant to open the U.S. market to mangos from India because it was never assured that shipments would be pest-free. While India is the world's largest producer of mangos, it exports less than 1 percent of its crop. Australia, Japan, New Zealand and the United States do not accept India's mangos.
Produce groups organize lobbying blitz on immigration reform
WASHINGTON -- Past marches on Washington evoke visions of thousands of people carrying signs and shouting slogans, but the produce sector is hoping to carry a strong message to lawmakers when it rallies March 15 on Capitol Hill to lobby on the issue of immigration reform.
Firms team to launch 'Colors' organic grapes
Global Pacific Produce Inc., a Henderson, NV-based fresh produce firm, and Lazopoulos Associates, headquartered in Kennett Square, PA, recently announced that they have entered into an agreement to import certified organic Regal (Sugraone), Thompson seedless, Sunred seedless and Black Dan Ben Hanna grapes from South Africa under the "Colors" brand. The label is already well recognized in many countries.
Eric Patrick takes marketing reins at Grant J. Hunt
Oakland, CA-based Grant J. Hunt Co. has named Eric Patrick marketing director, and the produce industry veteran will be part of the Hunt division in The Dalles, OR.
Mr. Patrick will operate out of the company's Yakima office, he told The Produce News March 1.
Prior to his move to the Grant J. Hunt Co., Mr. Patrick had served as director of marketing for Domex Inc. in Yakima, WA, and had also held the position of domestic promotion director for the Washington State Fruit Commission/Northwest Cherry Growers.