University research seeks to place Idaho potatoes in the best light
Accent lighting is becoming increasingly popular in the supermarket. Carefully aimed bulbs can enhance the green waxy shine on avocados, boost sunny colors on bananas, and make radishes, grapes and blueberries look positively mouth watering.
According to new research conducted by scientists at the University of Idaho extension, however, some lights work better on potatoes than others. The study showed that certain bright overhead lights speed the rate at which potatoes turn green, and that's a consumer turnoff.
New report: Industry would be crippled by immigration reform measure
WASHINGTON -- Expect production losses in fruits and vegetables of between $5 billion and $9 billion annually if enforcement-only bills like the House-passed immigration reform bill becomes law, says a new study by the American Farm Bureau Federation.
For Florida agency, canker eradication program not easy to relinquish
"We are in a control and suppress mode," Liz Compton, spokesperson for the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, said in response to the recent U.S. Department of Agriculture announcement that the canker eradication program is no longer effective, and that it will not continue to fund tree removal that is done with eradication as its goal.
Ms. Compton added, "We have spent the past several years working to get rid of canker in the state through this program, and it is very frustrating to now have to give it up."
PBH and CIA join forces for healthier menu choices
Chefs and foodservice leaders from America's top chain restaurants, hotels, supermarkets and key members of the produce industry joined forces to develop options for making fruits and vegetables more available to the growing number of consumers who rely on away-from-home purchases for meals and snacks.
Produce First! American Menus Initiative, an innovative collaboration between Produce for Better Health Foundation and the Culinary Institute of America was held Jan. 15 at the CIA at Greystone in Napa Valley, CA.
New Nogales firm to specialize in distribution to the East Coast
Humberto (Beto) Moreno, 29, who was previously with the Nogales, AZ, office of Hammonton, NJ-based Frank Donio Inc., has started his own company, Arizona Mixers & Fresh Produce LLC, in Nogales, in partnership with a brother, Mauro Moreno, 33, and Charles Slack, 40.
Mr. Moreno told The Produce News in a telephone interview Jan. 13 that he opened the new company Dec. 31, and will specialize in distributing and brokering tomatoes and Mexican vegetables, primarily to customers on the East Coast.
Supervalu, CVS and a Cerberus-led group agree to acquire Albertsons
Supervalu, CVS and an investment group led by Cerberus Capital Management L.P., including Kimco Realty, Schottenstein Stores Corp., Lubert-Adler Partners and Klaff Realty, announced Jan. 23 that they have reached definitive agreements to acquire Albertson's Inc. for $17.4 billion in cash, stock and debt assumption.
Kuperus reappointed N.J. ag chief
New Jersey Gov. Jon S. Corzine has asked Charles M. Kuperus to continue to serve as New Jersey secretary of agriculture.
"In order to build a better New Jersey, all aspects of our economy must be thriving. Charles Kuperus understands this," Mr. Corzine, who was sworn in as governor of the Garden State on Jan. 17, said in a statement. "And he also recognizes the unique challenges facing New Jersey's farmers and agricultural community. I am pleased he has agreed to be part of my administration."
South San Francisco market head suggests operating hours change
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, CA -- The wholesale produce markets are broken and they need to be fixed, according to Pete Carcione, president of Carcione's Fresh Produce Co. Inc. as well as president of Golden Gate Produce Terminal in South San Francisco.
The markets will continue to attract buyers in large part because they can cut and taste the produce there before buying it. Mr. Carcione just wants them to do it at a later hour.
Gargiulo resigning from Sunkist
Sunkist Growers announced that Jeff Gargiulo has decided not to renew his contract and will leave the company in June after five years as president and chief executive officer. This will conclude a second stint of an initial three-year contract.
Mr. Gargiulo assumed the leadership post at Sunkist when he joined the company in June 2001. During his tenure he spearheaded the reorganization of several of the Sunkist divisions while turning the focus of the organization toward leveraging the "Sunkist" brand.
Healds Valley's James Watson returns to the produce fold
Sometimes, the produce gene skips a generation. James Watson, a sales representative with Healds Valley Farms in Edinburg, TX, grew up around agriculture and is descended from ranching and farming families. But in fact, neither parent is in the trade. "They were the first city slickers of the bunch," joked the 23-year-old Mr. Watson, who was raised in Edinburg. His mother is a schoolteacher, and his father is an auctioneer.