California lettuce co-op generating interest
A substantial number of Salinas Valley lettuce shippers were expected to attend an informational meeting Thursday, Jan. 5 concerning the possibility of joining the Central California Lettuce Producers Cooperative.
Progressive Marketing Group hires Steve Long for Quincy, WA, office
Following several years of potato and onion inspection and buying duties for a major retail operation in Los Angeles, Steve Long has joined Progressive Marketing Group as its sales manager at Jones Produce in Quincy, WA.
Progressive President Jim Leimkuhler told The Produce News Jan. 4 that Mr. Long's first day in the Quincy office was Jan. 3, and the company head said, "We think by adding Steve and bringing his retail experience, it's a good move for us and the industry."
California pilot programs hail benefits of expanding WIC
WASHINGTON -- As the federal government considers taking the program nationwide, congressional staffers packed into a U.S. Capitol room Dec. 6 to hear the experiences of the only two pilot programs that have allowed low-income women and children to use vouchers to purchase fresh produce in neighborhood stores.
Bon Campo introduces 'Trattoria' line of specialties
Bon Campo announced the launch of Trattoria, a new line of specialties, featuring renowned chef Mathieu Frey who has created easy-to-follow recipes for normally hard-to-sell items like baby chokes, fennel, baby bok choy, baby eggplant and leeks.
In the Bon Campo tradition, the new Trattoria line will create sales by educating the American consumer with "real recipes for real people."
Bon Campo's philosophy has always been to create a line that is narrow and deep with generally fewer products than its competitors.
C-Brand Tropicals granted exclusive distributorship of Ugli fruit in North America
Ugli, the exotic tangelo from Jamaica, is predicted to attain "celebrity status" in the nation's produce departments as it reaches new heights through the aid of a new marketing alliance.
United looks to boost value of its produce show
WASHINGTON -- Attendees of the upcoming United Produce Show in Chicago will have new opportunities to network this year with the addition of a hospitality center on the trade show floor, a new daily Retail Executive Forum and new space to squeeze in more exhibitors.
While United's Produce Show has evolved by sharing its meeting with retailers at the Food Marketing Institute, the Fancy Foods Show, All Things Organic and the U.S. Food Export Showcase, it has left produce executives with too little time for formal networking throughout the supply chain.
Vidalia onions and Weight Watchers team for sweet second quarter Pick of the Season
Weight Watchers, a long-trusted authority on promoting healthful eating, has chosen Vidalia onions as its second quarter 2006 Pick of the Season. Weight Watchers started its Pick of the Season program in 2004 to promote the health benefits of fresh produce. Since its inception, the quarterly spotlight on seasonal fruits and vegetables has touted the benefits of carrots, watermelons, bananas and similar fresh "picks."
Bozzuto's names new produce and floral director
CHESHIRE, CT -- Bozzuto's Inc. has announced the promotion of Greg Veneziano to director of produce and floral, where his responsibilities will include overseeing the administrative, procurement and merchandising functions of the produce and floral departments for the wholesale grocer based here. He will report directly to Steve Heggelke, senior vice president of merchandising and procurement.
Green Giant Fresh announces changes in sales and marketing
SALINAS, CA -- Green Giant Fresh by Growers Express, a leading producer of fresh vegetables, has named Gary D. Andreasian director of produce management. In addition to managing broccoli and Iceberg lettuce sales, Mr. Andreasian will oversee international sales and manage the following product managers:
John E. Corea, who will manage celery and back up for several key items.
Martin R. Johnson, who will manage green onions, radishes and other items and will become more involved in international sales.
Nolan Cook, founder of Cook Produce, had passion for the business
James Nolan Cook, founder of Cook Produce Inc. in Glendale, AZ, died Dec. 5, 2005, after a short illness. He was 85.
Born Nov. 17, 1919 in Key West Township, Coffey County, KS, Mr. Cook moved with his family to Salinas, CA, in 1935, where he soon found employment in the produce industry.
During World War II, Mr. Cook served in the U.S. Navy, and while stationed in the Panama Canal Zone, he met his wife, Katheryn (Kay) Jane Sanders of Fort Worth, TX, who was serving there with the Red Cross.