Justin wins again for California Giant
Justin Robinson, who is featured in the California Giant advertising and marketing campaign for 2006, has won the Cyclocross National Championship held earlier this month in snowy New England.
Far from the California sunshine, Mr. Robinson was able to overcome the freezing elements and bring home the championship for the second year in a row for California Giant Berry Farms. The company said that it is extremely proud of the team at this most recent event with three of the members standing on the podium wearing the Cal Giant colors.
Industry rallies around lettuce safety standards
SALINAS, CA -- Fresh produce industry leaders representing all the major trade associations congregated here Dec. 13 for a forum on assuring a safe supply of lettuce for consumers as well as retail and foodservice buyers with an eye toward eliminating any incidence of foodborne illness associated with California lettuce.
Research reveals insights into consumer stone fruit preferences
VISALIA, CA -- Extensive consumer research undertaken by the California Tree Fruit Agreement over the past year has revealed some enlightening facts about consumer preferences regarding peaches, plums and nectarines, according to CTFA President Blair Richardson.
Speaking at the group's annual grower dinner and town hall meeting held here Tuesday, Dec. 6, Mr. Richardson summarized the findings by saying, "What it all boils down to, it is all about choice." There is no one size or color or degree of firmness or softness "that is perfect for everyone," he said.
PMA connects students to careers in produce industry
NEWARK, DE -- Twenty-four food and agricultural marketing students and their faculty advisors representing six colleges learned the depth and breadth of produce industry career options at Produce Marketing Association's Fresh Summit International Convention & Exposition, held Nov. 4-8 in Atlanta.
The students were chosen to participate in The Pack Family/ PMA Career Pathways Fund, a program designed to develop leaders in the fresh fruit and vegetable industry.
Brian Beggs named president of BC Hot House Foods
BC Hot House Foods Inc. in Surrey, British Columbia, has announced the appointment of Brian Beggs as president.
With the concurrence and support of the board of directors, Al Vangelos, acting president and chief executive officer of BC Hot House Foods, announced the appointment of Mr. Beggs as president effective Dec. 15.
Is foodborne illness from fresh produce a real problem?
Early in November, the Food & Drug Administration sent a warning letter to lettuce producers in the Salinas Valley expressing concern over foodborne illnesses and outbreaks associated with lettuce.
Since the FDA letter, there has been an article in The Wall Street Journal titled "When Eating Your Vegetables Makes You Sick." And an article in The Los Angeles Times in late November quoted a Los Angeles County Department of Health official as saying that lettuce was the likely culprit in a number of Hepatitis A outbreaks in his county.
'Share the Love' with OSO Sweet onions and Ronald McDonald House Charities
OSO Sweet onions and Ronald McDonald House Charities are asking retailers and consumers to "Share the Love," a unique venture designed to raise awareness and funds for Ronald McDonald House, which provides housing and support for families while their children are receiving medical treatment for life-threatening diseases worldwide.
PBH report shows rise in produce consumption
WASHINGTON -- Before 2002, studies showed that Americans' daily consumption of fruits and vegetables was on the decline, but a new report shows a shift in eating patterns as more Americans are eating fruits and vegetables.
The report found a rise in overall fruit and vegetable consumption for the first time in 15 years, with a combined increase of 1 percent in annual eating per capita between 2002 and 2004.
U.S. Potato Board tours British potato industry
A party of eight representatives of the U.S. Potato Board returned Dec. 3 from a weeklong meeting in England with the British Potato Council.
One of those traveling from the United States was Larry Alsum, owner of Alsum Produce Inc. in Friesland, WI, who is on the U.S. Potato Board's executive committee and is chairman of the board's research committee. Mr. Alsum said that the board's executive committee leaders met with representatives of the British Potato Council to discuss common issues and to tour British potato operations and supermarkets.
IOM maps plan to reform junk-food advertising
WASHINGTON -- A new study by the Institute of Medicine is calling for sweeping new changes to counteract the insidious marketing of junk food that is influencing the nation's children to eat high-calorie, less-nutrition foods.
This is an "all-hands-on-deck" issue, IOM Committee Chair J. Michael McGinnis said Dec. 6. "Parents have a central role in the turnaround required, but so do the food, beverage and restaurant industries."