Canadian RFID Centre hosts produce industry representatives
The Canadian Produce Marketing Association's Industry Technology Advisory Council hosted "produce days," an open house of the new Canadian RFID Centre, on Nov. 21-22.
Representatives from major Canadian retailers, produce industry suppliers and GS1 Canada -- the group that is globally responsible for supply chain standards -- toured the CRC to see first-hand the benefits that RFID provides.
Krulder to retire after lifelong career with Waldbaum chain
Tommy Krulder, who has spent his entire professional career with the Waldbaum supermarket chain and later its parent company, announced that he will retire in the middle of this month.
"I am going to retire from the retail end of the business," Mr. Krulder told The Produce News Wednesday, Nov. 30. "My last official day is December 16."
The world of tomorrow is today for hydroponically grown tulips
In the 1970s, when (as today) parenthood meant a trip to Walt Disney World, the theme park's Future World exhibit in Epcot Center featured plants growing without soil, their roots dangling in water. Plants of the future, tourists were told, would grow only in water. This new growing method was called hydroponics, from the Greek words for water and labor.
FDA to send notice before accessing records under bioterrorism law
WASHINGTON -- Food inspectors knocking at a company's door in the event of a food-safety emergency will have to send a written notice first notifying the company of the records that need to be searched under the new bioterrorism law.
The Food & Drug Administration has just released new guidelines that spell out the hoops government officials will need to jump through before FDA inspectors demand access to company records.
Court rules in favor of Malena on trademark case
The U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona entered a preliminary injunction order Nov. 8 against Ciruli Bros. LLC and Agricola San Isidro de Culiacan prohibiting them from "using any reproduction, counterfeit or imitation of the trademark Malena."
Holiday pull could be light, but shippers are ready
SALINAS, CA -- The produce industry hopes the seven- to 10- day lull following Thanksgiving is the calm before the storm. Whether that storm brings a hail of business or erodes profits remains to be seen.
"We've had a big week," Joe Feldman, vice president of sales and marketing for Castroville, CA-based Ocean Mist Farms, told The Produce News Nov. 30. "The [post- Thanksgiving] lull is over."
Wal-Mart helps Florida farmers by promoting locally grown produce
While Hurricane Wilma devastated many Florida crops in the field, it couldn't destroy the spirit of Florida's farmers, who have been replanting, rebuilding and working diligently to have fresh Florida products in grocery stores as soon as possible.
But when the new harvest of fruits and vegetables arrives, shoppers might notice a slight departure from the normally pristine appearance they have been accustomed to seeing.
Banana companies differ in reactions to EU policy
European Union representatives agreed Nov. 25 in Brussels to establish the new banana tariff of 176 euros per metric ton. This pertains to "dollar" bananas sourced from Latin America, to give preferential treatment to growers in countries that are historically connected to Europe or colonized producing areas such as Martinique, the Canary Islands and Guadalupe.
Maui Pineapple hires vice president of strategic planning
Maui Pineapple Co., a wholly owned subsidiary of Maui Land & Pineapple Co. Inc., announced that it has appointed Brian B. Orlopp as vice president of strategic planning. The appointment was effective Nov. 14.
Kreiner appointed East Coast sales manager of Epic Roots
Salinas, CA-based Epic Roots LLC, a leading grower and distributor of M?che salad products, announced that Mark Kreiner has joined its sales team as East Coast regional sales manager.
Mr. Kreiner was previously East Coast regional sales manager of Ready Pac Produce, based in Irwindale, CA. He worked as a retail director and senior account manager for many years with national consumer food products companies including Harmony Foods and Stouffer.