Fruit pioneer honored as 2005 Friend of Chile
PHILADELPHIA -- International logistics executive George Sibley received the eighth "Friend of Chile" award Nov. 16 at a luncheon, here.
Mr. Sibley, who is senior vice president of Barthco International Inc., here, received the award from the Chilean & American Chamber of Commerce in Philadelphia. More than 150 people were in attendance at the Hyatt Regency hotel, which, appropriately, overlooks the Delaware River. Ports on the river received 55 million cases of Chilean fruit last year.
Dole urges organics board to approve ethylene use
WASHINGTON -- Dole Fresh Fruit International said that a federal review board's decision to postpone acting on whether to keep ethylene on a list of substances allowed on organically labeled bananas would leave farmers in a tenuous position.
At a Nov. 16 meeting, Franz Wielemaker, director of sourcing and development for Dole's organic program, said that the National Organic Standards Board should recommend that the U.S. Department of Agriculture continue listing ethylene as a post-harvest substance used for banana ripening.
Chilean Fresh Fruit Association announces promotions
ATLANTA -- The Chilean Fresh Fruit Association is extending a $4 million 2005-06 promotion to many major markets throughout North America.
In a presentation to the trade and media here Nov. 5, Tom Tjerandsen, managing director for the association, which is based in Sacramento, CA, presented details of the promotion.
Gustavo Yentzen, marketing manager for the Chilean Exporters Association, or ASOEX, which is based in Santiago, outlined an overview of the plans.
Vida Fresh's farms in Baja receive government certification for food-safety practices
Vida Fresh Inc., a Los Angeles area-based grower, shipper, importer and exporter of fresh herbs and assorted fruits and vegetables, has received certification for the second successive year from the Mexican government for its food- safety practices on its herb farms in Baja California, Mexico.
Produce for Kids honors retailers for fundraising efforts
ATLANTA -- Produce for Kids hosted a ceremony Sunday, Nov. 6 at the Produce Marketing Association's Fresh Summit to honor its 2005 participating retailers for their combined help in raising $225,000 for the program so far in 2005.
"The checks were make out to the Children's Miracle Network, the organization that Produce for Kids supports," said Heidi McIntyre, marketing director for the organization. "We also presented each of our sponsors with a plaque to thank them for their 2005 contributions."
WGA convenes for 80th annual meeting
SAN DIEGO -- Former Western Growers Association Chairman of the Board Doc Danna of Danna & Danna Inc. in San Jose, CA, received the prestigious Award of Honor from WGA at the group's 80th annual meeting, here, on Tuesday, Nov. 15, at the famed Hotel Del Coronado.
Mr. Danna, who is 94 years old, was honored for his six decades of service to WGA. Another former chairman of the board of the association and longtime friend, Andy D'Arrigo of D'Arrigo Bros. of California in Salinas, presented the award and cited Mr. Danna's gentle nature and keen intellect.
Moves on both coasts strengthen Seald Sweet's position
Seald Sweet LLC recently announced partnership deals in Florida and California that strengthen the Vero Beach, FL- based company's position as a year-round supplier of high- quality citrus.
In Florida, Seald Sweet concluded a joint venture acquisition and operating agreement with SunBrite Citrus Inc. in Fort Pierce, FL, which is one of its grower-shipper members. Under the agreement, reached Oct. 19, Seald Sweet becomes a 50 percent owner of a newly formed company SunBrite Holdings LLC, with the Schirard family retaining the other half of the company.
Kelly O'Grady of Earthbound Farm trips the life organic
Kelly O'Grady has a sales pitch for Earthbound Farm that is simple and sincere: Organic produce is good for consumers and good for the environment. It's really more of a philosophy for the 25-year-old sales associate, who has worked for the organic grower-shipper in San Juan Bautista, CA, for the past two years. "I'm helping bring the benefits of organic foods to consumers. I guess overall that's the most rewarding aspect of my job," she said. "Working in the organic industry is being socially and environmentally responsible."
Mex Best promotes around the world, including Atlanta
ATLANTA -- "Mex Best" is a brand that Mexican producers and their government use to promote Mexican products around the world. Enrique Lobo, minister of the agricultural office of the Embassy of Mexico in Washington, DC, said that different Mexican categories, including produce, fisheries, livestock and groceries, are promoted at the single top relevant trade fair in major markets around the world.
Wholesalers need to think beyond the box to expand
ATLANTA - The future of traditional produce wholesalers is limited, and perhaps even dim, according to some in the industry. But a panel of three aggressive and progressive wholesalers at the Produce Marketing Association convention, here, made a strong case for the viability of wholesale fruit and vegetable suppliers.