Hurricane Katrina devastates Gulfport banana facilities
"I'm really concerned about some people down there. Our biggest concern right now is the people who live down there," Marta Maitles, director of communications for Dole Fresh Fruit Co. in Westlake Village, CA, told The Produce News Aug. 30.
Ms. Maitles was speaking of Gulfport, MS, where Dole maintains a large facility to receive fruit imported from Latin America. Gulfport took the devastating brunt of the force of Hurricane Katrina.
National news reports have indicated rising fatality numbers in Mississippi in the hurricanes wake.
IGA appoints new senior director of branding and business development
IGA in Chicago has announced that James J. Walz has been named senior director of branding and business development.
Mr. Walz, who begins his appointment immediately, will report directly to IGA Vice President and U.S. Chief Growth Officer Doug Fritsch.
Produce industry to speak in one voice in farm bill debate
WASHINGTON Pressing trade issues and budget cuts will influence the 2007 farm bill, but that is not enough to dissuade fruit and vegetable businesses that are looking for a bigger slice of the pie this time around.
Korean table grapes enter the U.S. market for first time in Los Angeles
For the first time ever, fresh table grapes grown in South Korea have apparently entered the U.S. marketplace.
On Friday, Aug. 19, the Korean Agriculture & Fisheries Ministry announced that 330 kilograms of the Campbell Early grape variety, produced in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province, passed quarantine inspection earlier in the week and were shipped via air to Los Angeles. The JoongAng Daily Korean newspaper reported that the grapes arrived at the Los Angeles International Airport on Thursday, Aug. 18.
HURRICANE KATRINA UPDATE: Storm severely damages Chiquita's operations at Gulfport
CINCINNATI -- Chiquita Brands International Inc. announced that its port facilities at Gulfport, MS, were severely damaged by Hurricane Katrina. Gulfport is one of five U.S. ports the company uses to import bananas and other fresh produce.
Cargo Transportation Services employee finds calling in produce
Elliott Buchanan's bags were all packed and loaded in his car. He was on his way to start his career as a reporter for the Los Angeles Daily News, but a funny thing happened on the way to the City of Angels. He made a telephone call to a friend that would change his entire life.
Knutzen renamed to U.S. agricultural committee
Skagit Valley potato grower Roger Knutzen has been renamed to the Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee for Trade in Fruits & Vegetables by Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns and U.S. Trade Representative Rob Portman.
"American agriculture continues to play a critical role in our agenda of opening markets and expanding opportunities around the world," said Mr. Portman. The advice offered by these committee members will help ensure that Americans are competing on a level playing field and have the opportunity to sell their world class goods in overseas markets.
SALINAS SCENE: Classic Salads prepares to launch new web site
Watsonville, CA-based Classic Salads expects to launch a company web site within a few weeks at www.classicsalads.com.
The company also recently added Jill Lenz to its sales team. Ms. Lenz previously was in sales for Salinas-based Tanimura & Antle.
United's leadership program makes stop in Salinas
Gourmet Veg-Paq ramps up operations
Increased consumer demand for organic products has prompted Gilroy, CA-based Gourmet Veg-Paq Inc. to ramp up operations accordingly.
The company is doubling its square footage in El Centro, CA, with the expected November completion of a 40,000-square-foot facility. The company is also building a new facility in Hollister, CA, near Gilroy. The company plans to move into the Hollister location when it returns from El Centro.
Healthy gourmet snacks go mass market: Sahale Snacks hit shelves
Sahale Snacks, a Seattle-based producer of all natural, gourmet snack products, is taking a major step forward in realizing its goal of helping American consumers snack better.
The company has announced that its innovative line of nut blends will be sold at more than 140 SuperTarget stores in the United States. Sahale Snacks' new distribution channel reflects the growing trend of consumers demanding natural, healthy gourmet snack alternatives.