Michigan agriculture director announces resignation
Dan Wyant, director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture, announced June 20 that he will step down from the post which he has held for nine years on July 29. The Michigan Commission of Agriculture in October 1996 appointed Mr. Wyant to the position. He has accepted a position as president and chief operating officer of the Edward Lowe Foundation, a private operating foundation that assists entrepreneurs. The foundation is located on 2,500 acres of rural farmland in Cassopolis, MI.
Longtime salesman William P. Donnelly Sr. has died
William P. Donnelly Sr., a longtime produce salesman in Nogales, AZ, died June 3 at his home in Rio Rico, AZ, after losing a battle with skin cancer. He was 59 years old. Born in the Bronx, NY, Mr. Donnelly got his start in the produce industry quite by chance. He moved his family from New Jersey to Tucson, AZ, in 1977 with the hopes that the change in climate would help to alleviate one of his four son's health problems. After arriving in Tucson, Mr. Donnelly opened a liquor store and worked with computers on the side, said his son William P. Donnelly Jr.
Recent retail display contest a huge success for grape commission
The California Table Grape Commission has, over the years, had "tremendous success with display contests," according to Jim Howard, the commission's communications director. But a display contest currently running during the month of June has proven to be one of the more successful ever, he said. "We have a record number of retailers who have expressed interest in the contest and who have received point-of-sale materials from the commission for use in the contest, Mr. Howard said.
Mori-Nu celebrates 20th anniversary with sweepstakes
Morinaga Nutritional Foods Inc., a leader in the soyfoods industry and maker of shelf-stable Mori-Nu Silken Tofu, will launch the Mori-Nu "The Healthy Drive" sweepstakes promotion, a fully integrated marketing program featuring a grand prize of the Toyota Prius Hybrid to celebrate the company's 20th anniversary in the United States.
Denice & Filice salesman turns to network of friends
Anthony Mazzuca is 25 going on 50. How else would one explain a 700-plus album collection -- not CDs -- dominated by artists of the 1970s? Or 25 Grateful Dead concerts attended, albeit post-Jerry Garcia? He insists he was at Woodstock, though it was the 1999 concert. There are other signs. He has been working in fresh produce for nearly half his life. OK, most of that has been summer work, but still. He has many friends in the business.
Winn-Dixie to sell or close about 326 stores
JACKSONVILLE, FL -- Winn-Dixie Stores Inc. announced June 21 what it termed a series of actions intended to enhance the company's financial performance and position it for profitability in the long term.
The cornerstone of the company's plan consists of focusing on its strongest markets, where it typically has a significant market share position, and reducing its store "footprint" from 913 stores in the United States and the Bahamas to 587 stores.
Senate committee passes on COOL meat delay
WASHINGTON -- After the House of Representatives voted to delay country-of-origin labeling for meat, it is now the Senate's turn to weigh in on whether USDA should postpone meat labeling until September 2007.
But on June 21, the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee approved the Senate's version of the fiscal year 2006 Agriculture Appropriations Bill without any mention of the embattled labeling program. The issue could surface when the spending bill is considered June 23 by the full committee.
Tim Meissner joins River Ranch
Salinas, CA-based River Ranch Fresh Foods LLC has hired industry veteran Tim Meissner for the newly created position of director of sales, effective June 27. Mr. Meissner will be responsible for the Salinas corporate sales office, including retail and foodservice, f.o.b. and contract sales. He also will be involved with several operational initiatives including RFID, electronic trading, warehouse management systems and several customer service initiatives.
Growers Express names VP of distribution
SALINAS, CA -- Growers Express LLC, a leading producer of fresh vegetables, has named Oscar Chawdhry vice president of distribution.
Mr. Chawdhry has more than 30 years of experience in the food and fresh produce industries. His last 15 years were with Del Monte Fresh Produce at the company's Sanger, CA, facility, where he was most recently general manager of fresh-cut and distribution operations. Prior positions he held were warehouse manager for Martin Brower Co. and plant manager of Lowfield Distribution Co., a major supplier to J. Sainsbury in Manchester, England.
Melissa's enjoying collaboration with author-chef
Melissa's/World Variety Produce in Los Angeles is collaborating with a famous chef, restaurateur and cookbook author who utilizes many specialty items in her recipes and dishes.
Zov Karamardian said that all indications now lead to Middle Eastern cuisine being the next major food trend in the United States.