Calavo adds volume with Limoneira alliance
Through a business transaction that resulted in each company buying a significant percentage of the other, California-based Calavo Growers Inc. and Limoneira Co. have reached a strategic alliance that is expected to strengthen both firms.
The most immediate benefit, according to Calavo's Lee Cole, is the extra 10 million pounds of California avocados now in the Calavo camp. Mr. Cole, who is chairman of the board, CEO and president of Calavo, told The Produce News that the additional tonnage "is significant. In fact, it significantly reduces our packing costs."
IN THE TRENCHES: Person-to-person selling still gets the best results
Why is it that some companies and organizations cut out their sales representatives just to save a few measly dollars? Then top officers wind up complaining that sales are dragging and usually blame it on a poor economy or other excuses.
The field people I refer to are those who make sales happen out in the trenches. They're the on-the-road company sales representatives and organizational marketing merchandisers. Many are disappearing from the sales scene.
Organic icon to bolster Stemilt Growers' efforts
WENATCHEE, WA -- Stemilt Growers Inc. has selected organic fruit grower and packer Harold Ostenson as the newest member of its horticultural staff and part of the Stemilt team that focuses on organic tree fruit cultivation, packing and post-harvest practices.
Mr. Ostenson, who started at Stemilt on May 23, has been a tree fruit grower for 30 years, with the last 20 focused on organic production and packing. Most of his fruit-growing acreage is located in the Columbia Basin, where he raises apples, pears, cherries, stone fruits and berries.
Citing pricing issues, Wal-Mart to cut banana orders from Chiquita by a third
A June 7 U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission filing by Chiquita Brands International in Cincinnati brought to light news that the nation's largest retailer, Wal-Mart, cut its Chiquita banana orders by 33 percent.
Chiquita corporate spokesman Mike Mitchell told The Produce News that the lost business "is not new," with the Wal-Mart business having been lost in December over pricing differences. A new contract went into effect on May 1.
Philadelphia trade weathers rain for annual golf tournament
MEDFORD, NJ -- The Philadelphia wholesale produce community met June 3 for the fourth annual Lou Penza Sr. Memorial Golf Tournament at the Medford Village Country Club, here, and while rain throughout the day certainly dampened the course, there were only four no-shows as 76 golfers attended.
Con-Agra closure could put pressure on fresh onion industry
Several thousand eastern Oregon acres now planted in dehydrated onions could put pressure on the fresh onion industry following the planned closure of ConAgra Foods Inc.'s Umatilla, OR, dehydrating plant.
However, Don Horneck of Oregon State University's Extension Office in Hermiston, OR, said that because the multifarious food giant has announced it will stand by its contracts this season, any pressure to the fresh market is not likely to be felt until next year.
Frieda's again offering Donut peaches
Los Alamitos, CA-based Frieda's Inc. is offering its popular Donut peaches again this year, and to support the product and maximize sales during the eight-week window of availability, the company will be offering new point-of-purchase kits for retailers.
Fresh basil blamed for foodborne outbreak in Florida
WASHINGTON After investigating more than 300 cases of cyclospora infections, Florida health officials believe that people got sick from eating fresh basil and have asked the Food & Drug Administration to start tracing the product back to the farm.
Florida officials began seeing a rise in cases of cyclospora infections in April, which triggered the investigation. As of press time, the Florida Department of Health reported 303 laboratory-confirmed cases across 33 counties. Six of those cases were added to the list during the past week.
National Mango Board slates agenda for meeting in Washington, DC
The 18 newly appointed members of the National Mango Board, established by the federal Mango Promotion, Research & Information Order, have been invited to hold their first meeting in Washington June 14-16.
"The meeting, initially at USDA's headquarters and later at a nearby hotel conference center in the nations capital, will largely consist of a thorough orientation conducted by the staff of USDAs Agricultural Marketing Service," said George Chartier, a public affairs specialist for AMS.
New Jersey produce long a mainstay at Incollingo's
PENNS GROVE, NJ -- With a cool spring pushing back the start of the New Jersey vegetable season by 10 days to two weeks so far this year, Boston lettuce, asparagus and hothouse tomatoes were about the only Jersey items in the produce department at the Incollingo's Family Market store here in mid-May.
But that will all change as spring turns into summer, when this store will put Jersey produce items figuratively -- and literally -- front and center.