Rivera Vineyards to sit out 2005 fresh grape season
THERMAL, CA " One of the larger table grape grower-shipper operations in the Coachella Valley " Rivera Vineyards " has removed itself from the 2005 fresh table grape shipping season, which is set to start in early May.
United leaders share wish list with USDA secretary
WASHINGTON - Coming from Nebraska, USDA Secretary Mike Johanns admitted he was not up to speed with fresh fruit and vegetable industry issues at a March 29 meeting with leaders of the United Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Association.
But United President Tom Stenzel said that the new secretary was very supportive, asked many questions and expressed interest in touring produce operations to become more familiar with an industry that will be demanding more attention from USDA in the upcoming farm bill debate.
RETAIL VIEW: Sampling gaining favor but cost is limiting factor
The grocery industry and consumer press seem to be inundated with stories about the advantages of in-store sampling lately. One Florida newspaper article recently sang its praises, outlining efforts by stores with pepper jelly and cream cheese on pretzels, French bread with a dipping sauce, and a pre-mixed meatloaf.
Michael Cutler starts independent venture
?My brother and I, in a friendly move, split and went different directions," Michael Cutler told The Produce News on April 11, a week after his new firm, Michael Cutler Co. in Olyphant, PA, began its operations.
Mr. Cutler, who has been in the produce business for 37 years, was previously associated with his brother, Harris Cutler, in Race West Co. and Philip G. Ball Co. in Clarks Summit, PA.
Harris Cutler succinctly and simply commented to The Produce News: "We wish Michael and his employees great success in their new venture."
Fruits and vegetables take center stage in new government food pyramid
NEWARK, DE -- Fruits and vegetables are the centerpiece of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's new food guidance system that will be used to help the public understand and use the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and make more healthful choices among the foods they eat, including greater consumption of fruits and vegetables.
SunSelect peppers bolster Oppenheimer's summer greenhouse supply
SunSelect Produce in Aldergrove, BC, is the latest greenhouse producer to join marketing forces with Vancouver, BC-based The Oppenheimer Group. Oppenheimer signed a multi-year agreement with SunSelect in mid-March, and began shipping the first bell peppers grown by its new partner a week later.
CDC offers few answers about Sheetz outbreak
WASHINGTON " A new report by federal disease investigators on last year?s Salmonella outbreak at Sheetz convenience stores raised more questions than it offered answers about how tomatoes may have sickened 561 people in 18 states.
If the hat fits, Ivey Pope wears it
Ivey Pope wears many hats as a young, up-and-coming produce professional. The 25-year-old plays multiple roles representing multiple related companies, all under the auspices of DL&B Enterprises in Clinton, NC. DL&B is a grower, packer, shipper and a lot more, according to Ms. Pope. "Doug and Linda Wilson are the owners; DL&B stands for Doug and Linda and the boys," Ms. Pope said of the family-owned business.
Keim leaves Prime Produce, will open branch office for as yet unnamed firm
Dick Keim, director of sales for Prime Produce International LLC in Lake Forest, CA, has left Prime Produce and will be opening a Southern California office for an existing produce company whose name is yet to be announced.
New grape research spurs spring rush
The latest version of the Sonora Spring Grape industry's exclusive GrapeTRAX category trend study was discussed at a meeting of about 70 growers and shippers in Hermosillo, Mexico, the first week in April. Hosted by the Sonora Grape Growers Association (AALPUM) in partnership with its Nogales, AZ-based distributor members of the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas, this was the second year the industry has reunited prior to the season.