Beloved children's book character headlines latest family 5 A Day retail event
Peter Rabbit is hopping on 5 A Day The Color Way this spring, and he wants children and their families to join him in eating more healthfully.
The beloved Beatrix Potter bunny and his family had kids hopping in the produce aisles over the prospect of eating a colorful variety of fruits and vegetables when they visited Wal-Mart Supercenters and Neighborhood Markets across the country March 12. The "Hop on 5 A Day The Color Way? promotion was sponsored by the nonprofit educational Produce for Better Health Foundation, Wal-Mart and 14 health-minded suppliers.
Growers review season and success of co-op at California Citrus Showcase
VISALIA, CA " It has been a little more than two years since California citrus growers, fed up with losing money year after year, banded together in a voluntary cooperative called the California Citrus Growers Association, with the objective of returning their industry to profitability.
"Back doing what I love doing," Chef Tony resumes consulting business
Easily one of the more recognizable figures in the produce industry owing to his three decades in the business, Tony Merola will again be on the seminar circuit as the principal of Merola Marketing Group Inc., his Weston, FL-based consulting company that looks to educate the foodservice and retail segments of the industry on ways to best handle and use fruits and vegetables.
SPC attendees tour strawberry facility and fields
TAMPA, FL " Attendees of the Southeast Produce Council?s recent conference and expo had an opportunity to visit a strawberry laboratory and private company to gain insight into what it takes to produce the high-quality product that Florida is known for.
The council?s second annual Retail & Foodservice Conference and Expo took place March 10-12 here, close to the Plant City-Dover area of the state known as the "Winter Strawberry Capital of the World," so it was a natural that the council dubbed this part of the event the "very berry field tours."
Northwest growers hope for break in dry conditions
KENNEWICK, WA " At the same time that Washington Gov. Christine Gregoire declared a statewide drought emergency Thursday, March 10, at a Yakima press conference, growers across the state were busy preparing for the 2005 fruit and vegetable season.
Preparation this year includes, in some cases, plans for upgraded water conservation practices, possible reduction in volume and a watchful eye to the sky for any break in the prevalent weather patterns. Growers are also awaiting the April 1 report on snowpack and streamflows.
Pride of New York showcased at Eastern Produce Council meeting
New York Agriculture Commissioner Nathan L. Rudgers presented the state?s Pride of New York marketing and promotional program to the members of the Eastern Produce Council at its monthly meeting held March 15 in Teaneck, NJ.
Tom Marrolli leaves Verdelli Farms to join State Garden
After 17 years at Verdelli Farms in Harrisburg, PA, Tom Marrolli has resigned to take a new position with State Garden Inc., the Boston-based producer of "State Garden? and "Noreast? brand spinach and spring mix products.
Mr. Marrolli, who served as director of sales at Verdelli for the past eight years, said he leaves the company with great memories.
IN THE TRENCHES:<br>M&As are alive and kicking
Where do you work? Are you sure you have the correct company name? What name was on your company building today? What name will be on it next year, next month, next week or even tomorrow?
In a company somewhere today, a receptionist or automated answering system could be welcoming a caller by saying, "Hello, you have reached the Laurel and Hardy Produce Company." Tomorrow, the same system in the same building could change to "Hello, you have reached the Abbott and Costello Produce Company, formerly the Laurel and Hardy Produce Company."
The secret is out: PBH and CIA join forces to increase produce offerings on the menu
It's a match made in heaven " or at least at the dinner table. The Produce for Better Health Foundation and the Culinary Institute of America announced that they are joining forces to help the foodservice industry seize opportunities to increase fruit and vegetable offerings on the menu and grow fruit and vegetable sales in foodservice in the process.
Ready Pac names new VP of marketing
Ready Pac announced the hiring of Steve Dickstein as vice president of marketing, where he will be responsible for achieving growth objectives in brand value, market share and profitability.
He succeeds Bill Zinke, who resigned to pursue other opportunities.