Developing Sun World is the new owner?s goal
In the short term and "from a customer perspective," there will be "no change? in Sun World International?s operations following Black Diamond Capital Management LLC acquiring it, according to Christopher Kipley, a partner at Black Diamond.
Longer term, such changes as there may be "are largely going to be driven? by people who have been working at Sun World for years and who "know [the company] best," he said.
T&A hires Lara Grossman as its director of marketing
Lara Grossman, who held the position of value-added product manager for Spreckels, CA-based grower and shipper Tanimura & Antle Inc. before switching to Ready Pac Produce Inc. in August 2004, has returned to T&A as its new director of marketing.
Ms. Grossman, 36, had worked for T&A from August 2002 until being assigned last summer to become marketing product manager for Irwindale, CA-based Ready Pac when Ready Pac acquired Salad Time, T&A?s packaged salad line.
Challenging season has Nogales marketers looking forward to spring
?The season to date has been absolutely terrible," said Joe Bernardi of Bernardi & Associates Inc. in Nogales, AZ, who echoed the sentiments of most of the other Nogales brokers and distributors who were interviewed by The Produce News during the latter half of February.
Unusually heavy rain in many growing areas in Mexico has created supply and quality challenges in tomatoes and most other commodities. Market prices for many items have been dragging bottom for much of the season, even when supplies were shorter than normal.
C.H. Robinson celebrates 100 years
Minneapolis-based C.H. Robinson Worldwide, which started modestly as a produce company in 1905, has evolved over the past 100 years into one of North America?s larger third-party logistics companies.
C.H. Robinson has operations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, South America, Europe and Asia. Most of its revenues come from providing truck, rail, ocean and air transportation throughout the world.
However, sourcing and information services also are important components of the company?s overall business.
FPFC Expo to be featured on PBS
The Fresh Produce & Floral Council?s March 8 Expo is going to feature Public Broadcasting Service reporter Huell Howser as its keynote speaker, and he, in turn, will feature the Expo on an upcoming segment of his popular "California?s Gold? television show.
Mills finds new retail niche
Mills Family Farms? "Wholeaves? washed, ready-to-use, individual lettuce leaves are now available in retail-friendly bags. The Salinas, CA-based company?s retail packs are fresh, nutritious and offer the ultimate in convenience.
Available in green leaf, red leaf, Romaine and green cascade mix, Mills Family Farms? "Wholeaves? are perfect for topping a sandwich, dressing up a burger or tossing into a sensational salad. "Wholeaves? are also ideal for gourmet wraps.
Everything set for SPC's second annual event in Tampa, Florida
The speakers are set, the exhibitors are ready to showcase their products, the tours are in place and registration is up from last year. In other words, everything is positioned to make this year?s Southeast Produce Council conference and expo a success.
Crown Jewels joins the Summeripe Alliance
Summeripe Worldwide Inc. in Dinuba, CA, has announced the addition of Crown Jewels Marketing in Fresno, CA, to the Summeripe Alliance of quality tree fruit shippers.
Crown Jewels Marketing is the eighth member to join the alliance of existing Summeripe members: Family Tree Farms Inc., George Bros. Inc., Giannini Packing Co., Mountain View Fruit Sales Inc., Pandol Bros. Inc., Simonian Fruit Co. and Wespak Sales Co.
Chris Eddy appointed sales manager at Duda Texas
Duda Texas, the McAllen, TX-based branch of A. Duda & Sons Inc. in Oveido, FL, announced the promotion of Chris Eddy to sales manager for fresh vegetables.
?Chris is well deserving of this position," said Dan Duda, corporate vice president of fresh fruit and vegetable sales. "He has excellent product knowledge and the personal and technical skills sets to drive our onion business to the next level."
PMA finds low consumer awareness of produce recommendations in new dietary guidelines
Results from a new Produce Marketing Association consumer survey have found that only slightly more than one-third of consumers are aware of the fruit and vegetable recommendations contained in the recently released 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, and that the concept of what constitutes a "serving? of produce varied widely among respondents.