The severe mix of heat, rain and Tropical Storm Kay were merciless to the California growing fields during the end of summer. The strawberry crop was especially impacted with flooding and wind damage.

Mann Packing Co. Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Fresh Del Monte Produce, is investing heavily in its leading snap pea program as it further commits to being a leader in the space. The vegetable division of Fresh Del Monte has upgraded its program by acquiring two optical sorters dedicated solely to snap peas, totaling a $2.5 million investment, and is also exploring additional sourcing options in Guatemala and Peru that are within Fresh Del Monte’s global network.

Equitable Food Initiative announced a two-year, $2 million grant from the Walmart Foundation to support implementation of the Ethical Charter on Responsible Labor Practices.

Tanimura & Antle promoted two key sales team members. Anthony Mazzuca has been promoted to vice president of sales strategy and Steve Souza will now serve as director of product management.  Both promotions come as the next step in the company’s succession planning and as a result of both individuals’ years of service, industry expertise and contributions to the company.   

The Fresh Produce & Floral Council held its 16th annual Northern California Golf Tournament on Wednesday, Oct. 5 at the Course at Wente Vineyards in Livermore, CA. The tournament boasted 144 players with four on-course demo stations. The first place team was Bob Borda, Erick Proffitt, Daniel Russell and Michael Antongiovanni of Grimmway Farms; the second place team featured Jeff Knight (Edge Sales + Retail Services), Mil Mijanovic (Safeway), Rich Thompson (Giumarra) and Geoff Ratto.

On Monday, Oct. 10, veteran vegetables salesman Denny Donovan was unabashed in his prediction for the following day: “I think we will see a record breaker on carton lettuce in tomorrow’s Market News (USDA’s daily Market News report). Today, I heard quotes of $55 (per carton) to near $70, but there’s nothing around.”

Donovan, who is sales manager for Fresh Kist Produce in Guadalupe, CA, said the FOB price on many of the core veg items “are a little bit crazy.”