PMA research reveals retailers biting into foodservice territory
Produce Marketing Association research shows that overall, 43 percent of consumers said that they purchase prepared meals from their supermarket.
Moreover, 30 percent of consumers say they make more of those purchases today than they did a year ago, replacing what they would have traditionally purchased at a restaurant.
Arkansas Tomato opens new facility in Nogales
Arkansas Tomato Shippers announced the opening of its new 26,000-square-foot warehouse in Nogales, AZ.
Outgrowing its previous location, the company sought a facility in a more convenient location that offered increased truck parking, cooler space, dry storage and dock doors for ease of loading and unloading.
California lawsuit seeks to mash potato industry
No sooner had the potato industry emerged victorious and vindicated from the attack of the now-discredited anti-carb diets than it came under attack from yet another quarter: this time a lawsuit filed by California Attorney General Bill Lockyer against nine manufacturers of potato chips and french fries.
Craig See joins Monterey Mushrooms
Monterey Mushrooms, the largest branded grower, shipper and marketer of fresh mushrooms in the United States, announced that Craig See has joined its sales team as sales manager for the Pacific Northwest and western Canada regions, effective Sept. 12.
He replaces Harry DeTurk, who retired from the company in July.
Mr. See has been in the produce business for the past eight years in various sales and management capacities with Impact Sales, Avo-Mex, Food Tech International and, most recently, International Herbs in Surrey, BC.
Global Berry Farms to supply 'Naturipe' brand organic cranberries
Global Berry Farms LLC, headquartered in Naples, FL, is for the first time ever offering "Naturipe" brand organic cranberries to its customers.
The cranberries will be grown and packed by Sandhill Cranberry Inc. in Wisconsin, a leading fresh organic cranberry grower in the country. The berries will be available from October through December.
SunFed hires Jorge Ruiz as CFO
SunFed, a grower, packer, shipper and distributor based in Rio Rico, AZ, has hired Jorge Ruiz, previously with Farmer's Best International, in the newly created position of chief financial officer.
Danny Mandel, president of SunFed, made the announcement Oct. 3. Mr. Mandel told The Produce News that Mr. Ruiz "is going to be a great asset to our team."
Opportunity for California avocados in now-opened Mexican market
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service announced Sept. 30 that Mexican government officials had signed an agreement to allow the importation of Hass avocados from California under certain conditions.
Dan Gaspar joins Domex
Dan Gaspar has joined Domex in Yakima, WA, as its new head of quality assurance and safety.
He brings more than 27 years of experience and a wealth of knowledge to the Domex team as it continues to evolve.
In his new role, Mr. Gaspar will be charged with keeping Domex on the forefront of such food-safety programs as Eurogap, SQF, HACCP and global traceability.
Fyffes to acquire 50 percent of Turbana
CORAL GABLES, FL Uniban SA, a top banana and plantain export company in Colombia, and Fyffes PLC, a leading fruit and vegetable distributing company in Europe, have entered into a strategic alliance under which Fyffes will assume a 50 percent ownership in Turbana Corp., the Coral Gables, FL-based marketing subsidiary of Uniban SA.
Judge slams Harris Farms with ruling
Coalinga, CA-based Harris Farms Inc. was issued a permanent injunction Sept. 30 barring the company from retaliating against any person who reports or testifies about sexual harassment. The injunction also orders specific relief to prevent possible future discrimination.
In January, a Fresno, CA, jury unanimously found Harris Farms liable for sexual harassment, retaliation and the constructive termination of farm worker Olivia Tamayo, and returned a $994,000 verdict in favor of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and Ms. Tamayo.