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.
Variety of factors combine for successful second annual SPC conference and expo
TAMPA, FL " There were many aspects to the Southeast Produce Council?s second annual Retail & Foodservice Conference and Expo that contributed to the event?s success, including opening and closing parties, educational field tours, a golf tournament, a dynamic keynote address and, of course, a trade show.
On the work side of the ledger, the combination of keynote address, industry speakers and retailer panel discussion was certainly one highlight of the entire event, held here March 10-12.
McDonald?s and PBH step up healthy eating partnership
WASHINGTON " With McDonald?s planning to unveil a new produce item on its menu in May, the fast-food giant announced that it would join the Produce for Better Health Foundation?s board of trustees and step up its educational campaign about the benefits of eating fruits and vegetables.
?We are very pleased to have McDonald?s join the foundation?s board of trustees," said Elizabeth Pivonka, president of PBH. As a member of the board of trustees, it means that the restaurant chain is supportive of the goals of the foundation and will provide guidance on policies.
WTO sides with U.S. producers in EU food name case
WASHINGTON " In a key victory for U.S. producers, the World Trade Organization has ruled that the European Union can no longer keep out U.S. brand name products, such as Florida oranges or Idaho potatoes.
Texas onion season gets underway
The first Texas onions hit the market the week of March 14-18, but experts aren?t predicting promotional volume until early April.
Acreage is up a bit this year, but the rainy growing season has reduced the size of the onions themselves, which should offset the increased acreage and result in a crop very similar in volume to 2004. Acreage in the 35 counties covered by the federal marketing order for Texas onions has been listed at 15,433 for 2005 " an increase of about 7 percent from last year?s figure of 14,436 acres.