Nogales celebrates arrival of Mexican avocados
Due to changes in regulations from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the first loads of Mexican avocados are preparing to cross the border through Nogales, AZ.
On Nov. 30, the USDA announced the expansion of the Mexican avocado program, allowing avocados from approved municipalities in the state of Michoacan into the United States during all 12 months and into all states except California, Hawaii and Florida.
The new regulations became effective Jan. 31.
Ciruli Bros. taps Eric Viramontes as agricultural manager
Ciruli Bros., based in Nogales, AZ, announced the addition of Eric Viramontes as agricultural manager.
Mr. Viramontes will oversee the company?s grower relations and procurement functions. He will be responsible for carrying out decisions relating to managed field operations, and will oversee various row crops, coordinating between growing, harvesting and marketing.
Al Gracio of Fresh Network was 61
Albert (Al) Gracio, who worked as a bulk-buying specialist, consolidation dock manager and quality assurance manager for Fresh Network in Salinas, CA, died Jan. 26. He was 61.
Washington growers bring taste of new apples to Texas and South Carolina
Shoppers at select grocery stores in Greenville, SC, Houston and San Antonio, TX, got a treat the second weekend in January when a group of Washington apple growers brought a taste of their own Enza Pacific Rose and Jazz apples to town.
The crisp, sweet Pacific Rose and the tart-sweet Jazz were met with such enthusiasm during the grower sampling appearances that many stores sold out before the end of the weekend, according to David Nelley, pipfruit category director for the Vancouver, BC-based Oppenheimer Group.
Queen to lead Snappy Apples sales
TPG Enterprises in Othello, WA, has hired Loren Queen as sales and marketing manager for its fresh-cut apple line, Snappy Apples, and as project manager of its tart cherry juice line, Tart is Smart.
Mr. Queen has 10 years of experience in the fresh-cut produce industry, most recently as director of marketing for the International Fresh-cut Produce Association.
Ivan Taylor, president of TPG, said in a statement, "We are excited to have Loren join our team. We know his level of commitment will take us to the next level."
Premium Fresh adds key staff members
Four months after its inception, Premium Fresh Farms LLC in Salinas, CA, has announced the appointment of Cynthia Kerr as director of marketing and Craig Long as national accounts manager.
The pair represents the first sales and marketing additions for Premium Fresh Farms LLC, a newly formed processing company that purchased the assets of Coronet Foods? Western division in September.
Premium Fresh Farms specializes in processed salad and vegetable items for the foodservice industry.
National Apple Month announces 2004 retail display contest winners
VIENNA, VA " The U. S. Apple Association?s National Apple Month program has announced the winners of its fall 2004 NAM retail and military display contests, bringing the apple industry's fall generic apple promotion to a close.
Duda names corporate vice president
Joseph A. Duda, president and CEO of A. Duda & Sons Inc., announced the appointment of Tracy Duda Chapman as corporate vice president of corporate services and general counsel. She will continue to serve as secretary for the corporation.
In her new position, Ms. Chapman, who is general counsel for the company, will have additional oversight responsibility for the company?s human resources, communications, governmental affairs and technical services departments.
Argentine garlic a strong deal at Auerbach
Argentine garlic is a strong product in this new year, according to Paul Auerbach of Maurice A. Auerbach Inc. in South Hackensack, NJ.
Mr. Auerbach said that Argentine shippers start loading garlic in November and December each year, with the North American marketing season running from January through May. His firm has imported Argentine garlic for about 50 years.
?This season the quality looks good. I was in Chile and Argentina at the beginning of December to see the end of the harvest and the beginning of packing. The quality looks good."
Mountaineer Amy Gates climbing her way to the top
Since her youth, Amy Gates, 28, has made a habit of quickly climbing through the ranks at the companies for which she works. At 15 years old, Ms. Gates "took photographs for a white-water rafting company." By 17, the company owner, who did not realize her young age, promoted her to office manager. ?They paid me really well, and it was seasonal, which worked out really well because I was in college? at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, CA, earning her degree in agriculture business with a concentration in marketing.