Doug Circle now a partner in Prime Produce
Earlier this month, Prime Produce International relocated its corporate offices to a Placentia, CA, facility previously occupied by Sunrise Growers, which moved its fresh operations to San Clemente.
But the two companies now have even closer ties with the Aug. 18 announcement that Doug Circle, founder and chairman of Sunrise Growers, Frozun Foods and Circle Farms Inc., has become an investor and partner in Prime Produce.
Tanimura & Antle launches 'Sweet Gem' gourmet lettuce
Spreckels, CA-based Tanimura & Antle has announced the rollout of its new three-pack of "Sweet Gem" gourmet lettuce.
Each head of this variety of lettuce is small enough to serve one person and has the texture and color of Romaine lettuce with the taste and sweetness of butter lettuce. Rich in nutrients, Tanimura & Antle's Sweet Gem is a high source of vitamin A.
Survey: Chiquita No. 5 in overall brand equity
CINCINNATI -- Chiquita Brands International Inc. announced that its premium "Chiquita" brand ranked No. 5 in overall brand equity in the 2005 edition of EquiTrend, a unique brand quality and equity measurement and comparison tool developed by Harris Interactive.
PMA Executive Committee creates transportation task force
NEWARK, DE -- Citing growing member concerns regarding transportation challenges, the Produce Marketing Association's Executive Committee approved the creation of a transportation task force at its meeting Aug. 12-13 in Ojai, CA.
Led by PMA board members Bud Floyd of C.H. Robinson Worldwide Inc. and Bill Schuler of Castellini Co., the task force will examine, and when possible, propose solutions for critical produce industry transportation issues.
Local produce adds to the vitality at Ancona's Market
RIDGEFIELD, CT -- "We want to run one store as well as we can and concentrate our efforts on this location."
That's the philosophy of Ancona's Market, an independent supermarket here in southwestern Connecticut, as outlined by co-owner John Ancona.
It is a philosophy that has served the retailer well from its beginnings way back in the 1920s as a soda fountain through its position today as a full-service supermarket offering produce from around the world.
Gourmet Trading facility provides home for Washington asparagus
Washington asparagus growers that previously packed with Seneca will have a new home at Gourmet Trading Co.'s new packing facility in Pasco, WA.
Strawberry volume appears up and more acres planted
The volume of California-grown strawberries may well exceed last year's total, but that is owed to a greater number of acres planted, industry experts say. As of Aug. 4, it appeared that yields for the year would be down compared to last year.
The Southern California season got off in fits and starts for many growers, with rain delaying plantings. Once a company falls behind enough, it can never really catch up in the affected region, said Cindy Jewell, director of marketing for Watsonville, CA-based California Giant.
Long-range plans at Hartford market call for major construction
HARTFORD, CT -- The Connecticut Regional Produce Market will look different in a few months from the way it looks today, and could look vastly different just a few years down the road if all plans come to fruition, according to Robert Pellegrino, executive director of the market.
Starting this fall, the entire facility, known commonly as the Hartford market, will be re-painted for the first time in at least 10 years, Mr. Pellegrino told The Produce News as August began.
Hawaiian macadamia producers want COOL
WASHINGTON While some fruit and vegetable growers are trying to find a way out of the mandatory country-of-origin labeling program, Hawaiian macadamia nut growers say they want in.
"Hawaii produces the highest-quality macadamia nuts in the world, and we're known worldwide as the pioneer in developing a national and international market for macadamias," said Rep. Ed Case (D-HI).
5 A Day set for a facelift
The 5 A Day for Better Health program, the largest public-private heath education and marketing collaboration, will update its name and logo to reflect the increasingly important role fruits and vegetables play in promoting health and to provide a consistent platform for messages aimed at increasing the consumption of fruits and vegetables.