California tomato industry cracking down on 'gunnysackers'
Last year the tomato market got so hot that there were widespread reports of processed tomatoes being marketed as fresh tomatoes through non-traditional shippers.
"At one point during the summer, I was down in L.A. on the Sixth and Seventh Street Markets," said Ed Beckman, president of the California Tomato Commission, "and 14 houses were selling processed tomatoes as Romas. It is not just a little problem.
Stemilt Growers bolsters organic sales team with versatile veteran
WENATCHEE, WA -- Stemilt Growers Inc. has announced the addition of organic produce industry veteran Nancy Dudney to its fruit sales team.
Ms. Dudney has extensive experience in many facets of organic produce marketing, from selling to retailers and wholesalers to selling product through farmers market-style outlets. Most recently, she was the sales and marketing director for King Blossom Natural Orchards, a Brewster, WA-based organic orchard company with a Wenatchee-based sales office that produces approximately 100,000 boxes of organic apples each year.
Produce for Kids program benefits Children's Miracle Network
Founded in May 2002 by John Shuman of Shuman Produce Inc., a Vidalia onion handler, the Produce for Kids campaign teams suppliers with retailers to raise money for Children's Miracle Network, spread information about the health benefits of consuming fruits and vegetables, and help to sell more produce.
Australian citrus drives U.S. summer market
"Aussie citrus is known for its great quality," said Stu Monaghan, DNE sales manager for Australian Citrus. "The growing regions of Australia have benefited from some cool nights throughout the current growing season, so fruit color is coming on, the internal maturity is high and the peel quality is excellent. Each year Aussie Navel oranges are revered as the best citrus in the world, and this year's crop will exemplify those high standards.
West Side melon shippers hope for a repeat of 2004
Melon shippers in the West Side district of California are hoping for a repeat of last season, when shipments eclipsed the 23 million-carton mark.
Jerry Munson, manager of the California Cantaloupe Advisory Board, said in early June that the board estimateed that 20 million cantaloupes -- in 40-pound cartons -- will be harvested this year in the West Side deal, but conceded that the deal "usually goes over that."
'Fantastic Four' promotes 5 A Day at Wal-Mart
Foiling the evil plans of Doctor Doom, restoring world peace and teaching families about nutrition -- all in a day's work for Marvel's "Fantastic Four" superheroes. Families will fly to the produce department with Mr. Fantastic, The Invisible Woman, The Human Torch and The Thing at over 1,700 Wal-Mart Supercenters and Neighborhood Markets on June 25 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. to Build a Fantastic You with 5 A Day The Color Way.
Southern Specialties names Gary James chief operating officer
Southern Specialties Inc. announced that its board of directors has named Gary L. James chief operating officer of the company. The announcement was made by Robert Colescott, president and CEO.
Mr. James, 52, has served as general manager of Southern Specialties since September 2004.
California Strawberry Commission hires government affairs director
Watsonville, CA-based California Strawberry Commission has hired Rick Tomlinson to the newly created position of director of government affairs.
Effective July 1, Mr. Tomlinson fills a role the industry's board of directors identified -- with the approval of a strategic plan in January -- as timely and of vital importance to the strawberry industry.
Product promises longer shelf life
Magic potions tend to be made for fairy tales, without much real-world significance or relevance. But one company thinks it has stumbled upon something that almost qualifies for that lofty description.
Tristan Millar promoted to VP of sales and marketing at Frieda's
Tristan Millar, formerly national accounts manager at Frieda's Inc., has been promoted to the newly created position of vice president of sales and marketing.
In making the announcement, Friedas President Karen Caplan told The Produce News that given Ms. Millars talents and looking to the future of the company, "we thought it was perfect timing. We are very excited about her contributions."