Gourmet Garage opens its fifth Manhattan location
NEW YORK " Shoppers in the Carnegie Hill section of Manhattan have a new upscale supermarket from which to choose with the recent opening of the newest location of the small retail chain known as Gourmet Garage.
Like the four other stores in the chain " all located in Manhattan " fresh fruits and vegetables play perhaps the most important role in this newest store, located on Park Avenue and 96th Street in one of the city?s more fashionable neighborhoods.
Santa Maria conditions offer opportunity for year-round harvest
While Santa Maria, CA, may not have a moniker such as "Salad Bowl of the Nation? like its northerly neighbor Salinas, the area does have plenty to offer growers.
The biggest growth pattern for PIM is in Santa Maria," said Will McCarthy, regional sales manager for Salinas-based Pacific International Marketing. "Salinas is getting squeezed out."
SALINAS SCENE: Green Valley Packaging carving out niche
Steve Jewell believed he saw a need he could fulfill in the packaging industry when he launched Green Valley Packaging in Watsonville, CA, in 2003.
What he found upon opening the company was such a variety of packaging that the typical supplier of corrugated packaging did not try to handle it all or suppliers that did not deviate from their specialty.
Consumer trends in produce purchasing continue to evolve toward clamshell packaging, environmentally friendly packaging and different sizes and materials.
Supervalu to add produce distribution firm, W. Newell & Co.
In an effort to further emphasize fresh produce in its own stores and the stores it services, Supervalu has announced the formation of a specialty produce distribution company, W. Newell & Co., to be headquartered in Champaign, IL, and which will initially service two of the company's seven regions.
Schwarzenegger makes surprise visit at California Ag Day
SACRAMENTO, CA " California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger surprised the crowd gathered on the Capitol?s west steps on Tuesday, March 15, dropping by to lend his thanks and encouragement to the men and women of California?s agricultural community.
He took a moment away from his day?s work inside the Capitol to enjoy the California sun and the festivities, honoring the important role of agriculture in people?s daily lives.
California Strawberry Commission goes to bat for methyl bromide
The California Strawberry Commission has breathed life into the fumigant methyl bromide, used on strawberries and numerous other crops such as tomatoes and almonds.
Methyl bromide has shown to be an affordable and effective weed and pathogen control soil treatment substance. The issue with respect to methyl bromide use centers on the chemical?s impact on the ozone layer.
L&M Transportation Services announces new logistics office
L&M Cos. announced the opening of its newest logistics office, L&M Transportation Services Inc. located in Selah, WA.
L&M Transportation Services Inc. became fully operational March 7 with two logistics specialists in place to handle produce loads sold through L&M?s Selah office. John Drotzmann and Eddie Solis, logistics specialists, will arrange trucks and deliveries for the loads of apples, pears and cherries sold from the L&M Selah office.
Club Fresh to open new facility in Southern California
Club Fresh, a fresh produce processor and specialty manufacturer, is opening a new facility shortly in the Los Angeles distribution center of its parent company, JC Produce, based in West Sacramento, CA.
The new facility will utilize production space inside JC Produce, creating an integrated production and distribution facility.
Alex Ott named executive director of the California Apple Commission
FRESNO, CA " Alex Ott, director of government relations for the California Grape & Tree Fruit League, has been named to head the California Apple Commission, here.
His selection was approved by the commission?s board of directors at a March 7 meeting, according to Kenton Kidd, who will be retiring as president of the commission on April 1. Mr. Ott?s title will be executive director.
Eric Kimes brings Latin American life experience to work
Eric Kimes spent his formative years in Guatemala from age seven to 17 learning about melons from his father. It was an education that comes in handy today. Eric?s father, Michael Kimes, "has been a grower of melons for 20 years in Latin America," with much experience selling fruit into the export market, Mr. Kimes said. Together, father and son launched Continental Produce in February 2004, with a lone office in Carmel, CA. Mr. Kimes? sister, Michele, also works for the company as sales coordinator.