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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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.
South African mandarin variety set to fill fall marketing window
Two U.S. produce importers recently received South African approval to market a premiere fresh mandarin variety, Afourer.
The importers, Fisher Capespan USA LLC in Gloucester City, NJ, and Seald Sweet LLC in Vero Beach, FL, were appointed by CitroGold (Pty) Ltd. to handle the variety. CitroGold is a South African citrus variety management company based in Stellenbosch, Western Cape Province, South Africa.
California carrot harvest should be similar to last two years
California fresh-market carrot production came in at 20 million cwt. for each of the last two years, and it is projected to stay at the same level for 2005, according to Jerry Munson of the California Fresh Carrot Advisory Board in Dinuba, CA. Over the several years prior, the market for fresh carrots had "steadily increased " mostly due to the expanding baby cut-carrot market," according to a Carrot Advisory Board fact sheet.
Sun Pacific sales representative catches the produce wave
Tommy Hays is still getting his feet wet in the produce industry, but that hasn?t stopped him from diving right in. Mr. Hays, 24, is a member of the sales team at Sun Pacific Marketing Cooperative, a grower, packer and shipper of clementines, Navel and Valencia oranges, Minneolas, kiwifruit, Roma tomatoes and table grapes, headquartered in Bakersfield, CA. He works in the main sales office in Los Angeles.