Cole brothers ensure inventory at Rosemont Farms
The Cole brothers, Pete, 25, and Eric, 28, have all the supply angles covered for Rosemont Farms Corp. in Boca Raton, FL. Pete is a quality-control inspector. "Bird-dog is what they call us in the industry." As for Eric, "Currently I work in sales and I manage the inventory for the warehouses in North Carolina." He focuses on Eastern vegetables. Although he handles some sales duties, "mostly buying and managing the inventory is my main focus."
Steve Phipps to lead sales and marketing at Pride Packing
WAPATO, WA " Pride Packing Co. announced earlier this month the appointment of Steve Phipps as national director of sales and marketing. He brings over 25 years of industry experience and has worked for companies in Missouri, Texas, Oklahoma and Minnesota. Most recently, he served in the same capacity for NationFresh, an affiliate of Pride Packing?s parent company, United Salad Co.
Anthony Gallino named vice president of sales at Cal Giant
California Giant announced that Anthony Gallino has been promoted to vice president of sales. Previously sales manager for all fresh berries, and now beginning his 11th year with the company, Mr. Gallino has witnessed tremendous change and growth at California Giant.
SPC finalizes conference plans
The Southeast Produce Council has announced a number of details " including the selection of a keynoter and workshop speakers as well as the venues for the field tours " for its next retail conference, just about two months away.
The council?s second annual Retail & Foodservice Conference, to be held March 10-12 at the Tampa Bay (FL) Convention Center, will kick off Thursday evening, March 10 with a gala opening reception and dinner at the Radisson Riverwalk Hotel.
Bornsen leaves Wash. Potato Commission
Shannen Bornsen, former director of international trade for the Washington State Potato Commission, has left that organization to take a position in international trade with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.
Ms. Bornsen, who had been with the Washington commission since February 2002, began her new job Monday, Jan. 3, relocating to Minneapolis.
Starting as director of marketing for the potato commission, Ms. Bornsen moved into international trade in mid-2003, traveling with a number of trade-commission groups to the Pacific Rim, Mexico and Cuba.
IN THE TRENCHES: Back in the dunk tank
While walking through a carnival with my wife last summer, I noticed a great number of game booths set up for fun and entertainment. The game that caught my interest the most was the dunk tank. It had the biggest crowd gathered in front of it yelling and screaming for some guy to throw a ball at a little red metal bulls-eye target.
John Karrat, founder of Karrat Bros., was 95
John G. Karrat, who founded Karrat Bros. Wholesale Fruit & Produce in the 1930s, died Dec. 18. He was 95. Born in Utica, NY, in 1909, Mr. Karrat began his career in the produce industry with a small truck and a small route, peddling produce at the age of 21. In the mid-1930s, he and his brother, Nayef, started Karrat Bros. As owner and buyer for the company, he spent much time on the old Washington Street Market in New York buying produce for his company in Utica.
John Vena Inc. adds warehouse operations manager
PHILADELPHIA " John Vena Inc. announced the addition of a new warehouse operations manager to oversee its recently purchased facility on Galloway Street. Joseph Aquilino has extensive experience in all aspects of produce operations management. ?Joe will develop this operation from the ground up," said John Vena, president of John Vena Inc. "We are confident that Joe has the expertise to pilot our new enterprise in the right direction."
Farmer's Best receives top honor
Agricola Tarriba in Culiacan, Sinaloa, the Mexican sister company of Farmers Best International in Nogales, AZ, was recently named Exporter of the Year by Mexican President Vincente Fox.
General Director Ivan Tarriba Haza accepted the award on behalf of Agricola Tarriba.
Mexico lifting tariff on Wash. apples
A 46.6 percent tariff imposed by the Mexican government on Red Delicious and Golden Delicious apples from Washington will be lifted in late February, ending nearly 18 months of penalization against Northwest exporters for selling at prices below market.
According to Jim Archer, manager of Northwest Fruit Exporters in Yakima, WA, negotiators made public the announcement on Monday, Jan. 3 that the tariff, imposed in August 2002, was to be lifted.