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New Dietary Guidelines urge Americans to eat more produce

WASHINGTON " Consumers will need to nearly double their daily consumption of fruits and vegetables to meet the new Dietary Guidelines, which in turn will form the blueprint for a host of federal agriculture policies and the yet-to-be-released revised food pyramid. The federal government released the 2005 Dietary Guidelines at a Jan. 12 press conference, recommending that consumers eat five to 13 servings of fruits and vegetables each day, depending on their calorie level. The latest guidelines, issued jointly by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Department of Health & Human Services, are

NAS report finds perchlorate not as toxic as first believed

WASHINGTON " In a long-awaited report released Jan. 11, the National Academy of Sciences concluded that people can safely tolerate more perchlorate " a chemical that has leached into milk, food and water supplies in trace amounts " than the Environmental Protection Agency had thought was safe. The issue has become a lightning rod for environmentalists, health officials, defense contractors and Pentagon officials who are all battling over the appropriate drinking water standard and what could become a costly cleanup of water supplies that have become polluted with the rocket fuel byproduct

NOA names director of public and industry relations

The National Onion Association, based in Greeley, CO, announced that Kim Reddin has been selected to direct the association?s onion promotion and membership efforts. Ms. Reddin officially began her duties on Dec. 20. She replaces Tanya Fell, who left the association in the fall for a position as vice president of the Texas Produce Association. NOA President David Rietveld stated, "We are thrilled to have Kim come on board. She is a quality individual with an outstanding work ethic that will dig right in where Tanya left off. The future of the NOA is very bright indeed with staff such as Kim

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." The Cole family moved around the United States a lot when the two brothers were growing up, and there were also stints spent abroad. "We kind of moved

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. Pride Packing currently has over 3,000 acres of premium fruit to take to market and said that it is continually seeking the best varieties for color, flavor profile and shelf life. As the company is once again ready

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. Mr. Gallino began working for California Giant in 1994 as a sales coordinator for two of the owners, Bill Moncovich and Pat Riordan, who built the company as a strawberry-shipping organization. Over the past several years, California Giant has been on a steady growth track, doubling in size and ultimately transitioning into a
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VIENNA, VA -- The U.S. Apple Association announced Jan. 14 that the National Apple Month program is now being overseen by Allison Parker, USApple's director of consumer health and education.

Currently the NAM Retail & Commissary Display contest is sponsored by J.M. Smuckers and Marzetti. The program appreciates its sponsors for their commitment to partnering with the U.S. apple industry on this promotion in an effort to encourage consumption of healthy and delicious apples and apple products along with products that combine well with them like peanut butter and caramel dips.

Ms. Parker, a registered dietitian with a masters in nutrition communications from Tufts University, brings a background including both retail and community activities to the NAM program. Prior to joining USApple, she worked for Wegmans Food Markets Inc. in upstate New York where she served as the Buffalo division nutritionist.

Ms. Parker’s new responsibilities with National Apple Month became effective Dec. 1, the association noted.

When asked about the new responsibility, Ms. Parker said in a press release, "I'm excited to get my feet back into the retail environment. I see this new opportunity as another way to make sure we are moving the needle in apple and apple product sales. It's also a chance to get consumers, retailers, direct markets and foodservice outlets to think about (and purchase) apples and apple products -- especially their health benefits and their versatility in the kitchen year round."

National Apple Month is the only generic marketing and promotional program for the U.S. apple industry with the primary goal of encouraging consumers to enjoy more apples from all regions and all varieties. Supported by all segments of the industry, NAM promotions strive to increase apple industry sales and enhance consumer awareness and consumption of apples. National Apple Month is an important and strong apple promotion program for the U.S. apple industry.

The NAM committee of USApple provides primary oversight and direction for the program. Ms. Parker will provide staff leadership for the committee. National Apple Month will continue to remain a separately funded, separately accounted for and self-sustaining program not supported by USApple membership dues or state assessments paid to USApple. Those interested in member or sponsorship opportunities may contact Ms. Parker at 800/781-4443 or aparker@usapple.org.

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