Archive For The “News” Category
Two of the nation’s largest family-run organic fresh produce operations have joined forces to build a state-of-the-art cooling and distribution facility in Yerington, NV.
First announced in December 2016, Walker River Cooling will service retailers, processors, wholesalers and other buying organizations throughout North America. Construction of the facility broke ground in early September 2016 and is on track to open in May 2017.
Two major goals of the new operation are sustainability and positive economic impact. “The Peri and Nunes families’ 40-plus years of cooling experience and industry knowledge has gone into developing a best-of-class facility in terms of cooling mechanisms, temperature control, product flow and industrial safety and food safety,” Tom Nunes V said in a press release.
The combined operations of the two companies have brought over 800 jobs to Lyon County to date, with additional job growth projected upon completion of the new distribution facility.
“This venture is a great example of the success we’re witnessing across Nevada. I am proud to congratulate and thank this hometown company for investing in the region and bringing good paying jobs to Lyon County,” Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval said in the release. “The commitment of these two family-run companies shows their ability to creatively and strategically meet the demands of the marketplace. Nevada is proud to be a part of this vision and the positive impact it will have on our community.”
by Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers
LEAMINGTON, ON – Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers (OGVG) has recently launched their annual winter cucumber program “Always in Season.” This program signifies the ramp up of production for all varieties of Ontario greenhouse grown seedless cucumbers and informs Ontario consumers of their availability during the cold winter months.
The growing demand for Ontario greenhouse seedless cucumbers is motivated by consumers’ healthy eating choices. Our growers have increased production to ensure the supply is abundant for Ontario consumers and retailers.
“Consumers can once again find fresh, tasty Ontario greenhouse cucumbers in their local stores” said OGVG General Manager, Rick Seguin. “There’s no need to wait”.
This program is supported by key Canadian retailers. This year’s campaign includes new recipe ideas, retailer flyer ads indicating product of Canada and a media campaign designed to raise awareness of availability of locally grown greenhouse seedless cucumbers. For new recipes and other meal ideas visit www.OGVG.com.
About OGVG
Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers (OGVG) is a not-for-profit association, representing over 200 growers who grow greenhouse tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers on over 2,850 acres in
IRVINE, Calif. — Gem Pack LLC is a new company that will be marketing strawberries the year around and has been formed by three Irvine-based family strawberry growers.
The fruit will be shipped by Orange County Produce LLC, Fujishige Farms Inc. and Mike Etchandy Farms Inc. under the Gem Pack label. All sales and shipping for the three companies are now being handled by Gem Pack.
However, Orange County Produce, Fujishige Farms and Mike Etchandy Farms will retain their own identities as they continue their strawberry growing operations. The move is a matter of survival. For example, Orange County Produce was launched as a small company, but has grown and has made the change to become more competitive in the marketplace.
Gem Pack sources from 1,000 acres in central Mexico, 500 acres in Watsonville, 800 acres in Oxnard (200 summer-planted and 600 winter-planted) and 200 acres in Orange County. The company also has 100 acres of organic strawberries in Watsonville and Orange County.
The father’s of the three operations have a long history of cooperation, since the growers’ dads were partners. Each family owned business is in its third generation.
Gem Pack will market all the berry brands from the three companies as well as the Healthy Harvest label from the Gonzales family in Watsonville. Labels include Orange County Produce, Ventura County and Opus/Frosun out of Mexico.
Eventually, the company may consolidate into a single label, but for now, the local labels will remain intact for the benefit of retailers who prefer to emphasize locally grown strawberries.
The Gem Pack label was created for the benefit of retail customers who prefer an exclusive label year-round. Many customers such as retailers, wholesalers and foodservice operations are seeking suppliers to provide product 12 months out of the year.
Orange County Produce will continue to grow and market vegetables and green beans under its own label.
by Grant J. Hunt Company
OAKLAND, CA – Grant J. Hunt Company, an Oakland, California-based produce distribution firm, has announced that Grant J. “Jim” Hunt, Jr. has died at the age of 94.
Mr. Hunt graduated from the University of California at Berkeley with a degree in Agricultural Economics in 1943.
Mr. Hunt joined Grant J. Hunt Company in 1946 after his rehabilitation from wounds received in battle during World War II in France during the Battle of the Bulge. Mr. Hunt took the helm of the company in 1949 after the sudden death of the company founder, Grant J. Hunt, Sr. where he served as company President for decades until his retirement in 1992.
Mr. Hunt spent many hours outside of his career pursuing volunteer work; particularly in areas working with youth. He served as Scoutmaster for many years with the Boy Scouts of America followed service on the Board of Directors of Piedmont Council. Mr. Hunt was awarded the Silver Beaver award from the Boy Scouts for positively impacting the lives of youths that he led.
Mr. Hunt served on many Board positions of the Produce Marketing Association including leading the association as President in 1981. His model of service to PMA carried through to his son Grant M. Hunt, who served as PMA Chair in 1999. To date, they are the only father-son duo to ever serve in the Board President/Chair capacity. Under Jim Hunt’s leadership, PMA’s three divisions (retail, foodservice and floral) developed policies to enhance the growth of the industry; particularly meant to attract youth to the produce industry which was his passion.
“Jim Hunt had already completed his term as Chairman of the PMA Board when I joined the association in 1983. Nonetheless, he took the time to school me in the workings of our industry and the lessons he had learned throughout his career. Jim’s unselfish service to the industry he loved is one reason I was so pleased to visit him just weeks ago at his home, where he reminisced so lucidly on shared experiences. Like his son Grant, another PMA Chairman of the Board, Jim understood so well the mutual benefit that flows from leadership service to others across an industry” stated Bryan Silbermann, Retired PMA CEO.
Mr. Hunt was the recipient of The Packer’s Produce Man of the Year Award in 1978 in recognition of his efforts with other Bay Area leaders to eradicate corruption involving the unloading of produce trucks at wholesale markets in Northern California.
Mr. Hunt was very active with St. Helena Catholic Church serving on the Parish Council and the School Board. He also volunteered with many of the youth activities continuing his passion for developing youth talents.
A Mass of Christian Burial is planned for April 5 at St. Helena Catholic Church in St. Helena, CA.
(Editor’s Note: We all have mentors in life. Jim Hunt was my mentor. For those of you who subscribe to Haulproduce.com and find its information helpful in your business, you can thank in part Mr. Jim Hunt. I was a young editor for a produce publication called The Packer during the ’70s. I wrote a 3-part series on the horrendous treatment of truckers delivering produce to the produce market in South San Francisco. Teamster unloaders (also called swampers in those days) were fleecing, threatening drivers and delaying unloading of their trucks when they refused to pay kick backs, and extracting exorbitant unload fees.
Jim Hunt would offer to go on the market as I did my investigative reporting to make sure no harm would come to me. I would call him at home from my hotel room at night with all kinds of questions. He was a wholesaler in Oakland, just across the San Francisco Bay and did business with wholesalers in South San Francisco. Yet, he was not concerned with the loss of business for helping this young reporter and helping expose the corruption. His first concern was how produce truckers were being mistreated. We all need heroes and mentors – Jim Hunt was mine. — Bill Martin)
By Fresh Solutions Network
San Francisco, CA – Fresh Solutions Network recently announced packaging design award from Graphic Design USA, American Packaging Design Awards. The award celebrates the Side Delights® Flavorables™ fresh potato package design, with its vibrant color palette and bold flavor profiles, encouraging an exciting potato choice.
“Capitalizing on consumer flavor trends that are HOT, HOT, HOT, we challenged the design team to communicate the bold flavor combinations while providing package designs that would be just as stimulating visually on the shelf,” said Kathleen Triou, President and CEO of Fresh Solutions Network, “We designed the packaging for a consumer that wants to be excited about their food choices and who loves the convenience of preparing quick, healthy, flavor forward meals.”
The American Package Design Awards challenge entrants to “convey the message, promote the brand, and close the deal.” Winners are chosen not just on visual design, but how the product and packaging address specific market trends, marketing objectives, and target markets.
Side Delights® Flavorables™ are high quality, triple-washed, Red and Yellow petite potato varieties featuring sachets of delicious, Smokin’ Tomato, Malaysian Curry, and Chimichurri spice blends. These potatoes come in a one-pound microwaveable tray.
The packaging was designed to appeal particularly to the adventurous millennial consumers who are frequently seeking out new and bold flavor experiences. With clearly marked labeling for consumers interested in vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free, alternatives, these side dishes are guaranteed to satisfy consumers looking for a fresh alternative to the same old potato choices.
About Fresh Solutions Network, LLC: Fresh Solutions Network is a group of family owned growers and shippers who choose to work together to make the potato and onion industry better for everyone. FSN helps fresh potato and onion buyers grow their categories, maximize category investment, and increase sales. FSN delivers category insights, collaborative innovation and customized assortment. Fresh Solutions Network, LLC partners are: Sterman Masser, Inc. (Masser Potato Farms and Keystone Potato Products in Sacramento and Hegins, PA), Michael Family Farms, Inc. (Urbana, OH), Basin Gold Cooperative, Inc. (Pasco, WA), Green Thumb Farms, Inc. (Fryeburg, ME), Red Isle Potato Growers, Ltd. (Prince Edward Island, Canada), NoKota Packers, Inc. (Buxton, ND), Sun-Glo of Idaho, Inc. (Sugar City, ID) and Mack Farms (Lake Wales, FL).
An interactive online game featuring Ernie the Elephant fromWonderful Pistachios, Los Angeles, is launching Destroy Ernie’s Evidence.
Voiced by wrestling celebrity John Cena, players help Ernie destroy incriminating evidence from a party with the Squirrel Sisters the evening before in a series of online games that will be released every two weeks.
“Ernie’s influence has already led to pistachios’ sales volume increasing by more than 35 percent,” Adam Cooper, vice president of marketing at Wonderful Pistachios, said in a news release. “Whether you are throwing an Ernie-sized party to watch your favorite sport or playing our ‘Destroy Ernie’s Evidence’ game, Wonderful Pistachios is the smart snack to satisfy your cravings without compromising your healthy eating goals.”
The company is offering more than $100,000 in prizes, including a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon and a trip for four to the Coachella Music Festival.
“From partying with the Squirrel Sisters to inadvertently trashing a treadmill on Super Bowl Sunday, Ernie the Elephant has won the hearts of pistachio lovers everywhere with his larger-than-life personality,” Michael Perdigao, president at Wonderful Agency, the company’s in-house advertising and communications agency. “Now fans can fully engage with Ernie by joining him on a journey to uncover what actually happened on his wild night through this one-of-a-kind interactive gaming experience.”
Consumers can visit helpernie.com for more information on the game and prizes.
About Wonder Pistachios
The Wonderful Company is a privately held $4 billion company committed to offering high-quality, healthy brands and helping consumers make better choices, every day.
We grow, harvest, bottle, package, and market a diverse range of healthy products, including fruits, nuts, flowers, water, wines and juices. The Wonderful Company’s diverse holdings make it the world’s largest grower of tree nuts, America’s largest citrus grower, and the world’s largest flower delivery service with the Teleflora network of florists.
We believe there is incredible power in the Wonderful family of brands to inspire healthier choices and to support our communities. By helping nourish our neighbors with high-quality, healthy products, we believe we can grow a better worl
Loxahatchee, FL – J&J Family of Farms® is always looking for ways to attract and bring value to its customers. This season, J&J is doing just that, with the introduction of its Field-Grown Colored Pepper program. The company plans to keep fulfilling consumer demand in new and innovative ways with the new product line.
J&J Family of Farms worked closely with Seminis® in order to bring customers and consumers a unique Field-Grown Colored Pepper that has thick walls and a long shelf life. Seminis is known to bring the latest product offerings to the market.
This growing season has resulted in good crops and excellent yields in Florida. The new Field-Grown red and yellow pepper are available now.
“We are constantly looking to perfect our produce year after year, and we are confident that we have the best colored pepper variety in the market.” said Chris Coffman, Sr. VP, Marketing and Strategy for J&J. “We are excited to bring our Field-Grown Colored Peppers to the market. It’s dense and yields a higher net weight, making it excellent for processors. We believe it’s going to take time to educate our customers about this new Field-Grown Colored Pepper, but once they have it in their hands, they will experience the quality and great taste for themselves.”
About J&J Family of Farms:
Established in 1983, J&J Family of Farms specializes in growing cucumbers, bell peppers, squash, green beans and eggplant. J&J manages over 14,000 acres of production from its own farms and partners, and has operations in Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, Arizona and Mexico.
About Seminis Vegetable Seeds:
For over 150 years, the Seminis legacy has focused on producing the best vegetable seed varieties for growers to use in farming operations around the world. We are proud to support our grower partners by continuously developing new seed varieties through our global research and development team and specialty breeders, and by providing ongoing agronomic solutions to unique farming challenges.
by Veg-Fresh Farms
Corona, CA – For the second year in a row, Veg-Fresh Farms is supporting NASCAR K&N Pro Series West competition driver Blaine Perkins as a season sponsor.
Perkins, the teenaged son of Ryan Perkins, director of sales at Bakersfield stalwart Delano Farms, will be driving for his second year under the tutelage of veteran NASCAR driver Steve Portenga. In 2016 (his rookie season), Perkins tallied ten top-10 finishes in fourteen appearances and has been dubbed “a rising star” by NASCAR journalists.
With this sponsorship, Veg-Fresh Farms will place the logo of its organic brand, Good Life Organic™, on the hood of Perkins’ race car. Other sponsors include Four Star Fruit, Golden Gate Meat Company, and Double Eagle Produce.
“We’re excited to partner again with Veg-Fresh Farms along with all our other great sponsors –they help make each season possible. We’re looking forward to having our friends at Veg-Fresh cheering Blaine on at our Irwindale race coming up March 25!” said Ryan Perkins at Delano Farms.
“We’re proud to support Blaine in another year of his racing career. Not only do we see this as an excellent way to honor our friendship and partnership with the Delano Farms team, but we also see value in getting our organic brand in front of Blaine’s fans and social media followers. That generation is queued to be the next one making purchase decisions at the store, so we’re excited about the idea of getting in front of them now,” said Dino Cancellieri, General Partner at Veg-Fresh Farms.
The 2017 K&N Pro Series season kicked off in February, with more races scheduled throughout the spring, summer, and late fall. Perkins’ races will be broadcast live on NBC Sports throughout the season.
About Blaine Perkins Racing
Born and bred in Southern California’s Bakersfield region, 16-year old Blaine Perkins is a full-time driver of the #21 car in the NASCAR K&N West Series Championship under the leadership of Steve Portenga. Perkins finished 9th overall in points for the NASCAR K&N West Series, and boasted ten top-10 finishes and one top-5 finish in 2016.
About Veg-Fresh Farms
Veg-Fresh Farms is a third-generation, family-run agribusiness, currently providing fresh produce to national food service chains and national retailers under the Veg-Fresh Farms, Crystal Cove Berry Farms, and Good Life Organic™ labels. https://vegfresh.com
by Pioneer Growers
Belle Glade, FL – Pioneer Growers has announced the near completion of their new facility expansion that includes expanded cold storage and processing facilities at their Belle Glade, FL location.
The facility became operational recently, and this is the third and final phase of a mid-term expansion plan that includes 64,000 additional square feet of space for processing, storage, and office space. The Florida facility now includes 13 docks and 700 new pallet spaces to aid in cooling incoming product and staging outgoing shipments.
Vice President and General Manager Gene Duff remarked, “As one of the largest fresh sweet corn growers in the U.S. it’s important that we continue to expand and improve our facilities to meet not only growing demand, but to maintain production efficiencies that continue to improve our product handling and quality.”
Construction of the phase three project began in August of 2016 and was part of a 5-year plan that included previous expansions of processing, receiving and packing areas and features Thermomass tilt wall construction.
Pioneer is currently shipping sweet corn, cabbage and radishes along with green beans which are processed in the new Phase 3 expansion.
In closing Duff remarked, “Pioneer Growers has always been an industry leader and our growers and employees are proud and excited to work in the most modern facility in the Glades where we produce and ship some of the freshest, best quality sweet corn and vegetables grown anywhere in the U.S.”
Pioneer Growers is a grower owned marketing cooperative specializing in fresh sweet corn and mixed vegetables including green beans, radishes, and cabbage. Today, Pioneer is a leader in the sweet corn industry offering year-round availability with more than 13,000 acres across Florida, Georgia and the Northeast with a focus on premium quality driven by their commitment to super sweet varieties packed in the Pioneer and Green Giant Fresh brands.
Florida tomato shipments and vegetable shipments – grossing about $2500 to New York City.
U.S. federal regulators are preparing to clamp down on those in the food supply chain ranging from shippers to truckers who do not comply with the federal government’s new food transportation safety rule coming in April.
The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) was signed into law by President Barack Obama on January 4, 2011. It aims to ensure the U.S. food supply, from the way it is grown, harvested and processed, to ensure it is safe by shifting the focus of federal regulators from responding to contamination to preventing it.
Many businesses have been slow to prepare for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s regulation on the sanitary transportation of human and animal food, implemented in response to the 2011 Food Safety Modernization Act. Some industry experts see the transportation industry as being pretty clueless about the rules. Tough talk has been coming from those who are to enforce the new act.
The law was prompted after many reported incidents of foodborne illnesses during the first decade of the 2000s. Tainted food has cost the food industry billions of dollars in recalls, lost sales and legal expenses.
This bill is similar to the Food Safety Enhancement Act which passed the House in 2009. It is considered the first major piece of federal legislation addressing food safety since 1938. ] It is also the first piece of legislation to address intentional adulteration.
The changes are expected force shippers and carriers to have some serious talks involving new contracts or adjusting tweaks to existing agreements.
The new act will effect everything from the loading dock to the receiver’s dock and will need to document procedures, processes, training and records.
Transport Topics recently quoted Leonard “Bud” Rodowick, an executive at transport refrigeration unit supplier Thermo King Corp as saying, “It’s government on steroids.” Indeed, the scope of the new rule is broad, requiring shippers, carriers, brokers, receivers and loaders to hone their best sanitary food transportation practices. The 283-page rule places the primary burden on shippers and manufacturers to ensure that the proper written procedures and data collection are in place to keep food properly cooled and trailers cleaned between loads.
However, it also requires carriers to make good on their promises to shippers. The new FDA requirements are part of the federal government’s larger effort to prevent food safety problems, rather than reacting to crises when food becomes contaminated.
All of the units are now full on the San Antonio Wholesale Produce Market, and now it is starting its next phase of development.
With all 50 of the produce market’s spaces available for lease being occupied, and it is now pre-selling lots in an industrial park scheduled to be completed in late 2018.
Once a company purchases a lot, which is about 10,000 square feet, it can build a warehouse there to its specifications.
Companies can start construction on their individual warehouses after the completion of the infrastructure of the industrial park, which will include streets and parking, water, sewer and electric services, and security, cleaning and maintenance of common areas.
“Our business is definitely moving in the right direction,” said Luz Moreno, sales and marketing director for San Antonio Wholesale Produce Market.
“The interest is definitely very good.”
Warehouses built on lots in the industrial park will allow for significantly more storage than current units, which are about 4,000 square feet.
Those hold about 150 pallets, while the warehouses built on the lots in the industrial park should be able to hold nearly 650 pallets.
San Antonio Produce Terminal Market is located at the address 1500 S Zarzamora St in San Antonio, Texas 78207. They can be contacted via phone at (210) 223-1235 for pricing, hours and directions. It was founded in 1948.
San Antonio Produce Terminal Market has an annual sales volume of $5 to 10 million. For more information contact Tom Preston, Executive Director