Archive For The “News” Category
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO THE NEARLY 700 SUBSCRIBERS OF HAULPRODUCE.COM AND MANY OTHER VISITORS TO OUR WEBSITE.
IN A WORLD THAT SEEMS TO BECOME CRAZIER BY THE DAY, WE TAKE TIME THIS HOLIDAY SEASON TO RENEW HOPE AND PRAY FOR PEACE. AS WE CELEBRATE THE BIRTH OF JESUS CHRIST, SEEK WAYS TO TURN SOMETHING INTO GOOD.
AT A RECENT CHRISTMAS PARTY ARTIST DARREL CHRISTOPHER WAS PERFORMING AND TOLD THE AUDIENCE HIS DADDY USED TO TELL HIM, “SON ALWAYS LOOK FOR A WAY TO TURN SOMETHING BAD INTO GOOD.” Darrel then began to sing one of the most beloved hymns of all time, “Amazing Grace.” However, he used the melody of the famous blues/rock song about a house of prostitution – “House of the Rising Sun.” Here are lyrics to both songs. To see Darrell performing Amazing Grace go to: Blues Society of Tulsa Facebook page.
“The House Of The Rising Sun”
There is a house in New Orleans
They call the Rising Sun
And it’s been the ruin of many a poor boy
And God, I know I’m one
My mother was a tailor
She sewed my new blue jeans
My father was a gamblin’ man
Down in New Orleans
Now the only thing a gambler needs
Is a suitcase and trunk
And the only time he’s satisfied
Is when he’s on a drunk
[Organ Solo]
Oh mother, tell your children
Not to do what I have done
Spend your lives in sin and misery
In the House of the Rising Sun
Well, I got one foot on the platform
The other foot on the train
I’m goin’ back to New Orleans
To wear that ball and chain
Well, there is a house in New Orleans
They call the Rising Sun
And it’s been the ruin of many a poor boy
And God, I know I’m one
Amazing Grace (original version)
Amazing grace! (how sweet the sound)
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed!
Through many dangers, toils, and snares,
I have already come;
‘Tis grace that brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promised good to me,
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures.
Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess, within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who called me here below,
Will be for ever mine.
Amazing grace! (how sweet the sound)
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
(1779)
By Chiquita Brands International
DALLAS – Beginning Jan. 1, 2017, Chiquita Brands International will roll out its new global banana boxes, designed more structurally sound and with cooling design to improve the freshness of its bananas, while allowing for the most stable transport on pallets.
Chiquita’s commitment to quality is extended with their new consistent cooling design, which allows for bananas to ripen evenly. According to market tests supported by the company’s ripening facility, there were more equal ripening temperatures, better color uniformity, and better ABC scores when using the new boxes – a potential energy savings of 20%.
“Our goal is to continue to provide the highest quality products to people all over the world, which is why we are committed to creating more efficient transportation methods of our fruit,” said vice president of North America Chris Dugan for Chiquita Brands. “We’re excited to see improvements in the quality of fruit that arrives to our partners, as well as the cost efficiencies that these new boxes will create.”
The new banana boxes will create less food waste by avoiding unnecessary damage and over-ripening of the fruit during transport – offering more fresh fruit to people across the globe. The boxes will also include new imagery and a cleaner look to represent Chiquita’s newest brand messaging and colors, giving shoppers and buyers a consistent look and feel from the brand they’ve known and loved for years.
About Chiquita Brands International
Chiquita Brands International grows, procures, markets, and sells bananas and other fresh fruits under the Chiquita name and others. Chiquita is a leading global company with 20,000 employees across 30 countries being present in nearly 70 countries, mainly in North America and Europe. They are passionate about their nutritious, high-quality, energy-rich and value-added bananas. But they’re also passionate about upholding the values which is at the very core of the company – integrity, respect, opportunity and responsibility. The company believes what they do day in and day out reflects these values, our brand and their purpose
With the arrival of the holiday season, here is some interesting information about the products that the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service buys.
AMS purchases a variety of domestically produced and processed fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and other products through a competitive process among approved vendors. The wholesome, high quality products are delivered to schools, food banks, and households in communities across the country. Different divisions of the Specialty Crops Inspection Service (SCIS), such as the Promotion & Economics Division (PED) and Specialty Crops Inspection Division (SCID) play vital roles in helping the USDA provide quality products to its most valued customers: schools and children.
AMS buys a lot of fruits, vegetables, legumes and nuts from U.S. produce companies – about 40 kinds in various tasty forms. In fiscal year 2016, it purchased over 1.4 billion pounds of product for over $864 million for the regular entitlement and bonus buy programs. For example, for the recent Thanksgiving season, here are some facts about the federal purchases…
- 1.4 million pounds of pumpkin products for $1.2 million
- 152 million pounds of apples & apple products for $70 million
- 57 million pounds of cranberry and cranberry products for $34 million
- 51 million pounds of green beans for $22 million
- 252 million pounds of potatoes for $46 million
- 19 million pounds of sweet potatoes for $5 million
- 15 million pounds of walnuts for $31 million
Additionally, a lot of juice was purchased.
- 79 million pounds of grape juice for $28 million
- 91 million pounds of orange juice for $47 million
- 20 million pounds of grapefruit juice for $7 million
On Dec. 22, the Idaho Potato Commission will once again sponsor the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl will celebrate its 20th anniversary. If you are a driver having a layover in Boise, you ought to check with a local Idaho potato shipper because there’s a good chance you can get a free ticket to the game.
Hosted in Albertsons Stadium at Boise State University in Boise, Idaho, the game is unique as it’s the longest-running cold-weather bowl game played on the arena’s famed blue turf.
The Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) has a history of using creative marketing techniques to draw attention to its state’s potatoes and this fall and winter are no exception.
Frank Muir, president and CEO for the Idaho Potato Commission, Eagle, said in November, the group’s famed Big Idaho Potato Truck turned heads as it traveled as part of an entourage transporting the 60-foot Capitol Christmas Tree from Payette National Forest in Idaho to Washington, D.C. The Big Idaho Potato Truck delivered hundreds of ornaments made by Idaho schoolchildren and participated in local events that took place along the cross-country journey.
The Big Idaho Potato Truck was built five years ago to celebrate the commission’s 75th anniversary and has now traveled more than 100,000 miles promoting the heart-healthy benefits of Idaho potatoes. The campaign has also donated to local charities through its “A Big Helping” program.
Regionally, retail promotions are planned at Albertsons and Safeways with displays featuring information about the football game. Further promoting Idaho potatoes is the fourth annual Idaho Potato Drop for New Year’s Eve. Held in downtown Boise, thousands of people gather in front of the state capital to see the giant potato drop (like Times Square’s ball).
Finally, in January and February, the commission will again promote Potato Lover’s Month and its 26th annual retail display contest.
Idaho potatoes – grossing about $4200 to Atlanta.
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Port Tampa Bay celebrates the opening of a multi-use cargo berth at the area known as Eastport as one of Florida’s largest ports has gotten larger.
The multipurpose cargo yard is a 20-acre development which features 14-inch reinforced concrete and has been designed as an all-purpose berth and upland, capable of handling containers vessels, roll on/roll off activity and bulk materials handling, port officials said in a news release.
The first phase of the Eastport project started in 2012, and ended in 2013, with a construction investment of approximately $4.6 million, which included necessary mitigation. The second phase started in 2014, concluding in August 2016, with a total cost of about $21 million.
Port Tampa Bay received matching funds from the Florida Department of Transportation.
“With these new cargo berths will come fresh import and export prospects and new partners for the state’s largest port, as well as new jobs and generational impacts that will have lasting, positive effects for our region,” port president and CEO Paul Anderson said in the news release.
Port leaders unveiled a master plan “Vision 2030,” which outlines “comprehensive, business-focused development plans,” according to a news release.
Port Tampa Bay periodically reviews and updates its short- and long-range plans for growth and business development. The new plan provides an “evolving road map that underscores opportunities and challenges in building and maintaining a thriving, world-class seaport,” according to the release.
Recently, the port announced the results of a new economic impact study, which shows the port’s annual economic contribution of $17.2 billion to the regional economy. Additionally, the port now supports about 85,000 direct and indirect jobs. The port traditionally has been one of the largest economic engines in West and Central Florida, officials noted.
“As we move forward in implementing the plans to grow our infrastructure, we will continue to be collaborative and thoughtful in building this port to its highest potential,” Anderson said.
If you are a trucker wanting to pick up cargo at the Port of Oakland, you pretty much have to have an appointment now. A third marine terminal operator is now requiring appointments.
TraPac of Wilmington, CA has announced it was requiring appointments for all import container pick-ups. The change became effective December 6th. The purpose of the new appointment system is designed to reduce waiting times by truckers and to more evenly distribute truck arrivals throughout each day at the port.
TraPac becomes the third of four terminals in Oakland to require appointments — the others are Everport and Oakland International Container Terminal. Combined, the three terminals handle more than 90 percent of the containerized cargo moving through the Port of Oakland.
Port of Oakland maritime director John Driscoll praised TraPac for making the change.
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He maintained it is not easy introducing new operating procedures, but customers and harbor truckers benefit whenever the process can be sped up to increase container throughput.
Oakland is one of only a handful of ports nationwide with an appointment system. Oakland port officials say appointments are seen as essential to accelerating cargo flow at ports coping with bigger ships and growing container volumes.
TraPac said truck dispatchers can log on to the nationwide port information system eModal to make appointments. The company said the requirement for appointments applies — for the present — only to loaded import containers. TraPac said truck drivers won’t need reservations for export deliveries or to pick up or return empty containers. It said it will communicate “well in advance” when it plans to expand appointments to all transactions.
Appointments are the second measure implemented at TraPac this fall intended to improve terminal performance. Nearly three months ago, the terminal began opening selective night gates to ease daytime crowding. In October, port commissioners approved a new lease enabling TraPac to double its size in Oakland next year.
Look out Chicago and Dallas, here comes Amazon. The giant company recently announced it is expanding grocery delivery service into these cities. This is the latest in a line of expansions for the service in recent times.
Originally launched in 2007 in Mercer Island, WA, AmazonFresh has gradually expanded over the past eight years into Seattle, Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, New York City, Philadelphia, and Sacramento, among other areas of the U.S. This year, Amazon has ramped up its market launches, bringing the service to Boston, Northern Virginia, Baltimore, and to London. The latter is its first international launch. The service has also expanded within other markets where it was already available.
To sum it up, AmazonFresh promises to deliver a range of “home” goods — such as fruit and vegetables, and meat — on the same day or the next day, depending on when they are ordered. The service is available to $99/year Prime members, who must also pay an extra $14.99 per month to access AmazonFresh. This add-on monthly fee was recently slashed from a eye opening $300 per year.
Amazon has long been looking to push beyond its ecommerce platform roots and into the broader services realm. More recently, the company has been aggressively expanding its restaurant delivery service that was started in Seattle last year, and it is now available in many cities across the U.S., as well as London. The online company has also been expanding its consumer goods-ordering Dash Buttons program outside the U.S. It was first introduced the Wi-Fi-connected buttons in the U.S. in March 2015. This feature was recently expanded to international markets, kicking off with the United Kingdom, Germany, and Austria.
The ultimate goal is to reach extensively into the lives of consumers everywhere, and by launching AmazonFresh in large urban areas connecting two or more cities such as Chicago or Dallas, the internet giant moves one step closer to being everything to everyone.
Here’s some information on potato shipments you may not know….Plus, a new import item to the U.S. is coming – Argentina lemons.
Potatoes are the leading vegetable crop in the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service. This also means the nationwide spud crop contributes about 15 percent of farm sales receipts for vegetables each year. Annually over 30 billion pound of potatoes are grown and shipped in the nation.
More than 50 percent of potato sales are to processors for french fries, chips, dehydrated potatoes and other potato products. The balance goes to the fresh market.
Economists who crunch food consumption data collected by the USDA have come to the conclusion the average American eats 142 pounds of potatoes a year, or almost 365 potatoes per person. That is an average of a potato a day. Potatoes are grown commercially in every state from Florida to Alaska, but about 30 states produce the commercial crop.
In terms of nutrition, the potato is best known for its carbohydrate content, about 26 grams in a medium potato. That potato, eaten with the skin, provides 27 milligrams of vitamin C, 620 milligrams of potassium, 0.2 milligrams of vitamin B6 and trace amounts of thiamin, riboflavin, folate, niacin, magnesium, phosphorus, iron and zinc.
The fiber content of a potato with its skin is equivalent to that of many whole grain breads, pastas and cereals. But unlike most of its processed carbohydrate-cousins, that medium potato has just 110 calories and is sodium and cholesterol free.
San Luis Valley, Colorado potato shipments – grossing about $2150 to Chicago.
Argentina Lemon Imports
Lemons from Argentina are poised to win import approval from the USDA after officials visited the Northwest region of the South American country making sure certain standards are met.
Import permits will be issued to Argentine lemon exporters when agriculture officials provide six months of fruit fly trapping data and USDA verification of the data.
The USDA said annual imports of fresh lemons from Argentina are expected to range between 15,000 and 20,000 metric tons. Most Argentine lemon imports are projected between April 1 and August 31.
U.S. fresh lemon production averages about 497,350 metric tons per year.
Sprouts Farmers Market will hold a hiring day on Tuesday, Dec. 6 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at all of its stores from coast to coast. Sprouts aims to fill more than 2,000 full- and part-time, non-seasonal positions to meet the demand of continued growth.
Open interviews will be held at each Sprouts location; no appointment is necessary. A list of local openings and online applications can be found at sprouts.com/careers.
As one of the fastest-growing retailers in the country, Sprouts has created 4,350 jobs since the start of 2016 and promoted more than 20 percent of its workforce.
“Sprouts is a great place to grow a career. As we expand we’re focused on building future leaders and strengthening our reputation for outstanding customer service,” Dan Sanders, Sprouts chief operations officer, said in a press release. “Through our focus on training and education, new team members will learn everything they need to know to help our shoppers along their healthy living journey.”
Sprouts offers competitive pay, excellent benefits, team member discounts, a fun and rewarding culture and great career advancement opportunities. Last year, Sprouts team members saved more than $8 million through store discounts and received more than $1.5 million in additional incentives and scholarships.
Openings are available in all Sprouts departments, including specialized areas. Interested candidates can learn more during a one-on-one interview at the hiring event.
Employment opportunities include department managers and assistant department managers, clerks, cashiers, courtesy clerks (checkout assistants) and backup receivers, administrative coordinators and scan coordinators.
Sprouts opened its first store in Chandler, AZ back in 2002, and today is operating 250 stores across the U.S.
Sprouts is the grocery shopping experience that makes healthy living easy and affordable. Its bright and cheery neighborhood grocery stores offer fresh, natural and organic foods and products at incredible prices – and in an approachable setting that feels like an old-fashioned farmers market.
You will find mountains of colorful, fresh fruits and vegetables, barrels of wholesome grains, nuts and sweets, and full-service deli, meat and seafood counters—complete with handmade burgers and sausages.
Export volume at the Port of Oakland, CA hit a three-year high in October as the facility shipped the equivalent of 89,473 20-foot containers.
The total was the highest since October 2013 and the fourth-highest in the port’s history, according to a news release. Agricultural commodities account for 40 percent of the port’s total export volume so far this year. In 2015 agricultural commodities accounted for 38 percent of the total.
Those numbers come from Datamyne, a source of trade intelligence that uses U.S. Customs and Border Protection data, according to Mike Zampa, communications director for Port of Oakland. Exports of fruits and vegetables from California’s Central, Napa and Salinas valleys go through the port.
Year-to-date exports from the Port of Oakland are up 10 percent over 2015. Contributing factors to the increase include “a softer U.S. dollar and healthy agricultural harvests,” according to the release.
“Increased export volume is nothing new; we’ve reported gains in nine of the first 10 months of the year,” Port of Oakland maritime director John Driscoll said in the release, “but the amount of volume growth highlights just how strong this rally is.”
Port History
According Wikipiedia, originally, the estuary, 500 feet (150 m) wide, had a depth of two feet at mean low tide. In 1852, the year of Oakland‘s incorporation as a town by the California State Legislature, large shipping wharves were constructed along the Oakland Estuary, which was dredged to create a viable shipping channel. 22 years later, in 1874, the previously dredged shipping channel was deepened to make Oakland a deep water port.
In the late 19th century, the Southern Pacific was granted exclusive rights to the port, a decision the city soon came to regret. In January 1906, a small work party in the employ of the Western Pacific Railroad, which had just begun construction, hastily threw a crossing over the SP line to connect the WP mainline with trackage built on an area of landfill. This act, protested by the SP and later held up in court, broke the railroad’s grip on the port area. The courts ruled that all landfill since the date of the agreement did not belong to the SP. This ruling ended SP control and made the modern Port of Oakland possible.
(Port of Oakland photo by: Robert Campbell, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers)