Packer Stories

05/11/2012

A Duvall, Wash.-based organic herb operation, which ships to nearly 2,700 retailers nationwide, was fined $1 million for firing illegal immigrants, then secretly hiring them back on a night shift to avoid detection.

04/03/2012

Earthbound Farm is marketing three new product lines, Dippin’ Doubles organic fresh fruit and vegetable snacks, Power Greens salad mixes and herb purees in a tube.

“The products launched in February and are currently gaining distribution nationally,” said Julia Waneka, spokeswoman for Earthbound Farm, San Juan Bautista, Calif.

02/24/2012

Business updates: California Spring Vegetables

02/21/2012

Donald Gyurkovits, corporate chef for International Herbs Ltd., Surrey, British Columbia, won the Chef of the Year award from the British Columbia Chefs’ Association.

12/12/2011

No illnesses have been reported, but in response to a positive test for salmonella in a sample of cilantro, Pacific International Vegetable Marketing Inc. is recalling 6,141 cartons that were distributed in seven states.

Recall notices on the websites of the Salinas, Calif., company and the Food and Drug Administration state the cilantro was available at retail stores from Nov. 10 through Dec. 9.

Market Scope - Herbs — F.o.b.s as of May 14

ALL CALIFORNIA DISTRICTS — Shipments (8-8-10) —

CENTRAL COAST, CALIF. — Movement expected about the same as the 7 units shipped the week of May 7. Trading moderate. Prices generally unchanged. Cilantro cartons bunched 60s mostly $8.45-9.45, 30s mostly $6.15-7.45. Quality generally good.

OXNARD DISTRICT, CALIF. — Movement expected about the same as the 3 units shipped the week of May 7. Trading fairly active. Prices higher. Cilantro cartons bunched 60s mostly $7.75, 30s mostly $5.75. Quality generally good.