The Packer Daily

Potato producer takes to the open road

Putting their potatoes and seasonings where their customers’ mouths are, Potandon Produce LLC and Johnny’s Fine Foods launched a two-year Midwest tour in early May that features a custom-built concession trailer disguised as a 1950s diner.

California growers back mandatory cantaloupe food safety

In the wake of a listeria outbreak linked to cantaloupes from another state, the California Cantaloupe Advisory Board is establishing the state’s first mandatory food safety program implemented by a commodity board.

The group is also expanding its territory statewide.

Members swell Eastern Produce Council Philadelphia market meeting

Signifying its expansion outside of its New York, the Eastern Produce Council saw high attendance at its May 15 dinner meeting inside the Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market.

The Short Hills, N.J.-based council chose the City of Brotherly Love to visit its year-old modern produce distribution terminal as well as benchmark the group’s membership expansion into Pennsylvania and the Mid-Atlantic, said council executive director John McAleavey.

“This is the first time in our 46 years of being an organization that we have had a meeting outside of the metropolitan New York area,” McAleavey said. “People weren’t leaving at the end, another good sign. People weren’t running out the front door but were hanging around. Everyone liked it and wants to come back to Philadelphia again.”

Blueberry council targets moms in summer campaign

As grower-shippers enter their peak season for fresh blueberries, the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council is launching a marketing program focusing on the next generation of produce shoppers.

Zespri to hit U.S. retail stores June 1

Zespri shippers are giving U.S. consumers notice that their colorful fruit will be available in leading supermarkets in early June.

Clear Lam sells thermoforming division to D&W

Clear Lam Packaging Inc. sold its thermoforming division to D&W Fine Pack as it prepares to expand its flexible film, forming film and polymer divisions.

NY Apple Association selects display contest winners

The New York Apple Association selected winners for its commissary display contest featuring New York apples and Marzetti products.

Fruit and vegetables lead food price increases in April

Lower energy costs in April helped hold the Consumer Price Index steady despite a 1% increase in price index for fruits and vegetables.

Ready Pac expands Bistro Bowl salad line

Ready Pac Foods Inc. is adding three new varieties to its Bistro Bowl line of single-serving salads: Asian Style Chicken, Caesar Lite and Mediterranean.

They have fewer than 230 calories each, according to a news release from the Irwindale, Calif., company.

CORRECTED: Pest protection to suffer with budget deficit

A $16 billion state budget shortfall in California will lead to cutbacks in border pest protection activities.