Handling & Distributing

Transportation costs hound Minnesota fresh produce industry

The cost of fuel has added significantly to the price buyers and consumers pay for produce.

Cincinnati produce firm has new owner

A former employee of Cincinnati-based Gentile Bros. Co. recently bought certain assets of the company and is now president of the repacking and distribution business.

Jeff Oaks, who was vice president of sales at Gentile Bros. from July 1997 through May 2004, incorporated JAO Distributors Inc. in late February, according to Ohio Secretary of State records, and bought Gentile Bros. in mid-April.

IFCO hosts charity golf tournament

IFCO Pallet Management Services joined with professional golfer Ryan Palmer for the IFCO Charity Golf Invitational.

Giannini Farms exits packing business

Kingsburg, Calif.-based Giannini Farms LLC entered stone fruit season with a new name and an exclusive sales agent, Mountain View Fruit Sales Inc.

Formerly Giannini Packing Corp., the grower-shipper sold its Dinuba packing house to Exeter, Calif.-based Sun Pacific Shippers in December, spokesmen for both companies said.

Octal receives sustainability kudos

Octal Petrochemicals is receiving recognition for its work in sustainable produce packaging material.

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.

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.

TQL plans donation, participates in event for Memorial Day

Total Quality Logistics, Cincinnati, plans to run a Memorial Day fundraising campaign this week from May 14 to May 20, donating $1 from every load to the Yellow Ribbon Support Center and the Let Us Never Forget Scholarship Fund.

Companies partner on new avocado boxes

Index Fresh Inc. has adopted a box designed by International Paper for its AvoTerra avocados.

Yakima packaging firm buying wooden bin and pallet company

A Northwest produce packaging distributor is expanding its product line by acquiring a wooden bins and pallets manufacturer.