Latest News From Fred Wilkinson

Deakins retiring from Houweling’s
Deakins retiring from Houweling’s

After 39 years in fresh produce sales management, RJ Deakins of Houweling’s Group is retiring.

Duncan Family Farms expands composting
Duncan Family Farms expands composting

Buckeye, Ariz.-based Duncan Family Farms is expanding its composting program.

Sunset offers Flavor Bowl tomato snack tray
Sunset offers Flavor Bowl tomato snack tray

Kingsville, Ontario-based Sunset is offering its Flavor Bowl football-shaped container filled with 1 pound of snacking tomatoes.

One Banana helps Guatemalans
One Banana helps Guatemalans

Doing its part for Giving Tuesday — as some call the Tuesday after Thanksgiving — One Banana has donated more than $2 million for their corporate social responsibility program, according to a news release.

Zespri honored for growth
Zespri honored for growth

Zespri earned a Best Growth Strategy award as part of the 2017 Deloitte Top 200 Awards.

Heroin, marijuana seized in produce
Heroin, marijuana seized in produce

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Pharr (Texas) International Bridge cargo facility recently interdicted heroin and marijuana in loads of fresh produce.

OTA wins nearly $850,000 in MAP funds
OTA wins nearly $850,000 in MAP funds

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Market Access Program has awarded $847,000 in export promotion funding for 2018 to the Organic Trade Association.

PFK gets social to feed disaster victims
PFK gets social to feed disaster victims

During the holiday season, Produce for Kids will donate one meal to support Feeding America’s disaster relief efforts for every share of its Holiday Meal Drive Facebook post and new Produce for Kids Facebook fan.

NAFTA negotiations top FPAA agenda
NAFTA negotiations top FPAA agenda

TUBAC, Ariz. — “It’s stupid.” Those are the two words Fresh Evolution LLC president Martin Ley had for ongoing efforts to renegotiate the North America Free Trade Agreement.

New sales manager for Pacific AgPak
New sales manager for Pacific AgPak

Pacific AgPak has hired Brian Harris as sales manager.

Crosset spruces up website
Crosset spruces up website

Crosset Co. — a distributor of organic fresh produce and as well as a full-line wholesaler of fresh produce and floral products to customers in the eastern half of the U.S. —  has brought a new look to its website.

Redland, Fla., packinghouse purchased
Redland, Fla., packinghouse purchased

Hialeah Tomatoes & Fresh Produce has purchased a Redland, Fla., packinghouse.

John Shuman named Marketer of the Year
John Shuman named Marketer of the Year

(UPDATED OCT. 26) NEW ORLEANS – John Shuman, president and owner of Shuman Produce, was honored as The Packer’s Produce Marketer of the Year.

Well-Pict sponsored content: Berries for Fall — 3 Things to Make Post-Summer Sales Pop
Well-Pict sponsored content: Berries for Fall — 3 Things to Make Post-Summer Sales Pop

Just because summer is over, it doesn’t mean we have to forget about those high-season strawberry profits until next spring.

Zespri to show new packs at Fresh Summit
Zespri to show new packs at Fresh Summit

Zespri is offering two new packaging choices for the SunGold, which will be showcased at Fresh Summit 2017.

Crunch Pak to feature apple rings at PMA expo
Crunch Pak to feature apple rings at PMA expo

Crunch Pa will unveil a refreshed package design and feature its award-winning new product, Apple Rings, at the Produce Marketing Association's Fresh Summit in New Orleans.

Sponsored content: Berries for Fall — 3 Things to Make Post-Summer Sales Pop
Sponsored content: Berries for Fall — 3 Things to Make Post-Summer Sales Pop

Just because summer is over, it doesn’t mean we have to forget about those high-season strawberry profits until spring. In fact, now is the time to combine three market concepts to keep sales growing more than ever.

UC Riverside plans avocado variety development
UC Riverside plans avocado variety development

The University of California-Riverside is planning to expand its avocado varietal breeding program by seeking partnerships with the private sector and launching the Avocado Variety Improvement Program.

I Love Produce plans Fresh Summit foosball challenge

I Love Produce plans to host two of the best foosball players in the history of the game at its booth No. 2001 during the Produce Marketing Association’s Fresh Summit 2017 in New Orleans, according to a news release.

Sally the robot salad maker's saving labor costs
Sally the robot salad maker's saving labor costs

The common concern in the food business — whether you’re growing lettuce or running a restaurant that sells lettuce wraps — is getting enough labor.