New York Produce business updates

Eden Valley buys slush icer

Eden, N.Y.-based Eden Valley Growers has spent about $500,000 on a slush icer for its broccoli, said Gary Balone, manager.

“We’re now one of the few in the area to have a vacuum cooler, hydrocooler, forced-air cooler and slush icer on-site,” he said.

Piedimonte updates equipment

There have been upgrades and expansions at James J. Piedimonte & Sons Inc. and Anthony J. Piedimonte/Cabbco in Holley, N.Y., said Tony Piedimonte, owner.

“We’ve updated some of our equipment, and we’re growing a few more Brussels sprouts and a little more broccoli,” he said.

Piedimonte estimates his acreage at about 3,000, with cabbage and corn accounting for about 1,200.

Sun Orchard Fruit adds salesman

Rocky Surace has joined Sun Orchard Fruit Co. as an account manager, and to help with sales and marketing, said Tim Mansfield, sales and marketing director.

Surace said he joined the company Joined July 5. The position is his first in the produce industry, he said.

Surace has a bachelor’s degree in marketing and a master’s of business administration in strategic marketing, both from Niagara University.

Torrey Farms gets into squash

Elba, N.Y.-based Torrey Farms Inc. is adding some items to its vegetable lineup this year, said Maureen Torrey, vice president.

“We’re going to add some delicata squash, spaghetti squash, and (we’re) changing some varieties,” she said.

Williams Farms adds packer

Marion, N.Y.-based Williams Farms LLC recently bought an additional packing machine, said Erica Buttaccio, assistant.

“We’re doubling our poly capabilities of packing 5-pound polys,” she said.

“We can double the amount we pack in a day. We’re excited, very optimistic.”

Williams Farms grows potatoes, onions and cabbage for the fresh market.