Berries Marketing business updates
Berry commission offers scholarships
The California Strawberry Scholarship Program will be awarding more than 250 scholarships, totaling nearly $200,000, for the children of California strawberry field workers, said Carolyn O’Donnell, communications director for the California Strawberry Commission, Watsonville.
Now in its 23rd year, the program has awarded more than $2.3 million in the support of higher education for workers’ children, O’Donnell said.
Driscoll’s promotes division president
Soren Bjorn, previously executive vice president of Driscoll’s of the Americas, has been named president of the division.
Tim Youmans, vice president of sales for Driscoll’s Inc., Watsonville, Calif., said the position is new, but Bjorn’s duties remain the same — responsibility for Driscoll’s operations in Canada, Mexico, the U.S. and South America.
Bjorn has been with Driscoll’s since 2006 and had been executive vice president since 2013. He previously was a vice president with Del Monte Foods for six years.
In other news, Driscoll’s has introduced a 9-ounce clamshell for raspberries, joining its lineup of 6-,12- and 18-ounce packages.
Driscoll’s also is ramping up the use of its new label, brand and logo, which were introduced late last year.
“We’re working our way through old inventory,” Youmans said. “Now we’re going to expand in a big way. Our goal was not to throw away any packaging.”
Naturipe celebrates 100-year anniversary
Naturipe Farms LLC, Salinas, Calif., is celebrating its 100th year.
“Since 1917, Naturipe Farms has brought its unique partnership of fresh berry growers to the produce industry,” said Kyla Oberman, director of marketing.
“Cultivating with care for over 100 years is a milestone achieved by our family of growers who are industry pioneers, influencers and innovators. During our centennial celebration year we will be honoring the heritage of our generations of family farms, and the dedicated passion that goes into producing every fresh, delicious berry.”
Oregon commission hits the road
The Oregon Raspberry and Blackberry Commission plans to host a product development workshop June 8 at the Food Innovation Center at Oregon State University.
Darcy Kochis, marketing director, said participants will have an opportunity to try new varieties, discuss flavor trends and explore possibilities regarding new products.
Kochis said the commission also plans to participate in the Fancy Food Show June 25-27 in New York. The commission will have a chef in its booth and offer tasting events.
Sun Belle buys Miami warehouse
Schiller Park, Ill.-based Sun Belle Inc. has purchased a large warehouse near Miami International Airport, said founder and president Janice Honigberg.
“We have outgrown our current facility, just two blocks away at MIA,” Honigberg said.
“The new facility is about 85,000 square feet, including offices, and allows us considerable growth opportunity. We will also be carefully evaluating opportunities to provide third-party handling.”
Honigberg said Sun Belle also is expanding its strawberry program.
“We began marketing and distributing very high quality strawberries from Mexico in December,” she said. “We plan to greatly expand volumes this coming winter.”
The company also will be introducing Green Belle organic pomegranate arils from Peru, she said.
