Search - The Packer

J.E. Russell Produce Ltd. has hired Mike Pirri, a 21-year veteran of the produce industry with experience in wholesale and retail, to head up a new melon and grape program, said Hutch Morton, senior vice president.

North American Produce Buyers Ltd. at the Ontario Food Terminal in Toronto will have a blueberry program this year, said Stephan Schmekel, executive vice president of sales and marketing.

Suntreat Packing & Shipping Co., Dinuba, Calif., has donated citrus to New York City, the hotspot for COVID-19 cases and deaths in the U.S.

The COVID-19 pandemic does not seem to be having a major impact on sales at Denver distributors, expect for the foodservice segment, but companies have implemented various preventive measures.

Coosemans-Denver is offering Gourmet Premium Food Boxes that Garrick Macek, vice president of operations, expects will become more and more popular as consumers cope with COVID-19.

A few of the large wholesalers and distributors at the Atlanta State Farmers Market, Forest Park, Ga., have expanded by adding or moving into new spaces on the property.

When you ask what’s happening at his company, Andrew Scott, director of business development and marketing at Nickey Gregory, says it’s been all about his state’s produce.

Willard, Ohio-based Buurma Farms Inc. added some new equipment for this year, said Loren Buurma, partner.

“We’re going to have another set of docks and also getting drawings made to have a 12,000-square-foot addition to our processing center,” said Alex DiNovo, president and COO.

The COVID-19 pandemic has put some expansion plans on hold at D.R. Walcher Farms in North Fairfield, Ohio, said Ken Holthouse, partner.