Logistics
Total Quality Logistics, Cincinnati, has received the Best in Cargo Security Award from CargoNet.
California’s 2020 avocado harvest is expected to reach nearly 400 million pounds — almost an 85% increase over last year, according to the Irvine-based California Avocado Commission.
Del Monte Fresh Produce NA, Coral Gables, Fla., has opened its own packing facility in Michoacán, Mexico, said Chris Henry, vice president of sales and product management for avocados.
Apples buyers looking for variety options can find plenty of choices in Michigan this season, says Diane Smith, executive director of the Lansing-based Michigan Apple Committee.
Vidalia onion grower G&R Farms has hired Jon Dorminey as director of operations.
Baloian Farms has completed an expansion project in Fresno, Calif., adding storage capacity and outbound loading efficiencies.
It’s the year nobody ever dreamed of, but thanks to good weather and healthy retail sales, sweet potato growers appear to be adapting well to their new world.
Farm Fresh Produce Inc., Faison, N.C., has hired Oscar Avila as its lead salesman specializing in sweet potatoes.
The Yakima, Wash.-based Northwest Horticultural Council has hired Riley Bushue as its new director of government relations and export programs, said Mark Powers, president.
Vidalia onion grower-shipper G&R Farms, Glennville, Ga., has a new logo and branding.
Washington’s apple industry is evolving as new varieties slowly supplant older, established cultivars, marketers say.
The Washington Apple Education Foundation has a new scholarship resource website, www.scholarshipresources.org.
Pacificpro Inc. completed a transaction Aug. 1 to acquire the former Washington Harvest cold-storage and packing facility in Wapato, Wash., from Chuck and Annette Hankins, said Marcus Hartmann.
Organic apples out of Washington are a hot commodity and look to gain further ground in the coming years, marketers say.
Windstorms, wildfires and a revision of yields on trees is dropping Washington apple crop estimates for the 2020-21 season by 5-10%, according to the Washington Apple Commission.
Jonathan Sparks has joined Oxnard, Calif.-based Bobalu Berries’ sales team.
Construction has begun on a $40 million project to cut wait times for produce and other agricultural goods at a busy Texas port of entry.
Compac, a Tomra Food company, has introduced a new sorting platform designed for the future, with a focus on food safety, sanitation and traceability feature.
Total South Africa citrus exports will reach record levels in 2020 and exports to the U.S. also are setting new highs.
Wenatchee, Wash.-based Stemilt Growers is touting its apple and pear packaging options at the Produce Marketing Association’s virtual Fresh Summit.
The New Zealand kiwifruit industry will be boosted by three specialized reefer vessels following significant investment by operator Fresh Carriers.
The Packer and Cal/Amp are presenting a web seminar on transportation technology.
Industry leaders anticipate a good season for Chilean blueberry production and exports to the U.S. through the winter months.
Blueberries have been growing at a rapid clip at retail, according to the United Fresh Produce Association’s FreshFacts report for the second quarter of 2020.
Donna-based Grow Farms Texas has hired Maxine Olivarez as a buyer this year.
The Texas cities of Pharr and Laredo represent the top two ports of entry for Mexican avocados, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture statistics.
After 40 years in the produce industry and 20 years at Wenatchee, Wash.-based Stemilt Growers, Roger Pepperl is retiring at the end of the year.
Fresh-cut produce, as with whole fresh produce commodities, will be eligible for agricultural exemptions that apply to the Department of Transportation’s hours-of-service regulations for truck drivers.
Beets, cabbage, greens, herbs, parsley, potatoes, radishes and spinach are some of the produce crops Texas produce suppliers will be shipping in December.
Beating both Pharr, Texas, and Nogales, Ariz., the port of Laredo, Texas, was the top entry point for Mexican tomatoes from October 2019 to September.