Produce

The 2014 Enza Zaden variety showcase was held September 25th at the company’s research station in San Juan Bautista, California. With 250 local and international growers and retailers in attendance, the partnership-­themed event was an opportunity to assess growth potential through a fresh lens fueled by strong relationships with seed partners; ongoing innovation in varieties, packaging and branding; understanding supermarket produce operations; and ultimately, maintaining awareness of evolving consumer tastes. …

Deardorff Family Farms is expanding is organic production base and adding to its sales team.  On the supply side, the company will have increased organic production this Fall and throughout the Winter from Ventura County, Imperial Valley and Mexico. On the talent side, Deardorff Family Farms is also growing its operations.  The company has hired Tyler Clear to work alongside Luke Patruno in organic sales. …

­For many growers, they see potatoes and onions as classic commodity crops – and consequently over-focus on growing and harvesting their products as inexpensively as possible so that they can sell at lower prices.  While that approach may work for some, Fresh Solutions Network (FSN) sees the equation differently.  FSN feels that only focusing on squeezing down costs can actually cost retailers more, by short-changing them on quality, innovation and marketing support. …

International real-time monitoring specialist Locus Traxx will be introducing a range of innovative products at this year’s Fruit Attraction trade fair in Madrid, Spain as the company brings its pioneering system for fresh produce shipments to Europe. …

Shenandoah Growers is pleased to announce that Steve Wright, formerly Director of Produce and Floral at Tops Supermarkets has joined the company as Vice President of Sales. Steve will be responsible for managing all fresh product line revenues and building an industry leading customer-driven selling and service organization. …