Produce

Frieda’s Specialty Produce recently surpassed 10,000 “likes” on Facebook since the launch of its Facebook page in January of 2011. Frieda’s has found many ways to connect with consumers through social media marketing. …

PRO*ACT, America’s leading distributor of fresh produce to the foodservice industry, is pleased to announce the addition of Kathleen Phillips as Sustainability Coordinator. In this newly created position, Phillips will work collaboratively with all levels of the supply chain to enhance and further develop the PRO*ACT sustainability initiative. That initiative’s goals are twofold: To create and commit to continuous sustainability improvements at each touch point in the produce supply chain, and to promote the availability and safety of local produce for operators in all market segments. …

The Biggest Loser brand will debut this fall in produce departments nationwide, thanks to a multi-year licensing agreement between Giraffe Interactive and NBCUniversal Television Consumer Products Group. The goal of the agreement is to create promotional programs that leverage the power of The Biggest Loser as a lifestyle brand to promote the increased sale of fresh produce. …

Where kids are concerned, the selection of good fruit choices in winter can be difficult. This winter give them something they might really enjoy in their lunchbox or for an after school snack. Offer a Washington state apple that may look like others, but the taste is purely unique. Grapple® brand apples combine two favorite fruits- apples and grapes into one crunchy bite kids really enjoy. …

The National Mango Board (NMB) held a Ripe/Ready to Eat Mangos Workshop on Nov. 14, 2011, to inform their board members about the benefits of creating and implementing a ripening program. Marketers and ripening specialists Dennis Kihlstadius, Dave Howald, Gary Campisi and Michael Chirico were invited to the meeting to share and discuss their experience, success and expertise on the process and impact of fruit ripening. …