'Power Of Meat' Research Highlights Latest Meat & Poultry Shopping Trends

The impact of the economy and higher prices for meat and poultry products are making a significant difference for consumers at the meat case. Price has taken on an ever-greater role in the meat purchasing decision process, as price per pound has solidified its number-one ranking as the most important decision factor for consumers, while total package cost is now the second most important decision factor, surpassing product appearance, according to the seventh annual Power of Meat study.

USDA Lifts Restrictions On NY Potato Farms Formerly Afflicted By Golden Nematodes

Potato farmers in upstate New York have reason to be cheerful. Regulators have lifted restrictions on 300,000 acres of farmland after growers eliminated a devastating potato pest.

Chiquita Reports Fourth Quarter And Full-Year 2011 Results

Chiquita Brands has released financial and operating results for 2011, reporting full-year comparable income[1] of $38 million, and GAAP income of $57 million on net sales of $3.1 billion. Fourth quarter results improved versus 2010, resulting in a comparable loss[1] of $6 million, versus a comparable loss of $18 million in the year-ago period. The fourth quarter GAAP loss was $16 million, including $8 million of charges related to the company's headquarters relocation and shipping reconfigurations in Europe.

Village Farms Harvests First Fruit From New Greenhouse

February 22, 2012 Village Farms

Village Farms International, Inc. has announced that it has harvested the first fruit from its new state-of-the-art greenhouse located in Monahans, Texas. The initial pick is being harvested a few weeks ahead of schedule due to the excellent greenhouse climate.

Giumarra Nogales Grows Sales Staff

February 22, 2012 Giumarra Companies

Giumarra Nogales announces the addition of a new hire to its sales team, Eddie Lerma. Mr. Lerma is a 15 year veteran of the produce industry who most recently worked for Star Produce as head of Quality Control. His new responsibilities with Giumarra include handling customer accounts for the vegetable and melon categories.