Produce

Columbia Marketing International (CMI) announced today that this season’s apricot harvest is ahead of schedule, and that the 2014 crop is better than ever. A long spell of exceptional weather has produced apricots that are sweet, juicy and flavorful. …

With plans to get the first crop in the ground by July, director of operations Jay Abbott said Red Sun is about to go on a hiring spree. Red Sun, a subsidiary of Mexican-based vegetable grower Agricola El Rosal, announced plans in March 2013 to open its first American facility this summer. It’s the first business to build in the long vacant, 1,000-acre New River Valley Commerce Park just down the road from the community college. With similar operations in Canada and Mexico, the company is already a major vegetable supplier to some of the largest grocery store chains in the country. …

Communications and political professional Dr. Frank Luntz will serve as the keynote speaker for the The Washington Conference Closing Luncheon and General Session: An Insider’s Look at the 2014 Elections on Wednesday, September 10. Luntz will give his behind the scenes perspectives of the campaign process, as well as share his thoughts on how the Fall 2014 Congressional elections will impact the produce industry. …

On its 38th edition, PROGNOSFRUIT, the European’s leading annual event for the apple and pear sector, is coming to Turkey for the first time. The World Apple and Pear Association (WAPA) and COPA-COGECA are joining forces with the Turkish Fruit Juice Industry Association (MEYED) to host the 2014 Prognosfruit Conference from the 6th to the 8th of August in Istanbul. Already close to 200 participants have signed for the event. The conference programme and registration information are posted on the conference website: www.prognosfruit.eu. …

Ready Pac Foods Inc. is pleased to announce Stephanie Santiago as their Director of National Accounts—Costco Team Lead. In her role, Stephanie will serve as the primary account contact for Costco. She will collaborate with internal resources to develop and guide the implementation of account specific business plans that achieve profitability and sales targets. Stephanie will report directly to Alan Ediger, Sr. Vice President of Retail Sales West at Ready Pac. …