Page 7 - Index

TRANSITION
DEL MONTE FRESH PRODUCE
ANNOUNCEMENT
EFI GETS WALMART FOUNDATION GRANT TO AID LABOR PRACTICES IN MEXICO
The Equitable Food Initiative, Washington, DC, received a $1.2 million grant from Walmart Foun- dation to advance responsible labor practices through work- force development programs on fresh produce farms in Mexico and to help engage public and
private sector leaders on recruitment challenges. The grant runs through the end of 2020. Since 2012, EFI has worked to build its social assurance program in the United States and Mexico.
ANNOUNCEMENT
CHIQUITA UNVEILS BITES, STICKS
Fresh Express, Orlando, FL, has launched Chiquita Bites and
Chiquita Sticks, a pair of on-the- go snacks. Chiquita Bites are snack
packs that feature fresh fruit, cheese and nuts in single-serve trays in ve varieties that all include apple wedges. Cranberries, grapes and raisins are also in some of the packs. Chiquita Sticks are sweet red apples peeled and uniquely cut in the shape of a thick French fry, with dipping in mind.
Alex McCloskey
Del Monte Fresh Produce N.A., Coral Gables, FL, announced the creation of a uni ed product development team that will integrate Mann Packing. Alex McCloskey, director of new product development at Mann Packing, will expand his role to also oversee Del Monte branded products across North America.
McCloskey is an industry veteran with rich experi- ence in the agriculture and food industries, as well as a deep understanding of both brands. He and his team will be responsible for leading the innovation and new development processes for all Del Monte Fresh Produce brands on a national basis.
TRANSITION
CHURCH BROTHERS
Merritt Bruce
Church Brothers Farms, Salinas, CA, has named Merritt Bruce as vice president of retail business devel- opment. Bruce comes to Church Brothers from Growers Express, where his responsibilities included strategic planning, retail business development, as well as sales team, supply chain and account manage-
ment. He joins nine other sales professionals as part of the company’s acquisition of the Growers Express’ commodity program. Their knowledge
of the Green Giant Fresh program helped make a smooth transition for existing customers, says Jeff Church, vice president of sales.
TRANSITION
IPPOLITO INTERNATIONAL
Jason Grolnick
Ippolito International, Salinas,
CA, hired two industry veterans: Jason Grolnick as sales/commodity manager and Jon Kiley as director
of value-added/business develop- ment. Grolnick, joins Ippolito with more than 30 years of produce expe- rience, including stints at Markon, NewStar Fresh Foods and Tanimura
& Antle. Before joining Ippolito, Kiley worked for Earthbound Farm, where he held a variety of roles and responsibilities from strategic planning, retail and foodservice business development, to sales and account management.
ANNOUNCEMENT
MONTEREY MUSHROOM LAUNCHES
SUMMER CAMPAIGN
Monterey Mushrooms, Watsonville, CA, is featuring seasonal label art with recipes for summer eating occasions on
select packages of whole and sliced Baby Bellas, whole and sliced whites and Portabella caps now through September. The seasonal recipes and
photos are being added to the company’s website and will be featured across social media channels and partnerships with food bloggers.
Produce & Floral Watch are regular features of Produce Business. Please send information on new products, personnel changes, industry, corporate and personal milestones and available literature, along with a high resolution image to: Managing Editor, Produce Business, P.O. Box 810425, Boca Raton, FL 33481-0425 or email us at info@producebusiness.com.
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