March 3, 2021
RCF Distributors LLC reported the sudden loss of dear friend, colleague and paramount sales agent Alan Alvarez. Mr. Alvarez died on Saturday, Jan. 30. El Grupo Crespo: RCF Distributors, Crespo Organic Mangoes, Empaque Don Jorge and hundreds of mango industry friends mourn the loss of the Mango King.
Deemed the Mango King years ago by customers, Mr. Alvarez built his successful career in produce through dedication, hard work, integrity and a positive attitude. He was an incredible relationship-builder within the industry, and he earned the trust of many on both sides of the border. His contagious positive attitude made business enjoyable, and he always kept his word. This made any business with him involved successful. He solved problems with ease and a smile.
March 3, 2021
Working with California state and county officials in monitoring the current COVID-19 situation, the Organic Produce Summit 2021 has moved the dates of this year’s event to Sept. 15-16 in Monterey, CA.
Susan Canales
Originally slated for mid-July, OPS organizers have been working with sponsors and attendees on assessing the best opportunity for OPS to hold an in-person event this year. The newly rescheduled OPS 2021 will be held at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa.
“These continue to be challenging times in trying to host large gatherings, but we believe declining hospitalizations and increased distribution of vaccines will provide a much better, and more favorable, landscape for live, in-person events like OPS to be held in the second half of this year,” said Susan Canales, president of OPS. “While there will be some changes in this year’s event, our commitment remains the same in providing first rate content and education with premium networking op
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March 3, 2021
S. Katzman Produce has been operating out of the Hunts Point Market for more than five decades and knows what it takes to be a success.
“New Yorkers like it all so we need to have it all,” said Stefanie Katzman, executive vice president at S. Katzman Produce. “That means all products all the time, including the next new product that hasn’t even made it to the supermarket shelves yet. And we have that here.”
Another secret to success is listening to the customers.
“They will tell you what they want,” Katzman said. “Work for your growers; they are putting everything they have into their products.”
March 3, 2021
Blue Book Services’ Claims Activity Table was recently enhanced to include active PACA reparation complainants. “The CAT gets thousands of views from Blue Book members each month, and the addition of PACA reparation complaints is something members have been asking for,” said Doug Nelson, Blue Book’s vice president/trading assistance manager. In addition to viewing PACA reparation complaints, members can see claims filed with Blue Book and federal lawsuits filed against industry firms.
“The Blue Book claim history and how the claims are resolved by the customer plays an integral part in our credit decisions, said Vanna Zuckerman, Crystal Valley Foods accounts receivable credit and collections manager. Adding the PACA claim information means being more informed without having to call PACA or look up the licenses on the PACA site. This can lead to a faster decision as to whether to offer credit to a particular customer.”
March 1, 2021
Brighter Bites, a nonprofit organization that delivers fresh fruits, vegetables and nutrition education resources directly into families’ hands, announced its new supplier partnership with Mr Greens Produce Texas. The partnership is a strategic one that will support Brighter Bites in continuing to bring fresh food to Austin-area families.
Through this partnership, Mr Greens will collect produce from a variety of sources, then store, pack and deliver individual family boxes to participating Brighter Bites schools. Each box contains around eight unique items totaling 20 pounds. By tapping into Mr Greens network of trusted suppliers, Brighter Bites is able to add an assortment of new items to each box for the families to enjoy.