SHIP WRECKED -- WHERE ARE ALL THE LABELS GONE?
Tel Aviv, Israel. They were called the „Crown Jewels and at the same time reason fort he failure of the company: the two combined pallet-containerships, which for Agrexco horticultural products like fruits, vegetables,  fresh herbs and flowers from Ashdod in Israel delivered to Marseilles and Koper in Europe. By the end of August there have been rumours that the ships were sold and by the end of September Agrexco was declared bankrupt under Chapter 11 after being in existence for 56 years. The brand names of „Carmel“ and „Bio Top“ will be kept, as they enjoy a worldwide reputation. It would be a tremendous loss, so the feeling is when after Cape, Outspan and Jaffa as well as Sunkist to a certain degree some of the well recognised labels would be swept from the shelves of the retail stores.

AgroPress News Service, September 2011

LAWSUIT AGAINST FDA IN US DISTRICT COURT
Coral Gables, Florida, USA. Del Monte Produce filed suit on August 22, 2011 against the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in US District Court for the District of Maryland to seek lifting an FDA rule restricting the importation of wholesome fresh cantaloupes. Del Monte Fresh is one the largest importer of cantaloupes into the US. Del Monte Fresh’s claims are based on the FDA’s (and several other state health agency officials’) erroneous speculation, unsupported by scientific evidence, that cantaloupes previously imported by Del Monte from a Guatemalan farm and packing facility were contaminated with the pathogen Salmonella. In fact, neither the FDA nor any state health agency in the U.S. has offered evidence or data to support the FDA action. The actions adversely affect Del Monte Fresh’s ability to receive perishable fresh produce as the import alert threatens the viability of a major import source for cantaloupes.

AgroPress News Service, August 2011

THE POWER OF PISTACHIOS
Fresno, California. The Western Pistachio Association has changed its name to American Pistachio Growers (APG), effective July 21, 2011. “With the expansion of our programs in international markets, we found it necessary to find a name that clearly communicates who we are in all markets,” said Richard Matoian, Executive Director.  APG Global Marketing Director, Judy Hirigoyen, previewed the new communications campaign, The Power of Pistachios, with an emphasis on China and Europe.  The USA, which came into commercial production in the seventies, now leads the world in production with 528,000,000 million pounds produced in 2010, followed by the Islamic Republic of Iran. American Pistachio Growers is a voluntary trade association representing U.S. pistachio growers. APG has 450 members representing pistachio production in the states of California, Arizona and New Mexico.

AgroPress News Service, July 2011

DOUBLE BLOW OF FATE FOR ADAMO
Modica, Italy. The Italian food industry lost one of their prominent representatives. Aged 49, Giorgio Adamo, owner of Adamo SRL, based in Modica, Ragusa, Sicily, suddenly died on July 9, 2011, after having witnessed his company bursting into flames. The cause of the fire that broke out during the night and destroyed the complete premises including offices and processing facilities is still unknown. For more than twenty years, the company has been active in import, export, processing and marketing of dried fruits and nuts. Thanks to the passionate and outstanding entrepreneurship of Giorgio Adamo who has recently introduced a new marketing strategy, the business has continuously expanded strongly not only in Italy but also internationally. With great skill and foresight the entrepreneur managed his company even in the current times of crisis by implementing new projects and tapping the company’s growth potential. The business will be continued by his wife and sons. The funeral was held at the San Giorgio Cathedral in Modica in the presence of family, friends and business associates from all over Italy and neighbouring Malta. Giorgio Adamo was greatly valued for his generosity, cordiality and extraordinary energy.

AgroPress News Service, July 2011