MIAMI, FL - A federal appeals court has thrown out claims against Chiquita Brands International made by relatives of thousands of Colombians killed during years of civil war. The now dismissed lawsuit accused Chiquita of assisting in the killings by paying $1.7 million to the right-wing paramilitary group known as the AUC.
"We are gratified that the U.S. Court of Appeals has now agreed with us and the claims have been dismissed," said Chiquita spokesman Ed Loyd in an email statement, according to ABC News. "The decision reinforces what Chiquita has maintained from the beginning — that Chiquita is not responsible for the tragic violence that has plagued Colombia."
Chiquita, which formerly operated large banana plantations in Colombia through its Banadex subsidiary, has insisted that it was the victim of extortion and was forced to pay the AUC or face violence directed at its employees and assets in Colombia.
The civil war included a series of campaigns fought by the AUC and FARC. The AUC, Spanish for United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia, was formed in 1997 to unite right-wing militias in order to battle the leftist guerrilla group FARC, Spanish for Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, according to ABC News. The campaign killed approximately 50,000 people, and the U.S. lists both the AUC and FARC as terrorist organizations.
Yesterday’s court decision to dismiss the lawsuit cited Kiobel vs. Royal Dutch Petroleum, a 2013 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that imposed limits on attempts by foreigners to use U.S. courts to seek damages against corporations for human rights abuses abroad.
In an emailed statement to Reuters, Loyd added, "The responsibility for the violent crimes committed in that country belongs to the perpetrators, not to the innocent people and companies they extorted.”
Attorneys for the estimated 4,000 Colombians could ask the full 11th Circuit or the Supreme Court to review the case.
Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow for any further updates.
TAMPA, FL – IFCO has released a free eBook for growers and retailers titled ‘Debunking Myths about RPC’s: The Latest Information for Growers and Retailers.’
This 12 page eBook can be downloaded for free by clicking here and offers insights into common RPC myths or misconceptions.
After downloading, industry members will gain instant access to the latest RPC offerings from IFCO and:
IFCO recently reached the milestone of one billion RPCs. For more info on IFCO and the use of RPCs, check out our previous article by clicking here.
EDEN PRAIRIE, MN - If Cub Foods and Robinson Fresh have it their way, the Guinness World Record for Largest Fruit Display is about to be broken. With 4 truckloads of fresh MelonUp!® Pink Ribbon watermelons and the staff of the Maple Grove, Minnesota Cub Food's, these two business partners plan on building a 1,500 square foot display this Saturday, July 26th. Altogether the display will use 10,200 watermelons and will weigh 157,000 lbs, blowing the current 11,023 lbs record holder out of the water.
As much fun as building the display will be, at the heart of the promotion is a cause near and dear to Cub Foods and Robinson Fresh: funding breast cancer research. MelonUp! Pink Ribbon Watermelons have done a huge amount of good for this cause, as a portion of the proceeds from these watermelon sales are donated towards breast cancer research on behalf of the participating retailers. This has allowed Robinson Fresh to raise nearly $950,000 for research foundations.
“We are excited for the opportunity to promote MelonUp!® Pink Ribbon watermelon, an important summer product of ours, in such a big way,” said Darren Caudill, Vice President of Merchandising and Sales for Cub Foods. “We invite everyone to visit the store, where they can enjoy the celebration while also gaining additional education about local breast cancer awareness efforts.”
Cub Foods is one of the oldest supporters of Robinson Fresh's program and has donated nearly $70,000 to breast cancer research since 2008.
“We value and appreciate Cub Foods and Supervalu’s support of the Pink Ribbon Watermelon program,” said Josh Knox, Category General Manager at Robinson Fresh. “The program began with the intention of educating consumers about the multitude of health benefits that watermelon can provide, and has developed into a fun and collaborative way for retailers to give back to and raise awareness within their communities.”
According to a press release, one of these benefits include very high levels of the antioxidant lycopene - a powerful anti-cancer fighting agent, studies have shown.
In the end, Saturday Cub shoppers might be drawn to the display because of its impressive size, or perhaps for the free watermelon samples, or watermelon eating and seed spitting contests, but once there, Robinson Fresh and Cub Foods hope to make the event a learning opportunity. The Fairview Clinics’ mobile mammography unit will be on site at the event and representatives from Minnesota's Susan G. Komen® charity will be there to talk about the research efforts with consumers. Now that's something we can all get behind.
Good luck with challenging the record Cub Foods and Robinson Fresh! And great work!
BENTONVILLE, AK - Wal-Mart continued its recent spree of executive promotions this week by naming retail veteran Greg Foran to be the new President and CEO of Wal-Mart U.S.
“Greg is one of the most talented retailers I’ve ever met. His depth of knowledge and global experience will bring a fresh perspective to our business,” said Wal-Mart President and CEO Doug McMillon. “His passion for fresh food, experience in general merchandise and commitment to e-commerce will help us serve our customers even more effectively for years to come.”
McMillon also had kind words for the departing CEO, Bill Simon, who is stepping down after 8 years with Wal-Mart.
“During Bill’s eight years of service to Walmart, his passion for our mission, dedication to our associates and our customers, and innovative thinking pushed us forward,” said McMillon. “From the very beginning, his vision led us to lower the cost of health care through our $4 prescription offering. And, most recently, he put us on a path to future growth with small formats and efforts that integrate digital and physical retail.”
According to a press release, Simon said that he was grateful for the opportunity he had been given by the retailer and was ready to move on and turn over control of Wal-Mart's U.S. operations to the next generation of executive leadership.
“It’s been an honor to work for Walmart over the past eight years, and this felt like the right time to move on and focus on my next opportunity," he said. "I look forward to helping the company as much as I can over the next six months.”
Foran spoke excitedly about his new position and the responsibilities he would soon assume as one of the top executives of the world's largest warehouse retailer.
“Being asked to lead the Walmart U.S. business is a privilege that I don’t take lightly,” said Foran. “I am excited to get started. The needs of our customers are changing dramatically and we have an enormous opportunity to serve them in new and different ways. We must be fierce advocates for our customers, work meticulously to exceed their expectations and earn their trust every day.”
Foran was first hired at Wal-Mart in 2011. He served as the President and CEO of Wal-Mart China from March 2012 until August 9th when he assumes his new position in the company.
According to a press release, before working at Wal-Mart, Foran worked a number of years for Woolworths as Managing Director of Supermarkets, Liquor, and Petrol. He also spent time as the General Manager for Big W and Dick Smith Electronics.
Congratulations on the promotion Greg!
McFARLAND, CA – Sunlight International is preparing for the busiest time of the year with the upcoming launch of a newly redesigned website. Customers and retail trade can take advantage of the new site starting mid-August.
“It's been a long time coming, but the new website launch couldn’t come at a better time,” says Nick Dulcich, President of Sunlight International. “With the busy shipping season ahead, we can show off our new site, new grape varieties, and offer retail various marketing programs and tools.”
The new site will offer a fresh look and will give users access to promotional information and premium grape products with easier navigation. It will also feature an expanded products page, calendar and marketing programs, according to a press release. The variety calendar is designed to allow retailers to glance at what varieties are available to make smart purchases, and the different marketing programs provide promotional products to retail as well as tools to encourage customers.
Along with the existing 13 varieties, a new extra large, crisp Green Emerald will be featured under the Pretty Lady Brand and will take center stage on the new site.
Additionally, the site features new recipes and featured dishes including new entrees, salads, soups, sides and desserts.
Can't wait to check it out!
VANCOUVER, BC – Oppy is expanding its lineup by offering citrus from Uruguay.
“Uruguayan fruit adds another dimension to our citrus offerings,” said James Milne, Oppy Citrus Category Director. “During the summer, we’re marketing a wide assortment of oranges, including the popular easy-peelers from Chile, Peru and Australia. We’re excited to present fruit from a new source country to our customers, knowing the flavor is intense and the condition excellent.”
Early shipments of Uruguayan lemons sold out and are now followed by Clementines and Navels that are available through August, according to a press release. This marks Oppy’s first Uruguayan offerings after the U.S. market was granted access in 2013.
“It’s a brief season characterized by good quality as growers work to create a foothold here,” Milne said. “First impressions count. We’ve been pleased by the fruit we’ve received to date, and feedback from our customers has been enthusiastic and encouraging.”
Oppy is currently shipping the URUD’OR label, which is packed by four Uruguayan growers. URUD’OR was Uruguay’s top-volume lemon exporter in 2013, according to a press release. This year, the group plans to export roughly 30% more fruit.
Oppy is currently offering Uruguayan fruit in two, three and five pound bags as well as bulk.
LOS ALAMITOS, CA – Frieda’s Specialty Produce is gearing up for back to school with produce that is ‘Very Cool for School.’
"As it turns out, children are very adventurous when it comes to trying new foods," said Karen Caplan, President and CEO of Frieda's. "They love to explore new fruits and vegetables out of curiosity, and we are lucky to partner with schools that nurture their interest and introduce them to specialty produce."
Frieda’s has found that items like Asian Pears, Jicama, Veggie Sweets, and Baby Apples are a big hit with kids. The company also supports the USDA Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program and has worked for many years to bring specialty items to schools, according to a press release.
"We are also honored to have many wholesale partners across the country who supply specialty produce to school programs and continue to support our mission to change the way America—in this case, young America—eats fruits and vegetables," continued Caplan.
Frieda’s program has introduced over 400,000 students across the U.S. to Rambutan, Edamame, Starfruit, Dragon Fruit, Blood Oranges and many more specialty fruits.
WASHINGTON D.C. - Fresh World One Inc., a Springfield, Virginia based company, has posted a $250,000 cash surety bond with the USDA to obtain a PACA license, allowing them to operate in the produce industry in the wake of their bankruptcy.
According to a press release, Fresh World One also paid a civil penalty to the amount of $37,500 for operating previously without a PACA license.
The USDA will hold the bond for three years in order to provide assurance to the industry that Fresh World One will be able to pay for the produce it purchases and that it will conduct business in accordance with PACA rules.
In the past three years, the USDA resolved approximately 4,600 claims filed under PACA involving more than $87 million. Any PACA licensee looking to employ someone who has previously failed to pay a reparation award, or has been subject to a USDA disciplinary action, must post a USDA-approved surety bond.
TEWKSBURY, MA - It seems that Arthur T. Demoulas is tired of the infighting and protests that have torn his family's business apart over the past month, and has now moved to end them with an offer to buy-out control of Market Basket from his cousin Arthur S. Demoulas' side of the family. Currently Arthur S. Demoulas' group has a 50.5% controlling interest in the Market Basket chain of stores. This allowed them to fire Arthur T. Demoulas, Market Basket's former President and CEO, earlier this summer, but if his bid is accepted, Demoulas would be back and this time with control over the company consolidated under his side of the family. At the present moment, this might be the best shot Market Basket has had at peaceful executive leadership in years.
Although the official amount of the offer has not been disclosed to the public, early statements from the Arthur T. Demoulas camp signal that it was a sizable one.
“We believe that our offer is a very full and fair one and should meet or exceed a seller’s expectations of the value of the company,” the Demoulas statement read. “We care deeply about Market Basket and all of our associates and we want to work together to return the company to its successful model for serving our loyal customers. Those who received the offer need to consider the matter, so we are not in a position to comment further at this time.”
For the protestors who have been picketing and marching on Arthur T. Demoulas' behalf since his ouster, this offer is a dream situation.
“This is what we had hoped all along — that he would try to buy out the other half and we’d be done with these people all together and then we’d get back to work,” said Tom Gordon, a grocery supervisor with Market Basket who was fired for his part in the protests.
Arthur T. Demoulas shared with the Boston Globe how deeply the turmoil surrounding his family's business, and the empty shelves and displeased customers which have come with it, has affected him.
“This company is my passion,” Demoulas told the Boston Globe. “It’s the life’s work of my dad and myself and a lot of other people."
Arthur S. Demoulas' side of the family has not released any indication on how seriously they are considering this offer, if at all. Something will have to do done one way or another however to bring back peace to Market Basket. At least now those depending on the chain have something to place their hopes on.
To read more about the controversies surrounding Market Basket check out our previous article on the topic here.
SALINAS, CA - D’Arrigo Brothers Co. of California is mixing it up in the office with the promotion of five of its employees plus the addition of a new member to the team.
Gabriela D’Arrigo has been promoted from Sales and Marketing to Marketing Manager. “It is a very exciting time for marketing in the industry and I am very grateful for the opportunity to make my mark at D’Arrigo and bring the company into the future,” Gabriela said. In this new position, she will continue to revamp the D’Arrigo website, enhance the quality of marketing materials for the company and increase the company’s social media activity, according to a press release.
Gabriella Besaw has been promoted from a Sales Assistant to a Sales Associate. “I am very excited about my new responsibilities and looking forward to my future with Andy Boy. I feel very blessed to work for such a great company,” Gabriella said. She is a newlywed and recent graduate of CSU Monterey Bay.
Matt Amaral has been promoted from a Sales Associate to Director of Business Development. Matt says, “I am excited to be part of a team that will look to strengthen the D’Arrigo Brand, by continually expanding the premier Andy Boy label, along with developing opportunities through our strong relationships in the industry, our expansive land base, and state-of-the-are facilities.”
Jon Scherpinski has been promoted from a Sales Associate to Director of Sales. “I am excited to guide the daily pricing strategies for the sales team and the Andy Boy product lines,” Jon said. In this new role, he will be responsible for the development and leadership of strategies that will enable the Andy Boy Brand to expand its presence nationally and internationally, according to a press release. He has been with the company for nine years.
Greg Heinz has been promoted from a Sales Associate to Director of Foodservice Sales. Greg said, “I am excited with the new opportunity of growing our Andy Boy brand as well as developing strategies to continue to be relevant in the foodservice marketplace.” Greg, an eight year D’Arrigo employee, will be developing and leading strategies that will expand the Andy Boy brand’s presence in the foodservice marketplace in his new role.
Ben Wilson has been hired as a new Sales Associate. “I feel lucky to be part of such a great team with beautiful product and amazing leadership. I really like the fact that D’Arrigo looks toward the future, striving to be the best now, and for many more years to come.” Prior to this position, Ben worked in the Coastline Produce sales office.
For the latest on D’Arrigo Brothers, check them out at booth #105 at the PMA Foodservice Conference & Expo.
Congratulations Gabriela, Gabriella, Matt, Jon, Greg and Ben!