Leading breeder’s contribution to Cotton Candy and other grape varieties
One of the most important produce breeders in the world is about to retire from his position at the University of Arkansas. The American Pomological Society is giving him an honor, as did the Arkansas Blackberry Growers Association. He already won the National Plant Breeders Association Impact Award. He has been named a Fellow of the American Society […]
Wholesale perspective: A happy, repeat grape consumer will continue to drive the business
In a week’s time, Tom Kovacevich probably sees more grapes than many retailers do in a lifetime. The president of T.M. Kovacevich-Philadelphia Inc. — better known simply as TMK Produce — Kovacevich operates nine units on the Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market, and there are times TMK has over 100 combinations of grape offerings. At the 2022 Global […]
Dillon D’Arrigo talks color vs. variety and what consumers really want
The D’Arrigo family is unique in the American produce industry. No other family’s interests bestride the industry, both east coast and west coast, from growing, packing, shipping and wholesaling. It is an influence likely to continue, in part because of a rising generation of executives. Over in Pundit sister publication, PRODUCE BUSINESS, we’ve run several pieces […]
Perfection Fresh Australia CEO gives producers’ perspective on global grape industry
When Michael Simonetta rejoined the family business in 1984, he thought he’d spend the rest of his career selling lettuce, cauliflower, and broccoli in Sydney, Australia’s wholesale markets. Today, he travels the world as CEO of Perfection Fresh Australia in search of the next best-tasting fresh produce – including grapes. The company Simonetta’s father founded […]
California grower McClarty talks about boosting grape consumption
You could say that Harold McClarty has grapes running through his veins. Table grapes, that is, not the wine type. Back in 1887, his great grandfather purchased the land where McClarty later grew up and, exactly a century later, founded HMC Farms. Today, the Kingsburg, California-headquartered company has grown from the original 40 acres to one […]
Rewe’s Stephan Weist brings broader perspective on global grape marketing
We have been fortunate to have Stephan Weist of Rewe in Germany participate here on the Pundit and in many of our events: Wonky Fruit, Regionality, Omni-Channel, Sustainable Packaging… All Come To The Fore In Presentation At Global Trade Symposium By Stephan Weist Of REWE Group And Patricia Brunn Of Penny Market Announcing Thought-Leader Breakfast […]
Global Grape Summit: Maude discusses how breeders, growers and retailers can build the future
Rupert Maude has worked for a major producer and a breeder, has lived and worked in producing and consuming countries, and has sold a variety of fresh produce including lettuce, almonds, garlic, and, more recently, stone fruit and table grapes. Last year, Sun World International named Maude its Brand Ambassador. This new role is one […]
Global Grape Summit 2022: From 6 continents, industry gathers to build the future
A drumroll please… Each event we do requires the generous participation of a global selection of industry experts. For 2022, we moved The Global Grape Summit from its previous location in London to Bakersfield, California, in the heart of the California grape industry. Yet the faculty comes from across the globe, from Europe to Australia, […]
