The Eastern Produce Council will be hosting the John J. McAleavey Annual Gala on Saturday, April 1, at the Westmount Country Club in Woodland Park, NJ.

There will be an extended cocktail hour and dinner buffet 7-9 p.m., followed by Re-Live The Beatles: On-Stage Tribute Band. Adding to the night will be a DJ, photo booths and a dessert extravaganza.

To purchase tickets, learn about sponsorships or to reserve an ad in the EPC’s Annual Ad Journal, contact the EPC office at easternproducecouncil@gmail.com or 908/723-0645.

This annual event is the main fundraising effort of the EPC, enabling it

The Kroger Co. announced a more than $770 million incremental investment in its associates during 2023. The company will use this investment to raise average hourly rates, improve healthcare options and build new training and development opportunities.

"Our associates enable our success, and we are committed to investing in theirs," said Rodney McMullen, Kroger's chairman and CEO. "For so many Kroger represents a first job, a new beginning or a change in career path. Continuing to raise wages and provide excellent benefits to our associates is one way we demonstrate how much we value and

Born of necessity because of a Listeria outbreak in the apple industry, a Canadian-based company has developed and is offering a 30-second innovative waterless technology to kill up to 99.99 percent of pathogens on virtually any fruit or vegetable.

The Clēan Works process uses vaporized hydrogen peroxide, ozone and ultraviolet light to eliminate the harmful pathogens and mold. Michele Visser, vice president of sales and marketing for the company, which is headquartered in St. Catharine’s, ON, said the food-safety solution is very versatile offering the opportunity for utilization by growers

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has filed an administrative complaint against James Corrado Inc., doing business as Corrado Specialty Goods and Corrado’s Wine Grapes Inc., for alleged violations of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act.

The company, operating from New Jersey and doing business as Corrado Specialty Goods, allegedly failed to make payment promptly to 12 produce sellers in the amount of $1.1 million from April 2020 through May 2022. The company, operating from New Jersey and doing business as Corrado’s Wine Grapes Inc. allegedly failed to make payment promptly to three

The Idaho Potato Commission is partnering with Van Leeuwen, a New York-based nationally beloved brand known for its made-from-scratch dairy and vegan ice creams, to create a limited-edition ice cream representing one of America’s favorite food pairings: Idaho potato French fries and milkshakes.

The limited-edition malted milkshake flavored ice cream with French fry bites is available to purchase through Van Leeuwen’s website and in all scoop shops in Los Angeles and New York.

A recent national survey identified Idaho potato French fries and milkshakes as one of the most irresistible flavor

Mother Nature continues to play tricks. I mean, who doesn’t expect snow in Southern California? Reports from the West Coast suggest the inclement weather is having the biggest effect on commodities such as lettuce, cauliflower, broccoli and celery.

Cauliflower prices specifically are up 8 percent over the previous week to $32. “In a few weeks, cauliflower markets will shift focus from western Arizona, to central California,” said Mark Campbell, founder and CEO of ProduceIQ. “A good bit of price volatility can be expected from cauliflower markets.”

He said celery prices are relatively stable