Blue Book, United Fresh and Calavo Growers

Jun. 06, 2011

We are pleased to announce our new partnership with Blue Book Online Services! The agreement means Blue Book Members will have access to ANUK video content through the company’s “News View.” News View is a tool designed to conveniently research industry headline news articles provided by third party companies. Jim Carr, president and chief executive of Blue Book Services stated, “The collaboration will serve our mutual customers well by making it quicker and easier to evaluate current or prospective business connections.” Everyone at And Now U Know is excited to start this new business relationship.

The Supreme Court recently upheld an Arizona law mandating all employers in the state to use E-Verify, which was previously voluntary nationwide. E-Verify is a federal employment eligibility verification system. The court also upheld the state’s law to revoke the licenses of businesses that hire illegal immigrants. United Fresh Senior Vice President of Public Policy Robert Guenther commented in response to the ruling, “Providing Americans with access to an abundant supply of nutritious fruits and vegetables requires that producers have access to a legal workforce. United Fresh and the produce industry support the adoption of a consistent federal labor eligibility standard, including a workable guest worker program, to meet these critical labor needs.”

Calavo Growers has signed an agreement to acquire Renaissance Food Group, a fresh-food company that produces, markets and distributes products nationally. Lee Cole, Calavo’s Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, said “Our acquisition of Renaissance Food Group and its outstanding Garden Highway brand represents a transformational step forward for Calavo. RFG will be a key growth driver of our company’s expansion in the fresh refrigerated packaged goods category in both the retail produce and deli departments.” According to a press release, the transaction is for both cash and stock, including earn-out payments based on financial performance and was expected to close June 1st.