Fresh Cut Produce Newsroom

F&S Obtains "Organic Certification"

F&S is pleased to announce that we are now certified to process organic produce. We currently process a variety of organic fruit and vegetable products. In addition, we are fully capable of supplying a diverse line of processed produce under certified organic.

Groundbreaking At F&S Facility Number Two

New addition at FS II will add approximately 10,000 square feet to the interior capacity. The area will be used for warehousing of packing goods and for the increased efficiency of our IQF line operation. Also we will extend our exterior space by approximately 5,000 square feet to accommodate our pepper brining operation and barrel yard. An overhead lean-to will cover this area.

Ryan J. Sparrow Named General Manager

With the rapid growth of F&S Produce and the prospect of managing our growing company in the future, we are pleased to announce the appointment of Ryan J. Sparrow as General Manager.

Offering a rare blend of creative, operational, and technical skills, Ryan has achieved exciting company and product turnarounds and is recognized for his success in growing sales and profits.

His vision and expertise in the fresh cut produce sector has driven notable enterprise growth.
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What's New At F&S

F&S has developed a proprietary system to freeze fresh vegetables, I.Q.F. According to owner, Sam Pipitone, this system is a great way to meet the needs of some commercial accounts, which prefer the convenience that frozen products offer.

The I.Q.F. production line is capable of and is currently processing 65,000 pounds of produce in a single shift. Initial offering this season are peppers, carrots and onions, frozen than packed in boxes and totes.

Vegetable Medley Trays Hit Your Local Shelves

F&S Produce introduces a new line of microwave-ready “Vegetable Medley Trays”. Available at your local retailers, choices include succulent and delicious blends in Italian Style, Garden Style, and Original Vegetable Medleys.

Enjoy the classic blends of mushrooms, carrots, onions, zucchini, yellow squash, bell peppers, and sugar snap peas. Our trays are designed for your microwave oven and are ready-to-serve in five minutes.

Guilt-free food, less than six grams of carbs... that’s good value, good sense.

Fresh Cut Produce Just Got Better

F & S launches production of fresh-cut fruit using Modified Atmosphere Packaging. The MAP process involves the exchange of gases in a package to extend shelf life. Using cutting-edge MAP processes F&S is able to extend fresh cut fruit shelves by two to three times while maintaining important characteristics such as appearance, flavor, odor and texture.

This means that customers have fresh, wholesome fruit that can be sold and served for longer periods - more value and less waste.

Produce buyers looking for something new to add to their stores are invited contact Sam Burleson . Come see how a new technology can add value to the products you offer and what MAP can do for you.

Sister company - Pipco upgrades fleet.

Pipco Transportation brings in the New Year with purchase of eight Volvo semi trucks and ten Great Dane refrigerated trailers. The move is an effort to keep with the recent technical advancements in modern truck and trailer equipment.

In-house trucking by Pipco, insures your F & S orders maintain the same standards of quality control and temperature range from processing to delivery.

Pipco supports itself with a fleet of fifteen trucks pulling reefer, dry van, and flatbed trailers. If you need something moved, call Pipco at 856-451-3212. Pipco has full ICC rights.

Surge In Growth For The Year

As the year ends, F&S reports production of fresh cut fruit and fresh cut produce rose by more than 33%. Owner and CEO Sam Pipitone claims, "adding a new production facility as well as a new product line is mostly responsible for the growth."

So what's new at F & S? Our plant, FS 2, outfitted to produce wholesale club/retail fresh cut fruit and veggie trays.

You can find our products in the produce sections of select wholesale clubs and supermarkets in the Northeast.

Groundbreaking

F & S Produce Company breaks ground this month, expanding their main plant, "FS 1". The expansion, which will isolate some of the fresh cut processing, is well underway.

According to Dr. Nicoll, PhD, our new room will "increase product flow" and "promote better food safety" by separating the work of cleaning and preparing from production and packaging.

The 100,000-dollar project is expected to be operational by winter's end.

Introducing Dr. Doug Nicoll

Dr. Douglas Nicoll, PhD., our Technical Services Director and Microbiologist, has been with F&S for three years now and prior to that was the VP of technical services for a scientific glass manufacturer.

Dr. Nicoll has earned a BS degree from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst campus, and a Masters and PhD degrees from the University of Washington, Seattle; all in Microbiological Science.

He has further developed F&S's Quality Assurance systems, insuring sanitary conditions and guaranteeing that wholesome, fresh cut produce products are manufactured.

Doug has additionally been HACCP trained, is an active member of the Institute of Food Technologists and the American Society for Quality and has attended the Better Process Control School seminar.

Reach For That Healthier Snack

October 6, 2003

F&S Produce company now offers a line of Ready-To-Grab Vegetable Trays. All trays are hand cut to order.

Each tray consists of four or five different varieties of fresh cut vegetables. The vegetable trays are packed with two or three dressing dip cups and are available in medium and large sizes.

Perfect for cocktail party crudités and for individuals seeking healthier, alternative snack items.

Pass the Sweetness

October 5, 2003

F&S Produce now offers a line of Ready-To-Grab Cut Fruit Trays. Each tray has four different varieties of fresh cut fruit.

Our trays are hand cut to order and packed with two cream cheese dipping cups.

They are available in medium and large sizes. These trays make for a convenient, light, after-meal dessert.

Healthy eating, sure to please the sweet tooth in everyone.