Just in time for the spring peak season, Ocean Mist Farms artichokes will be advertised in Shape magazine in May. Ocean Mist Farms, based in Castroville, CA, is investing in advertising the spring crop this year in order to reach an important demographic that aligns with the artichoke consumer profile, according to Kori Tuggle, marketing manager for Ocean Mist. "Shape is America's premier health and fitness magazine geared toward women who want to look and feel good about themselves and their lifestyle," Ms. Tuggle said in an April 12 press release. "Shape provides tips on healthy living

LAS VEGAS, NV -- Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush kicked off the United Fresh Produce Association's 2010 convention and expo Tuesday afternoon, April 20, at the Sands Expo & Convention Center, here. In his address to the produce industry during Tuesday's general session at United Fresh 2010, Mr. Bush reminded the assembled attendees of the work left to do to guide the industry out of the recent economic doldrums into a more prosperous environment. Outlining each of a five-point plan for economic recovery, Mr. Bush emphasized the importance of a sound and practical tax code, including the role of

More than 100 key stakeholders in obesity prevention from academia, community groups, government and industry, including United Fresh President and Chief Executive Officer Tom Stenzel, gathered in early April at the White House to discuss the growing epidemic of child obesity and ways to combat it. After hearing from the first lady, Michelle Obama, the meeting afforded an opportunity to talk with the Obama administration's task force members, and then break into working groups on four separate challenges the task force will address: increasing access to healthy foods, increasing physical

Spring has brought good weather and a promise of increased supplies of onions, mangos and limes, but for each of those crops, to one degree or another, supply is still outstripped by demand, and strong markets prevail. The onion market by far is the strongest. In fact, on Wednesday, April 7, cartons and bags of jumbo white onions were selling for as much as $65, an almost unheard of price, except it has been a hot market since February, with each week seemingly setting new records for high prices. And while there will be some relief in the sweet onion market, whites should stay red hot for

Crunch Pak, maker of sliced fresh apples, will introduce additions to its "Apple Snackers" line at the United Fresh Produce Association show, which was scheduled for April 21-22 in Las Vegas. "Apple Snackers" are nutritious snacks that contain interesting combinations of fruits and other sides, such as dips and cheese, in a mini-tray. Crunch Pak now makes fresh "Apple Snackers" choices that include apples, cheese and grapes; apples, cheese and pretzels; and apples, cheese and caramel. The line additions include combinations of apples, peanut butter and raisins; apples with caramels and

Pete Aiello is looking forward to late April. Mr. Aiello, general manager of Uesugi Farms Inc., said that this is when the Gilroy, CA-based grower-packer-shipper will kick off its Bell pepper deal, and he expected this to be when the "high green and red Bell pepper market will come back down to earth." "Markets should normalize when California really gets going with some volume," Mr. Aiello told The Produce News April 7. "We'll have red Bell peppers by the end of May in Coachella [CA]." Uesugi Farms has expanded its Euro display pack line to fulfill the increased demand for place-packed