Enabling retailers to capitalize on the growing popularity of certified kosher food products, Kingsburg Orchards has introduced a new line of kosher fruit that includes peaches, plums, nectarines, Asian apple pears, Pluots, apriums, apricots, apples, persimmons, kiwifruit and avocados. The new certified kosher product line is the latest innovation from the Kingsburg, CA-based farming and marketing organization, which was among the early firms to introduce white flesh tree fruit, Asian apple pears and Pluots, including the unique "Dinosaur Egg" Pluot. Kosher fruits from Kingsburg Orchards bear

Most trends that change the landscape of produce departments evolve somewhat gradually. One major chain will make a noticeable display or arrangement change that proves successful, and soon another chain follows suit. Often the changes have their roots at small independent retailers, especially gourmet-level stores that do not have set corporate guidelines and more freedom to make creative changes. That is how, for example, produce departments were ultimately moved from the rear of stores to the front. Today it is a rare grocery store -- major chain or independent -- that does not greet its

WASHINGTON -- Produce companies have 60 days to comment on changes the U.S. Department of Agriculture is considering for the country-of-origin labeling program that goes into effect for perishables in September 2008. USDA changed key definitions for COOL when it issued a final rule for fish and shellfish, so the agency is weighing whether to extend the changes to the other commodities. Specifically, USDA is seeking comment on the new definition of processed food products, and changes to labeling, marking and recordkeeping requirements for the final rule. For example, for seafood, USDA reduced

Confidence is high among blueberry growers throughout New Jersey, and barring any unforeseen situations, growers in the state expect nothing less than a banner year. Tim Wetherbee, sales manager for Diamond Blueberries Inc., expects a very good season. His growers have recorded near normal timing with the possibility of the harvest beginning one or two days later than last year. "The mild weather experienced during the spring brought many days that were in the 50s and nights that dipped into the 40s," Mr. Wetherbee said. "Consequently, the fruit on the bushes appeared to mature a little slower

MEDFORD VILLAGE, NJ -- The Philadelphia chapter of the United Fresh Produce Association held its annual Louis Penza Sr. Memorial Golf Tournament June 8 at the Medford Village Country Club, here. More than $13,000 was raised for local charities on a day when the 88 golfers likely lost a few pounds, with temperatures in the mid-90s. Most of the players came from -- or were customers of -- the Philadelphia Regional Produce Market. Produce broker Chuck Zambito of Zambito Produce Sales in Woodbury, NJ, has worked for many years with the family owners of Pinto Bros. Inc. in Philadelphia to organize

WASHINGTON -- If it were left to U.S. House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson (D-MN), there would be little doubt that meat and produce businesses would be complying with the country-of-origin labeling law that goes into effect next year. Mr. Peterson sent a letter to the meat industry this month, asking all the groups to sit down and draft a workable system for COOL. Meat packers -- leading opponents of the labeling law -- have questioned the cost and workability of the labeling program under the U.S. Department of Agriculture's regulations. The powerful committee chairman also