The Peruvian Asparagus Importers Association has developed and is now distributing its 2007-08 Category Management Plan Outline for Fresh Peruvian Asparagus. The outline identifies market growth, trends and industry facts as well as information that will aid retailers in the marketing and promotion of Peruvian asparagus, ultimately, assisting in their efforts to increase sales. The category plan outline provides consumers with information pertaining to the nutritional value of fresh Peruvian asparagus. The plan includes market summaries, industry facts, consumer positioning, category

LeRoy Giannini, owner of Giannini Packing Corp., a pioneer in the California nectarine industry, and for 30 years chairman of the Nectarine Administrative Committee, died April 15 in a hospital in Visalia, CA, just a few miles from his home in Dinuba. He was 87. Born on May 20, 1919, Mr. Giannini earned the rank of Eagle Scout and while still in high school started work on his family's farm in Dinuba. The farming business had been started by his father and mother in 1896, making it "one of the oldest [farming operations] around," according to Jim Burnett of Giannini Packing. Mr. Giannini spent

The Federal-State Market News Service reported in mid-April that 50-pound sacks of yellow onions had an f.o.b. price near $30, while a limited supply of white onions was still topping $50 per 50-pound sack. These prices are not much different than they were six weeks ago and even before that. While the dollar figures themselves are remarkable, what makes this such a compelling story is that the market has remained at this unusually high level for such a long period of time. "We had prices like this in 2003, but they only lasted a week. We've had this market all season," said Don Ed Holmes of

WASHINGTON -- Starting the week of April 23, the Produce Marketing Association plans to activate the group's largest grassroots campaign to convince Congress of the dire labor crisis that is affecting not only producers but also every player in the produce supply chain. Dubbed "Empty Shelves, Empty Plates," the campaign is aimed at getting the produce industry -- particularly buyers -- engaged in calling on Congress to support the Agricultural Job Opportunity, Benefits & Security Act of 2007, also known as AgJOBS. While Congress may still debate comprehensive immigration reform, the produce

In response to concerns about fuel costs and the environment, Well-Pict has introduced a new packaging configuration for its four-pound strawberry clamshells that will increase shipping efficiency with more units per truckload. At 35 percent more unit density, the new clamshells will help retailers and consumers alike by achieving cheaper freight rates and reduced fuel usage without a compromise in product volume or safety. Well-Pict is committed to continued expansion of its organic lines, and the company will exhibit at the All Things Organic show in Chicago for the first time ever. Well

Earthcycle Packaging in Vancouver, BC, announced that Four Seasons Produce Inc., a leading independent U.S. produce wholesaler, will be using Earthcycle's signature compostable produce trays for its entire organic packaging program, launching on Earth Day, April 22. "We are thrilled Earthcycle has joined forces with Four Seasons' organic packaged program," Shannon Boase, president of Earthcycle, said in a press release. "This initiative aims to help consumers discover, understand and seek out good-quality organic products -- from the produce to the packaging while establishing a reliable and