New-season crop of Northwest pears expected to be up 11 percent over 2004
PORTLAND, OR -- According to figures compiled by Pear Bureau Northwest, this season's overall Northwest fresh pear crop is estimated to see an 11 percent increase over that of 2004, with Anjous predicted to be up 21 percent.
Kevin Moffitt, president and CEO of the bureau, said in late July that the 2005-06 crop estimate calls for 18.8 million 44-pound equivalents, up from 17 million in 2004. Moreover, the new crop will exceed the five-year average of 17.7 million boxes by some 6 percent.
California tomatoes could be in tight supply until mid-September
An extended heat wave in California that began on June 30 and was finally just beginning to break in mid-August caused some reduction in tomato yields and contributed to a strengthening of market prices beginning in early August.
More significantly, the heat is said to have caused bloom drop in mature greens in the San Joaquin Valley that will cause a dip in production from around mid-August through about mid-September.
New Jersey agriculture secretary tours Philadelphia market
PHILADELPHIA -- New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Charles Kuperus visited the Philadelphia Regional Produce Market, here, Aug. 16 to meet with produce distributors and tour the market.
Mr. Kuperus was hosted by broker Chuck Zambito of Zambito Produce Sales in Woodbury, NJ, and accompanied by Al Murray, director of marketing and development for the department.
Sunkist asks for trade study on oranges and lemons
WASHINGTON -- A congressional panel has asked the U.S. International Trade Commission, for the first time, to investigate and compare between U.S. and foreign suppliers the costs of producing Navel oranges and lemons.
"It has come to the attention of the Committee on Ways & Means that certain U.S. citrus growers are concerned about the competitive conditions affecting certain segments of their industry," Rep. William Thomas (R-CA), chairman of the House Ways & Means Committee, wrote in a letter to the trade commission.
Rainier-Blue Star forge new pear paths with permanent conditioning facilities
SELAH, WA -- Replacing eight portable pear conditioning rooms with four permanent facilities, Blue Star Growers and Rainier Fruit Co. are "leaping ahead of the U.S. pear industry and current technology," according to Rainier Director of Marketing Suzanne Wolter.
Ms. Wolter said in mid-July that the facility is the first of its kind in the industry, and she noted, "We see this as a long-term program.
EASTERN PERSPECTIVE: Tour of Turbana operations an enlightening opportunity
MEDELLIN, COLOMBIA -- With few exceptions, the women in downtown Medellin are dressed to kill.
In a four-day trip to Colombia, this was the closest threat to mankind that I witnessed.
This modern city -- overwhelmingly known in the United States for its dark association with the word "cartel" -- is very much alive, apparently safe and moving ahead.
Midsummer Exotic Mushroom launches in Michigan
"Fresh Morels, all year round," summed Dr. Gary Mills when explaining Midsummer Exotic Mushroom's entry into the specialty produce industry while looking over the 80-acre Scottville, MI, facility that produces the firm's "Gourmet Mix. "
Gino Scialdone, long-time Dole employee, was 75
WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA -- Dole retiree Gino Scialdone died Aug. 15 after battling Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, more commonly known as ALS or Lou Gherig's Disease. He was 75.
Mr. Scialdone retired from Dole in 2002 after more than 40 years of dedicated service.
The Oppenheimer Group promotes three
The Oppenheimer Group in Vancouver, BC, announced the promotions of three of its employees.
Industry technology leader Doug Grant's role as the company's chief information officer has been expanded to the new position of vice president and chief information officer. In addition to his IT responsibilities, Mr. Grant will direct his efforts into other areas of Oppenheimer's business, including procurement and grower relations. He has led the company's IT initiatives for over a decade.
Philadelphia changes site for new market
PHILADELPHIA -- The site for the new Philadelphia wholesale produce market has moved a mile to the south, but members of the city's wholesale produce trade are not bothered by the latest announcement regarding their future home.