New York state growers expect a great season
A hot and dry April, followed by a wet and cold May, and then finally a very hot and dry June have challenged New York state's growers so far this season, but when all is said and done, almost all expect to have great-quality crops.
"It has been a season of extremes, but overall crops are looking good," said Steve Reiners, an associate professor of horticultural sciences at Cornell University and a staff member at the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva, NY.
Paganini Foods 'gives birth' to Tropea onions
Sweet onions have long laid claim to being devoid of the acid enzyme that causes burning eyes and profuse tearing. While chefs and home cooks will tolerate the temporary discomfort if it means having onions in their recipes, many have switched to the sweet varieties to avoid the annoyance.
The Tropea onion, also touted as the "Sweet Red Onion of Tropea," lays a particularly strong claim to being the sweetest of all onions. Chefs and home cooks in the United States now have the ability to test the theory for themselves.
DiSogra to lead new nutrition policy program for United
WASHINGTON -- United Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Association has selected Lorelei DiSogra, director of the federal government's 5 A Day program for the past four years and a former Dole Food Co. executive, to join the association in the new position of vice president of nutrition and health, effective Aug. 1.
Renaissance Food Group gains presence in Florida
Retail fresh-cut specialist Renaissance Food Group announced the addition of Fruit Dynamics LLC in Naples, FL, to its fresh-cut supply chain network. Renaissance began shipping to Southeast retailers from the new location on July 1.
The new license agreement will expand Renaissance's next-day fresh-cut distribution of its "Garden Highway" line of premium quality fresh-cut fruits, vegetables and overwrap melon halves and quarters to retailers in Florida, Georgia, Alabama and South Carolina.
RETAIL VIEW: Shippers irked by retailer's back audits
Recently, a number of Western shippers received debit memos from Canada Safeway as a result of back audits that are two or three years old. Apparently, independent auditors have looked at the retailer's books including invoices, bills of lading and warehouse documentation, and determined that there were discrepancies in what was paid for and what was received. The retailer has sent debit memos to shippers covering shipments as far back as 2003.
Mexican greenhouse operators form alliance
Three Mexican greenhouse operations have joined to form a new marketing company.
Agros S.A. de C.V. in Queretaro, Cris-P Greenhouses S.A. de C.V. in Sinaloa and Sonora, and Agrizar-Comercializadora Zarattini S.A. de C.V. in Guanajuato have formed a new venture called Greenhouse Produce Co. LLC, located in Mission Valley, TX. The new organization will be marketing all greenhouse produce grown by the three independent producers and affiliated companies.
Peruvian asparagus group continues to push for progress
The Peruvian fresh asparagus import community continues to be a viable and important part of building the U.S. market for fresh asparagus, and is working diligently with its exporters to make even further progress in several areas.
The Peruvian Asparagus Importers Association recently adopted a mission statement and focused on improving the market for Peruvian fresh asparagus and serving as a facilitator for key industry issues. The mission statement will help direct activities already underway and to kick off a strong season.
PAIA promotes closer industry relationships through PMA
The Peruvian Asparagus Importers Association has joined the Produce Marketing Association to develop a closer working relationship with the various members that constitute a majority of asparagus sales in the retail and foodservice market segments.
In 2003, supermarket sales of fresh asparagus were estimated at $543 million, or more than 1 percent of total produce department sales. Sales through the foodservice sector are currently estimated at more than $200 million annually.
Mills Family Farms ramps up 'Wholeaves' interest
SALINAS, CA -- Though in its ninth year, the award-winning "Wholeaves" product line of Mills Family Farms, here, has much room for growth, say brothers Jim and Dave Mills, co-senior vice presidents of the company.
Mills has spent much time refining the production process and concentrating its "Wholeaves marketing efforts on foodservice. The Arby's restaurant chain is an example of a national foodservice account that uses the "Wholeaves line.
Spongebob Squarepants Spinach joins lineup at Boskovich Farms
Spongebob Squarepants, the beloved cartoon character, will soon appear on retail packages of Boskovich Farms spinach as "Spongebob Squarepants Spinach."
On license from Nickelodeon, Spongebob is set to make his debut during the second week of August, with rollouts in California, Dallas/Ft. Worth and Chicago markets.
The Oxnard, CA-based grower-shipper-processor of premium quality produce items is primarily targeting parents who are looking for easy ways to offer their children more nutritious foods.