New apple health retail promotion launches
WENATCHEE, WA A new apple retail point-of-sale promotion will launch this fall, and based on experience, it promises a sales lift to go with it.
The Amazing Apple campaign will begin appearing in stores across the country this fall. Created by Get Fit Foods and sponsored by Washington state apple packers who represent a majority of that state's apple crop, the new campaign taps into consumers growing interest in living healthier, longer lives to increase apple consumption and sales.
Citrus states ban South African clementines in wake of larvae finds
On June 16, USDA inspectors at the Needles Border Station in Needles, CA, discovered live false codling moth larvae in a clementine contained in a shipment of the fruit from South Africa. The inspectors also discovered one dead larva in the same shipment.
On June 20, another single live larva was discovered, also at the Needles Border Station. A complete investigation of the shipment revealed another dozen dead larvae, but no other live insects were found.
Group formed to boost awareness of Campari tomatoes
The Campari Marketing Group, made up of BC Hothouse in Surrey, BC, Eurofresh Farms in Willcox, AZ, and Mastronardi Produce in Leamington, ON, represents all the Campari tomato production in North America, which is more than 50 million pounds annually.
A Campari tomato is a cocktail-size tomato, typically sold on the vine in a single-layer clamshell package. Camparis are one of the better-tasting tomatoes in the market, but consumer awareness of this particular tomato variety is still low.
Produce Alliance adds Colorado member
Federal Fruit & Produce Co., which was founded in 1946 and services Colorado, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming from its Denver headquarters, has become the newest member of Produce Alliance.
Dole executive chosen to lead Sun World
Sun World International LLC, one of California's larger vertically integrated agricultural corporations, announced the appointment of Bruce C. Burton as chief executive officer, effective July 18.
Fresh Express CEO says company 'excited' about acquisition
With the acquisition of Salinas, CA-based Fresh Express by Chiquita Brands International completed, the real work of melding Fresh Express into a Chiquita subsidiary can begin.
New Vidalia manager on board
Jeffery Hall, manager of the Vidalia Onion Committee in Vidalia, GA, stepped down June 30 to pursue an opportunity with National Onion Labs in Collins, GA. Set to fill the position, effective July 11, is Wendy Brannen, who has experience in television news and advertising, and a family in the agriculture industry.
"I have predominantly worked as a news journalist" in Florida, Alabama and Mississippi. Ms. Brannen told The Produce News. Before taking this manager position with the committee, she had been working as an advertising executive for Northland Cable.
Agretti carving out shelf and menu space in major U.S. cities
Even if you are familiar with Agretti, describing it is challenging to say the least. What would grass look like if it were round and tubular-shaped, and at a height that would beckon you to rev up the lawn mower? Or, imagine fennel greens, but with thicker, slightly longer leaves. Conjure up the idea of a flavor that is like spinach, but milder, with maybe a bit of a chive aftertaste and a slightly salty undertone.
Sorry, but these are as accurate descriptions as even farmers who grow it are able to offer.
WTO rules against Japan on apple restrictions
Northwest Fruit Exporters is hoping the latest World Trade Organization ruling that struck down Japan's import restrictions for U.S. apples as scientifically unjustified will hold the key to easing restrictions in other lucrative markets.
"This is a solid victory for the U.S. apple industry," said U.S. Trade Representative Rob Portman. The WTO panels clear and well-reasoned decision sets a scientifically based standard to be used by Japan and other countries. Japan has unfairly used unscientific restrictions to block U.S. apple exports for years.
Bruce C. Burton named CEO of Sun World
BAKERSFIELD, CA -- Sun World International LLC, one of California's largest vertically integrated agricultural corporations, announced July 1 the appointment of Bruce C. Burton as chief executive officer, effective July 18.