New grape research spurs spring rush
The latest version of the Sonora Spring Grape industry's exclusive GrapeTRAX category trend study was discussed at a meeting of about 70 growers and shippers in Hermosillo, Mexico, the first week in April. Hosted by the Sonora Grape Growers Association (AALPUM) in partnership with its Nogales, AZ-based distributor members of the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas, this was the second year the industry has reunited prior to the season.
Apple industry joins groups in urging CAFTA-DR vote
WASHINGTON " More than 50 groups rallied on Capitol Hill, along with Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns, to urge approval of the Free Trade Agreement with Central America and the Dominican Republic, known as CAFTA-DR, as Congress began hearings on the controversial trade pact.
Sonora Spring Grapes program expands to smaller retail chains
Now in its eighth year, the merchandising and promotion program for Sonora Spring Grapes has been highly successful, resulting in broader acceptance of Mexican-grown grapes by U.S. retailers, according to Veronica Kraushaar, president of Vanguard Marketing Strategies.
Those programs, which initially focused on major chains, are now being expanded to regional chains and even to smaller ethnic groups.
Calif. onions expected down due to rain
The 2005 California onion harvest is expected to kick off in the Imperial Valley in late April, a few days later than normal, with good quality but smaller sizes expected and volume lighter than usual due to weather.
A similar situation is anticipated later in the season as the onion harvest moves north into the central San Joaquin Valley.
Oppenheimer extends Mexican grape season with new growers
With the addition of two new growers, The Oppenheimer Group is forecasting its longest and most strategic Mexican grape season to date.
This year marks the fifth season that Vancouver, BC-based Oppenheimer will represent grapes grown by the Platt Bros. in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico. This year, Oppenheimer has added a second grower in that area, Vi?edo Monte Cristo, as well as Vi?edo Maribel in Caborca, a city located northwest of Hermosillo.
Chilean fruit season to set new volume records
Sometimes those issues that seem to be a problem turn out just fine. So it has gone for those in the Chilean fruit business this year.
Rain early in the season harmed the cherry harvest, and for grapes and other items, it reduced export levels through the season?s first couple of months. The industry began to rebound in February, and has come on so strongly that this will become a record year for Chilean export volumes to the United States, Tom Tjerandsen, managing director of the Chilean Fresh Fruit Association in Sacramento, CA, told The Produce News April 11.
John Schouten accepts newly created role at Ready Pac Produce
Ready Pac in Irwindale, CA, has announced that John Schouten has joined the executive team in the newly created role of executive vice president and chief operating officer, reporting directly to Larry Kern, president and chief executive officer.
Fran Boetes leaves Brooks to start his own firm
Fran Boetes, who oversaw sales, marketing, transportation and fruit purchasing for Brooks Tropicals as senior vice president of marketing and sales, left the company March 31 to begin his own management strategy and marketing consulting firm, Frans H. Boetes LLC, based in Miami.
2005 Mexican grape season looking similar to banner 2003 season
Last year was not a particularly good year for Mexican grapes, according to shippers and distributors in Nogales, AZ, who handle the products. Volume was down, and quality was problematic at times. But two years ago was another matter. That, they say, was a banner year, with a combination of strong volume and outstanding quality that resulted in strong demand. This year, there is an air of optimism among marketers of Mexican grapes as it appears that the 2005 crop will be very similar to 2003 with regard to both volume and quality.
Reinvigorated Vidalia Onion Committee stays focused on consumers
VIDALIA, GA " "My focus and the focus of the committee is the consumer, and if they ask their produce manager for Vidalias, they will bring them in," said Jeffery Hall, manager of the Vidalia Onion Committee, here.
And he has big plans to reach consumers, making heavy use of television appearances and magazine coverage.