Stemilt has started packing its premium high-altitude cherries in a new Half Mile Closer to the Moon pouch bag. The cherries for this bag come from fourth generation cherry grower Kyle Mathison’s unique Amigos Orchards, which is located between 2,800 and 3,200 feet above sea level — literally a half-mile closer to the moon.

The Pear Bureau Northwest plans to continue its highly successful consumer ad campaign.

“With the goal being to engage and educate consumers about pear ripening and recipe usage, the ads will reach more than 18 million impressions this fall and winter through magazines like Cooking Light, Every Day with Rachael Ray Magazine, Bon Appetit and Weight Watchers Magazine,” Director of Communications Cristie Mather told The Produce News.

As part of its ongoing promotional and educational program, the Georgia Peach Council has launched a YouTube channel to inform consumers about one of the state’s more popular crops.

The Texas International Produce Association 2013 annual convention opened Aug. 7 at the Westin La Canterra Resort in San Antonio, TX, and continues through Aug. 9.

The agenda is loaded with high-priority issues that affect Texans, ranging from the state’s water woes amidst an ongoing drought to international food safety, labor and immigration reform.

Mr. Greens, a Miami-based produce distributor that specializes in servicing restaurants, hotels, country clubs and other foodservice establishments, has experienced tremendous growth in its second year of operation under a new owner.

Estimates for the 2013-14 Northwest fresh pear crop were revised by the Pear Bureau Northwest on May 30. According to the report, the region’s producers expect a total crop of approximately 19.836 million boxes this season, up 2 percent from the 2012-13 crop.

The estimated crop is also predicted to be 4 percent higher than the five-year average.