SunnyRidge Farm, based in Winter Haven, FL, and Viverosur, based in Curico, Chile, signed an agreement designed to further the raspberry industry in Mexico. Under the agreement, SunnyRidge Farm will have license to produce the new Amira raspberry variety in Mexico.

Tanimura & Antle, a third-generation family-owned-and-operated produce shipper based in Salinas, CA, is running a product promotion this fall titled Salad Smarts to support two healthy-eating school initatives: Let’s Move Salad Bars to Schools and Freggie’s children’s programs.

During the course of the three-month promotion, Tanimura & Antle will promote each cause through various communication efforts including new high-impact packaging, in-store graphic materials, print and on-line trade and a promotional web site featuring its Artisan lettuce.

FoodLink, an on-line network for fresh food retailers, wholesalers and suppliers, announced Aug. 10 that Price Chopper Supermarkets, based in Schenectady, NY, has selected FoodLink as its on-line commerce platform for sourcing and managing perishable goods across 128 stores in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania and Vermont.

Del Monte Fresh Produce recently finished phase one of its new greenhouse project and is now producing and shipping “Del Monte” brand premium beefsteak tomatoes and tomatoes-on-the-vine from Guatemala to North America.

Phase one included construction of 16 hydroponic greenhouses, covering nearly 25 acres, a packing plant, and other supporting facilities in Jalapa, Guatemala.

Potandon Produce LLC, a leading potato and onion shipper headquartered in Idaho Falls, ID, was named exclusive sales agent for Campbell Farms in Grafton, ND. In addition to growing operations in North Dakota, Campbell Farms produces potatoes in Florida and Minnesota.

Potandon Produce is a full-line supplier of potatoes and onions. The company works with more than 60 domestic co-packers and nine Canadian co-packers to fill the pipeline. Potandon has more than 35,000 acres in cultivation in Idaho and is a domestic leader with a 10 percent market share.

DEMAND

Demand for California melons continues to outpace light supplies. Persistent heat in the Midwest and along the East Coast could stress the local leaf crops and divert demand back to California.

TRANSPORTATION & FUEL

Truck availability on the West Coast is adequate. Freight rates should remain near the summer season’s peak heading into early August.