Produce News Facebook  Produce News Twitter  Produce News LinkedIn  Produce News Instagram

Paul Dolan: Red potatoes have seen slow seasonal starts

"It seems like the last couple of years, the red deal has lost a little bit of ground early on due to heavy russet movement," said red potato grower- packer-shipper Paul Dolan, manager of Associated Potato Growers Inc., which has offices and warehouses in Grand Forks, ND.

Randy Boushey: Strong commodity prices are boosting red potato prices

While Red River Valley red potato growers have enjoyed "fairly strong markets for the last few years, there have been struggles producing what you would call a normal to large crop," according to Randy Boushey, general manager of A&L Potato Co., located in E. Grand Forks, MN.

Peatland Reds to resume packing in mid-January

In mid-January, Peatland Reds Inc., located in Trail, MN, will be "cranking up" its red potato packing operation again. The company took a break from packing in December to install a new “Odenberg” automated grader. It was a good time to take a break, too, noted Dennis Magnell, the firm's manager and a partner, because prices were expected to rise and it was difficult to find truck transportation in December.

Northern Valley Growers anticipates early finish

"We have had a fantastic year as far movement," said Cory Seim, a salesman for Northern Valley Growers, a red potato grower-shipper based in Hoople, ND.

Mr. Seim told The Produce News Dec. 24 that good prices have stayed and that “we are looking for an early finish. A lot of sheds in the valley are. We moved record amounts in October and November, so it was a very good year. I hope to finish in the middle of March. Typically, we go usually until around May 1.”

How to plan for Valentine's Day? Treat it like a vacation

Valentine's Day is almost a month away, but the rush is in full swing with its fast pace and frenetic demands. It’s time to sharpen our problem-solving skills so we can service our customers throughout the floral supply chain.

Valentine’s Day is the biggest floral sales event of the year. It puts a strain on the entire system, but supermarket floral departments can capitalize on this seasonal windfall by detailed planning and accurate forecasting. In other words, solve small problems before they turn into big ones.

'Sunkist Smiles' debuts to rave reviews

Sunkist's easy-peeling "Sunkist Smiles" clementines and mandarins are greeting shoppers this winter in a variety of new, brightly colored packaging.

The fruit is packed with nutritional benefits. Two clementines have 290 percent the recommended daily value of vitamin C and 400 milligrams of potassium. The medium-sized fruit, which has a smooth, glossy, deep- orange exterior, separates easily into eight to 12 juicy segments that taste of apricot nectar.

Copyright © 2025 The Produce News • Covering Fresh Produce Around the Globe Since 1897