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Lightest California avocado harvest in decades now starting, but volume still months away

Historically, the California avocado harvest has begun in late fall and built to a peak in spring and summer. But with increasing volumes of imported fruit in the market, the tendency more recently has been to hold off until February or March, when Chilean volume is in decline, to begin picking in earnest.

This year, growers are not expected to start ramping up their harvest until even later in the year, largely because of an exceptionally small crop on the trees.

European Flavors program focuses on kiwifruit and blood oranges

The European Flavors marketing program is in its second year of a three-year effort to promote both fresh and processed fruits and vegetables grown in Europe to the United States, Russia and Japan.

The marketing efforts vary among the three target countries. Currently, in the United States, European Flavors promotes two items: kiwifruit and blood oranges, both of which are grown in Italy and approved for importation by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The Blue Book branching out

The Blue Book will begin offering its extensive credit-reporting services to the lumber and building materials industry after being selected from among a half-dozen candidates to fill a void created when a long-time credit agency for that industry ceased operations.

Since 1876, the lumber and building materials industry had relied on industry-specific credit information from an organization known as Lumbermens, according to Nicholas Kent, president and chief executive officer of the North American Wholesale Lumber Association, based in Rolling Meadows, IL.

'American Classic' cauliflower available in variety of colors

Salyer American, based in Monterey, CA, is now offering a full line of cauliflower in a variety of colors under the "American Classic" brand. Harvested fresh from Salyer American farms in California and Arizona, these varieties are available year round and are all-natural, with no artificial colors or dyes added.

Popularized by local farmers' markets, these heirloom varieties have made the jump to grocers' shelves nationwide. "American Classic" colored cauliflower can be found at select Safeway, Wal-Mart, Kroger, Albertsons, Ralphs and Dragers locations.

Combs Produce adds equity partner to facilitate growth

Combs Produce, a company that celebrated its 50th year in Dallas in 2008, has partnered with a private equity firm in a concerted effort to grow itself with regard to geography and product lines.

"We consider this a very good time to grow," Brett Combs, president of the family-run operation, told The Produce News Jan. 20. "Our business is strong - probably as strong as it has ever been."

He acknowledged that the country is going through a difficult economic time, but he said that this has not hurt business for Combs Produce.

Revamped web site offers greater value to retailers and foodservice businesses

The Produce Marketing Association's I Know Produce on-line reference library has completed a major refresh to increase its value to wholesalers, foodservice companies and retailers who are seeking to increase produce sales, lower their shrink and get the most value for their produce investment.

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