Ronnie Cohen, one of the partners at Vision Import Group in River Edge, NJ, has a vision. He sees a time in the future when mangos will sell at retail in the same volume and velocity as bananas. Bananas have long been not only the top tropical fruit in the produce department, but the top produce item overall.

In recent years, several other items — including bagged lettuce and strawberries — have competed for domination of the U.S. produce department, and Mr. Cohen thinks mangos can be in the same race.

The Crisantes family has long been a player in the production of Mexican produce for U.S. consumption, and for the past decade, it has focused its attention on the organic sector. And over the last several years, that has included a significant increase in its offerings of organic mangos.

Stemilt Growers Inc., headquartered in Wenatchee, WA, will again offer 100 percent organic peach and nectarine crops in 2011. “We feel like we’re going to have a good crop,” said Director of Marketing Roger Pepperl. “The peaches and nectarines set well.”

With sales and marketing of its stone fruit again handled in-house, E.W. Brandt & Sons Inc. in Wapato, WA, is looking at later but busy seasons for its cherries, apricots, peaches, nectarines, prunes, pluots, Donut peaches and nectarines.

Sales Manager Joe Brandt said in late May that cherries will start June 18 this year and run through late July. The first loads will go out a week to 10 days later than in years past, he said.

Keith Horder, director of business development for L&M Cos. in Union Gap, WA, said that the company will market a highly promotable stone fruit crop this season.

And the number one consideration during production is ensuring that the fruit meets the high flavor profile consumers have come to expect from Washington product.

“The Northwest prides itself on having flavorful fruit,” he told The Produce News May 24.

CENTER, CO — As the 2010-11 shipping season winds down, Cañon Potato Co., here, is looking ahead to the new season and a focus on private labels.

According to Cañon President David Tonso, the company is “continuing to develop our own ‘Rocky Mountain’ label, and we’re packing select private labels for customers as well.”

Mr. Tonso said that “Rocky Mountain” will represent Cañon and that the shed will discontinue shipping under lesser-used labels.