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

Ship date set for 2015 Vidalia onion season

Following the recommendation of the Vidalia Onion Advisory Panel, Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary W. Black has announced April 27 as the official shipping date for the 2015 Vidalia onion marketing season.

The 16-grower panel made the recommendation to the commissioner during a meeting held at the Vidalia Onion & Vegetable Research Center in Lyons, GA.

“The meeting was very productive,” Bo Herndon of Herndon Farms and chairman of the advisory panel said in a press release. “All members of the panel were represented and I believe we came to the best possible outcome. “

Any Vidalia onions shipped prior to April 27 must undergo a Federal-State Inspection certifying that the onions have met the established grade requirements and are under “Positive Lot Identification” as approved by the Federal-State Inspection Service. Baby Vidalia onions with greens attached may also be shipped earlier in the season.

Growers settled on the April 27 date after discussion focused on historical and scientific data regarding maturity, this year’s weather effects and market opportunity. Growers agreed that starting too early would be detrimental to the Vidalia brand.

"The worst thing we can do is start too early,” Brett McLain of McLain Farms said in the press release. “In the past we’ve done just that and have shipped immature onions and it has just about ruined our industry. And that is what we have been working with the commissioner to avoid, and I think this date will help us accomplish that.”

The later date will allow for more inspection to assure the quality and maturity of the onions meets marketing standards.

“In the past we’ve had quite a few problems while inspecting the early onions, and some growers have had to throw away quite a few onions due to immaturity,” Mike Sutton with the Georgia Federal-State Inspection Service said in the release. “With last year’s later pack date, we didn’t have near the immaturity issues, and the overall quality of the early onions was the best we’ve seen.”

After hearing from the growers, Black agreed with the April 27 ship date.

“We are pleased to once again work with our growers in the setting of this date to bring consumers the quality and unique taste of the Vidalia onion brand that they expect and deserve,” Black said in the release.

Print
Read more

A crisp standard that redefines organic freshness

In the organic produce category, cucumbers are expected to deliver freshness, crunch, and reliability. While that sounds straightforward, achieving it at scale across seasons and retail environments is complex. Quality can vary with growing conditions, making dependable performance a defining factor in shopper trust and repeat purchase behavior.

CPMA advances action to reduce food loss and waste

The Canadian Produce Marketing Association is advancing a coordinated, sector-led response to food loss and waste, focused on practical policy, industry collaboration and targeted investment to unlock environmental and economic value across Canada’s fresh produce supply chain.

Walmart goes with the nuclear option

Walmart and Constellation announced a long-term nuclear power purchase agreement for emissions-free electricity from Constellation’s Dresden Clean Energy Center in Illinois. The agreement includes approximately 176 megawatt of wholesale supply, including 30 megawatt of expanded generating capacity.

Naturipe delivers record volumes of premium blueberries

Naturipe is heading into the heart of blueberry season with plenty of fruit and some of the best quality it has seen in years. Its northern region crops across New Jersey, Michigan and the Pacific Northwest are producing excellent conventional and organic blueberries, with particularly strong supplies of Mighty Blues and Sweet Selections available throughout the season.

Hy-Vee to host supplier summit

Hy-Vee Inc. will host this year’s Hy-Vee Opportunity Supplier Impact Summit Sept. 9-10 at Hy-Vee corporate headquarters in West Des Moines, IA.

The Opportunity Supplier Impact Summit provides small businesses and entrepreneurs with valuable resources and gives them a chance to pitch their products directly to Hy-Vee category managers.

Titan Farms celebrates America’s 250th birthday with limited-time America’s Peach Box

Titan Farms is bringing back its America’s Peach Box for a limited time, giving retailers a unique opportunity to celebrate peak peach season alongside America’s 250th birthday.

Now being packed and shipped to select retailers, the America-themed boxes will be available in stores for a limited time through mid-July. With peach volume typically at its highest around the Fourth of July, America’s Peach Box offers a timely way to support customers, drive excitement in the produce department, and create seasonal displays that stand out.

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