IMG Citrus to market fruit for Hogan & Sons
IMG Citrus to market fruit for Hogan & Sons
IMG Citrus Inc., based in Vero Beach, FL, signed an agreement with Hogan & Sons Inc., also of Vero Beach, whereby IMG will be the exclusive North American marketing agent for the 2012-13 season.
"Hogan & Sons has been in business since the 1930s," said Matt Kastensmidt, domestic sales manager for IMG, told The Produce News. "The company has an impeccable reputation, and they do an outstanding job of packing Indian River citrus, especially grapefruit."
The agreement will give IMG Citrus, which was founded in 1979, the additional volume needed to service more quality-conscious wholesalers and retailers across North America.
Mr. Kastensmidt said that IMG Citrus is a fully integrated Florida citrus company that has a steadfast commitment to the long-term viability of the Florida citrus industry.
"IMG believes the best days for Florida citrus are in the future, and we are fully committed," he said. "The grapefruit produced in Florida, especially in the Indian River region, is by far the best quality grapefruit produced in the world."
IMG is fully integrated Florida citrus company. It farms, packs and markets all citrus categories produced in the state, including grapefruit, tangerines and oranges. Its targets quality-conscious retailers and wholesalers throughout North America.
Mr. Kastensmidt acknowledged the challenges that Florida citrus growers face today.
"By far the biggest obstacle is the [Huanglongbing] greening disease, which is spread by the small psyllid insect," he said. "We use every precautionary measure available, and we continue to rely on science to help us fight off this and other citrus-related diseases.
"Despite the challenges, Florida produces the best-quality citrus in the world, and we're in for the long term," Mr. Kastensmidt continued. "Our agreement with Hogan & Sons is just one more indication of that commitment."
