Going into the mid-summer months, which is typically when Chinese garlic makes its presence known, reflected in the U.S. f.o.b. price, the U.S. garlic market is strong and should remain so for the foreseeable future.

"There is 25-30 percent less garlic in China than there was at this time last year," said John Wang of Canada Garlic Inc. in Toronto.

Maxco Supply Inc. in Parlier, CA, has announced the release of its new micro flute tri-wall container, which it said is stronger, lighter and more eco- friendly than other produce containers.

Another important characteristic of the new tri-wall configuration is the smooth exterior created by using micro flutes.

These micro flutes virtually eliminate flute lines, allowing for cleaner, brighter graphics and printing. This will allow for even better-looking packaging to grab consumers' attention.

You see a sign in the produce department on a display reading, "Homegrown Sweet Corn." What immediately enters your mind?

The corn must taste great, having just been picked from a nearby farm. The word "homegrown" influences your brain, which selects, organizes and deciphers the information from the sign and develops a meaning. That particular meaning results in a certain psychological feeling. It's all part of perception.

The 2009 grape harvest in California's San Joaquin Valley, home to the preponderance of fresh-market grape vineyards in the United States, got off to a faster-than-expected start, with many shippers saying that their first Flames were ready to harvest with full color, full sugar and good berry size a week or more sooner than anticipated.

The phenomenon occurred not just in the traditionally early districts at the southern end of the valley but north through Delano and up into the Reedley and Fresno areas.

MONTEREY, CA -- Is it possible to double the consumption of fresh produce in foodservice venues over the next 10 years?

The opening session of the Produce Marketing Association's Foodservice Conference & Exposition, here, Saturday, July 25, dealt with a collaborative initiative among three industry associations with exactly that objective.

WASHINGTON -- The California Leafy Greens Handler Marketing Agreement got an airing on Capitol Hill July 29, and the publicity was not all good.

Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-OH), chairman of the House Oversight & Government Reform Subcommittee, held an afternoon hearing to air his concerns with the 2007 marketing agreement as the U.S Department of Agriculture considers whether to implement it nationwide.