Dole Fresh Vegetables Co. has announced its new "Restaurant Ready" asparagus. With foodservice operators seeking a more convenient, value-driven asparagus pack, Dole said it rose to the challenge and created a new product that eliminates both prep time and waste.

This new item is hand-selected fresh asparagus -- already cut to a tip form, thoroughly washed and packed in a patent-protected, breathable microwave-ready bag, ready to serve in as little as six minutes.

The latest issue in the seemingly unending list of bad news for Florida's once $9 billion-dollar-a-year citrus industry is that about 90 percent of the state's nurseries that grow and nurture young citrus trees may have to close their businesses.

Global Horizons, a supplier of foreign guest workers, has sued a Delano, CA-based blueberry grower and two labor contractors, claiming that the use of illegal immigrants has resulted in unfair competition.

FRESNO, CA -- A group of Canadian retailers and some representatives from a Canadian foodservice supplier visited California in early August as guests of the California Tomato Commission on a trade mission to learn more about the California tomato industry and establish or strengthen relationships with some California growers and shippers.

CHICAGO -- National apple production looks to be 6 percent lower than last year and 1 percent lower than the five-year average, according to figures released by the U.S. Apple Association at its annual Apple Crop Outlook & Marketing Conference, held here Aug. 17-18.

GATINEAU, QC -- Over 400 members, partners and guests of the Quebec Produce Marketing Association descended on the Hilton Lac Leamy, here, for the association's 59th annual convention Aug. 17-19.