Watermelon pricing, movement update
On April 5 the National Watermelon Promotion Board released a snapshot of watermelon movement based upon market data collated by the AMS Market News Portal. "After a brief lull, it looks like Mexico is back to their average production if not a tick higher," said Jason Hanselman, the board's industry affairs associate. "Price has fallen off a bit from the highs seen during the lull, but are in line with the average for this time of year."
Del Monte Fresh Produce to showcase fresh cut fruit and vegetables at CPMA expo
Del Monte Fresh Produce will be showcasing the fresh cut fruit and vegetable line from its distribution facility in Oshawa, Ontario, at the Canadian Produce Marketing Association’s Annual Convention & Trade Show in Calgary on April 12-14.
“Del Monte” brand fresh cut products are prepared and packaged in its facilities, which are equipped with state-of-the-art processing equipment.
“Our facilities operate under strict food-safety and quality management systems,” said Dionysios Christou, vice president of marketing for Del Monte Fresh Produce.
The Little Potato Co. announces new U.S. head office and plant
The Little Potato Co. announced its plan to develop and operate a new $20 million U.S. head office and processing facility in DeForest near Madison, WI. This new facility will supplement the company’s Canadian head office and plant in Edmonton.
Southern Specialties anticipates smooth movement and transition with Southern Selects blueberries in its Florida deal
By around mid-April, Pompano Beach, FL-based Southern Specialties expects to be in the full swing of its Florida blueberry deal.
“That’s just about the time when we should start seeing decent volumes,” said Charlie Eagle, vice president of business development.
Eagle spoke with The Produce News in late March, soon after the Southeast Produce Council Southern Exposure event. He noted the great success of the conference and expo.
NWPB creates new promotional campaigns in 2016
This year the National Watermelon Promotion Board plans to build upon its program of successful promotional activities. "In 2016, we are focusing on educating our traditional target, busy moms as well as the fitness-focused about the nutritional benefits of watermelon -- whether as a recovery option after an intense workout or as a healthy, delicious way to fuel the family," said Stephanie Barlow, senior director of communications. "We are driving watermelon's health halo as a main motivator to purchase and targeting the fitness/health/nutrition crowd heavily."
IFCO North America appoints Martinez and Kelly to key roles
IFCO, the leading global provider of reusable packaging solutions, announced the appointment of industry veterans Fortunato Martinez and Craig Kelly to its North American business unit. Martinez will serve as vice president of commodity management and Kelly will serve as vice president of grower sales.
Maggie G wraps up business on the Viva Fresh floor
SAN ANTONIO, TX -- With 170 exhibitors and more than 1,500 attendees, there was enough happening on the show floor at the 2016 Viva Fresh Expo, held March 31-April 2 at the JW Marriot Hill Country Resort & Spa here, to keep people looking for a week.
South Florida growers rebounding from unprecedented winter rains
If anything characterizes conditions during early production for Florida's southern growers of fresh fruits and vegetables it’s rain — and plenty of it.
Locus Traxx Worldwide CEO named 2016 Rock Star of the Supply Chain
Food Logistics announced that David Benjamin, Locus Traxx Worldwide chief executive officer, was a recipient of its second annual Rock Stars of the Supply Chain Award.
Spring brings early cherry bloom in the Northwest
Cherry growers in the Northwest are seeing an early bloom in their trees, with most in Washington experiencing a full bloom the first weekend in April.