Fowler Bros. says apple crop is excellent this season
Current apple holdings at Fowler Bros. Inc., in Wolcott, NY, are excellent this season, according to Lee Peters, vice president of sales and marketing. And quality is assured through the use of proper controlled atmosphere storage protocols and the latest available technology.
“Putting apples to sleep has been done for many years,” explained Peters. “Making sure they are resting comfortably is an art unto itself. Continuous investment in storage technology is one of the main reasons that apple sales continue strong after the fall selling season.”
Stemilt launches Slice of Paradise consumer sweepstakes
Stemilt Growers, based in Wenatchee, WA, will celebrate the limited season of its popular Piñata apple variety by providing consumers with a chance to win a getaway for two to Maui, HI, by entering its online sweepstakes now through Feb. 5.
School meals bill to be marked up in Senate committee
WASHINGTON — The Senate Agriculture Committee is planning to mark up a Child Nutrition Reauthorization bill Jan. 20 that would maintain the fruit and vegetable serving suggestions for school meals, but allow schools to opt out of sourcing only fresh produce for the popular snack program.
The compromise bill, Improving Child Nutrition Integrity and Access Act of 2016, was unveiled by Sens. Pat Roberts (R-KS) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), the two leaders of the Senate Agriculture Committee.
Nogales distributors caught in supply and demand void
NOGALES, AZ — Buyers and distributors of Mexican produce have had a tough January. Forecasts that El Niño might disrupt Mexican growing areas certainly held true in December, first with rains and then, after Christmas, cold, cloudy days.
Avocados From Mexico and Sesame Street team up with Chef Pati Jinich
Avocados From Mexico, the No. 1 selling avocado brand in the United States, has partnered with "Sesame Street," known for its commitment to developing kids' healthy habits, to help educate families about the health benefits of fresh avocados and the importance of maintaining a well-balanced diet.
Group formed to promote Guatemalan produce
A group of the major players in the Guatemalan produce import-export deal has formed the Guatemalan Produce Trade Association to advance Guatemala’s position in the industry and marketplace.
The association will address subjects that affect growing, exporting, importing, handling and promoting of fresh produce from Guatemala. The association, initiated during a meeting at the Produce Marketing Association’s Fresh Summit convention in October, intends to concentrate on a broad range of topics from logistics to promotion.
Kurt Zuhlke & Associates finds value at Southeast conference
The abundance of trade shows, both national and regional, in North America can be daunting to produce professionals of all levels. Despite that, Kurt Zuhlke, president of Kurt Zuhlke & Associates Inc., headquartered in Bangor, PA, told The Produce News that every show the company exhibits at has value, but on different levels.
Seald Sweet adds citrus industry veteran to sales team
Seald Sweet International, based in Vero Beach, FL, announced that Stu Monaghan has joined the company as sales director, effective Jan. 18. He will focus on growing the company’s fresh fruit sales and marketing programs.
Arctic Fuji takes first step toward commercial approval
Okanagan Specialty Fruits formally submitted a petition to the U.S. Department of Agriculture requesting the deregulation of its next genetically modified nonbrowning variety: Arctic Fuji. Arctic Fuji is poised to follow in the footsteps of Okanagan Specialty Fruits’ first distinctly nonbrowning apple varieties, Arctic Golden and Arctic Granny, which were approved for commercial sale in February 2015.