Name change reflects expansion of products covered in federal program
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service is changing the name of the Fruit & Vegetable Program to the Specialty Crops Program, effective immediately. Because of the expansion of products covered, the program name is being changed to be more inclusive.
Tomatoes identified as source of Salmonella outbreak in restaurant chain
The Minnesota Department of Health and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture have identified tomatoes as the source of the Salmonella Newport outbreak that has sickened dozens of people who ate at Chipotle restaurants in Minnesota since late August. Investigators are working with state and federal partners to trace the tomatoes back to the farm of origin.
Southeastern Grocers, celebrity chef partner on fresh, seasonal meals
Southeastern Grocers, the parent company of BI-LO, Harveys and Winn-Dixie stores, announced a fresh partnership with Food Network Celebrity Chef Curtis Stone to launch “Cooking with Curtis for under $10.” The program is aimed at helping people eat well for less by offering customers fresh, seasonal and affordable meal solutions that can easily be made from scratch at home.
Maryland Food Center Authority recognized for market improvements
Today 25 tenants hold space in the Maryland Wholesale Produce Market in Jessup, MD. The market is operated by the Maryland Food Center Authority. Rose M. Harrell, director of facilities for the MFCA told The Produce News that space goes quickly when it becomes available at the market.
Ocean Spray looking forward to another strong season
A favorable spring has officials at the leading cranberry marketer excited for another fall season.
“We’re expecting another great crop from our four distinct growing regions — the Pacific Northwest, Wisconsin, Massachusetts and Quebec,” said Scott Simmons, senior manager of global produce and commodity for Ocean Spray.
Westmoreland Farms ‘TopLine’ now Non-GMO Project certified
Several key Westmoreland Farms’ staff members are looking forward to attending and exhibiting at the New England Produce Council 2015 Produce and Floral Expo being held at the famous Chatham Bars Inn on Cape Cod Sept. 16-18.
Domex will have good apple sizing to meet demand
Although the 2015-16 Washington apple season is expected to be dominated by smaller-sized fruit, Domex Superfresh Growers anticipates still having large size apples to promote throughout the season.
Mango harvest moves to Brazil
The last of the Mexican mango producing areas, in the Los Mochis area of northern Sinaloa, ended up with a relatively short crop in mid-September, shifting the mango focus to Brazil and South America.
Brazil got under way in late August and will have the U.S. market pretty much to itself until sometime in the latter part of October when Ecuador gets under way.
Fall activities highlight Ocean Spray’s 85th anniversary
Ocean Spray is marking its 85th year with a full slate of fall activities that will highlight the longtime cooperative’s role as the leading cranberry marketer.
“Fall is our big season, and this year will be very exciting,” said Sharon Newcomb, associate global brands communications manager at Ocean Spray. “We’re planning many activities to give a nod to our 85th year.”
Customized Brokers geared and ready for berry import increases this year
Consumers in North America have become accustomed to having berries 12 months a year, and imports enable that to happen.
Nelly Yunta, vice president of Customized Brokers in Miami, said the company anticipates an increase in berry volumes this season.
“Some of our customers are increasing their productions in Argentina,” said Yunta. “Peru is also planning to continue expansion of growing areas and production.”