IGA supermarkets launch imperfect produce program
IGA, which comprises 290 retailers in Canada, now features imperfect produce at its stores as a result of consumer demand. According to the company, its imperfect produce will be 30 percent less expensive on average than standard produce.
"IGA is proud to offer odd-looking fruit and vegetables in stores throughout [Quebec]," the company said in a statement. Six varieties — cucumbers, carrots, tomatoes, beets, sweet peppers and apples — will distributed "in all their imperfect glory" for six weeks to 290 stores throughout the province, based on season and availability.
Supplies tight as Peruvian sweet onion season begins
Supplies of Peruvian sweet onions are expected to be tight as the 2015-16 production season begins. “Peruvian sweet onion hectares are down this season by 30 percent due to overproduction and very poor prices last season,” John Shuman, president of Shuman Produce Inc., said on Aug. 10. “The harvest has begun in Peru and supplies are tight as we begin the season.
Asparagus isn’t your mama’s boiled side dish anymore
If consumers are learning one important message about their kitchens, it’s that with a little luck and focused attention, they can produce wonderful dishes designed to dazzle. So it’s no coincidence that foodie trends also embrace fresh asparagus, a veggie that’s gotten somewhat of a bad rap in the past.
“In the old days, asparagus was boiled to death almost beyond recognition, whereas today varied cooking methods have made asparagus cool to eat and really good,” said Chef Dave Munson who cooks up the magic in the kitchen at Keystone Fruit Marketing.
Fire can’t deter Superfresh pear production
Howard Nager, vice president of marketing for Domex Superfresh Growers, said the company responded quickly and aggressively following a recent fire in Wenatchee, WA.
Superior Sales expanding in many directions
HUDSONVILLE, MI — With improved produce transportation links created by the completion of Mexican highway 40D, Superior Sales Inc., is building its sales of Mexican produce.
Northwest Bartlett pear season starts with smaller fruit
The 2015 Washington state Bartlett pear harvest is under way. Early field predictions indicating an increase in small-sized pears are proving to be accurate, according to initial harvest reports.
Ready Pac hires new chief financial officer
Ready Pac Foods Inc. has named Dan Redfern as its chief financial officer. Redfern will be based in the Irwindale, CA, headquarters and will report to Tony Sarsam, chief executive officer.
Nogales produce history bound for Library of Congress
How did the Mexican produce importing industry grow from just a few rail car loads to hundreds of thousands of trucks today? How has this growth affected the socio-economic and cultural areas of whole communities on both sides of the U.S.-Mexican border, its government, families and individuals?
Wish Farms expects to double Argentine blueberry volume
Wish Farms, grower-shipper and year-round supplier of strawberries and blueberries, expects its upcoming Argentina blueberry program to double in volume over last season.
Oppy offers an Oregon-grown taste of Italy
Sweet, juicy and brimming with late-summer flavor, Italian-style prune-plums are available once again from Oppy in the legendary “Blue Goose” label.
The deep purple, free-stone fruit is available through mid-September in two- and 1.5-pound high graphic bags, as well as 30-pound bulk boxes.