McCormick Place in Chicago filled with energy at 2015 IFE
Whenever a group of floral industry professionals gather together there is always a lot of energy, and on June 8-10 when over 1,300 attended the International Floriculture Expo at McCormick Place in Chicago, the creative energy and enthusiasm were palpable. Hundreds of companies like 1-800-Flowers, Ahold, Albertson’s, Associated Wholesale Grocers, FTD, Publix, ProFlowers, Wegmans and Target attended the event to see the latest product innovations, network with existing vendors, meet new suppliers and participate in the education program.
Is summer living easy? Not for floral
In only a few days the Fourth of July will be upon us, and you will have officially survived the 2015 spring holidays. So now what? Is it time to kick back, go fishing and recover while waiting for the fall holidays? Nope. The business year isn’t over and there is still a lot of flower business waiting to be captured during the summer months — you just need to be creative to do it.
Summer citrus variety demand follows North American consumer trends
The demand for sweet and easy-peel citrus with no or few seeds is apparent when one considers the varieties currently being imported for the summer months.
Oneonta introducing new apricot packaging
Oneonta Starr Ranch Growers has responded to customer requests with new packaging. “Our apricots will be available in a one-pound catch weight pouch bag,” said Director of Marketing Scott Marboe. “Lots of inquiry from customers asking if we could provide a package similar to the success cherries have had. So we are introducing [the new bag] this year.”
The company is headquartered in Wenatchee, WA, and is one of the leading producers of fruit in the Pacific Northwest.
Origami variety fuels Legend Produce’s melon growth
Legend Produce LLC, which grows melons from many districts but is headquartered in Glendale, CA, is anticipating a 30-35 percent increase in its San Joaquin Valley melon crop this year because of the popularity of its proprietary Origami variety.
“We will be up considerably this year because the Origami was so well-received last year,” said Barry Zwillinger, who is the owner of the company.
Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers expanding its reach
Jacquie Trombley joined the Leamington, ON-based Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers in the capacity of marketer liaison officer, a newly established position. Trombley will be the primary liaison between licensed marketers and the OGVG board and management, the OVGV announced in a May press release.
CPMA town hall meetings a tremendous success
The Canadian Produce Marketing Association has been hosting town hall meetings for the produce industry across Canada for the past two weeks.
Stemilt drives cherry crop with quality-focused Kyle’s Pick cherries
Just in time for peak cherry season in the Northwest, Stemilt is bringing back its signature program for premium cherries, called Kyle’s Pick. Typically an early July program, the early start for Kyle’s Pick falls in line with harvest in Washington state, which is running about 10 days ahead of normal.
Freshline Foods launches new Juicing Kit line
Freshline Foods, one of Canada’s premier processors of fresh-cut, value-added fruits and vegetables, has launched its new Juicing Kit line to offer consumers an easy and convenient way to incorporate more nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables into their routine meal planning.
The National Watermelon Association and Ross Chastain debut patriotic car at Daytona
A special red-white-and-blue paint scheme, with a touch of watermelon, will be featured on Ross Chastain’s car at the Subway Firecracker 250 at Daytona International Speedway.