National Watermelon Association elects new officers
The National Watermelon Association recently elected a new slate of officers for the 2015-16 year that will serve through the conclusion of the association’s national convention in February 2016 in New Orleans. The officers will serve in various roles throughout the year to support the efforts of the association.
Beachside announces start of Lyon artichoke season
Beachside Produce LLC, a Guadalupe, CA-based grower-shipper of broccoli, artichokes, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, celery, mix and head lettuce, kale, cilantro and strawberries, is ushering in its Lyon artichoke season and was expecting to have promotable volumes as of the first week of April.
Production is expected to last through July with normal volumes in both Lompoc and the Santa Maria Valley region.
‘V is for Vidalia’ campaign gets an encore run as social media and retail support efforts expand
Everyone knows “V” is for victory, right? Not so fast…
Following up on last year’s successful run, the Vidalia Onion Committee is again making its “V is for Vidalia” campaign the centerpiece of this year’s marketing efforts, with ever-increasing focus on social media and audience interaction.
High lime market falls short of record-setting 2014 level
In 2014, a combination of factors caused an unprecedented spike in the lime market, sending prices well above the $100 mark for a 40-pound carton and causing a shortage of the fruit at both retail and foodservice. This year, the situation is not so sour.
Walmart pushing suppliers to lower prices
As the gap between Walmart and other discount retailers continues to close, the company is reportedly urging suppliers to lower their prices, according to The Wall Street Journal. In addition to generally slow sales, the company recently announced a wage increase for employees, further slimming its margins in the competitive discount category.
Driscoll’s announces new CEO
Driscoll’s announced its chief executive officer succession plans, as J. Miles Reiter, chairman and now former CEO, said Kevin Murphy, president and chief operating officer, assumed the CEO role effective April 1.
During his 15-year tenure as CEO, Reiter led Driscoll’s in advancing key strategic initiatives that have laid the foundation for Driscoll’s global growth. These include the company’s mission and focus on delighting berry consumers, its values-based organizational philosophy, and vision to guide Driscoll’s expansion in markets around the world.
New record for table grape crop
Setting a new record for crop value at $1.76 billion, California’s table grape growers harvested their second-largest crop ever, sending 110 million 19-pound boxes of grapes to consumers worldwide.
Export volume and value were also the second highest in history, with 44.5 million 19-pound boxes shipped at a value of $857 million. The top volume export markets included Canada at 11.4 million 19-pound boxes, followed by Mexico at 5.7 million and China/Hong Kong at 5.5 million. Just over 40 percent of the total crop volume was exported.
Seald Sweet expands grape production
Seald Sweet International is expanding its deciduous commodity division through long-term commitments and substantial financial investments, increasing production of its Mexican grape program.
Limoneira introduces Lemon Misfits
Limoneira Co., a 122-year-old company based in Santa Paula, CA, announced the introduction of its Lemon Misfits, which "are packed with juice and perfect to increase our grocery retail partner’s sales with a customer friendly price point” John Carter, director of global sales, said in a press release. “They also have a lot of great health benefits as noted in a recent MSN Health
Garden Fresh gears up for mango and melon season
Mangos and melons are all the talk around the shop at Garden Fresh Distribution Service Inc. in Pompano Beach, FL.
As the company geared up to kick off its Guatemalan mango program in mid-March, as well as its watermelon season in April, company president Chip Jetter took some time out of his hectic day to discuss the deals with The Produce News.
“One year it’s expensive, the next year it’s cheap — that’s just how it works!” Jetter said when asked about the mango market.