Kingston seeing strong sales with ‘Sugar Pine’ program
Kingston Fresh is experiencing strong early sales of its Costa Rican MD2 variety golden pineapple program — the Kingston “Sugar Pine” — which has increased significantly over 2014 amid strong customer demand.
Strawberry volume headed toward 7 million trays per week
In mid-March, strawberry growers in California’s Watsonville district were just beginning to pick fruit and join their brethren from Southern and Central California in the business of providing strawberries to all corners of the United States.
Mexico and Florida have increased their respective production in the winter months and are very important producers during the November to February time frame, but once California growers start sniffing spring, the berries load up on the plants and California production is off to the races.
Record-breaking volume of Opal apples
Opal apple is experiencing a record-breaking fifth season, reaching record highs in volume as well as the number of retailers and consumer reach. Opal made its first appearance this season in November and is expected to run through April.
Port of Tucson to open reefer rail facility this summer
TUCSON, AZ — By late summer, a new 240,000-square-foot cold storage cross dock facility will be operational at the port of Tucson, here.
Eddie Silva, third-generation Santa Maria grower, dies at 61
Edward William Silva Jr., a third-generation vegetable grower in Santa Maria, CA, died March 8 after a heroic battle with early onset Alzheimer’s disease. He was 61.
Chelan Fresh aiming for new heights with Rockit apples
Going into its second distribution season for the diminutive Rockit apple from New Zealand, Chelan Fresh is looking at increased movement this year, according to Director of Marketing Mac Riggan.
Loblaws launches Naturally Imperfect produce program
Smaller misshapen produce that tastes great and is healthy is now available at select Loblaw Cos. locations in Ontario and Quebec. Furthering its commitment to offer affordable, quality products to customers, Loblaw Cos. is introducing the "no name" Naturally Imperfect line of fruits and vegetables. Starting with apples and potatoes, "no name" Naturally Imperfect produce costs up to 30 percent less than traditional produce options found in store.
Promotion and representation are primary goals of NOA
The National Onion Association was launched over 100 years ago in 1913. Just as it was when it began, the primary purpose of the organization is to represent the industry, including growers, shippers and others along the supply chain.
Texas onion crop down in volume
A colder winter and the water situation have combined to produce a Texas spring onion crop that is around 15 percent lighter than usual.
At least that is the viewpoint of Don Ed Holmes, longtime industry observer from his perch as owner of The Onion House in Weslaco, TX.
Holmes told The Produce News that the crop was running behind a normal growth pattern by about two weeks. “We had a colder winter so it looks like it will be about April 10 before we get going,” he said.
Shuman has strong crop on the way — and help for those needing ‘Southern’ lessons
How does one pronounce the word “Vidalia”? Is it Vy-dayl-yah? Vi-dahl-ya? Vi-day-lia? That’s a question the team at Shuman Produce in Reidsville, GA, wanted answered as they were preparing for the season that’s just around the corner.
Along the way to solving that mystery (the answer is that there is no right answer) they came across many other pronunciation quirks particular to the Southeastern United States and soon realized that most of the rest of the world does not know how to speak Southern.