Onion bowls ‘new cool thing’ on menus coast to coast
Jumbo onions grown in the Treasure Valley of Idaho-Eastern Oregon are finding yet another place in the culinary spotlight, thanks to a recipe-development program launched by the Idaho-Eastern Oregon Onion Committee/USA Onions.
Using the creative minds of Chicago-based Tom O’Brien of O’Brien Culinary, The Hot Plate and other recipe-development entities, USA Onions has put together a collection of new recipes that use jumbo Spanish Sweets not only center-of-plate but also as the plate, or bowl, itself in dishes such as Caramelized Onion-Roquefort Mashed Potatoes.
Gourmet Trading hires Paul Mortanian
Gourmet Trading Co., a year-round distributor of fresh asparagus and blueberries, has hired Paul Mortanian as its newest salesperson.
Date Night sponsored by Yuma Visitors Bureau
The Yuma Visitors Bureau sponsored Date Night Nov. 14 in a Yuma Medjool date grove owned by Jon and Liney Jessen. The Medjool date gourmet dinner was served to 40 guests, including date industry leaders, as well as interested tourists and The Produce News.
CMI rolls out Ambrosia apples in record numbers
Columbia Marketing International Inc., a leading grower and distributor of more than a dozen apple varieties, is rolling out Ambrosia apples in record numbers nationally, showing that consumers increasingly favor up-and-coming varieties over the legacy apples.
Mayesh Wholesale Florist launches Miami opearation
Mayesh opened a wholesale floral distribution business in Miami Nov. 3, according to a company news release. As the 18th wholesale location for the company, Mayesh Miami offers fresh inventory of novelty and high-end flowers sourced from around the world, including a by-the-bunch inventory, to florists and event specialists in Florida and the eastern half of the United States.
Designer of the Year named
The winners of state and regional floral design contests competed in October at the Mission Point Resort in Mackinac Island, MI, for the title of National Designer of the Year, according to a Michigan Floral Association news release. The contest theme was “A Destination Wedding — Creating a Pinterest Board.”
Thousands of visitors gather for two annual Dutch flower fairs
During the first week of November, Holland was the center of international flower business. Two trade shows, the International Floriculture and Horticulture Trade Fair, in Vijfhuizen, and the Floraholland Trade Fair, in Aalsmeer, were held simultaneously and drew more than 900 worldwide flower and plant supply chain exhibitors and close to 40,000 visitors. The mood was definitely positive during the events and anyone visiting either of the shows couldn’t help but notice how hectic and inspirational the atmosphere was at both fairgrounds.
Orchid popularity is on the rise for the holidays and for every day
Few holidays evoke the image of flowers like Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day. Combined, consumers spend nearly $40 billion on all gifts to celebrate the occasions and the two holidays make up about 50 percent of the total dollar volume of holiday floral spending.
Getting it right with roses
Rose success at Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be a Hail Mary experience. In fact, following straightforward, scientifically proven handling details ensures success sans frustration. Avoid urban myths. Consumers love discussions about cocktails of Sprite, vinegar, aspirin, bleach, vodka and Viagra to keep flowers standing tall in the vase, but when the rubber meets the road, rely on professional products that are repeatedly tested for proven results.
Valentine’s Day floral merchandising tips for maximizing sales and memories
Does your holiday display say, “He loves me or he loves me not?” As the 2015 Valentine’s Day holiday approaches, remember that the key to a successful holiday is proper merchandising. Here are some of our seasoned ideas with a proven track record.