TexaSweet turns its attention toward citrus greening education
For most of the past 50 years, TexaSweet Citrus Marketing Inc., the marketing and promotional arm of the Texas citrus industry since 1962, has focused on building demand and markets for its acclaimed red grapefruit and sweet oranges. But this year is different. With the new Texas citrus season upon us, the focus is on local outreach to educate consumers and backyard growers about citrus greening disease.
Success at S. Strock & Co. based on honesty, quality, relationships
“All varieties of apples are currently in demand,” said Michael Strock, director of business development for S. Strock & Co. Inc., located at the New England Produce Center in Chelsea, MA. “The old standbys; Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith and McIntosh apples are moving very well. Others, however, are making big inroads, such as the Gala, Fuji, Honeycrisp, and Pink [Lady].
Dennis Moleta joins Interrupcion
Brooklyn, NY-based Interrupcion recently announced the hire of Dennis Moleta as senior business development manager, effective Oct. 1.
In his new position, Moleta will be responsible for spearheading sales to new clients throughout North America. He will also launch marketing programs for key retail accounts for the company’s entire product line.
Avocados from Mexico expects volume increase, 70 percent market share
During the 2013-14 crop year, which ran through June 30, the Mexican Avocado industry enjoyed a 66 percent market share in the United States. "With the good start we have seen this year, I think we are going to be around 70 percent of the market," Alvaro Luque, president of Avocados from Mexico, said in an interview with The Produce News.
Bill Gates linked to farmland purchases in north Florida; may be looking elsewhere in the Southeast
On the heels of news that billionaire Bill Gates is likely behind the purchase of two south Georgia farms comes news that another investment group linked to the Microsoft founder recently paid almost $28 million for more than 4,500 acres of farmland in Suwanee County, FL, a major vegetable production area in the northern part of the state.
There are also unsubstantiated reports from individuals familiar to The Produce News that entities representing Gates are looking at farmland in Mississippi and possibly other Southeastern states as well.
Navel crop expected to be shorter than in 2013, but Mandarins will be up
There will be no shortage of California Navel oranges during the early part of the 2014-15 season, although fruit size may be smaller than normal, according to Joel Nelsen, president of California Citrus Mutual in Porterville, CA, a trade industry group representing the interests of citrus growers primarily in the Central Valley.
10 tons of watermelon served at Marine Corps Marathon
At 92 percent water and chock full of nutrients, watermelon is a naturally hydrating food fit for the finish line. That’s the message National Watermelon Promotion Board, along with its entourage of watermelon queens from National Watermelon Association and mascot J. Slice, shared during the Marine Corps Marathon festivities in Washington, DC, Oct. 24-26, where it served a truckload of healthy watermelon to athletes and families.
Fourth-generation Santa Maria grower dies at 84
Richard (Dick) Adam Sr., who grew vegetables in California's Santa Maria Valley for more than 50 years, died at his home Thursday, Oct. 23. He was 84.
The fourth-generation grower farmed with his brother Jack until 1994, when he and his sons struck out on their own. At Adam Bros. Family Farms, the fifth generation continues to grow broccoli, cauliflower, lettuce, celery, Romaine, red leaf and green leaf.
Jeff Niesz joins Chelan Fresh on sales
Chelan Fresh, based in Chelan, WA, announced the addition of Jeff Niesz to its operation’s sales staff.
Garden Fresh Salad: Consistent business through summer into fall
“Our business has been pretty consistent throughout the summer and into early fall,” said Patrick Burke, sales and purchasing representative for Garden Fresh Salad Co. Inc., located at the New England Produce Center in Chelsea, MA. “People are really looking for high-quality products, and they hold us to very high standards. We live up to those standards 99.9 percent of the time by providing good product at a fair price and great service.