Bland Farms Vidalia sweet potato line will hitch a ride on famous cousin’s coattails
For decades, Bland Farms LLC in Glennville, GA, has been known for its famous sweet onions and Vidalia has been the king of the crop. With demand for sweet potatoes ever increasing, the company believes consumers are ready for another sweet Vidalia treat that’s a perfect complement to Bland’s year-round onion program.
Sunkist kicks off citrus season with new retail initiatives
Autumn means brisk fall weather and the return of Sunkist citrus season. In Booth No. 2038 at this year’s PMA Fresh Summit expo in Anaheim, CA, Sunkist Growers will be encouraging trade customers to celebrate the season with the vibrant colors and tastes of citrus.
PBH and NGA partner to share resources and tools
The Produce for Better Health Foundation and the National Grocers Association announced a newly formed partnership between the two organizations focused on the continuing education of supermarket dietitians within the independent and small retail chains and wholesale grocers.
Supermarket dietitians are a key resource for shoppers looking to learn more about fruit and vegetables and the role they play in daily meals and snacks, disease prevention, and overall health and wellness, according to PBH.
United Fresh launches new floral membership category
The United Fresh Produce Association board of directors voted at its recent meeting to create a new floral membership category in 2015 to enhance services to members throughout the floral supply chain. In addition, United Fresh will appoint a new Floral Advisory Board of suppliers and retailers to lead the effort.
George Caratan honored with CFFA Lifetime Achievement Award
The California Fresh Fruit Association honored longtime Delano-based fresh table grape grower George Caratan, former principal of Anton Caratan & Son and Blanc Vineyards, with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award on Thursday, Oct. 9 at the Bakersfield Country Club in Bakersfield, CA.
Organic mushroom demand growing at Phillips Mushroom Farms
“Organic mushroom demand continues with substantial increases,” said Kevin Donovan, national sales manager for Phillips Mushroom Farms in Kennett Square, PA. “Consequently we’re pumping up production to fill the demand and we’re promoting the category strongly. As organic production increases, prices compared to conventional products are leveling off, which makes them even more highly desired by consumers.”
Tom Lange Co. to debut 'Actual Produce' at PMA Fresh Summit
Tom Lange Co. plans to introduce "Actual Produce," its new line of grab-and-go fruit cups, at the Produce Marketing Association Fresh Summit in Anaheim, CA.
Pear Bureau Northwest names Publix Pear Retailer of the Year
Pear Bureau Northwest, a nonprofit marketing organization that represents the 1,600 fresh pear growers of Oregon and Washington, has named Publix as the 2014 Pear Retailer of the Year for its outstanding pear merchandising activities.
Publix is being recognized with this award due to its successful implementation of pear merchandising tactics that resulted in substantial increases in pear sales and volume over the past year. By implementing proven pear merchandising strategies, Publix has taken advantage of the profit opportunity that pears offer at retail.
Tater Man is early out of the gate this year with cured sweet potatoes from Alabama
“The good news is that as of mid-August we were about 50 percent harvested in Alabama,” Jason Bell, account manager for Tater Man, headquartered in Sydney, FL, told The Produce News. “Until about mid-August, the supply line was basically empty nationwide of stored sweet potatoes from the 2013 crop, which is pretty much common knowledge throughout the industry. But we’re right on schedule this year. Alabama harvesting will wrap up around the middle of September.
IFCO names industry leaders to sales team
IFCO, a leading global provider of reusable packaging solutions for fresh products, has appointed two industry veterans to its North American retail sales group. Greg Kurkjian is joining IFCO as vice president of retail sales and Tammy Gainey is joining as director-Walmart.