USDA predicts larger Florida orange crop for 2014-15
The U.S. Department of Agriculture released its initial forecast for 2014-15, pegging the orange crop at 108 million boxes, up from last season's total of 104.4 million.
Early-mid varieties accounted for 52 million boxes, while Valencias came in at 56 million boxes.
"This is a positive number as the Florida citrus grower continues to battle citrus greening disease," Michael W. Sparks, executive vice president and chief executive officer of Florida Citrus Mutual, said in a press release. "It's been a tight few years for production and 2014-15 is no different."
Big Y helping to raise breast cancer funds, awareness
In order to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer, all Big Y Supermarkets will be donating proceeds from their entire produce department as well as additional select products throughout the store to over 22 local breast cancer support groups throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut.
Since 2007, the chain has raised close to $1.1million dollars for this cause. The program, "Partners of Hope," reflects the partnership, commitment and support of breast cancer awareness and research that is so vital for many. Last year, Big Y raised close to $218,000.
Fresh Summit Sensory Experience Contest puts spotlight on healthy eating for kids
Students from the Walker Junior High School in LA Palma, CA, will tackle healthy eating on Friday, Oct. 17 when they put 10 produce-centric recipes to the test at the fourth annual PMA Fresh Summit Sensory Experience Contest. The contest, sponsored by Bolthouse Farms and supported by Disney Consumer Products, features the top 10 recipes submitted by exhibitors that will be judged by the students and 15 key buyers, including Delhaize America, Pro*Act and SuperValu.
Honeybear Brands bringing Pazazz, TruEarth to PMA Fresh Summit
Honeybear Brands will introduce Pazazz, its latest apple creation that was seven years in the making, and will unveil TruEarth, a grower-wide commitment to sustainable farming, the highest standards and earth friendly practices, at this year's PMA Fresh Summit, Oct. 17-19 in Anaheim, CA.
Kingston Fresh hires Sandy Gatanio
Sandy Gatanio has joined the Kingston Fresh team as product manager for specialty vegetables and berries, a new position. With over 35 years experience in fresh produce sales and marketing, his immediate focus will be on establishing these new categories and markets to add to Kingston’s expanding product lines.
Kleinman: television, foodservice spark consumer interest in mushrooms
Alan Kleinman, sales manager at Gourmet’s Finest Mushroom Co. in Kennett Square, PA, said consumers continue to incorporate mushrooms into meal planning. “There are many new trends, and more people are trying mushrooms,” he told The Produce News. “With the advent of television food networks and menu advancements, we are reaching a whole generation of eaters.”
Wayne E. Bailey puts 2013 behind and heads into great 2014 crop
“The crop this year is much better than last year’s,” George Wooten, president of Wayne E. Bailey, headquartered in Chadbourn, NC, told The Produce News on Aug. 20. “Thankfully we started packing the second week of August, and although we aren’t yet in full swing, we’re doing our best to get customers what they want.”
He added that the company expected to be shipping stored sweet potatoes the week of Aug. 18, and anticipating shipping stored cured product by Sept. 15-20.
HAB taking health professionals on educational journey at FNCE in Atlanta
As nutrition professionals prepared to gather at the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics' annual Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo, slated for Oct. 18-21 in Atlanta, the Hass Avocado Board is readying to share the latest from its nutrition research and marketing program with the thousands of attendees.
IFCO contributes salad bars to Detroit-area schools
IFCO Systems, a leading global provider of reusable packaging solutions, is donating salad bars to five Romulus Community Schools, which are located southwest of Detroit. IFCO's donations are being made in coordination with the United Fresh Foundation's Let's Move Salad Bars to MIDWEST Schools campaign, which works to increase children's access to and consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin.
Chiquita celebrates versatility of bananas with 'Cooking Lab' contest
With billions of oval blue Chiquita stickers annually and three generations of people singing the Chiquita jingle since 1944, one of the more iconic food brands in the world launched a national recipe contest.
The Chiquita Cooking Lab will celebrate the versatility of the banana by promoting new uses for the fruit, including health-focused recipes, creative snack ideas and kid-friendly combinations during a two-month contest that kicked off Sept. 29 and will run until Nov. 23.