California Avocado Commission continues promotional activities through Labor Day
With a shorter crop this year than in 2013, the California avocado industry anticipated an earlier finish to the shipping season, with heavy volumes well into August but declining the latter part of the month and only moderate availability thereafter.
Due to the lighter supplies and the earlier finish, the California Avocado Commission will not carry its promotional activities as late into the season this year as it did in 2013, but those efforts will continue through Labor Day.
New products from Quebec companies
Quebec-based Hydroserre Mirabel Inc., Veg Pro International Inc., and Vergers Paul Jodoin Inc., all recently expanded their product lines, offering consumers new varieties, new packaging and new size options.
Hydroserre Mirabel Inc. of Mirabel, Quebec, recently introduced three new types of Salanova lettuce: Oakleaf, Fleur de Mirabel and Frisé, all available in red and green in a dual package. These varieties are not on retail yet, but can be obtained through a distributor.
QPMA increases partnerships to raise consumption
The Quebec Produce Marketing Association has implemented a new marketing plan for the “I Love” campaign, focusing more on public relations and partners in the industry. Opportunities for industry to participate and help in the promotion of fresh produce are numerous.
COTA launches ‘Think Canada Organic’ campaign
As part of its national brand strategy, the Canada Organic Trade Association has launched the “Think Before You Eat, Think Canada Organic” campaign. The promotion, funded in part by Growing Forward 2, will highlight to Canadian consumers the benefits of choosing Canadian organic products.
FPA aims to improve business climate
The Fresh Produce Alliance has unveiled a new website to highlight the focus of the Alliance on improving the business climate for the fresh produce industry. FPA is a joint initiative of the Canadian Produce Marketing Association, the Canadian Horticultural Council and the Fruit and Vegetable Dispute Resolution Corporation.
CHC monitoring Bill C-18 and RCC action item
According to Anne Fowlie, executive vice president of the Canadian Horticultural Council, the council has had a busy year. CHC has been closely monitoring many files, including The Agricultural Growth Act (Bill C-18) as it makes its way through the House of Commons.
CHC is also involved with the Regulatory Cooperation Council in regard to the Financial Protection of Produce Sellers action item.
Altar enhances image as top asparagus importer
With imports of around 8 million cartons of Mexican asparagus, Calexico, CA-based Altar Produce Inc. is one of the larger importers of “grass” in the United States. It is only adding to that reputation by greatly increasing its presence in the Peruvian asparagus deal this year.
“We have largely been growing Mexican asparagus,” said Chris Ramirez, president of the company, “but this year we are going to pretty much double our volume out of Peru.”
Bermudez and Compres continue long partnership
Continuing a partnership that began more than 20 years ago, Maria Bermudez and Patricia Compres launched Advance Customs Brokers & Consulting LLC, based in Miami, FL, in early 2013, and are very happy the way the firm is progressing more than a year later.
Lower price pressure could help move volume
Jeff Friedman, president and sales manager of Pompano Beach, FL-based Carb/Americas Inc., seemingly sings the same tune every year as he advocates for good ad pricing that will help increase sales for Peruvian asparagus.
“The United States is the only country where we can move more grass by consumption,” he said. “You can’t do that in Europe, but you can do it in the U.S.”
Crystal Valley expecting strong growth for Peruvian asparagus
Miami, FL-based Crystal Valley Foods expects to grow its Peruvian asparagus business at a significantly greater clip than the overall increase in volume this season.
Sourcing Manager Rodolfo Liau Kang anticipates a double-digit increase in sales for the firm, while he thinks overall asparagus exports from Peru will not be that high. But he does expect the South American country to increase its export volume this season.