This year’s garlic crop looks promising at Christopher Ranch
Garlic harvest was just getting underway in mid-July at Christopher Ranch, headquartered in Gilroy, CA. Patsy Ross, marketing director for the garlic and specialty products’ firm said the company was looking forward to a good harvest.
“Yields are expected to be normal vs. last year’s crop, which was down about 15 percent,” said Ross. “The demand for garlic in the market for the past couple of years has been strong and the supply has been down a little. So far this year, the size of the garlic bulbs are looking promising.”
Bayshore enters Calif. grape deal with new consumer brand
Bayshore Produce LLC, an import-export company based in Miami, FL, which has been heavily involved in Chilean exports, has entered the California grape deal in order to offer clients an extended season on grapes. It is also introducing a new trademarked retail brand, “Grapes in the Sun,” which it will use on high-graphic gusseted handle bags as well as clamshells.
Basciani Mushroom Farms heading toward 90th anniversary
Fred Recchiuti, general manager Basciani Foods Inc., headquartered in Avondale, PA, told The Produce News that the company will celebrate its 90th year in business in 2015. The company is a fourth-generation mushroom farm that was founded by the grandfather of Michael Basciani, who serves as company president today.
“One of our primary focuses continues to be in finding and implementing ways to reduce costs by increasing efficiencies on the growing end of our business,” said Recchiuti. “Our attention is on energy reduction, labor reduction and other overhead areas.”
Rossignoli: Avocado import potential continues to grow in U.S.
Jose Rossignoli, category general manager at Robinson Fresh, said the global avocado market is growing by leaps and bounds. And trends show that imports keep the domestic pipeline full.
“Avocados account for nearly half of tropical category dollar sales and have been up in sales each year since 2010,” he told The Produce News.
Industry members remember fallen SPC leader Terry Vorhees
The passing of Terry Vorhees, executive director and co-founder of the Southeast Produce Council, at age 64 the evening of July 30 sparked an outpouring of grief and respect from stunned peers and colleagues as the news spread rapidly through the produce industry.
PMA, Sesame Workshop seek bright, healthy future for children
Current collaborations between producers of fresh produce, trade organizations and government officials will pave the way for a healthier America in the future.
Expoalimentaria to draw global exhibitors and attendees to Peru
Peru will be the world capital of food Aug. 27-29 when the trade fair Expoalimentaria will open its doors to 2,500 international buyers, who will have the opportunity to do business with more than 650 exhibitor companies from Peru and other countries.
The Jockey Club Convention Center in Lima, Peru, will set the stage for this mega event, organized by ADEX with the invaluable support of Promperú, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism, and the Ministry of Production.
Domex Superfresh apple orchard update
This year is progressing nicely and the apple harvest is set to start about a week early. The weather has been ideal for growing fruit, and Domex has a record size crop hanging on the trees right now. The company expects to have a full complement of apples available by Sept. 1. The fruit is sizing up nicely, with plenty fruit of all sizes available for promotion this next year.
Terry Vorhees dies at 64
Terry Vorhees, executive director of the Southeast Produce Council, died Wednesday night, July 30, after a short battle with lung cancer. He was 64 years old and a resident of Ruskin, FL.
Chilean Fresh Fruit Association wins Sensory Experience Contest at PMA Expo
A recipe entered by the Chilean Fresh Fruit Association won top honors at the Produce Marketing Association’s Sensory Experience Contest at this year’s PMA Foodservice Expo.
The recipe, created for CFFA by Executive Chef Don Cortes, is Chilean Fruit Medley Gazpacho with Grape, Bacon and Brie Melt, an innovative interpretation of the classic soup-and-sandwich combination. The winning recipe is described by the chef as “a duet that pleases with beautiful colors, contrasting/complimentary textures and temperatures, and delicious flavors.”