Sunny Valley International: Winter chill, good moisture combined to ensure nice New Jersey peach crop
“The New Jersey peach crop is expected to have a normal start this year,” Bob Von Rohr, director of customer relations for Sunny Valley International headquartered in Glassboro, NJ, told The Produce News in mid-June. “The winter chill and good moisture has combined to help ensure a nice crop this coming season.”
Von Rohr noted the peach trees had an outstanding bloom by around April 18, and with a full crop set, stressing that Sunny Valley is expecting a good crop that is on track for its normal seasonal movement start during the week of July 7.
Eastern Propak optimistic for this season’s N.J. peach movement
“I am totally optimistic about this season’s New Jersey peach and nectarine programs,” Jeff Danner, general manager of Eastern Propak LLC in Glassboro, NJ, told The Produce News on June 20. “I now work with three New Jersey peach and nectarine growers — Summit City Farms in Glassboro, which is our largest supplier; Heilig Orchards in Richwood; and Gala Orchards in Elmer. I met with all of them in the past week, and they are all reporting a very full crop.”
Tsamma watermelon juice is new on the market
In June, Keenes, IL-based Frey Farms introduced a new, high-end bottled watermelon juice branded "Tsamma" (pronounced s-amm-a). The juice is manufactured in Lakeland, FL, 30 minutes from Frey's largest watermelon farm.
Wholesum Harvest unveils new website design
Wholesum Family Farms, purveyor of the "Wholesum Harvest" brand of organic produce, relaunched its website (www.wholesumharvest.com) to feature a more easily navigable interface, fresh content and better functionality on mobile devices. The company enlisted produce consulting group FreshXperts to guide the relaunch.
Alison Bos joins Market Fresh's corporate staff
Market Fresh announced the addition of Alison Bos to its corporate staff on June 16.
Bayshore Produce launching new brand
Miami-based Bayshore Produce, well known as an importer of high-quality fruit, especially imported grapes, is entering the California grape deal this season for the first time, and is announcing its new venture to the industry with a colorful new brand.
Partnership, expanded acreage translate to more volume for Curry & Co.
Curry & Co., based in Brooks, OR, will have increased volumes of blueberries for its 2014 marketing season.
“We have partnered with Driediger Farms out of British Columbia, Canada, and this is going to give us a lot more blueberries during the summer months,” company President Matt Curry told The Produce News. “We are their West Coast representative, and they are known for their quality berries.”
Watermelons driving strong business for Midwest Best
Especially in the summertime, watermelons are king for Midwest Best Produce in St. Louis.
This summer is no exception, according to Dan Pupillo, Jr., who owns the company.
On June 18, Pupillo indicated that he was receiving Texas and Georgia watermelons. “Texas will run through August and Georgia will run through the end of July.” Missouri-grown watermelons are to begin about July 1.
60th Summer Fancy Food Show
The 60th Summer Fancy Food show, one of the larger marketplaces devoted exclusively to specialty food in North America, took place June 29-July 1 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York. This year's show saw a record of 350,000 square feet of exhibition space sold out.
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Southeast Produce Council to add women's leadership program
The Southeast Produce Council announced the last day of June the addition of a leadership program for women in produce. The program, called Southern Roots, is designed to make meaningful connections among women working in the produce industry through events, education and mentoring.