A.J. Trucco geared up and ready for New Zealand kiwifruit season to start
“We expect to start receiving New Zealand kiwifruit soon — within the next couple of weeks,” Nick Pacia, president of A.J. Trucco Inc., located on the Hunts Terminal Market in the Bronx, NY, said June 16. “And we expect to have the fruit throughout the summer months.”
Pacia explained that New Zealand has enjoyed a strong growing season with good weather conditions.
Western Cape Citrus Producers Forum expects to double U.S. citrus shipments
The season’s first citrus from South Africa has arrived in the United States, marking the start of the 15th season for South African summer citrus in the United States.
The fruit arrived on the container vessel MSC Valvik bringing 90 tons of Clementines and Navel oranges.
Summer citrus imports increasing from all corners of the world
An overview of world citrus production in the world is by no means an indication that imports to the United States are coming from those countries that produce the most.
According to the Food & Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Brazil led world citrus production by growing 18 million tons in 2012. In order of production behind Brazil in 2012 were the United States (8.1 million) China (6.5), India (5), Mexico (3.6), Spain (2.9), Egypt (2.7), Italy (1.7), and Turkey and South Africa (each with 1.6).
SPC holds golf tournament for charity
BRASELTON, GA — The Southeast Produce Council held its inaugural Charity Golf Classic Wednesday, June 18, to raise money for the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, with a silent auction held the evening before. It was announced at the auction that as a tribute to SPC Executive Director Terry Vorhees, this event in future years would be named the Terry Vorhees Charity Golf Classic.
Ian Prosser of Botanica International wins IFE Iron Designer contest
Seven top floral designers from around the United States with a connection to mass-market floral took the Happy Hour Center Stage at the International Floriculture Expo in New Orleans to compete for the title of Iron Designer. The contestants were given a limited amount of time and a mystery package of products, along with set instructions and a theme of “New Classic” to create their romantic-gothic-baroque floral design interpretation.
SAF annual convention Aug. 13-16
The 2014 convention of the Society of American Florists Aug. 13-16 at the Marriott Marco Island Resort in Marco Island, FL, will offer more than 25 interactive programs designed to “train brains,” a 1970s-style showcase for premier products, a Sylvia Cup floral design competition, 30 distinguished speakers, awards for industry leaders and outstanding new varieties of flowers, and a golf tournament, according to a press release.
G. Keith Crittenden nets honor from Michigan Floral Foundation
The Michigan Floral Foundation honored G. Keith Crittenden with induction into its Hall of Fame at an awards dinner May 29 in Grand Rapids, MI, according to an association news release.
Crittenden was born in 1934 in Kalamazoo, MI, and graduated from Michigan State in 1956 with a degree in floriculture. His 40-year career included working as a designer, a wholesaler, an independent sales representative and owning his own floral company. He served as regional director on the Michigan Floral Association board and also as president of the Michigan unit of Teleflora.
AIFD 2014 national symposium in Chicago
The American Institute of Floral Designers will meet in Chicago July 3-7 for its annual national symposium, Transition Transformation.
“We expect a little under 1,000 attendees,” Tom Shaner, executive director of AIFD in Baltimore, told The Produce News. “Attendance is down from last year. We feel the economic situation in the last few years is holding some people back. This year we’re trying to keep the cost of the show down to make it more affordable,” Shaner said.
ASCFG selects 2014 Cut Flowers of the Year, grows to 700 members
Members of the Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers have chosen three varieties for Cut Flowers of the Year. The evaluation is based on the cultivars’ performance in the ASCFG National Cut Flower Trials, and recommendations from cut flower growers across the country, according to an association news release.
The 2014 winners are the Snapdragon Chantilly Series in the fresh division; the Anemone Galilee Blue in the bulb division; and the Hydrangea Everlasting Series in the woody stem division.
FPFC South focuses on ‘Navigating Future’
“Navigating the Future” will be the theme of the Fresh Produce & Floral Council’s Southern California Expo July 15 at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim, CA. Over 1,500 floral and produce professionals are expected to attend and a capacity crowd of 225 exhibiting companies have reserved 194 booths on the show floor, Carissa Mace, president of the FPFC, told The Produce News.