Vision sees measured growth moving forward as mango interests expand
Ronald Cohen, vice president of sales-member of River Edge, N.J.-based Vision Import Group, which works hand-in-hand with Vision Produce Co. in Los Angeles, predicted “measured growth” in mango business for the two companies.
He said the company is perfecting its grower model and has seen growth each year. “We’ve had different partnerships and have put in different business models each year,” he said. “They all have their challenges but we continue to grow. We’re growing every year.”
Opportunities abound in domestic mango market for C.H. Robinson
Opportunities to distribute mangos throughout North America continue to grow for C.H. Robinson Worldwide Inc., headquartered in Eden Prairie, MN.
“While mangos are popular around the world, they are still gaining traction in the U.S. due to a lack of familiarity with the item,” said Category Manager Jose Rossignoli.
Hood River Cherry eyeing production growth in coming years
Hood River Cherry Co. is continuing on a calculated growth track and expects to see production jumps in 2015 and 2016. “Younger acreage will be coming into production,” said President and Owner Brad Fowler. “We will have a 30-percent jump in production by 2016.”
The company, a family-owned business that specializes in high-elevation cherries, is located in Hood River, OR, and is a grower and marketer of late-season tree-ripe cherries. Fowler said physical conditions at high-elevation orchards give the cherries a rich, sweet flavor not found at lower elevations.
Shales: Pre- and post-bloom conditions ideal for Stemilt
Reduced weather events will translate to an increase in cherry tonnage for Stemilt Growers LLC, located in Wenatchee, WA. “Weather has been very favorable in Washington both pre- and post-bloom,” Communications Manager Brianna Shales told The Produce News. “We are anticipating a nice crop of cherries starting in early June.”
Growing retail opportunities for cherries
Suzanne Wolter, director of marketing for Rainier Fruit Co. in Yakima, WA, said retailers can expect to see the kind of cherry crop from the Pacific Northwest that will enable them to promote the fruit at least once prior to the July 4 holiday, if not twice depending upon distance from Washington. “Information to date indicates very little, if any, overlap between California cherries and the start of Northwest crop,” she told The Produce News. “Retailers and growers alike will be scrambling to satisfy early demand.”
Quality cherry crop for Borton
It’s all hands on deck at Borton & Sons Inc., one of Washington’s leading grower-packer-shippers of premium tree fruit. The company is headquartered in Yakima, WA, and the 2014 cherry crop is producing the kind of pre-season excitement that bodes well for a successful marketing year.
Ron Everts, head cherry field man, said conditions during the production season have been great. “Spring has worked to our benefit and provided some of the best growing conditions we’ve seen for cherries,” he told The Produce News.
New line gives Oneonta unprecedented packing precision
This cherry season, Oneonta Starr Ranch Growers is upping its game with the introduction of a new packingline. “It is state of the art, with optical sorters that sort and cull fruit that might be missed by the human eye,” National Marketing Representative Dan Wohlford told The Produce News. “It’s also faster and gentler on the fruit, moving them by puffs of air to gently get them to the correct line for packing.
AFM promoting 'Best Game Ever' and co-branded partnerships at United Fresh
Avocados from Mexico is inviting retailers and wholesale partners to team up with the top-selling avocado brand at the 2014 United Fresh Show June 10-13 in Chicago.
Retailers that visit the Avocados from Mexico booth (No. 437) will get a preview of upcoming fall and winter promotions, including two new co-branded partnerships that leverage the excitement around football and tailgating.
CAC joins forces with Houweling's on co-marketing program
This season, the California Avocado Commission has launched a variety of co-marketing promotional activities designed to encourage demand of California avocados and partner products.
BBQ fundraiser a success for Cal Giant, American Cancer Society
The Original Spring Lamb Barbecue celebrated its 55th anniversary on Saturday May 17 at the Crosetti Ranch nestled in the foothills of Watsonville, CA. Organizers raised $75,000 for the American Cancer Society this year.