High-quality peach crop expected at Sunny Valley
“Our growing partner, Cotton Hope Farms in Monetta, South Carolina, expects that the company’s crop of peaches will be slower than normal out of the gate this year because of an early blast of cold that hit its orchards,” Bob Von Rohr, director of customer relations for Sunny Valley International Inc., headquartered in Glassboro, NJ, said May 5. “This means that our customers will have to wait a little later to enjoy the company’s flavorful southern peaches.”
California figs celebrating popularity with extended season
The California Fig Advisory Board was established more than 60 years ago, according to Chief Executive Officer Karla Stockli.
Regional poly bags to promote locally grown produce
Black Gold Farms has recently kicked off its 2014 summer red potato harvest with its popular locally grown programs.
Kings bringing back 24 Hour Just Picked Promise for summer
Kings Food Markets continues its tradition of bringing customers the freshest, highest-quality ingredients with the 2014 launch of its exclusive 24 Hour Just Picked Promise.
Northwest cherry season described as picture perfect
It’s not just the bees that have been buzzing in cherry orchards in the Pacific Northwest. Growers are raving about perfect conditions, which are expected to translate to strong volume and quality fruit as cherry production ramps up in June.
“We’re very excited about the crop,” said Mac Riggin, director of marketing for Chelan Fresh Marketing in Chelan, WA. “This year it’s spread out well, not compressed. And barring any weather events, it’s lining up to be one of the best cherry crops in years.”
Freshway Foods introduces new summer salad line
Freshway Foods will introduce a line of new summer salads at the upcoming IDDBA Dairy-Deli-Bake Conference. The new summer salads contain a broad variety of superfoods, including kale, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, beets and mangos.
Samples of the company’s Super Veggie Detox and 5-A-Day Plus salads will be offered at the show.
Western watermelon growers to donate 50 tons of watermelons for fest at Santa Anita
Members of the Western Watermelon Association, which include growers from California and several other Western states, donated nearly 30 tons of ice-cold watermelons last year to attendees at a Los Angeles-area watermelon festival, which was held at the Rose Bowl for the first time in the festival's 52-year history.
Vega Produce now offering extensive line of pre-cut fruits and vegetables
Doral, FL-based Vega Produce, a grower, packer and importer of a broad line of Asian and conventional fruits and vegetables, is now operating a pre-cut division called Vega Precut, which is expected to begin within the next few weeks.
Lauren Del Rosario named to FPFC apprentice program
Lauren Del Rosario, a staff member at Gourmet Trading Co., a Los Angeles-based distributor of fresh asparagus and blueberries, has been named to the first Fresh Produce & Floral Council apprentice program.
Stellar Distributing taking advantage of early fruit
With an early crop of figs and a hot market, Stellar Distributing Inc. in Madeira, CA, has taken advantage of a great marketing season as it kicked off its 2014 California fig season.