Despite support of many growers, judge overturns Georgia ag commissioner’s Vidalia pack date
While many Vidalia onion growers were in favor of a recent decision by Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Gary Black to set April 21 as the first date Vidalia onions can be packed and shipped each season, Judge Cynthia D. Wright of the Atlanta Judicial Circuit of the Superior Court of Fulton County March 19 ruled in favor of a challenge to that decision from Bland Farms of Glennville, GA.
Meanwhile, Bo Herndon of Herndon Farms in Lyons, GA, a supporter or the mandatory ship date, said he was “shocked” by the judge’s ruling.
Court sides with Bland Farms on ship date for Vidalia onions
Judge Cynthia D. Wright of the Atlanta Judicial Circuit of the Superior Court of Fulton County ruled in favor of Bland Farms' challenge of the legality of the Georgia Department of Agriculture's mandatory uniform start date for the shipping of Vidalia sweet onions.
As a result of the ruling, Bland Farms and other licensed Vidalia sweet onion growers will be able to continue shipping Vidalia sweet onions on their traditional timetable.
Lime market hits record high
According to some sources, the lime market hit $80 for a 40-pound carton during mid-March, and the demand-exceeds-supply situation should remain in force for at least several weeks and could last as long as several months.
“We had an $80 market this week,” Ronnie Cohen, vice president of sales for Vision Import Group LLC in River Edge, NJ, told The Produce News March 18. “I don’t think I have ever seen it go over $55 before. It got to $50 and it just kept rising, going up $5 at a time.”
Mann Packing: A firm built on innovation and overcoming challenges
Lorri Koster, the current chief executive officer and co-chairman of the board of Mann Packing Co., believes the Salinas, CA-based company’s 75 years as a successful shipper can be attributed to its ability to adapt to change. But perhaps even more important, the firm has found a niche by going left when everyone else goes right.
In the Trenches: Create a unique produce image with Signature Sections
An industry friend called me not long ago and told me about his recent store visits. He explained that his trip took him to seven supermarkets and every one of the produce departments looked the same. They all had the usual displays of bananas, lettuce and apples. He claimed that he did not see anything new or different.
RM Investors acquires 20/20 Produce
On March 15, RM Investors Inc. announced it is acquiring 20/20 Produce Sales Inc., located in Heyburn, ID. The new company will be known as 20/20 Global Inc. In connection with the acquisition, its directors and shareholders were elected as directors and officers of RM Investors Inc. The new board of directors consists of Mark D. Williams, Robert T. Williams, Tom Wason and Colin Gibson. The board also approved changing the name of the company to 20/20 Global Inc.
Sunshine Sweet Corn hits the airwaves this spring
The Sunshine Sweet Corn Farmers of Florida are growing their marketing support for retailers this spring with their first-ever television advertising campaign. As part of a partnership with the Florida Department of Agriculture’s Fresh From Florida campaign, ads featuring Sunshine Sweet Corn will air in Indianapolis, IN, Buffalo, NY, and Raleigh-Durham, NC, from April 14 through May 11.
Freska banking on Disney connection to increase sales
In the fall of 2013, Freska Produce International Inc., based in Oxnard, CA, inked a two-year tie-in deal with the Consumer Products Division of the Disney Corp. to link the firm’s mangos with the most popular, iconic Disney characters such as Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck.
Ecoripe Tropicals gearing up for strong volumes of Ataulfo and Tommy Atkins mangos
Since opening its South Florida facility in 2004, after cultivating papayas on the Pacific Coast of Guatemala since the 1990s, Ecoripe Tropicals has quickly become a leader in setting the standard for high-quality Asian and Hispanic specialty items in North America.
In order to keep pace with its fast growth and expansion, the company opened its new facility in Medley, FL, in 2010, complete with food-safety certification, cold storage, sales and administrative offices.
Sunkist launches Family Stories campaign
Sunkist Growers unveiled Sunkist Family Stories, a multimedia storytelling project dedicated to sharing the rich heritage of Sunkist growers through video and imagery. Sunkist Family Stories will profile multigenerational Sunkist growers from California and Arizona, offering a window into the life and experience of today’s modern farmer.