Chilean Citrus Committee focuses on keeping U.S. customers informed and in good supply
The Chilean Citrus industry, via the Chilean Citrus Committee and Fruits from Chile, wants to provide as much useful information to its U.S. customers about the numerous steps in the supply chain — from growers to exporters to importers and finally to retailers — to keep everyone abreast of the volumes being shipped during any given season and forecasts for that overall season. One way the organizations do that is through videos posted on YouTube and on its "Fruits from Chile" website.
Red River Valley shippers donate to Kansas City poor for 31st consecutive year
For the 31st consecutive holiday season, Red River Valley potato shippers cooperated with Haun Potato Co., located in Shawnee Mission, KS, to contribute a truckload of potatoes to metropolitan Kansas City’s poor via The Salvation Army.
On Dec. 11, company owner David Haun and his father, Dick (Spud) Haun, received the delivery at a Salvation Army facility in Kansas City, MO.
Red River Valley spuds in NYC
The Red River Valley potato industry was represented in the recent New York Produce Show & Conference through a booth sponsored by the Northern Plains Potato Growers Association, which is located in East Grand Forks, MN.
Representing the association were its marketing director, Ted Kreis, as well as Glen Reynolds and Keith Groven, representatives of Black Gold Farms Inc., and Jenni Boushey from A&L Potato Co. Inc. A&L is located in East Grand Forks, and Black Gold is headquartered nearby in Grand Forks, ND.
United Fresh unveils 'Fresh Insights for Foodservice' report
The United Fresh Produce Association has launched “Fresh Insights for Foodservice,” a new quarterly report showcasing the latest trends in fresh produce use in foodservice and restaurants.
“We are excited to offer the industry such an in-depth resource focused on foodservice,” said United’s Vice President of Trade Relations Jeff Oberman, liaison to United’s Retail-Foodservice Board. “Our members know that foodservice trends shift quickly and this publication will be a valuable tool for them to stay on top of those trends and take advantage of new opportunities.”
Outlook 2014: Notable rebound to continue
As the calendar turned a year ago, Florida’s flower and plant growers were nervous, yet hopeful, for a sales rebound. Trepidation evaporated as Florida’s $15.3 billion nursery and landscape industry enjoyed a significant sales jump across all categories.
As 2014 arrives, the Florida Nursery, Growers & Landscape Association is anticipating the notable rebound will persist.
In 2013, consumers seemed to be seeking comfort and ways to relax, so they were drawn to the familiar, tried-and-true plant varieties.
Outlook 2014: California-grown flowers are trending
When does a trend become the standard? Is it two years? Three years? Five years?
For the fourth consecutive year the California Cut Flower Commission has seen an increase in the annual sales of flowers and greens from its farms. As the largest producer of U.S.-grown flowers, California’s flower-farming families have certainly continued to benefit from a general market trend towards locally grown foods.
Outlook 2014: Fresh start after a year of industry challenges
Last year brought many industry challenges that were beyond our control. The government sequester and shutdown created additional problems for the Customs & Border Protection staff for flower importing. The sequester reduced the number of staff members who were employed and cut back on overtime. The government shutdown added even more stress.
Outlook 2014: Wholesale florists delivering results
The complete change in the Wholesale Florist & Florist Supplier Association, its management and conference, has inspired its members to not just think outside the box, but to throw the box away and look at every part of their businesses. Who are we? Where do we fit in? What can we do for you?
The last few years, members of WF&FSA have been asking and answering the first two questions.
Family Fresh #321 offers a whole-store holiday
All people may be created equal, but that’s not the case for supermarkets. According to the Food Marketing Institute, there are more than 37,000 grocery stores and supermarkets in the United States. They spread across the country from large metropolitan areas to small rural communities and their floral departments come in all sizes too. But regardless of their size, supermarket floral centers all use the same calendar and focus their business on the same floral holidays.
Planning essential to increase sales and profits for Valentine’s Day
The calendar is turning and the clock is ticking — Valentine’s Day is just a few weeks away. According to the Society of American Florists, it is the most important floral holiday of the year. It accounts for 36 percent of all holiday floral transactions and moe than 40 percent of total holiday dollars for the year.
A profitable Valentine’s Day influences a floral department’s annual success.