Feedback about onion sales nothing to weep about for Curry
Matt Curry, president of Curry & Co., said industry feedback regarding the company’s year-round onion program has been outstanding. “We received a lot of positive comments about our onion programs during this year’s Fresh Summit,” he told The Produce News. “We introduced our Curry & Co. onion and sweet onion boxes this past year, and we’ve had a very favorable response to them.
High demand good for Sweet Clover reds, yellows and sweets
Demand for onions is high going into the holidays and new year, and Sweet Clover Produce Sales Manager Bill (Sweet Willie) Brownfield said his Walla Walla, WA-based sales office was seeing brisk movement in its Red Wing reds as well as its yellow hybrid and sweet onions.
Bartolotta Inc. benefiting from its new Glassboro, NJ, facility
Bartolotta opened its Glassboro, NJ, facility in October 2012. “I am very pleased with how that operation is going, primarily because my manager there, Damon Twomey, is highly motivated,” Kevin Bartolotta, president of Bartolotta Inc. in Torrington, CT, told The Produce News.
Greening continues to chip away at Florida citrus industry, but resilient growers fight back
The U.S. Department of Agriculture initial forecast for the Florida citrus season shows yet another in a series of declining annual production totals due to the effects of Huanglongbing, or citrus greening disease. But the Sunshine State’s industry overall remains strong with 532,000 acres in production, representing 65 percent of the U.S. citrus crop at an annual value of some $9 billion.
California Avocado Commission awards retail contest winners
The California Avocado Commission announced the winners of its advertising and display contests for 2013, which ran concurrently from May 1 through Sept. 11 to encompass the period of American summer holidays that included Mother’s Day, Memorial Day, Father’s Day, Flag Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day. Save Mart Supermarkets earned the top spot in CAC’s advertising contest and Food Town store No. 7 in Houston claimed the grand prize in the display contest.
Citrus, strawberries affected by two nights of freezing temperatures in California
A second night of cold temperatures is expected to leave behind some damage to the San Joaquin Valley's citrus crop, according to a Dec. 6 press release from California Citrus Mutual in Exeter, CA.
"Although the extent of damage cannot be known for certain at this time, the industry along with county and state regulators will begin assessments as early as next week," the release stated.
Gourmet Trading Co. launches new asparagus packaging
Gourmet Trading Co. is debuting its new tray and flow-wrapped asparagus product. The packaging features a modern, natural look that is expected to garner a positive response from consumers. The new pack is state-of-the-art — extending shelf life to ensure the product is at its freshest — all while having a natural, eco-friendly look and feel.
FPFC holds holiday auction for charity
At its December luncheon meeting, the Fresh Produce & Floral Council held its annual holiday auction and raised more than $116,000 for charity. The designated charity this year was Caterina’s Club, a private Southern California organization that serves nightly meals to 300 underprivileged kids who would otherwise do without a real dinner. The event was held on Wednesday, Dec. 4 at the Sheraton Hotel in Cerritos, CA.
Michelle L. Allen-Ziegler joins Rock-Tenn
Norcross, GA-based Rock-Tenn Co. recently hired MICHELLE L. ALLEN-ZIEGLER as its corporate business manager.
Red River Valley business strong; yellow potato production is doubled
“Business is good. No one is complaining about it being slow,” Ted Kreis said of Red River Valley potato shippers on Nov. 15.
Kreis is the marketing director for the Northern Plains Potato Growers Association, which is located in East Grand Forks, MN.
“Demand for red potatoes is good throughout the country,” he added. “Prices are ok but they could be better. There are a lot of red potatoes on the market. Wisconsin yields are high. Idaho grew more potatoes. All of the U.S. has got to be up for red potato production.”