American pistachio production set to double over next 5 to 7 years
Pistachio orchards tend to be somewhat alternate bearing, and after last year’s record crop of 555 million pounds for U.S. pistachios (primarily grown in California, but also in Arizona and New Mexico), 2013 is “what we would consider an off year,” said Richard Matoian, executive director of American Pistachio Growers in Fresno, CA.
Fresh produce sales up again for second quarter of 2013
For the second quarter this year, fresh produce sales are up compared to last year’s figures. Organic fruits and vegetables lead the pack in growth with strong gains in sales and volume according to FreshFacts on Retail, a quarterly report from the United Fresh Produce Association that tracks retail produce sales and performance.
Ad support and display contests are key elements of IPC retail programs
The Idaho Potato Commission has various programs designed to help retailers boost potato sales. Of those, Seth Pemsler, vice president of retail at IPC, identified three as “the key elements of our program.” They are advertising support, Potato Lovers Month retail display contests, and “what we call bin promotions,” he said.
Sun-Glo continues participation in Fresh Solutions Network
It has been just about a year since Sun-Glo of Idaho Inc. in Sugar City, ID, joined the Fresh Solutions Network. As described previously in The Produce News, the network is “a partnership of multi-generational potato and onion companies committed to driving profitable category growth through innovative marketing, category management and operational solutions.”
Wada Farms continues to upgrade colored potatoes packingline
Although Idaho russet potatoes continue to be the major focus of Wada Farms Marketing Group in Idaho Falls, ID, which is the exclusive marketing agent for potatoes from Wada Farms Potatoes Inc. in Pingree, ID, as well as for various other potato packingsheds around the state, the company has been placing an increasing emphasis in recent years on colored potato varieties, notably red and gold varieties.
Wilcox Fresh installs new Odenberg graders to enhance product quality
“We have always had a strong commitment to quality,” said Jim Richter, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Floyd Wilcox & Sons Inc. and its marketing arm, Wilcox Fresh, in Rexburg, ID.
In pursuit of that commitment, “this summer we invested in some new Odenberg graders,” Richter told The Produce News. “Those were installed the first of September, so as we go into the new crop year, we are going to have those Odenberg graders in place. That is going to help us take our quality from good to great in the years ahead.”
Heat to affect 20/20 potato production
20/20 Produce, headquartered in Heyburn, ID, anticipates a reduced potato volume this season directly attributed to weather.
Tom Wason, president of 20/20 Produce, is looking for crop sizes to be down approximately 7 percent this season.
“We definitely had some heat stress,” he told The Produce News in early September.
“Yields are expected to be average. Again, the heat will have a mixed consistency on overall crop values,” he said.
Given choices, some L&M customers specify Idaho potatoes
L&M Cos. Inc., headquartered in Raleigh, NC, sources potatoes from various growing areas around the country, which gives customers a choice as to where their potatoes come from. But “Idaho potatoes are really important to L&M’s program in potatoes,” according to Ken Stewart, general manager.
“We have a variety of customers that request Idaho potatoes,” Stewart told The Produce News.
Dried Plum Board focuses on nutritional research and health message
Dried plums, the dried fruit formerly (and still widely) known as prunes, have been touted for their health benefits, and most notably their digestive health benefits, for generations, but new research being conducted at Florida State University, San Diego State University and elsewhere at the behest of the California Dried Plum Board, is validating those venerable claims and is, moreover, giving the fruit a basis for some powerful new health messaging.
Research done in recent years is “helping to drive our new messaging,” said Donn Zea, executive director of the organization.
Fig board moves California Fig Fest from Fresno to San Diego
For its first nine years, the California Fig Fest, sponsored by the California Fig Advisory Board, a marketing order for dried figs, and its sister organization, the voluntary California Fresh Fig Growers Association, was held in Fresno, CA. This year, the 10th Annual Fig Fest was moved to San Diego and held Sept. 8 at the new San Diego Public Market.