Atlas Produce sees 20 percent volume growth as demand for Medjools continues to climb
Fresh dates in general, and Medjools in particular, are gaining in popularity. Demand is on the rise. In response to that growth, the date industry in the United States has been putting in new plantings, and production is increasing.
Thanks to new plantings, Hadley expects increased volume in spite of rain damage
There is about a four-week window just before the time of harvest when dates are most vulnerable to the ravages of weather. That also happens to coincide with a time of year when probability of rainfall in the Coachella Valley of California is increasing. So no matter how great the weather might have been earlier in the season, and no matter how promising a crop might look, weather always has the last say in what will be harvested. And that is true not just with dates but with most agricultural commodities regardless of where they are grown.
Mariani offers an assortment of retail consumer pack styles
On the website of Mariani Nut Co., under the heading Retail/Supermarket Products, is the following summary of the company’s offerings for the retail trade:
“Since 1972, the Mariani family has been growing and producing the finest quality, premium nuts without compromise. Mariani nuts are freshly harvested from farms in California and packed in their natural form, without adding any preservatives, oil, salt, or other ingredients. We offer a full line of consumer packaging options that can be found in retail markets around the world.”
Bard Valley Medjool group has strong ad, PR campaign behind ‘Natural Delights’
Two years ago, the Bard Valley Medjool Date Growers Association in Yuma, AZ, launched a new label, “Bard Valley Natural Delights,” for use on all of its products, which includes Medjool dates and date rolls.
In support of the new brand, the association is engaged in a consumer advertising and public relations campaign “to drive increased awareness of ‘Bard Valley Natural Delight’ Medjool dates” and “both the taste and nutritional benefits that they bring,” said Edward O’Malley, president and CEO of grower-owned Datepac LLC in Yuma.
Aurora opens new facility as part of calculated growth track
Aurora Products is now headquartered in Orange, CT, and has realized the next step in its corporate growth following the opening of its new facility this past August.
“We needed more space and wanted to create a state-of-the-art building,” said Owner Stephanie Blackwell. “We have a new computer system, a quality control lab, new equipment and are building a new road for the trucks to enter our loading docks.” Square footage has increased significantly, going from 77,000 square feet to 140,000 square feet. “We also have more land for future expansion,” Blackwell added.
Holidays still move big volume, but Trucco now sees year-round sales for dried figs
A.J. Trucco Inc., a wholesaler, importer and distributor located on New York City’s Hunts Point Terminal Market, has been in the business of buying and selling dried figs, along with other dried fruit items and an assortment of in-shell nuts, for a long time.
“We have been doing this for many, many years,” said Salvatore (Sal) Vacca, president of the 76-year-old company.
“We are always trying to improve the package and to increase the volume, and we have been successful,” he said. The diminished seasonality of the market for imported dried figs is a good example of that.
Lancaster Foods recipient of ‘A’ on BRC, food-safely audit
John Gates, president of Lancaster Foods LLC in Jessup, MD, told The Produce News that the company is proud and elated to report that it has received the highest possible level — an A — on its British Retail Consortium, or BRC, food-safety audit.
“We continually strive to stay on the forefront of food safety and in our traceback initiatives,” said Gates. “We are in compliance with the industry-wide traceability initiatives. Our dedication and hard work on our food-safety programs paid off with this BRC audit grade level.”
Tony Vitrano feeling smooth transition from summer to fall produce movement
“Rather than getting stronger, the demand for locally grown produce is more mainstream today,” Tony Vitrano, president of Tony Vitrano Co., located at the Maryland Wholesale Produce Market in Jessup, MD, told The Produce News.
“But for the most case, customers just want the best-quality produce at the best possible price,” he said.
The company has always handled western fruits and vegetables, and while that part of its business remains strong, today it also sources from local growers as well as other growing regions around the country.
WPVGA chooses RedLine Solutions for traceability
The Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association selected RedLine Solutions as the traceability solutions provider for its member sales organizations and growers.
“After several months of discussions, the group has found the RedLine team to be true leaders in the industry who stay knowledgeable about the current requirements as well as those that may become apparent in the future,” Dana Rady, director of promotion, communication and consumer education for WPVGA, said in a press release.
Wuhl Shafman Lieberman selects FoodLink for produce traceability
FoodLink, a leader in supply chain and commerce solutions for the fresh food industry, announced Sept. 18 that Wuhl Shafman Lieberman Co. will implement the company's produce traceability solution on all packed and shipped produce within the United States.
Wuhl Shafman Lieberman, a well-established produce wholesaler based in Newark, NJ, handles a complete line of fruits and vegetables through its fresh-cut produce division, including onions, potatoes, peppers, tomatoes, peaches, citrus, grapes and cantaloupes.