Gala production up for Greg Orchards
BENTON HARBOR, MI — “We increase our Gala production every year,” said Barry Winkel, general manager and a partner in the family firm Greg Orchards & Produce Inc., located here. While Greg Orchards primarily ships Red and Golden Delicious apples, the Galas are coming on strong. He noted that Rome and Winesap shipments for Greg Orchards decline each year.
Western Cape Citrus Producers Forum promoting strongly into Midwest U.S.
“The ‘South African Summer Citrus’ program is a complement to the U.S. domestic citrus program,” said Suhanra Conradie, chief executive officer of the Western Cape Citrus Producers Forum based in Citrusdal, South Africa. “It has been the model of the consortium of growers approved to export to the U.S. to not compete with the domestic citrus, but rather to complement it arriving in the U.S. after the domestic season is completed. Our citrus will continue to arrive into September and will be available through October in the marketplace.”
Chris Sandwick brings new perspective to Belleharvest Farms
BELDING, MI — When Chris Sandwick joined the staff of Belleharvest Sales Inc., here, in January, the firm’s new vice president of sales and marketing brought some interesting and valuable experience.
Sandwick moved from Lake City, MN, where he worked for a decade and served as the director of sales and marketing for Courtier’s Pepin Heights. Pepin Heights focused on niche marketing and new special fruit varieties. Direct consumer contact is emphasized as Pepin Heights succeeds with an emphasis on tasty, popular new varieties.
Generational pride, expertise a hallmark at Wallace Farms
Jack Wallace, co-owner and sales manager of G&D Wallace/Wallace Farms, is extending an invitation to current and future customers to visit the farm in Burlington and find out how generational expertise translates to production of the finest quality potatoes in Washington’s Skagit Valley. “We have been growing potatoes in the Skagit Valley for more than a century, and currently three generations are involved in the business,” Wallace said. “Experience is relevant to producing great results, and we are focused on doing the best possible job for our customers.”
2013 OTA Industry Survey data show fresh organic produce continues to lead the category
The Organic Trade Association’s 2013 Organic Industry Survey, conducted and produced by Nutrition Business Journal, indicates that the U.S. organic product market continued to climb in 2012, putting more distance between the growth of today and the difficulties of the recession in 2009.
More than 200 companies responded to the survey, which was conducted from Jan. 25, 2013 through April 5, 2013. It includes revenues reported in narrow ranges, sales growth, revenue by product and sales channel breakdowns.
Cub Foods set to celebrate its 45th anniversary
To commemorate its landmark 45th anniversary, Cub, a division of SUPERVALU Inc., will give away more than $100,000 in gift cards and other prizes as part of a month-long celebration in September.
Speakers at Idaho potato convention highlight successful year, look for another
SUN VALLEY, ID — The Idaho potato industry enjoyed success in 2012-13 and finished on strong markets in spite of a large crop characterized by a preponderance of large-sized potatoes.
Union Pacific hosts cocktail party at IGSA convention
SUN VALLEY, ID — The 85th annual Idaho Grower Shipper Association convention, held here Aug. 28-30, brought together members of the Idaho potato industry and offered numerous educational and networking opportunities. Among the networking highlights of the annual convention is the Union Pacific cocktail party, held Aug. 29, where industry members had a chance to reconnect in a relaxed setting amid the picturesque grounds of the Sun Valley Inn.
LD Logistics sees advantages in Hunts Point location
Shipments to the Hunts Point Terminal Produce Market and the surrounding Bronx, NY, area account for about 25 percent of the transportation business that LD Logistics arranges, which is where the firm is located.
NMB offers mango-handling advice to importers, wholesalers and brokers
The National Mango Board hosted its second free Mango Temperature Management & Ripening Webinar Aug. 22 for retailers and importers. It focused on providing attendees with information on how to best handle mangos and the importance of proper temperature management to enhance consumers’ mango-eating experience.