California Giant will have strawberries into November, other berries into September
The late-season berry program at California Giant in Watsonville, CA, involves more than just strawberries. The company will also have California-grown raspberries and blackberries as well as Northwest blueberries well into September, according to Cindy Jewell, marketing director.
Spice World’s Hymel sees increasing trend toward convenience
During the 44 years that Louis Hymel has been in the garlic industry and has been working at Spice World Inc. in Orlando, FL, he has seen many trends and changes in the industry. Among them is a trend toward “new convenient ways consumers get to use garlic,” he said.
Tomato market should be stronger as summer wanes
When the California mature green tomato deal got started in mid- to late June, it was plagued by an oversupply situation, according to tomato veteran Joe Bernardi, but he said it did strengthen in July and he expects a fairly good market from mid-August on.
In late July, he said, “he good news is we are getting good distribution to all parts of the country.”
Attendance soars to more than 400 as Texas Produce Convention tackles tough topics in San Antonio
SAN ANTONIO, TX — More than 400 people packed the Westin La Canterra Resort Aug. 7-9, here, for the 2013 Texas Produce Convention, co-hosted by the Texas International Produce Association, Texas Citrus Mutual and the Texas Vegetable Association.
Hass Avocado Board unveils nutrition-driven marketing platform
The Hass Avocado Board announced a new, multi-year, science-based, food and wellness education program: Love One Today.
This program encourages Americans to include fresh Hass avocados in everyday healthy eating plans to help increase fruit and vegetable intake and as a delicious, cholesterol-free, whole food source of naturally good fats.
Industry rolls together at FPFC Bocce Ball tourney
LIVERMORE, CA — On Friday night, Aug. 9, about 80 Northern California produce professionals doubling as bocce ball amateurs got together here at the third annual Fresh Produce & Floral Council Bocce Ball Get Together.
Sun World acquired by asset management firm
Sun World International, a grower, marketer and breeder of premium produce varieties with a full line of seedless grapes, sweet peppers, stone fruits and other fruits and vegetables, based in Bakersfield, CA, has been acquired by a California-based asset management firm with a focus on agriculture and other sustainable resources.
Renewable Resources Group Inc. purchased Sun World International LLC from Black Diamond Capital Management LLC, an alternative asset management firm based in Greenwich, CT.
Mushroom Council remaining out in front with great ideas, strong promotions, active participation
The Mushroom Council is thrilled about the attention that mushrooms received at the Produce Marketing Association Foodservice Conference & Expo in Monterey, CA, July 26-28.
“For the second year in a row, the Mushroom Council took the top prize in the Produce Marketing Association’s competitive Chef Demonstration Lunch,” said Bart Minor, council president. “Blendability once again proved to be an operator favorite by innovatively meeting all contest requirements to decrease plate cost and feature produce prominently on the plate, all in an appetizing presentation.”
Mexican facility offers options to Sambrailo’s customers
With the Baja tomato season in full stride, grower-shippers looking for specific clamshells now have a locally-based option.
Because of the growth of the grape tomato category it now makes economic sense for Sambrailo Packaging, which is based in Watsonville, CA,to manufacture one-pound RunRite grape tomato clamshells in its Mexican plant.
Peakfresh continues to expand strawberry business, eyes other commodities
The basic premise of the Peakfresh pallet bags and liners is to slow down the dehydration of the product they are protecting. This increases shelf life and gives the retailer more pounds to sell.