Ciruli Bros. looking for stronger deal as mango production shifts
Because of what many call the alternate bearing tendency of a mango tree, the Chiapas region didn’t deliver the volume of Ataulfos that Ciruli Bros. LLC were looking for during the early stretch of the Mexican mango deal.
“Right now we are transitioning out of Chiapas and into Nayarit,” said Chris Ciruli, the Nogales, AZ-based company’s chief operating officer, in mid-May. “It’s a new field and a new pick and we expect better volume.”
Donio increases blueberry acreage by about 15 percent
HAMMONTON, NJ — The 2013 New Jersey spring produce deal was underway and would be gaining strength when The Produce News visited Frank Donio Inc. in mid-May, but the company was also looking ahead to the Jersey blueberry deal, announcing that it had increased its blueberry acreage for the upcoming season by close to 15 percent.
Well-Pict Berries announces healthy summer eating campaigns
Well-Pict Berries has launched its “Pinning is Slimming” promotion on Pinterest. Through June 30, Pinners can re-pin their favorite recipe from any of four of Well-Pict’s specially marked boards. Entrants then comment on the original recipe they chose to re-pin. All participants are entered into a drawing for a $100 grocery gift card.
Mastronardi donates 30,000 pounds of produce to Oklahoma relief efforts
Mastronardi Produce Ltd., via Forgotten Harvest in Detroit, donated a full truckload of greenhouse produce to support the ongoing relief efforts in Moore, OK.
“We are glad to help the residents of Moore, Oklahoma, by providing fresh vegetables during this very difficult time, our hearts go out to the thousands of people in that community,” Paul Mastronardi, company president, said in a press release.
Brooks Tropicals' 'SlimCado' season under way with expectations for a great season
Brooks Tropicals is expected to have a third consecutive year with a strong crop of Florida avocados.
First-ever Philippine banana exports to arrive at American commissaries
In mid-May, Clarito Barron, director of the Philippine Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Plant Industry, announced that a work plan between the agency and the United States had been approved to move highland Cavendish bananas to the U.S. beginning in June. The Philippines is one of the largest global exporters of bananas, and the agreement marks its entry into the American marketplace.
RockTenn’s Meta series improves efficiency with better strength and cost savings
Norcross, GA-based RockTenn, one of North America’s leading vertically integrated packaging manufacturers, has introduced a pair of products that can provide produce shippers substantial savings on materials and freight, as well as allow for better packouts and more product per pallet.
OTA celebrates Ag Secretary Vilsack's official recognition of the distinct needs of U.S. organic agriculture
The unique challenges faced by the organic category are gaining recognition from the federal government.
On May 14, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack addressed member-attendees of the Organic Trade Association's Policy Conference in Washington, DC. In his speech he officially recognized the unique production system covering U.S. organic agriculture, and announced guidance to remove agency obstacles to its continued growth.
Stanley Orchards Sales hires Jordan Cohn
JORDAN COHN recently joined Modena, NY-based Stanley Orchards Sales as a full-time sales representative.
Vision Import Group looking at new packs for mangos
By pretty much any measure, mango movement has been impressive over the last few years. Volume continues to increase and the f.o.b. prices are remaining fairly strong.
According to Ronnie Cohen, vice president of sales and a partner in Vision Import Group LLC in River Edge, NJ, it’s time for some better packaging to continue the sales gains of this tropical fruit.