Jay Krichmar: Produce supplies should ramp up with warmer weather
VINELAND, NJ — Jay Krichmar, president of Krichmar Produce Co., was evaluating the cool weather pattern that had marked the early spring in New Jersey and how it was affecting the crops so far this year when The Produce News visited him in mid-May.
“This year started slow, but the weather will come on and we’ll catch up like that,” he said with a snap of his fingers.
Even with the cool spring, Krichmar said May 15 that lettuce “was starting to come in” and would get more plentiful during the next few weeks. Herbs “were pretty plentiful,” he added.
New software solution from FoodLink guarantees PTI compliance
FoodLink, the commerce and traceability platform for fresh food retailers, wholesalers and more than 2,000 growers, packers and shippers, introduced a new solution for warehouse inventory management to attendees at the recent United Fresh 2013 in San Diego.
Northwest pear growers forecast a full-size crop from Washington and Oregon
Representatives of the Northwest pear industry met last week in Portland, OR, to project the size of the 2013 fresh pear harvest. With reports of an excellent-quality crop from the Pacific Northwest growing regions of Wenatchee and Yakima, WA, and Mid-Columbia and Medford, OR, the total projection is showing approximately 19.8 million standard 44-pound box equivalents (or 436,410 tons) of pears for the fresh market. This estimate is 4 percent larger than the five-year average and 2 percent larger than last year’s crop, which would make the forthcoming crop the third-largest on record.
PACA claimants in good shape in Pro's Ranch Markets bankruptcy
It appears as if there are sufficient assets in the Pro's Ranch Markets Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection proceedings to pay PACA Trust claimants in full.
Attorneys representing Pro's Ranch Markets of Phoenix, AZ, and produce industry creditors have been discussing establishing a procedure for expedited payment of PACA Trust claims related to that case. In fact, a hearing date has been set for June 11 by the bankruptcy judge to hear a motion with regard to establishing the PACA claims procedure.
PMA announces new COO, strengthens senior leadership
The Produce Marketing Association announced that Tony Parassio has been named chief operating officer of the Newark, DE-based organization.
The announcement was made at the association's recent board of directors meeting in Denver.
Georgia Blueberry Commission debuts recipe contest
The Georgia Blueberry Commission will host its first-ever “Sweet Georgia Blues Recipe Contest” throughout the month of June in celebration of Georgia Blueberry Month.
Sweet Georgia peach growers expect outstanding season
This year’s crop of sweet Georgia peaches is expected to be abundant, with this a peak expected June through mid-August.
“It's going to be a great year for Georgia Peaches,” said Will McGehee of the Georgia Peach Council. “We expect this year’s crop to surpass last year’s, and the quality of the peaches will be outstanding.”
Kirk Wilson joins Country Fresh Mushroom
Avondale, PA-based Country Fresh Mushroom Co. recently announced the appointment of KIRK WILSON as regional sales manager.
Wilson brings a great deal of expertise and experience to Country Fresh. Prior to joining the company, he worked for six years at Highline Mushroom LTD in Ontario.
Sun Valley harvesting good volume of asparagus
SWEDESBORO, NJ — Sun Valley Orchards, a grower-shipper that for many years has been well known for peaches, peppers, cucumbers, green squash, eggplant and pickles, is now becoming well known for one of New Jersey’s signature spring items: asparagus.
Orondo Ruby a supersweet showstopper for Chelan Fresh
Chelan Fresh Marketing expects to generate marketplace buzz in 2013 with the Orondo Ruby cherry variety. “It is exclusive to us,” said Director of Marketing Mac Riggan.
Orondo Ruby cherries are a supersweet variety with a vibrant red appearance and golden yellow flesh.
“Some serious growth will occur with this cherry,” Riggan stated about future prospects.
Chelan Fresh has been moving fresh tree fruit since 2004.
Serving as a link between growers and retailers, Chelan Fresh represents more than 419 growers from its headquarters in Chelan, WA.