Seed stem significantly reducing Vidalia onion volume
VIDALIA, GA — There is debate on how dramatically seed stem will affect this year's Vidalia onion crop, but already fields here show marked presence of the bolting flowers that indicate the condition — and more pop up every day.
Foxy Fresh partners with Skinny Mom
The Nunes Co. Inc., marketers of "Foxy" brand produce, has partnered with Skinny Mom, a multi-platform lifestyle brand and blogging network made up of over 100 mom bloggers, for two marketing campaigns during May.
As part of the month-long promotion, Foxy produce is the premier sponsor for the Skinny Mom May Meal Plan, which is distributed to over 37,000 dedicated emails subscribers. In addition, Foxy is also a partner for the Skinny Mom 14-Day Slim Down Challenge and will be the featured sponsor in one of the daily emails to participants.
Early Easter helps first-quarter sales at Publix
Publix's sales for the first quarter of 2013 were $7.5 billion, a 6.1 percent increase from last year's $7.1 billion.
Part of the increase is attributable to the Easter holiday having occurred in the first quarter of 2013, which increased sales by approximately 1.3 percent. Easter was in the second quarter last year.
Jan Fleming remembered as industry pioneer, mentor
The fresh produce industry is mourning the loss of Jan Fleming, chief executive officer of Strube Celery & Vegetable Co. in Chicago, who died May 1 at the age of 67.
Big Chuy expects steady program for spring Sonora deal
Big Chuy Distributors & Sons Inc. in Nogales, AZ, which specializes in watermelons and hard shell squash from Mexico, has Mexican watermelons available every month of the year except August, according to Jesus (Chuy) Lopez Jr., president of the company.
The Sonora spring watermelon crops have been “a little delayed due to the effect of the cold weather we had,” Mr. Lopez said. "I think that is the same for everybody in Mexico.”
Sweet Clover on track for Walla Walla Sweets in June
Sweet Clover Produce of Walla Walla, WA, is expecting to start shipping Washington’s State Vegetable, the Walla Walla Sweet onion, in mid-June, with irrigation in place and stands looking healthy and strong.
Sales Manager Bill (Sweet Willie) Brownfield told The Produce News that the company’s primary Walla Walla Sweet growers are the father/son team of Fernando Enriquez Sr. and Jr. again in 2013.
Taylor's Gold pears shine on
"Enza" Taylor's Gold pears have added sparkle to The Oppenheimer Group's imported pear lineup for a decade-and-a-half, but this season promises to be among the best ever, according to David Nelley, the marketer's apple and pear category director.
Sonora Grape Summit draws more marketers, but North American buyers scarce
The annual Sonora Spring Grapes Summit, held April 25-26 in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, was well attended with strong participation from U.S. grape marketers, Mexican producers, Latin American buyers and even two California-based Pacific Rim traders.
Bagged avocados augment category's double-digit growth
Retailers have an opportunity for potential increased sales and distribution of the bagged avocado segment, according to a recently published report by the Hass Avocado Board.
While the majority of major grocery chains sell bagged avocados, traditional retailers, smaller chains and independents can increase category distribution by adding bags in their stores. According to the study, bagged avocados are a complementary driver to category growth in addition to bulk avocado sales.
Top retail displays speak the language of love in IPC's 2013 Potato Lover's Month contest
Consumers weren't the only ones professing their love for Idaho spuds during the annual Potato Lover's Month retail celebration in February. Supermarket chains and independent retailers alike submitted 4,049 entries in the Idaho Potato Commission's 2013 retail display contest — the highest total ever in the competition's 22 years and more than double the average number of entries over the past eight years.