USDA predicts decrease to 2012-13 Florida citrus crop
The U.S. Department of Agriculture said its estimate of the 2012-13 Florida citrus crop has decreased almost 3 percent to 142 million boxes.
The majority of the decrease occurred in Valencias, which declined 3 million boxes to 76 million from the USDA's December estimate. Early-mids decreased 1 million boxes to 66 million boxes.
The USDA makes its first estimate in October of each year and revises it monthly as the crop takes shape until the end of the season in July.
FreshXperts expands presence in Canada
FreshXperts, a leading produce consultancy, named Andrew Southwood as an associate member. He will provide management resources and support for FreshXperts' clients and expand FreshXperts' reach into Canada.
Coalition promotes new labor system that goes beyond fixing H-2A
Washington — Produce companies, farms, ranchers and other agricultural operations looking to move beyond an overhauled H-2A visa program to fix the worsening labor situation have banded together and created the new Agricultural Workforce Coalition.
Chuck’s Produce smashes retail potato display record
Chuck’s Produce & Street Market, located in Vancouver, WA, proved that potatoes are big business this past November. A retail display, bursting at the seams with 133,000 pounds of Washington state-grown potatoes, took over the unofficial title as the largest volume of potatoes ever displayed in one retail exhibit. The gargantuan display toppled the previous unofficial record of 92,500 pounds of spuds garnered by a Canadian grocer a year ago.
Wm. Manis strawberry deal out the gate in fine fashion through first part of season
After early-season rains that slowed the start of the strawberry season, things are on track at Wm. Manis & Co. in Plant City, FL.
Following “a few showers” that were “a pain in the butt” getting out of the gate, the season settled down and has progressed satisfactorily “quality wise and weather wise,” according to owner Rick Sullivan.
C.H. Robinson and AARP Foundation unveil new 'Tropicana' clementines packaging to help fight hunger
C.H. Robinson Worldwide Inc., a leading produce sourcing and logistics company, has teamed up with AARP and AARP Foundation to support the Drive to End Hunger initiative by offering specially designed packaging on "Tropicana" brand clementines at retailers nationwide.
Available on three-pound bags and five-pound race CARtons, the packaging includes imagery of the campaign's spokesperson, four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon and the No. 24 Drive to End Hunger Chevrolet.
Vidalia Brands inks deal on snack line
Vidalia Brands, a sister company of Bland Farms LLC, a leading grower-packer-shipper of the Vidalia sweet onions, has entered into a licensing agreement with specialty food manufacturer Inventure Foods to develop a line of prepackaged snacks for vending, grocery and convenience store distribution.
Ocean Spray acquires cranberry operations in Chile
Ocean Spray Cranberries Inc., a grower-owned agricultural cooperative based in Lakeville-Middleboro, MA, has acquired the cranberry processing business of Agrícola Cran Chile Limitada, based in Lanco, Región de los Ríos, Chile.
The acquisition will expand Ocean Spray's multinational footprint and give it a sizable presence in an important cranberry-growing region. Cran Chile will retain its world-class cranberry-growing operation and its raspberry and blueberry juice concentrate business.
Cleveringa appointment, successful apple season a win-win for Oneonta
Jeff Cleveringa, head of research and development for Oneonta Starr Ranch Growers in Wenatchee, WA, has been named incoming president of the Washington State Horticultural Association. Mr. Cleveringa’s work with Oneonta takes him around the world to evaluate the latest in orchard and packinghouse technologies, new orchard systems and the latest in new apple and cherry varieties.
Apples a shining gem in Stemilt Growers’ treasure trove
Diverse apple varieties, top quality and impressive product movement are signs of the times for Stemilt Growers Inc. in Wenatchee, WA.
“Apple movement has been outstanding. Gala, Honeycrisp, Fuji and Piñata are some of the shining stars so far,” Director of Marketing Roger Pepperl told The Produce News. “There are lots of promotions and good sales at retail.”