IGSA names new president
The Idaho Grower Shippers Association board of directors announced Oct. 9 that Mark Klompien has been named president of the organization. He fills the position vacated in late September by Travis Blacker, who joined the Idaho Potato Commission as industry relations director.
Paramount Farms ‘saladbrates’ relaunch of Almond Accents under ‘Wonderful’ brand
Just in time for the winter holidays, Almond Accents is getting a new packaging and flavor facelift. This fall, consumers' favorite healthy salad topping will now be packaged as Wonderful Almond Accents, and will be available in six different varieties, including three new flavors: honey roasted with cranberries; sweet roasted with pomegranate; and sea salt and cracked pepper.
Specialty crop leaders discuss urgency in reauthorizing farm bill
WASHINGTON — Specialty crop research may not be a sexy subject, but the farm bill’s research grants that helped the Florida citrus industry battle citrus greening disease will be lost if Congress does not reauthorize the 2008 law during the five-week, lame-duck session, said speakers at the United Fresh Produce Association’s Washington Public Policy Conference, here, earlier this month.
The farm bill is one issue that is surfacing in congressional races on the campaign trail this fall and may be on the agenda when Congress returns to Capitol Hill after the election.
Bloggers take center stage at Fresh Produce & Floral Council luncheon
CERRITOS, CA — A trio of food bloggers was involved in a panel discussion about their choice of work at the membership luncheon of the Fresh Produce & Floral Council, held Oct. 10, here.
Jin Ju Wilder of Status Gro in Pasadena, CA, led the three Southern California women in a discussion about where they get their information and how produce industry firms can get involved in a food blog.
Pro Citrus Network partners with Huebert Farms
Pro Citrus Network, based in Visalia, CA, announced a citrus packing partnership with Reedley, CA-based Huebert Farms. PCN has packed fruit with Huebert Farms for the past three years but has grown its citrus program out of Central California to the point where it will be the majority citrus grower and handler at Huebert's facility this year.
Mexico is becoming bigger part of avocado trade for Eco Farms
As the total consumption of avocados in the U.S. market continues to grow, “the Mexican deal is becoming a bigger and bigger part of the puzzle,” said Steve Taft, president of Eco Farms Avocados Inc. in Temecula, CA.
One reason for that is Chile, which harvests its avocados largely during Mexico’s peak season, does not come to the United States “with as much fruit as they used to,” he said. Chile has had “a series of short crops,” and in addition Chileans “have developed other markets.”
Large volume of avocados assuring year-round quality for Henry
There are sound reasons for optimism about the global avocado situation for 2012-13, which, fittingly, have to do with volume, according to year-round distributor Phil Henry of Henry Avocado in Escondido, CA.
Rivermaid and Wespak announce merger
Wespak Sales has merged its sales and marketing activities with Rivermaid Trading Co., according to a joint statement released Oct. 17. The merger follows a 10-year working relationship between the two entities that began with fresh cherries and will now grow significantly to include other products.
Tasteful Selections specialty potatoes extends brand
RPE has added a microwaveable package to its line of Tasteful Selections specialty potatoes. The 16-ounce bags will be available to retailers nationwide after they are unveiled at the Produce Marketing Association’s Fresh Summit Oct. 26.
Ocean Spray brings the bog back to the Big Apple
NEW YORK — For the eighth consecutive year, Ocean Spray has brought the bog to New York City.
The grower-owned cooperative based in Lakeville-Middleboro, MA, constructed a 1,500-square-foot cranberry bog filled with 2,000 pounds of fresh cranberries at the iconic Rockefeller Center, here, as a way to educate the public about cranberries and promote its products during the peak time of year for the fruit.