Murakami's Kitamura says orderly marketing key to 2012 movement
Murakami Produce General Manager Grant Kitamura told The Produce News in early September that good marketing and patience are important in moving this year's Treasure Valley onion crop.
From his Ontario, OR, office, Mr. Kitamura said the current crop is of high quality and good size.
"I have confidence in the quality," he said. "But we have to hold together as marketers. We have to be orderly, and we have to be patient."
New hires at Giumarra Cos.
The Giumarra Cos., headquartered in Los Angeles, announced the expansion of its Nogales, AZ-based sales team with two new hires on Aug. 27.
The 'big Idaho potato truck' is star of commission's new TV ad campaign; Second nationwide tour planned
Move over, Denise Austin. A giant Idaho potato on a flat-bed truck is taking center stage in this year's Idaho Potato Commission television advertising campaign.
Make no mistake, Ms. Austin, the famous fitness guru who has been celebrity spokesperson for Idaho potatoes for several years, will continue in that roll and will be involved with the commission in a number of programs.
In the know: U.S. berry demand and imports
According to the Agricultural Marketing Resource Center, over the last two decades the strawberry industry has experienced a huge increase in the rate of consumer consumption of berries.
Central Produce joins COI
This summer, Central Produce Distributors, headquartered in Payette, ID, joined Certified Onions Inc. "This season, we'll be fully ramped up and going," General Manager Ray Burzota told The Produce News on Sept. 6.
California Giant Berry Farms increases focus on imported berries every year
“We look forward to increased availability again this year as we continue to focus on our imported berry program,” said Cindy Jewell, director of marketing for California Giant Berry Farms headquartered in Watsonville, CA. “If weather cooperates, we are expecting our volumes to increase by between 15 and 20 percent over last year.”
Seth Tillery joins Homegrown Organic
Porterville, CA-based Homegrown Organic Farms announced that SETH TILLERY has been hired for the newly created role of grower relations and operations manager for the San Joaquin Valley, effective Aug. 29.
In a company press release, Scott Mabs, director of marketing, said that Mr. Tillery’s new position is a great opportunity for the company to better serve its growers in a more comprehensive manner.
Strong mango market expected throughout fall
In the late summer early fall period — when Brazilian mangos dominate U.S. imports — the market is typically firm, but this year it is as strong as any season in recent memory and there is no let up in sight.
National Mango Board responds to FDA notice regarding 'Daniella' mangos
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration issued a consumer advisory against eating "Daniella" brand mangos, stating that the affected mangos were supplied by Agricola Daniella, a mango supplier in Sinaloa, Mexico, due to concerns that the mangos may be contaminated with Salmonella Braenderup bacteria.
In response to the FDA announcement, William Watson, executive director of the National Mango Board, released the following statement:
McDonald’s eyes expanding produce offerings in 2013 menu to boost healthy offerings
McDonald’s USA says it plans to test adding more seasonal fruits and vegetables and additional produce to food dishes for its 2013 menu as it tries to entice more health-conscious consumers.