California raspberries see gains in visibility and popularity
The berry patch is led by strawberries first and foremost, followed by blueberries, raspberries and blackberries. But raspberries are more than holding their own.
Nishan Moutafian, raspberry and blackberry business manager for Watsonville, CA-based Driscoll Strawberry Associates Inc., told The Produce News that the quality of Driscoll's raspberries is improving continually. The company's raspberries all are proprietary varieties.
Watermelon promotion set for Japan
The first-ever U.S. watermelon promotion in Japan will take place this August.
Gordon Hunt, director of marketing for the Orlando, FL-based National Watermelon Promotion Board, arranged the promotion. Mr. Hunt is fluent in Japanese and long ago, in another position, helped the Florida Department of Citrus open the Japanese market to Florida citrus.
IN THE TRENCHES: Eight ways to boost your company's profits
If you're not in business to make a profit, then why are you in it at all?
Every company wants to make money. This past year has seen the recession eating away at profits and companies struggling to make ends meet. When profits fail to increase, they drag down growth, which isn't very healthy for the future of any establishment.
California stone fruit industry makes changes in quest for profitability
Growers of California stone fruit, including white-flesh peaches and nectarines, have suffered hard times in recent years as production costs continue to rise and market prices have stagnated or declined.
The fallout has been significant, as several major growers, shippers and packers, some of which have been in business for generations, have downsized, restructured, sold off assets, or simply closed their doors. There is a widespread consensus in the stone fruit industry that there will be still more fallout in the weeks and months ahead.
Flavian Basciani dies at 82
Flavian Basciani, a mushroom industry pioneer who was a founder of Basciani Mushroom Farms in Avondale, PA, died May 11 at the Christiana Hospital in Newark, DE. He was 82 years old and had resided in Kennett Square, PA, which is adjacent to Avondale.
Mr. Basciani served in the U.S. military in Italy during World War II before returning home to start Basciani Mushroom Farms with his brothers Emidio Basciani Jr. and Mario (Chuff) Basciani, according to Michael Basciani, vice president of the firm, who is Mario Basciani's son.
Research indicates increased mushroom sales and opportunities
Three research studies released in recent weeks by the Mushroom Council indicate means by which retailers can increase sales and profits.
On the sales side, according to Informational Resources Inc., fresh mushroom sales increased in both dollars (4.5 percent) and pounds (1.5 percent) over last year.
Summerwhite crop projected to be down about 12 percent
REEDLEY, CA -- A net decrease in producing acreage resulting largely from pullouts exceeding replacement plantings is a major factor in a smaller crop of California peaches and nectarines, including both traditional yellow-flesh varieties and the Summerwhite or white-flesh varieties this year.
The California Tree Fruit Agreement's official estimate for Summerwhite peaches is 5.4 million packages, down from 6.2 million packages last year, a decline of about 11 percent.
South Carolina peaches delayed by hail but now available
Martin Eubanks, senior commodity merchandiser for the South Carolina Department of Agriculture in Columbia, SC, told The Produce News that hail this season delayed peach movement by a few days.
Attorney laments new PACA precedent, while others say case breaks no new ground
An attorney familiar with PACA law believes that a recent decision by a New York court allows preferential payments of PACA Trust creditors and should cause sellers to file suit early and often when the potential for a bad debt arises.
However, several other attorneys, who are also experts in PACA law, disagree with the significance of the recent decision and believe there has been no change in case law, and buyers and sellers need to do nothing differently.
Colombia concerned about bilateral agreement with U.S.
BOGOTA, COLOMBIA -- Colombia has enjoyed strong economic growth under the administration of President Alvaro Uribe. But the leader of this country, with a population of 40 million, is concerned that the U.S. Congress has been slow to approve a bilateral free-trade agreement with Colombia, which is regarded as one of the United States' closer allies in Latin America.
The Produce News met with President Uribe May 11 at Palacio de Nari?o, a grand building in downtown Bogota that is the president's residence and is akin to The White House in Washington.