California strawberry outlook bright for March and April
Easter falls on April 12 this year, and there should be plenty of berries available from Southern California growing districts for the holiday. Last year's early Easter -- March 23 -- made meeting demand for strawberries more challenging.
Several companies warned of a possible gap in supplies of a week or more leading into Valentine's Day promotions. An about 10-day stretch of temperatures of over 80 degrees in Southern California led to an early start to the harvest, which could lead to the dry period.
MHAIA charges into new marketing campaign
The Amazing Party Kickoff program, which seeks to provide vigorous support of January retail promotions, marked the beginning of one of the more far- reaching marketing campaign since avocados from Mexico were first shipped to the United States.
Under the leadership of newly appointed Marketing Director Jacqueline Bohmer, the Mexican Hass Avocado Importers Association is helping produce managers educate their customers about the versatility and nutritional benefits of avocados.
Florida citrus industry dodges a bullet from another cold front
LAKELAND, FL -- Cold weather swept across Florida's citrus belt the night of Feb. 4, but temperatures didn't get low enough for long enough to cause significant damage to the crop, according to Florida Citrus Mutual.
"We feel like we dodged the proverbial bullet," Michael W. Sparks, executive vice president and chief executive officer of Florida Citrus Mutual, said in a Feb. 5 press release. "There will probably be spot damage here and there, but in terms of large scale problems, we came through OK."
Possible Listeria contamination leads to recall at Phillips
Phillips Mushroom Farms L.P., based in Kennett Square, PA, announced the recall of its Enoki mushrooms. While no illnesses had been reported as of Feb. 3, the recall was based on the mushrooms potentially being contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.
DRC terminates Jolifruit's membership
Montreal-based wholesaler Jolifruit Import Export Inc.'s membership with the Fruit & Vegetable Dispute Resolution Corp. was automatically terminated Feb. 2 as a result of the firm's failure to pay an arbitration award.
A press release issued by the DRC said the action was taken for "failing to comply with an arbitration award in the amount of U.S. $98,255.80, which is a violation of the DRC by-laws and the mediation and arbitration rules."
Botts and Kates named FFVA vice presidents
MAITLAND, FL -- Two veteran staff members of the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association have been named vice presidents of the organization as part of a staff realignment, FFVA President Mike Stuart announced.
Dan Botts, currently director of the Environmental & Pest Management Division, has been named vice president of industry resources. He will oversee FFVA's pest management, water and natural resources, and food safety and sustainability activities. He will be actively recruiting individuals to manage those functions.
Florida growers battening down in preparation for two bitter nights
Florida growers are preparing for what Ted Campbell, executive director of the Florida Strawberry Association in Dover, FL, referred to as "a little burst of Yankee air" for Wednesday and Thursday nights, Feb. 4 and 5.
On Wednesday, the weather forecast called for a low of 21 degrees on both nights. Thermostats are expected to reach the lowest readings between 6:30 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. on both mornings, meaning it's the most critical time for producers.
Grant J. Hunt Co. celebrating 75th anniversary as fruit distributor
As it marks its 75th year in 2009 as a domestic and international produce distributor, the Grant J. Hunt Co. continues its attention to quality and hands- on service as it moves ahead in technology and efficiency.
"We are celebrating 75 years from the official launch of the Grant J. Hunt Co. near the San Francisco Terminal Market. My family has actually been in the industry since my great-great grandfather first started delivering our fruits and vegetables to San Francisco via ferry boats in the early 1900s," company President Grant M. Hunt said in a press release.
Ippolito Produce doubles its presence at the Ontario Food Terminal
TORONTO -- Ippolito Produce Ltd. has recently increased its presence on the Ontario Food Terminal, here, to four stalls from two.
The firm, a division of the Burlington, ON-based Ippolito Group, expanded into its new space at the south wing of the terminal on Dec. 14 after several months of negotiations followed by a complete overhaul of the new facility, which included lighting, new front windows and doors, and new dock plates.
Will downsizing return California tree fruit industry to profitability?
There is general agreement among growers and shippers of California peaches, nectarines and plums that the industry is going through some troubled times.
Certainly, returns to the farm have not been good in recent years. There are many factors contributing to that condition, but overproduction, vis-a-vis the current level of demand, is widely seen as a major cause of the industry's woes.
At the very least, it is one factor over which the growers themselves can exercise some control.