Stemilt Growers increases Northwest pear dominance by opening new pear facility
Wenatchee, WA-based Stemilt Growers, a major player in U.S. tree fruit production, recently opened the doors of its new Miller Street pear facility in Wenatchee.
According to Stemilt Marketing Director Roger Pepperl, the new facility features two commit-to-pack lines, a post-harvest pear-ripening center and a network of cold storage rooms.
Mr. Pepperl said that the new pear lines will increase efficiencies and give the company more flexibility when filling orders.
Del Monte Fresh acquires two melon operations
Del Monte Fresh Produce Co. recently acquired two melon operations in Guatemala to further strengthen its position as a leader in the off shore melon season and as one of the world's leading fresh produce companies.
The combined acquired operations produced approximately 5 million boxes of cantaloupes and honeydews during the 2008 season. Neither company marketed their products under the "Del Monte" brand during the 2008 season.
USApple sees smaller national crop
CHICAGO - The volume of apples produced in the United States for the 2008- 09 season is expected to be down about 5 percent from the previous season and down about 9 percent from the five-year average, according to the U.S. Apple Association. USApple is forecasting a total national crop of 207.18 million bushels.
Those estimates differ slightly from U.S. Department of Agriculture numbers, which indicate a 1 percent increase from last season and a 4 percent decrease from the five-year average. USDA is forecasting a total national crop of 218.22 million bushels.
IN THE TRENCHES: Tomatoes were presumed guilty before proven innocent
Before airplanes had sophisticated technical instruments and flight control systems, pilots flew planes literally by feel. Pilots felt their way through the sky by the plane's response to their actions at the controls. The largest point of contact between the pilot and the plane was in the feel through the seat of the pants. Thus, the phrase "flying by the seat of your pants" was originated.
And it was certainly fitting with the recent tomato fallout.
PMA foundation announces name change
NEWARK, DE -- The Produce Marketing Association's Education Foundation announced Aug. 28 that it has officially changed its name to the PMA Foundation for Industry Talent. The name change culminates a three-month long strategic planning process, and more closely reflects the newly refined purpose and goals of the foundation.
Another set of national champions for California Giant Berry Farms cycling
California Giant is having a great summer with its premium-quality berries and champion cycling team, and the results could not be better.
The company's berry volume and quality has been excellent this year with optimum weather conditions providing consumer satisfaction all summer long. Feedback from buyers and consumers has been extremely positive, and the sales group is hoping for continued mild weather patterns throughout the rest of summer and into the fall so Cal Giant growers are able to ride out the rest of the season on a positive note.
With Salmonella outbreak over, FDA lifts Mexican pepper advisory
WASHINGTON -- The Salmonella outbreak that sickened more than 1,400 people and wreaked havoc on tomato businesses and other segments of the produce industry is over, according to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention.
With the outbreak officially wrapped up, and Mexican-grown Jalapeno and Serrano peppers no longer in the U.S. market, the Food & Drug Administration announced Aug. 28 that it was lifting the advisory that restricted consumers from eating the Mexican-grown Jalapeno and Serrano peppers.
FDA's approval of irradiated greens garners mixed reaction
WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Food & Drug Administration says it is safe to irradiate spinach and fresh Iceberg lettuce, but that is just one hurdle the produce industry will need to overcome before consumers will buy these products.
Democrats' convention postpones Philadelphia groundbreaking
The groundbreaking for the new Philadelphia produce market was postponed to Sept. 3 from Aug. 27.
Sonny DiCrecchio, general manager of the Philadelphia Regional Wholesale Produce Market, informed The Produce News Aug. 26 that Pennsylvania Gov. Edward Rendell was involved in the Democratic National Convention in Denver the last week of August and was unable to return to Philadelphia in time to attend the groundbreaking.
So, it was rescheduled to the next Wednesday, to involve Gov. Rendell, who was actively involved in bringing the new market project to fruition.
Produce industry to play role in child nutrition reauthorization
WASHINGTON -- By later this fall, 1 million kids will be eating fresh fruits and vegetables in schools as a popular snack program is expanded nationwide.
"If you're a wholesaler, you should know about this program," said Lorelei DiSogra, vice president of nutrition and health for the United Fresh Produce Association, here. "This is a huge business opportunity for wholesalers and even retailers."