Mexico grape volume now peaking within longer season
About halfway through the season in mid-June, the Sonora spring grape industry is looking ahead at a longer season and optional grading.
About 20 spring grape distributor-members of the Nogales, AZ-based Fresh Produce Association of the Americas and grower-partners from Hermosillo and Caborca, Sonora, Mexico, held their annual mid-season meeting June 7. The objective was to review current and projected spring grape shipments and to review U.S. Department of Agriculture inspections.
Reduced bee population may reduce Delmarva fruit production
Watermelons, cantaloupes and Delaware and Maryland truck crops were generally looking good late this spring, as the Laurel Farmers' Auction Market in Laurel, DE, was anticipating a normal opening around July 7.
Auction manager Tom Wright said that most growers in his region have irrigation that has overcome very dry production weather. But one precipitation matter that cannot be solved by irrigation is the local wild and commercial bee population.
Mexican mango volume moves into its peak period
The numbers say that the volume of Mexican mangos being sent to the United States is up, but many mango importers who were interviewed in late May and early June cited lower-than-expected supplies and a strong demand for the fruit.
SALINAS SCENE: Boggiatto Produce's Iceberg Babies gaining traction
Iceberg lettuce gets much of its attention nowadays as a main component in bagged salad mixes and as an Iceberg wedge salad. But Salinas-based Boggiatto Produce's Iceberg Babies are coming on, having caught the attention of at least one national restaurant chain. The variety of Iceberg lettuce is no bigger than a 12-inch softball. It is the "mini-me" of the lettuce industry.
Duda Farm Fresh names two new sales directors
Duda Farm Fresh Foods Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Oviedo, FL-based A. Duda & Sons Inc., has named two new directors to its fresh produce sales team. Ed Scurich has been hired as director of foodservice sales, and Bill Munger is now director of fresh-cut sales.
The Organic Center launches Mission Organic 2010
In keeping with its mission to create a greater awareness and demand for organic products, the Organic Center announced the launch of an aggressive national consumer education and outreach campaign called "Mission Organic 2010" at New Hope Natural Media's 2006 Natural Products Expo West show in Anaheim, CA.
Del Monte Fresh ramps up its value-added line
Coral Gables, FL-based Del Monte Fresh Produce N.A. Inc. unveiled the newest addition to its value-added category with the June 7 launch of its microwavable vegetable line. The company developed this line to offer consumers a new and convenient way to enjoy a daily serving of steamed vegetables.
"We are enthusiastically looking forward to consumers' response to the new microwavable vegetables, a delicious product that will be an immensely popular extension to Del Monte's ever- expanding product line," Matt Smith, vice president of marketing, said in a statement.
'Tremendo' blazes new trail in chili pepper category
Retailers and consumers alike are always on the lookout for new products. What makes new products succeed is an element of differentiation, quality and need. Onenew product ready to fill a gap is "Tremendo" chili peppers, a brand of chili peppers differentiated by its distinctively large size.
WSHA announces new communications coordinator
Darby Jones, who has served as the Washington State Horticultural Association's communications coordinator for four years, will be stepping down to return to the private sector June 15. Her successor, Lynette Smith, has already stepped into the rather large shoes left behind by Ms. Jones.
Autumn Veazey joins United
The United Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Association, based in Washington, DC, announced that it has hired Autumn Veazey as director of legislative affairs and associate counsel.
"Autumn brings a great set of credentials to this position at United," United President Tom Stenzel said in a statement. "Her family has strong roots in the produce industry, and we will be able to utilize her personal background along with her professional training to enhance and expand our government relations expertise in Washington, DC."