Because of a variety of reasons, there has been some decline in asparagus acreage in Peru, which leaves Alpine Fresh Inc. believing there is a great opportunity for growth.

“We are looking at some new regions to develop,” said Walter Yager, chief executive officer of the Miami-based grower, shipper, distributor and importer. “The overall acreage is down so we believe Peru offers a great opportunity to add some production.”

U.S. chefs know better but the regular consumer shopping at the supermarket just doesn’t know that the larger, thicker asparagus spears are the best-tasting ones.

Rick Durkin, director of business development for Crystal Valley Foods, based in Miami, said top U.S. chefs will pay a premium for jumbo and extra-large asparagus spears but U.S. consumers typically need a discount to buy that size. He said that is not the case in Europe, where the larger spears are a sought-after commodity.

The 2013 California table grape harvest started one to two weeks earlier than normal on most early varieties for many growers in the San Joaquin Valley. That earliness continued through the mid-season varieties and in general appeared likely to continue through the later varieties as well, although some growers say the later varieties are looking closer to normal timing.

United Supermarkets LLC announced a name change for the parent company as the result of a strategic branding initiative for the entire organization.

Moving forward, United Supermarkets LLC will be known as The United Family, reflecting the company's multiple store brands as well as its rich family history.

As the autumn and winter periods become increasingly important for California table grape growers, fueled in large part by the introduction over the last few years of numerous high-quality late-season grape varieties from both industry-funded and private breeding programs, the California Table Grape Commission has responded with strengthened late-season consumer education activities, trade promotions and international market development activities.

Buurma Farms Inc. in Willard, OH, is voluntarily recalling 465 boxes of cilantro due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Buurma Farms has not received any case of reported illness related to this product to date.