Fred Recchiuti, general manager of Basciani Mushroom Farms in Avondale, PA, told The Produce News that mushrooms are definitely on the super-food list today, and interest is stronger than ever.

“But the mushroom industry is facing some serious challenges,” said Mr. Recchiuti. “Our input costs are higher than ever, and we’re facing a critical shortage of growing medium due to the drought. Corn crops are dying all across the Midwest, and we’re worried about getting enough corn hay to maintain production.”

A large supply of clementines this summer from multiple points of origin has created a very difficult and different marketing situation for the commodity this year.

Chile, Peru and South Africa each sent more fruit to the U.S. East Coast this summer, with a great deal of it bunching up during June and July.

Mayda Sotomayor, chief executive officer of Seald Sweet International in Vero Beach, FL, said that the increased volume tells part of the story.

Ryan Holterhoff, director of marketing and industry affairs for the Washington State Potato Commission in Moses Lake, WA, said the organization is coordinating a variety of promotional programs to strengthen awareness about potatoes from the Evergreen State.

FRESNO, CA — Crown Jewels Produce Co., here, “will be going hot and heavy on grapes” through the months of August, September, October and November,” said Atomic Torosian, an owner of the company. “Our tonnage is up a little bit this year,” quality is better than last year, and movement has been good.

Lawrence (Larry) W. Krempel, who spent 37 years in produce merchandising and procurement with the Kroger Co., died unexpectedly Aug. 3 at University Hospital in Cincinnati. He was 61. The cause of death was not immediately available.

Salinas Valley Romaine shippers are seeing surprisingly good demand from midwestern and eastern destinations, which normally rely on regional growing deals this time of the year. Lettuce shippers say demand is firm and steady. West Side melon shippers are seeing steady demand and slightly lighter supplies. California and New Mexico yellow onion shippers are experiencing steady and brisk demand, while red onion shippers were seeing strong demand and limited supplies.

WEATHER