Packer Stories

03/02/2012

BELLE GLADE, Fla. — Despite colder weather in early January, growers are optimistic about lettuce and celery production volumes for March in south Florida.

02/28/2012

Bringing immediate benefits to exporters of cherries, celery, spinach, almonds and other commodities, the U.S.-Korea trade agreement becomes effective March 15.

02/23/2012

OXNARD, Calif. — It’s strangely quiet out there for growers of California spring vegetables.

In mid-February, it was a bit of a plain vanilla market in most commodities. That was good for buyers.

A year ago, by contrast, rains had decimated the Oxnard celery crop, and the fallout from a freeze in Mexico was still being felt. For those who had product to sell, they were the good old days.

02/15/2012

Ippolito International LP has chosen two Salinas Valley produce veterans to join its sales staff.

John Corea started Feb. 1 for Salinas, Calif.-based Ippolito International. Jeff Post began work Feb. 6. Each has 15-plus years of industry experience, said Butch Corda, general manager.

01/20/2012

Here’s a perpetual business question: How can we do a better job?

Market Scope - Celery — F.o.b.s as of May 14

ALL CALIFORNIA DISTRICTS — Shipments (239-254-259) —

OXNARD DISTRICT, CALIF. — Movement expected about the same as the 238 units shipped the week of May 7. Trading early fairly active, late moderate. Prices hearts generally unchanged, others higher. Cartons 2 dozen to 2½ dozen mostly $9.50-10.64, 3 dozen mostly $10.50-11.56, 4 dozen mostly $10.50-12; hearts film bags 18s mostly $13.50-15.64. Quality generally good.

SANTA MARIA, CALIF. — Movement expected to increase slightly above the 21 units shipped the week of May 7. Trading fairly active. Prices cartons 2-2½ dozen $9-9.75, 3 dozen mostly $9.50-9.75. Quality generally good.

SALINAS-WATSONVILLE, CALIF. — Harvest expected to begin the week of June 4 and be fully under way the week of June 18. Quality expected to be generally good. FIRST REPORT.