Issue Announcement http://www.thepacker.com/fruit-vegetable-enewsletter/Issue_Announcement RSS Feed for Issue Announcement en-us Wed, 16 May 2012 14:11:11 GMT NatureSweet sues Mastronardi over trademark http://www.thepacker.com/fruit-vegetable-enewsletter/Issue_Announcement/NatureSweet-sues-Mastronardi-Produce-in-trademark-dispute-150682945.html NatureSweet, Ltd. is suing rival tomato grower-shipper Mastronardi Produce Ltd. for alleged trademark infringement. Dole reviews possible packaged foods spinoff http://www.thepacker.com/fruit-vegetable-enewsletter/Issue_Announcement/Dole-reviewing-possible-spin-off-of-packaged-foods-150662465.html Dole Food Co. Inc. posted lower first quarter revenue than in 2011, partially because of the lowest vegetable commodity prices in 15 years, according to company executives who said they are considering spinning off part of the business to increase stock values. Blueberries in season at McDonald's http://www.thepacker.com/fruit-vegetable-enewsletter/Issue_Announcement/Blueberries-in-season-at-McDonalds-150495285.html McDonald’s is offering fresh blueberries with oatmeal in a seasonal promotion that lasts through Aug. 3. Strong demand greets Coachella, Mexican grapes http://www.thepacker.com/fruit-vegetable-enewsletter/Issue_Announcement/Strong-demand-for-Coachella-Mexican-grapes-150785595.html Shippers of grapes from California’s Coachella Valley and Mexico are expecting strong demand for high-quality fruit at the beginning of their deals. New Jersey growers start shipping spring produce early http://www.thepacker.com/fruit-vegetable-enewsletter/Issue_Announcement/New-Jersey-begins-spring-shipments-ahead-of-schedule-150802215.html CEDARVILLE, N.J. — Garden State grower-shippers started this season’s harvest a couple of weeks earlier than normal. Florida avocado grove discovered to harbor laurel wilt disease http://www.thepacker.com/fruit-vegetable-enewsletter/Issue_Announcement/Laurel-wilt-disease-discovered-in-Florida-avocado-production-regi-150783715.html The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has found laurel wilt disease in a commercial avocado grove north of Homestead. Solving nutrition and obesity http://www.thepacker.com/fruit-vegetable-enewsletter/Issue_Announcement/Solving-nutrition-and-obesity-151139525.html Obesity takes another turn in pop culture’s spotlight in May, as it’s the cover story of Newsweek magazine and the subject of a four-part HBO documentary, “The Weight of the Nation.” Industry efforts make a difference for kids http://www.thepacker.com/fruit-vegetable-enewsletter/Issue_Announcement/Industry-efforts-make-a-difference-for-kids-151138565.html Of all the people who walked the show floor at the United Fresh 2012 convention in Dallas a couple weeks ago, it was young Ryan Powell, a Dallas-area student, who made one of the biggest impressions. Going fresh at the Golden Arches http://www.thepacker.com/fruit-vegetable-enewsletter/Issue_Announcement/Going-fresh-at-the-Golden-Arches-151113905.html Fast-food giant McDonald’s spends a lot of time and money making sure it stays in the public eye. Pepper grower-shippers predict steady prices, good supply http://www.thepacker.com/fruit-vegetable-enewsletter/Issue_Announcement/Ample-pepper-supply-expected-for-summer-150954035.html With no major weather issues plaguing growing areas, pepper producers expect a quality crop in steady supply to kick off the summer season.