Packer Retail

From the show floor: United 2013 expo booths 3

SAN DIEGO — Editor Greg Johnson, Managing Editor Fred Wilkinson, National Editor Tom Karst, Retail Editor Pamela Riemenschneider, and Staff Writers Mike Hornick and Vicky Boyd collected these news items on the exposition floor at United Fresh 2013.

NATURIPE FARMS: Kyla Garnett, marketing manager, says Naturipe is planning Fourth of July labeling as part of its joint promotion with the California Avocado Commission. Recipes feature avocados combined with blueberries or strawberries. From now through September, Naturipe offers a 55-cent instantly redeemable coupon for Reddi-wip, (above), marking the third year of that joint promotion.

From the show floor: United 2013 expo booths 2

SAN DIEGO — Editor Greg Johnson, Managing Editor Fred Wilkinson, National Editor Tom Karst, Retail Editor Pamela Riemenschneider, and Staff Writers Mike Hornick and Vicky Boyd collected these news items on the exposition floor at United Fresh 2013.

CHELAN FRESH: “Super large” Washington cherries will be marketed in a one-pound clamshell by Chelan Fresh Marketing. Chelan, Wash., says Mac Riggan, director of marketing. Though many large cherries are sent to export markets, Riggan says he is convinced that cherries 9.5-row and larger will increasingly find a premium niche in the domestic market. Chelan’s new clamshell pack highlights the large cherries, including a sticker touting “super large” to consumers. Jim Busche, director of category management, says the company also is introducing a pouch bag for this season’s cherry crop.

From the show floor: United 2013 expo booths 1

SAN DIEGO — Editor Greg Johnson, Managing Editor Fred Wilkinson, National Editor Tom Karst, Retail Editor Pamela Riemenschneider, and Staff Writers Mike Hornick and Vicky Boyd collected these news items on the exposition floor at United Fresh 2013.

APIO: Apio Inc.’s ginger bok choy kit joins its kale salad mix line, rolling out in the Western U.S. with planned nationwide distribution, says Mike Curran, vice president of national accounts and foodservice. Twelve-ounce bags will retail for around $3.99, and 28-ounce bags will be available for foodservice, he says.

Weather affects some onions in South, but not West

All eyes were on Georgia’s Vidalia sweet onion crop this spring as cool, wet weather in March and April led to problems with quality, seed stems, staining and low yields. And though production is expected to be down in New Mexico, where the harvest is set to begin, growers anticipate a profitable season.

Growers say Michigan, New York apple crops look good

With the chance of a devastating freeze getting slimmer, apple growers in Michigan and New York are getting more optimistic about a big comeback from a disastrous 2012-13 season.

Specialties showing promise, marketers say

What pepper marketers have been doing to get new varieties into the hands and shopping baskets of consumers seems to be working.

'Superhot' peppers find spicy niche

Jalapeños, habaneros and other hot peppers are routine to Marlin Bensinger.

Peppers enjoy foodservice sales growth

Foodservice brings an array of challenges to the pepper business, but it can surpass profits made on the retail side, marketers say.

Pepper category experiences growth

The pepper category grew slightly in 2012, thanks to a nearly 30% volume jump in sweet peppers outside the standard green and red bells, according to the latest numbers from the Nielsen Perishables Group, West Dundee, Ill.

Whole Foods CEO praises produce

Walter Robb, co-chief executive officer for Whole Foods, said the produce industry has the right product at the right time.