News

East Coast’s tomato operations go up for sale

The Mulberry, Fla.-based East Coast plans to sell its farms and packing operations as well as other property including a motel and luxury condominiums in series of sealed bid offerings.

Sun Pacific maintains Cuties marketing

Sun Pacific Shippers is continuing to represent Cuties-branded clementines and murcotts.

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.

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 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.

Huge crops a ‘new normal’ for Washington apples

If you’d predicted that on May 1 there’d be 21% more U.S. fresh-market apples in storage than the year before, people might have accused you of hitting the hard cider.

Market Fresh expands business development staff

Nixa, Mo.-based Market Fresh Produce hired Katie Wallace to its business development staff. Wallace will report to Steve Ford, director of business development.

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.

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.

Mann Packing uses humor to promote package change

Fresh produce companies seldom poke fun at themselves, but Mann Packing Co. seems willing to be the butt of the joke if it brings attention to the environmental benefits of their switch to lidless vegetable trays.