Packer Insight — Romaine, H-2A and Produce Retailer of the Year

The Packer's editor-in-chief Tom Karst, news editor Chris Koger and retail editor Ashley Nickle bring you the news of the week, from romaine rules to H-2A confusion to news about two Produce Retailer of the Year winners.

Check out more in-depth coverage of these topics at the articles below.

Canadian romaine requirement could be a costly precedent — New Canadian food safety import requirements for U.S. romaine lettuce could cost the Canadian industry between $11 million and $13 million per week.

Costly and complicated rules just beginning for romaine — With added food safety compliance costs of perhaps $1 to $2 per carton, the complications are just beginning for California Salinas Valley romaine shippers and Canadian importers.

Suspended labor survey sows confusion over H-2A wage rates — How much growers will pay for guest workers in the H-2A program in 2021 is unknown because of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s decision to suspend a report used to set wages.

"At the top of his game" — Jeff Cady is the 2020 Produce Retailer of the Year — Jeff Cady rarely misses an opportunity to get better, and that approach has served him well as director of produce and floral for Williamsville, N.Y.-based Tops Friendly Markets.

Former Produce Retailer of the Year Mike Orf retires — Mike Orf, vice president of produce operations for Hy-Vee and the 2018 Produce Retailer of the Year, has retired.

 

Latest News

Seen and heard at CPMA 2024 — Part 1
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Flavor and innovation were inextricably linked at this year’s Canadian Produce Marketing Association Conference and Trade Show in Vancouver, British Columbia, April 23-25.

Health benefits at the heart of table grape campaign
Health benefits at the heart of table grape campaign

The California Table Grape Commission will focus on health benefits as it launches its 2024-25 global marketing campaign targeting the U.S. and 21 export markets.

Value of U.S. mango imports rises 32% since 2019
Value of U.S. mango imports rises 32% since 2019

USDA trade statistics show that Mexico was the largest supplier of mangoes in 2023, accounting for 63% of the value of U.S. mango imports in 2023.

H-E-B finalizes 500-acre deal for distribution campus
H-E-B finalizes 500-acre deal for distribution campus

The Houston-area complex will be developed in multiple phases, with construction set to begin in late 2024, says the grocer.

Circana thought leaders to present new research at upcoming events
Circana thought leaders to present new research at upcoming events

Circana representatives will be speaking on driving fresh produce consumption at The Retail Conference, as well as webinars planned for May.

Continental Fresh spotlights Water For All program
Continental Fresh spotlights Water For All program

Continental Fresh LLC, a grower, shipper and importer of fresh fruits and vegetables from Latin America is celebrating its Water For All program.