SYRACUSE, Utah-based Onions 52, has reached an agreement with Deming, NM and Hatch, NM-based growers, Cody Shiflett Produce and Hatch Valley Produce, to market their full line of onions for the 2022 summer season.
Retail demand for onions has been strong during the COVID-19 pandemic, but shippers see plenty of opportunity to increase promotions even more in the months ahead.
The Packer is seeking input from onion marketers about their outlook for this spring and summer, to be used for The Packer’s May 10 Onion Marketing Section.
The COVID-19 pandemic had the 400-500 members of the Greeley, Colo.-based National Onion Association wondering whether they would have their summer meeting, as scheduled, July 15-18 in Nashville, Tenn.
Greencastle, Pa.-based Keystone Fruit Marketing, which operates an onion sales office in Walla Walla, Wash., continues to invest in technology, said Dan Borer, general manager in Walla Walla.
Growers with Friesland, Wis.-based grower-shipper Alsum Farms & Produce are working with new onion varieties to extend storage, said Tony Huizenga, national sales manager.
For a late summer campaign, Bland Farms, Glennville, Ga., has partnered with Paramount Pictures and “The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run,” coming to theaters Aug. 7.
Even as they stay home to ride out the COVID-19 pandemic, consumers are still getting out, if only via their computers and smart phones, and onion marketers are looking at social media initiatives.
Even among health experts, the mortality rate for those who contract the new coronavirus COVID-19 remains a matter of debate, but some approximations range from 1% to 5%.
There are plenty of onions available at the end of April after six weeks of the new coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, and the results were apparent in the latest prices.
Keystone Fruit Marketing Inc., has upgraded its onion facility in Walla Walla, Wash., and is working to develop its line of Walla Walla red sweet onions, said Dan Borer, general manager.
Collinsville, Ill.-based packaging manufacturer Sev-Rend Corp. is seeing increased focus on recyclable packaging, said Jeff Watkin, marketing director.
An onion shortage may bring tears to the eyes of retailers and consumers, but it also appears to be setting up a strong market going into the summer months, suppliers say.
Movement of organic potatoes and onions has been sluggish at times, but most organic growers say consumer demand generally remains strong as they continue to serve the market.
Potato and onion trade groups have planned a plethora of promotions to encourage consumption of their product. Here’s a look at some of the activities now underway.
The Giumarra Cos. is working with Glennville, Ga.-based onion grower-shipper G&R Farms in G&R owner Walt Dasher’s new initiative, Growing America’s Farmers.