Latest News From VEGETABLES

Vidalia onion promotions ready to roll
Vidalia onion promotions ready to roll

With Vidalia onions soon heading to supermarket shelves, retailers have options to enhance their marketing, and the Vidalia Onion Committee and Certified Angus Beef will feature a summer grilling series on social media.

Vidalia onion grower expands with acquisition of Generation Farms
Vidalia onion grower expands with acquisition of Generation Farms

Following Shuman Farms’ acquisition, the company now has 2,800 acres of Vidalia onions in the ground and has solidified itself as one of the largest grower-shippers in the industry, says John Shuman, president and CEO.

Fresh Express introduces new salad kits
Fresh Express introduces new salad kits

The Asian Apple Salad Kit and the Twisted Caesar Creamy Truffle Caesar Chopped Salad Kit are now available.

NatureSweet touts mini peppers at AWG event
NatureSweet touts mini peppers at AWG event

San Antonio-based NatureSweet highlighted its Constellation three-color pack of mini sweet peppers at the Associated Wholesale Grocers' seventh annual Innovation Showcase.

Sweetpotato consumption keeps rising
Sweetpotato consumption keeps rising

Sweetpotato retail per capita availability rose from 3.78 pounds in 2000 to 6.02 pounds in 2020, USDA statistics show. The momentum continued in 2023, according to retail scan data.

Red Sun Farms prepares to market bio-engineered purple tomato
Red Sun Farms prepares to market bio-engineered purple tomato

The bio-engineered purple tomato from Norfolk Healthy Produce will soon reach retail shelves, says Harold Paivarinta, senior director of sales for Red Sun Farms.

Michigan State University research identifies gene behind cold-induced sweetening
Michigan State University research identifies gene behind cold-induced sweetening

When subjected to cold temperatures, potatoes convert starch to sugar which can darken the flesh and create a carcinogenic compound during high-temperature processing.

Sweetpotato commission seeks to spur consumer demand beyond Easter rush
Sweetpotato commission seeks to spur consumer demand beyond Easter rush

Fueled by Easter shopping lists, sweetpotatoes are expected to be in high demand in late March and into the spring. But the demand won’t stop there, industry leaders say.

Sorting machines help potato grower decrease labor dependence
Sorting machines help potato grower decrease labor dependence

Luke Parr, farm manager for Michigan-based Sackett Ranch, says the Tomra optical sorting machines can do multiple processes at once.

USDA proposes to clarify standards for organic mushrooms
USDA proposes to clarify standards for organic mushrooms

Topics addressed by the proposed rule for mushrooms include sourcing of substrate and spawn in organic mushroom production and composting requirements for organic mushroom production.

Jacobs Farm del Cabo adds reseal pint for organic snacking tomatoes
Jacobs Farm del Cabo adds reseal pint for organic snacking tomatoes

The company says the packaging change reduces plastics use by 25% and that it hopes to roll it out for other pints by the end of the year.

Campaign set for TX1015 sweet onions
Campaign set for TX1015 sweet onions

A marketing campaign for TX1015 sweet onions will feature promotions including a sweepstakes, social media giveaways and restaurant events.

Strong Texas onion crop expected
Strong Texas onion crop expected

Barring unforeseen weather events, Texas spring onion season is expected to feature plenty of good-quality product, growers say.

University of Florida researchers look to extend artichoke shelf life
University of Florida researchers look to extend artichoke shelf life

A new research project hopes to identify genetic markers to breed artichokes for improved storage.

Smallhold files for bankruptcy
Smallhold files for bankruptcy

The Brooklyn, N.Y.-based mushroom grower plans to streamline operations, its marketing director told The Packer. Smallhold's co-founder announced his departure in February.

Start date set for Vidalia onion packing
Start date set for Vidalia onion packing

Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper and the Vidalia Onion Committee have revealed April 17 as the official pack date this season.

Duda Farm Fresh Foods celebrating National Celery Month
Duda Farm Fresh Foods celebrating National Celery Month

The company says it plans to tout the health benefits of the vegetable through a marketing campaign that includes giveaways.

Morning Kiss Organic adds organic Vidalia onions
Morning Kiss Organic adds organic Vidalia onions

Morning Kiss Organic says it will have organic Eastern-grown red, yellow and white onions, along with hand-cultivated organic Vidalia onions, this spring. The onions will join its lineup of organic summer vegetables.

Syngenta Vegetables, Emerald Seed Co. partner on onion licensing
Syngenta Vegetables, Emerald Seed Co. partner on onion licensing

The agreement gives Syngenta access to Emerald Seed Co.’s germplasm of open-pollinated and hybrid onion germplasm and expands Syngenta's portfolio.

Potato industry leaders discuss giving growers a voice in D.C.
Potato industry leaders discuss giving growers a voice in D.C.

In this podcast episode, the National Potato Council's Kam Quarles and Bob Mattive and Kelly Turner of Potato Growers of Michigan discuss the importance of potatoes in dietary guidelines, economic impacts and more.

USDA publishes proposal to raise assessments on Florida tomatoes
USDA publishes proposal to raise assessments on Florida tomatoes

The proposed rule that would raise the assessment rate for tomatoes grown in Florida from 2.5 cents to 3.5 cents per 25-pound carton. Comments on the proposal can be submitted until April 8.

Monterey Mushrooms introduces sustainable mushroom packaging
Monterey Mushrooms introduces sustainable mushroom packaging

The company is making a significant change to enhance the recyclability of its mushroom packaging by incorporating NIR sortable material in its rPET thermoformed tills.

Backyard Farms adds large-format, greenhouse-grown romaine
Backyard Farms adds large-format, greenhouse-grown romaine

The Kingsville, Ontario-based company said the new offering will make its debut at the Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure event, set for March 7-9 in Tampa, Fla.

DelFrescoPure expands tomato line
DelFrescoPure expands tomato line

The Kingsville, Ontario, Canada-based greenhouse grower said it will debut its Original Cherry Tomatoes on the Vine at the Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure event, set for March 7-9 in Tampa, Fla.

Side Delights to launch Amazables product line at SEPC show
Side Delights to launch Amazables product line at SEPC show

Amazables are oven-crispy-skin-style microwavable U.S. No. 1 grade russet potatoes, available with two custom sauces created exclusively by Litehouse.

Potato industry members say it's time to tout nutrition, versatility
Potato industry members say it's time to tout nutrition, versatility

As the potato industry eyes its role in the upcoming Dietary Guidelines for Americans, those in the industry say marketers should focus on nutritional benefits and trends to grow interest among younger shoppers.

South Mill Champs and Grupo APAL partner to expand mushroom production in Mexico
South Mill Champs and Grupo APAL partner to expand mushroom production in Mexico

The partnership will form a 50/50 Mexican joint venture, Royal Champs S. de R.L. de C.V.

Honoring the 'face of Colorado potatoes'
Honoring the 'face of Colorado potatoes'

Jim Ehrlich, the 2024 Potato Person of the Year, was recognized for his work advocating for the potato industry in Colorado and nationally. The award is co-sponsored by The Packer and the National Potato Council.

Mushroom Council targets fungi fans with new multimedia campaign
Mushroom Council targets fungi fans with new multimedia campaign

Launching March 1, the “Mushroom Loyalist” campaign is expected to reach the top third of mushroom buyers who account for almost 75% of all mushroom dollar sales and 68% of all mushroom purchases.

New National Potato Council report shows $1B export potential
New National Potato Council report shows $1B export potential

The National Potato Council’s latest economic findings show a current $4.78 billion value in economic activity, which could grow by more than 21% with the opening of new market access.

Study shows $2.5B impact of potatoes on Michigan's economy
Study shows $2.5B impact of potatoes on Michigan's economy

A Michigan State University report published by the Michigan Potato Industry Commission shows potatoes as the second-largest specialty crop grown in the state.

USDA predicts slow growth for U.S. vegetable production
USDA predicts slow growth for U.S. vegetable production

Production of vegetable and pulse crop production is projected to grow only by 4% between 2022 and 2033, the USDA said in its long-term outlook report.

NatureSweet opens greenhouse production facility in Arizona
NatureSweet opens greenhouse production facility in Arizona

The company plans to grow cherry tomatoes as well as a mix of conventional and organic produce at its 44-acre facility in Bonita, Ariz.

SunFed expects growth in Mexican Produce, despite challenges
SunFed expects growth in Mexican Produce, despite challenges

Rio Rico, Ariz.-based SunFed expects to move slightly more Mexican produce in 2024 compared to last year, despite weather challenges early in the year.

Tasteful Selections adds new packaging for premium potatoes
Tasteful Selections adds new packaging for premium potatoes

The company will introduce a 3-pound mesh pillow pack for its Honey Gold, Ruby Sensation and Sunburst Blend potatoes.

Ciruli Bros. looks for strong gains in Mexican produce
Ciruli Bros. looks for strong gains in Mexican produce

Rio Rico, Ariz.-based Ciruli Brothers is aiming for a 10% increase in its volume of Mexican produce this year, said Chris Ciruli, chief operating officer.

U.S. imports of Mexican tomatoes rise slightly in 2023
U.S. imports of Mexican tomatoes rise slightly in 2023

Imports of Mexican tomatoes through all U.S. ports totaled $2.49 billion from January through November 2023, up 1% from calendar year 2022 imports of $2.48 billion, up 5% from $2.38 billion in 2020.

Side Delights updates Bakeables package design
Side Delights updates Bakeables package design

The brand says the design change comes as shopper demand increases for healthy, convenient and cost-effective meals.

Mother Earth Mushrooms launches redesigned website
Mother Earth Mushrooms launches redesigned website

The Pennsylvania-based mushroom grower updated its website to include nutrition, varieties grown and also sections for retailers, distributors and foodservice customers.

Texas A&M works to develop disease-resistant spinach
Texas A&M works to develop disease-resistant spinach

Texas A&M AgriLife researchers are part of a multistate project to help identify disease resistance in spinach to help develop future cultivars.

MountainKing readies petite-sized potato varieties for crawfish season
MountainKing readies petite-sized potato varieties for crawfish season

The fresh potato grower and packager says it will offer its Crawfish B-Red potatoes, Crawfish Medley Pack and Crawfish Gold Pack to retailers, along with additional sales support.

Bako Sweet celebrates National Heart Month, National Sweet Potato Month
Bako Sweet celebrates National Heart Month, National Sweet Potato Month

Bakersfield, Calif.-based Bako Sweet touts the health benefits of sweet potatoes during National Sweet Potato Month and National Heart Month.

NatureSweet highlights seedless mini peppers as snacking option
NatureSweet highlights seedless mini peppers as snacking option

The San Antonio-based company's latest addition capitalizes on consumers' demand for snacking vegetables.

Mushrooms offer consumers health benefits
Mushrooms offer consumers health benefits

Mushrooms may not be first in the minds of consumers when it comes to superfoods, but marketers say there is a great story to tell.

10 reasons to eat more potatoes, according to Idaho Potato Commission
10 reasons to eat more potatoes, according to Idaho Potato Commission

The commission's new marketing highlights the nutritional benefits of eating potatoes.

5 appointed to Mushroom Council
5 appointed to Mushroom Council

The nine-member council comprises eight domestic growers and one importer.

USDA clears genetically engineered potato, other plants
USDA clears genetically engineered potato, other plants

The USDA has recently reviewed a lowered-glucose potato and three other plants modified using genetic engineering.

Dorot Farm launches baby carrot program worldwide
Dorot Farm launches baby carrot program worldwide

Dorot Farm has introduced baby carrots for U.S. customers, partnering with California growers. Shipment starts next month, and a showcase is planned for Fruit Logistica in Berlin.

Fresh mushroom trends afoot
Fresh mushroom trends afoot

What are the latest mushroom trends at retail and foodservice? To find out, Produce Market Guide asked Baldor Specialty Foods, Bronx, N.Y.

Progressive Produce celebrates health and wellness with its organic lineup
Progressive Produce celebrates health and wellness with its organic lineup

Los Angeles-based Progressive Produce is highlighting its commitment to health and wellness through its Nature's Bounty Organic program.