Latest News From VEGETABLES

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

Monterey Mushrooms grows, harvests, packages, and delivers conventional and organic fresh mushrooms and mushroom products every day of the year, says Lindsey Occhipinti, marketing manager.

Castroville, Calif.-based Ocean Mist Farms says its winter artichoke season in Coachella, Calif., is well underway, peaking with harvests of its Gold Standard (green globe) artichokes.

Only days remain until the Feb. 2 nomination deadline. Help honor a deserving member of the potato-growing community by submitting their name today!

The USDA said it is amending a federal order that prohibited importing fresh bell peppers (Capsicum annuum) from Spain into the U.S. to prevent Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata or Medfly) introduction.

Researchers at Penn State University discovered a new strain of blackleg, also known as soft rot, in potatoes sampled in the state. Blackleg can lead to significant loses for farmers.

JC Cheyne sells over 70 different items, including a variety of potatoes and onions, to more than 80 retail, foodservice and wholesale establishments throughout California.

Highline Mushrooms is making a big sustainability move, says Devon Kennedy, national marketing manager for the Leamington, Ontario-based marketer.

Scientists at the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service and the Ohio State University have been working to investigate how tomatoes may be imparting health benefits in a recently published study.

The Idaho Potato Commission’s annual retail display contest will award three grand prize winners a Traeger Meat Smoker and complete smoking kit.

The beauty of fresh mushrooms is that they often are the answer to multiple culinary trends, says Eric Davis, spokesperson for the Mushroom Council, which says it aligns its marketing to take advantage of those trends.

Onion industry veteran Jared Gutierrez is now president of the National Onion Association after serving the last two years as first vice president for the organization.

AUSTIN, Texas — The National Potato Council is reporting a record-breaking year for its Potato Expo 2024, which drew 2,320 attendees and 216 exhibitors to the Austin Convention Center, Jan. 10-11.

Distinguished by its compact size and sweet taste, baby gem lettuce is a versatile ingredient suitable for a variety of culinary creations, the company said.

The specialty artichokes are shipping now and will be intermittently available throughout the winter, the company says.

The program is set for July 15-18 at the Gettysburg National Military Park in Gettysburg, Pa. Applications are being accepted through March 1 and are open to anyone in the U.S. potato industry.

Patrick Mills joins the commission as retail promotion director for the West and Canada following Kent Beasley's retirement.

For 2024-2025, Carlos Solf of Southern Specialties will serve as East Coast chair and Craig Rolandelli of Jacobs Malcolm & Burtt will be the West Coast chair.

The Mushroom Council's new marketing initiative initially will be centered around foodservice.

The goal of the research is to make food crops safer throughout the production process, from farm to fork; it's looking at the ability of mushroom extracts to mitigate chronic human health conditions.

The Minnesota-based grower, packer and shipper of fresh carrots said its refreshed look will make its products pop in the produce aisle.

Organic spinach has proven to be an essential ingredient in a successful modern produce department. Here's what The Packer’s Organic Fresh Trends 2024 survey learned from produce shoppers' responses.

New foliar-applied product specifically targets the Colorado potato beetle, which has shown resistance to conventional pesticides.

The Glennville, Ga.-based third-generation family farm specializing in sweet onions has launched a newly updated website aligned with its rebrand.

The Packer’s Organic Fresh Trends 2024 shows that the percentage of consumers who said they purchased organic tomatoes exclusively continues to rise.

The Packer’s Organic Fresh Trends 2024 reports that 13% of consumers said they shop for organic cucumbers exclusively, and 1 in 3 consumers reported purchasing organic cucumbers at least periodically. 

Giving consumers more options is a good way to promote mushroom sales, marketers say.

A company has recalled its 1-pound bags of soybean sprouts with a sell-by date of Dec. 14, 2023, due to a positive random test.

The Packer’s Organic Fresh Trends 2024 survey found that 17% of consumers said they shopped for organic carrots exclusively.