Latest News From VEGETABLES

Braga Fresh launches 5 new salads under Josie’s Organics brand
Braga Fresh launches 5 new salads under Josie’s Organics brand

The organic salad brand is introducing two new organic chopped salad kits and three organic salad blends at the upcoming Southern Innovations conference this September in Charlotte, N.C.

Pure Flavor acquires MightyVine, continues strategic regional investments
Pure Flavor acquires MightyVine, continues strategic regional investments

With the aim of providing the Midwest with a steady supply of fresh greenhouse-grown tomatoes, Pure Flavor has acquired MightyVine, a controlled environment agriculture tomato grower in Rochelle, Ill.

Mushroom Council campaign featuring easy, quick recipes and more
Mushroom Council campaign featuring easy, quick recipes and more

Timed with National Mushroom Month, the mushroom marketing council has launched a fall promotion offering home cooks resources, recipes and inspiration that spotlight simplicity and speed.

Lipman Family Farms introduces two award-winning tomatoes
Lipman Family Farms introduces two award-winning tomatoes

Both tomatoes were recently honored with the International Taste Institute's 2023 Superior Taste Award.

High desert harvest: Potato producers readying for San Luis Valley crop
High desert harvest: Potato producers readying for San Luis Valley crop

Colorado's San Luis Valley, a heavy hitter in fresh potato production, is poised for another strong season.

State sweetpotato organizations share plans and initiatives
State sweetpotato organizations share plans and initiatives

The Louisiana Sweet Potato Commission, Mississippi Sweet Potato Council and North Carolina SweetPotato Commission share updates on upcoming initiatives and events.

Fresh Trends 2023: Nearly 2 of 3 consumers said they purchased potatoes last year
Fresh Trends 2023: Nearly 2 of 3 consumers said they purchased potatoes last year

The Packer's Fresh Trends 2023 research indicated that 62% of consumers said they purchased potatoes in the past year.

Peaches, onions and carrots thrive in Colorado
Peaches, onions and carrots thrive in Colorado

Carrots are in full swing in Colorado, some onions will start shipping in mid-September and Palisade peaches are winding down for the season, grower-shippers say.

Keystone Fruit Marketing active with Peruvian onions
Keystone Fruit Marketing active with Peruvian onions

Keystone Fruit Marketing has been an integral part of the onion supply chain from Peru for over 30 years, says Matthew Gideon, sales and commodity manager for the Greencastle, Pa.-based marketer.

Yam equals sweetpotato, new campaign tells consumers
Yam equals sweetpotato, new campaign tells consumers

California sweetpotato farmers are on a mission to end consumer confusion, entice younger buyers and increase retail sales of this superfood.

Idaho-East Oregon onion growers say sustainability matters
Idaho-East Oregon onion growers say sustainability matters

Whether it’s accommodating suggestions from customers or following through with their own initiatives, onion grower-shippers in East Oregon and Idaho say they take sustainability seriously.

Mushroom Council, Allrecipes partnership reaches consumers 50M times
Mushroom Council, Allrecipes partnership reaches consumers 50M times

The Mushroom Council’s partnership with one of the world’s largest digital food-media brands has proved fruitful.

Plenty adds Whole Foods Market and Gelson’s Markets to roster of California stores
Plenty adds Whole Foods Market and Gelson’s Markets to roster of California stores

The vertical, controlled environment agriculture greens grower says it’s doubling its retail footprint by expanding to Whole Foods Market and Gelson’s Markets California stores.

Potato LEAF awards scholarship to Washington State University student
Potato LEAF awards scholarship to Washington State University student

The Potato Leadership, Education, and Advancement Foundation (Potato LEAF) has awarded a $10,000 2023-24 academic scholarship to Jacob Meeuwsen.

How Tropical Storm Hilary impacted one California grower
How Tropical Storm Hilary impacted one California grower

When Tropical Storm Hilary hit Southern California, Palm Springs received nearly 50% of its yearly rainfall in a matter of hours. While the deluge caused flooding, one area farmer is cautiously optimistic.

U.S. potato exports hit records for value and volume
U.S. potato exports hit records for value and volume

Over the last 12 months, U.S. potato export values have increased almost 20%, or $2.2 billion, with a new Mexican export market fueling growth, according to a Potatoes USA report.

Southern growers gear up for sweet potato harvest
Southern growers gear up for sweet potato harvest

Fall is just around the corner, and growers in the Southern U.S. say they expect good quality when the sweet potato harvest gets underway.

USDA extends comment period on tomato and pepper virus control options
USDA extends comment period on tomato and pepper virus control options

The USDA is extending the public comment on regulatory policy options to control the spread of the Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV).

Idaho-East Oregon onion growers contend with inflation
Idaho-East Oregon onion growers contend with inflation

Inflation has been a challenge for East Oregon and Idaho onion grower-shippers, but they say rising supermarket prices haven’t affected sales of their product.

On-time start expected for Idaho-East Oregon onion harvest
On-time start expected for Idaho-East Oregon onion harvest

Troublesome springtime weather gave way to much-improved conditions during the early summer, enabling a good, on-time start to the East Oregon-Idaho onion harvest, grower-shippers said.

Fresh Express kicks off football season with inaugural Healthy Game Day promotion
Fresh Express kicks off football season with inaugural Healthy Game Day promotion

The online and social promotion, which highlights better-for-you versions of favorite game day recipes, invites consumers to enter a contest for the chance to win prizes.

Spud outlook strong for Alsum Farms
Spud outlook strong for Alsum Farms

Test digs at Alsum Farms of Wisconsin russet, red and yellow potato varieties are indicating a promising year, says Christine Lindner, marketing manager of the Friesland, Wis.-based marketer.

Harmons roasts hatch chilies with hoopla
Harmons roasts hatch chilies with hoopla

Shoppers can sample and purchase hatch chilies products as part of the 15th annual Chile Roast event.

Alsum Farms & Produce 50th anniversary celebration raises thousands for Wisconsin FFA chapters
Alsum Farms & Produce 50th anniversary celebration raises thousands for Wisconsin FFA chapters

Friesland, Wis.-based Alsum Farms & Produce celebrated 50 years in business on Aug. 11-12.

Department of Labor fines Washington grower $74K for H-2A violations
Department of Labor fines Washington grower $74K for H-2A violations

Central Washington-based grower Ostrom Mushroom Farms was fined $74,000 in civil penalties for H-2A violations, and the Department of Labor was able to recover $59,000 in back wages for workers, a news release said.

The Fresh Factor: 5 ways zucchini will surprise you
The Fresh Factor: 5 ways zucchini will surprise you

The Packer and Healthy Family Project have teamed up for The Fresh Factor series to share some of our favorite facts and tips about zucchini and why shoppers should give this produce underdog a moment in the limelight.

Despite rising food costs, consumers continue to reach for the versatile mushroom
Despite rising food costs, consumers continue to reach for the versatile mushroom

There’s something inherently “extra” about mushrooms. Sure, they slay as a flavorful and more affordable substitute for meat, but they also offer health benefits galore, play well in a variety of diets and cook quickly.

By the numbers: Carrots
By the numbers: Carrots

Learn some fun facts about this highly regarded root.

Alsum Farms celebrates 50 years with public-facing celebration
Alsum Farms celebrates 50 years with public-facing celebration

2023 is a golden year for Alsum Farms & Produce.

Texas 1015 sweet onions wrap up harvest and promotion season
Texas 1015 sweet onions wrap up harvest and promotion season

South Texas growers have planted 40% more Texas 1015 sweet onions in 2023 to keep up with increasing demand, says a Texas onion association.

Potato retail sales up double digits year-over-year, report says
Potato retail sales up double digits year-over-year, report says

U.S. retail sales of potatoes have grown 16.8% from July 2022 through June 2023, according to a recent Circana report.

Heads up — it’s hatch chili season
Heads up — it’s hatch chili season

If you want to get your hands on the cult-favorite smoky-spice chili grown in Hatch, N.M., don’t wait — the time is now.

Onion industry leaders, researchers to host National Onion Association Convention
Onion industry leaders, researchers to host National Onion Association Convention

The National Onion Association Convention will bring together industry advocates and allium researchers on the riverwalk in San Antonio on Nov. 29 to Dec. 2.

Mushroom Council and Culinary Institute of America launch plant-forward video series
Mushroom Council and Culinary Institute of America launch plant-forward video series

The Mushroom Council and The Culinary Institute of America are taking chefs on a globally inspired culinary tour — featuring mushrooms as the star ingredient — in their recently launched educational video series.

I Love Produce ventures into the Peruvian rainforest to survey ginger crop
I Love Produce ventures into the Peruvian rainforest to survey ginger crop

The organic importer says it’s delivering a steady supply of ginger from Peru into a tight market this year.

Ocean Mist Farms wins IFPA’s Foodservice Show Chef’s Choice Award
Ocean Mist Farms wins IFPA’s Foodservice Show Chef’s Choice Award

Castroville, Calif.-based Ocean Mist Farms was presented with the IFPA Foodservice Conference’s Chef’s Choice Award at the annual show in Monterey on July 28.

USDA seeking input on the handling of tomato virus
USDA seeking input on the handling of tomato virus

The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is seeking input on how the agency should handle the Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) in fresh tomatoes and peppers.

Wisconsin growers weather dry spells, prepare for high-quality potato crop
Wisconsin growers weather dry spells, prepare for high-quality potato crop

Despite a stretch of abnormally dry weather this summer, high-quality product and average yields are anticipated for Wisconsin potatoes.

Canadian government sets more requirements for Salinas Valley romaine
Canadian government sets more requirements for Salinas Valley romaine

What you need to know about the temporary, but heightened requirements to import romaine or salad mixes containing romaine to Canadian markets from Sept. 28 to Dec. 20, 2023.

Weather hinders Peruvian asparagus crop yield, but opportunity remains for retailers
Weather hinders Peruvian asparagus crop yield, but opportunity remains for retailers

This year’s Peruvian asparagus crop has faced challenges from weather, but rising consumption trends offer a bright spot for retailers.

Mushroom’s moment: Is the trendy item set to become a grocery cart staple?
Mushroom’s moment: Is the trendy item set to become a grocery cart staple?

The mushroom is enjoying some buzz in the cultural zeitgeist, but is it translating to sales in the produce department?

Fresh Trends 2023: How the tomato is trending
Fresh Trends 2023: How the tomato is trending

The Packer’s Fresh Trends 2023 survey found that 58% of respondents said they purchased tomatoes in the past year.

Columbia Basin onion crop catching up from cold spring
Columbia Basin onion crop catching up from cold spring

​​​​​​​After erratic spring weather, onion crop prospects in the Columbia Basin shared by Washington and Oregon have improved to strong levels.

Video series aims to elevate outdoor grilling with help from Vidalia onions
Video series aims to elevate outdoor grilling with help from Vidalia onions

The Vidalia Onion Committee is partnering with Certified Angus Beef for a social media content series intended to help at-home chefs with recipes and grilling inspiration.

How to sell bell peppers, according to a Rouses Markets registered dietitian
How to sell bell peppers, according to a Rouses Markets registered dietitian

Many of the shoppers retail dietitian April Sins speaks with don’t realize what a great source bell peppers are for vitamin C.

Happy Dirt puts organic heirloom tomatoes 'on the map'
Happy Dirt puts organic heirloom tomatoes 'on the map'

While heirlooms can be more challenging to grow in the field, North Carolina-based Happy Dirt farmer-owner Sanford Fishel has found a way to defy the odds.

Grown in glass: How Abby Lange cultivates tomatoes in the Chihuahuan Desert
Grown in glass: How Abby Lange cultivates tomatoes in the Chihuahuan Desert

Village Farms is growing over a million pounds of fresh produce a year in the inhospitable Big Bend region of Texas thanks to innovative, greenhouse growing methods and knowledgeable farmers like Abby Lange.

Frieda’s kicks off hatch chile pepper season
Frieda’s kicks off hatch chile pepper season

Grown in Hatch, New Mexico, the smoky, versatile peppers are now available from fresh produce wholesaler, Frieda's.

I Love Produce sets sights on growth, teams up with Promise Holdings
I Love Produce sets sights on growth, teams up with Promise Holdings

The Pennsylvania-based supplier distributor of fresh garlic, ginger and shallots is building its business and deepening its capabilities through a partnership with a food industry-focused holdings company.

Big Idaho Potato Truck crosses into Canada on its way to Alaska
Big Idaho Potato Truck crosses into Canada on its way to Alaska

After 11 years of exploring destinations in the U.S., the Big Idaho Potato Truck is making its way through Canada.