Tom Burfield

Latest Stories
The organic avocado program at Mission Produce is growing every year, just like the industry, says Megan Berenbach, organic category manager.
Organic
Organic avocados no longer a niche
Consumers seem to have an affinity for organic avocados, and suppliers are doing their best to keep the organic pipeline flowing.
November 13, 2020 12:43 AM
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Tom Burfield
The development of indoor agriculture for growing basil and other herbs was part of the process Shenandoah Growers Inc. went through when it switched to a 100% organic operation in 2018, says Steve Wright, chief customer officer.
Organic
Switch to organic-only pays off for Shenandoah
Seven years ago, when Steve Wright signed on with Shenandoah Growers Inc., a Rockingham, Va.-based herb grower, about 20% of the company’s products were organically grown and 80% were conventional.
November 13, 2020 12:43 AM
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Tom Burfield
Mission Produce Inc. is using AvoLast Powered by Hazel to extend the shelf life of avocados by several days, says Patrick Cortes, Mission’s senior director of business development.
Sustainability
Post-harvest solution can benefit environment
An innovative approach to extending shelf life of avocados may end up reducing waste, saving energy and having an all-around positive impact on the environment.
November 13, 2020 12:42 AM
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Tom Burfield
Joseph Basciani graduated from the University of Georgia last year majoring in finance and real estate and has been named the firm’s chief financial officer.
Vegetables
Business rebounds at Basciani
Basciani Mushroom Farms, Avondale, Pa., is almost back to full production after disruption by the new coronavirus, said Michael Basciani, CEO.
November 13, 2020 12:42 AM
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Tom Burfield
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Food Safety
Henry Avocado puts focus on food safety
When Escondido, Calif.-based Henry Avocado opened its new packing and distribution center in 2018, food safety was top of mind.
November 13, 2020 12:42 AM
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Tom Burfield
Although U.S. avocado volume from Mexico had dropped to about 25 million pounds per week at times during the summer, Bob Lucy, partner at Del Rey Avocado Co. Inc., says movement may increase to nearly 40 million pounds by the end of September.
Fruit
Mexico’s volume on the rise
Avocado volume from Mexico has been similar to last year, and shipments will continue to increase over the next several weeks, grower-shippers say.
November 13, 2020 12:42 AM
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Tom Burfield
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Foodservice
Boards support foodservice with recipes, training and more
Commodity boards, commissions and councils have found that partnering with foodservice operations is an effective way to move more of their product.
November 13, 2020 12:42 AM
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Tom Burfield
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Foodservice
Mangoes continue to trend upward
Mangoes already are an extremely popular item in restaurants, but industry members heard from some subject matter experts about how to boost the fruit’s acceptance even more during a web seminar.
November 13, 2020 12:42 AM
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Tom Burfield
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Vegetables
Change continues at Misionero
Change has been the norm over the past few at Gonzalez, Calif-based Misionero Vegetables, said Nicole Zapata, marketing director.
November 13, 2020 12:41 AM
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Tom Burfield
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Organic
Bush berries in good supply
Ample supplies of good-quality blueberries still are available from U.S. growers, and raspberries and blackberries are in good supply as well.
November 13, 2020 12:41 AM
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Tom Burfield
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