Grape packaging features LA Lakers, NBA logo
Delano, Calif.-based Four Star Fruit Inc. and Delano Farms are teaming up again with National Basketball Association-themed packaging and merchandising on in-season table grapes.
The NBA licensing agreement allows the companies to use the league’s logo, and they are using the Los Angeles Lakers’ logo and color design on 1- and 5-pound pouch bags and clamshells, according to a news release.
Good year for Anthony Vineyards
Bakersfield, Calif.- based Anthony Vineyards is having “one of the best (years) we’ve seen in a while,” said salesman Rob Spinelli.
The company grows organic and conventional table grapes, but at least 70% of its volume is organically grown, Spinelli said.
“We’ve been doing organic since 2002,” he said. “We are the leader of the organic grape front.”
Fruit breeder, IFG founder David Cain recognized for innovation
David Cain, founder of International Fruit Genetics, Bakersfield, Calif., and the table grape breeder of Cotton Candy, Funny Fingers and other unique varieties, has received the 2020 Wilder Medal from the American Pomological Society in recognition of his 42 years in fruit breeding.
Cain, the chief plant breeder at IFG, has developed or co-developed 66 cultivars of table grapes, 10 sweet cherries, nine plums, four apricots, four peaches and one nectarine cultivar. It’s the highest honor from the society, according to a news release. In the U.S., Cain’s work has resulted in more than 75 plant patents.
“His vision and impact have changed the table grape industry,” Andy Higgins, CEO of IFG, said in the release. “We are excited he has received such an esteemed and significant award for his work.”
California grape commercials released in the U.S., export markets
The California Table Grape Commission has three new commercials airing in the U.S. and key export markets as part of the Go with Grapes from California Every Day campaign.
The 15-second spots focus on California as an origin of the grapes, snacking, or health attributes of the grapes, according to a news release from the commission.
The U.S. commercials are running on social media platforms and online content providers, according to a news release.
Vinergy seeks to cut harvest costs of grapes, other crops
A California startup, Vinergy Inc., has equipment it says will improve vineyard efficiency by reducing a labor-intensive part of harvest — transporting grapes to the end of rows.
With the rechargeable Vinergy Cart and Vinergy Wheelbarrow, the Bakersfield, Calif., company promises to increase the amount of grapes that can be harvested by saving up two hours of labor for each team of pickers every day, according to a news release.
“When we were picking significant volume we saw a tremendous cost savings during our trials with multiple crews and packing variations,” Rope Eddy, ranch manager for Bakersfield, Calif.-based Anthony Vineyards, said.
