Marketing
For apple marketers, “buy local” isn’t just a quaint trend; it’s a key to success, even if the definition of “local” varies from market to market.
Fresh apple holdings on Dec. 1, 2019 totaled 118.3 million bushels, or 15% higher than a year earlier.
The Commerce Department’s decision in May to withdraw an agreement suspending an anti-dumping investigation on Mexican tomatoes entering the U.S. set off a contentious debate on imported tomatoes in 2019.
Major retailers including Walmart, Kroger and Albertsons have continued to invest in their e-commerce capabilities this year as the industry prepares for a future in which Amazon is a larger player in grocery.
U.S. fresh market apple holdings on Jan. 1 totaled 103.97 million (42-pound) bushels, according to the U.S. Apple Association.
Consumer research and sales data will take center stage at the Power of Produce education session Feb. 27 at the Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure.
The Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure marks the start of another year of the Southeast Training Education Program for Upcoming Produce Professionals — also known as STEP-UPP.
The STARS are coming to Tampa, Fla., for the Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure 2020.
If California has a “nutty” reputation, it’s very well deserved. Nearly 100% of the three major U.S. tree nut crops — almonds, walnuts and pistachios — are grown in the Golden State.
The Fresh Energy brand from Bakersfield, Calif.-based Atlas Produce and Distribution Inc. now offers an organic option for all of its varieties, said sales representative Luke Fountain.
As consumers — from millennials to baby boomers — adopt new healthy eating goals, sales of dates, prunes and dried fruit are gathering momentum.
Sunsweet Growers Inc., Yuba City, Calif., has a number of ways for consumers to enjoy the company’s products, said Stephanie Harralson, director of marketing, North America.
Traina Foods Inc., Patterson, Calif., has announced the launch of Pasta Toss, the latest fruit-forward product in its Traina Home Grown line.
Woodspur Farms, which harvests 13 varieties of dates from late August until early November, had a record crop this year — up 6% from last year.
Judging by industry buzz, the Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure 2020 will be one of the most highly anticipated shows of the year.
The slate of education sessions Feb. 28 at the Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure conference will begin with a conversation on one of the most-discussed issues in the industry — plastic.
Bard Valley Date Growers Association has unveiled new sustainable packaging
Hanford, Calif.-based Nichols Farms, which grows pistachios and almonds, has introduced a new packaging design, said Caleb Adams, director of marketing.
Coachella, Calif.-based Sun Date is increasing the percentage of its product that is organic, said DJ Ryan, sales and operations manager.
Fad diets such as keto, Paleo and South Beach come and go, but a plant-based diet is here to stay, says P.K. “The Nutrition Doctor” Newby.
The Standard Fruit Co. of Costa Rica S.A., a subsidiary of Dole Food Co., received the Social Responsibility in Action award from The Costa Rican-North American Chamber of Commerce.
GS1 US, Ewing, N.J., has scheduled a free online conference, GS1 Connect: Digital Edition, to help industry stay informed on trends, share best practices and prepare for future business.
Even among health experts, the mortality rate for those who contract the new coronavirus COVID-19 remains a matter of debate, but some approximations range from 1% to 5%.
Protective layers seem to be in demand during the COVID-19 pandemic, and that applies to produce, marketers say.
North Bay Produce Inc. was established as Wilderness Fresh Produce in 1984, its primary focus was Michigan apples, said Brian Klumpp, director of marketing and strategic development.
North American berry grower-shippers are responding to consumer and retailer pressure to reduce or eliminate single-use plastic.
This should be a good year for Florida citrus with grower-shippers reporting good growing conditions for oranges and grapefruit, and some suppliers adding increasingly popular easy peelers.
Shipments of oranges and grapefruit from Texas should be up slightly this season, according to the November citrus forecast from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.
Pandemic or not, sweet potato marketers expect a boost from spring holidays such as Easter.
Sweet potatoes were already doing well lately, and after a crazy 2020, consumers want them even more, according to The Packer’s Fresh Trends 2021 consumer survey.