Markets
Grape buyers don’t need to hit the panic button. California grape holdings are down compared with a year ago, but promotable fruit volumes will be shipped through early January.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is taking comments until Jan. 13 on a pest risk assessment that should open the door for U.S. imports of South Korean (Republic of Korea) carrots.
Natural Delights, Yuma, Ariz., is launching new packaging made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic for its dates.
HoneySweet onions from Edinburg, Texas-based J&D Produce had a starring role at the Oct. 16-20 World Food Championships.
Living an active lifestyle remains a key marketing message around the Jazz apple.
Apple marketers see the Cosmic Crisp as not only a new star on the business horizon, but also as a variety with other-worldly profit potential.
Sales weren’t the problem for organic apples in 2019, but markets were, said Addie Pobst, organic integrity and logistics coordinator with Mount Vernon, Wash.-based Viva Tierra Organic Inc.
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.
Australian officials have asked the USDA to approve U.S. imports of Australian apricots, nectarines, peaches, European plums, and Japanese plums.
The new U.S.-Japan trade agreement will deliver a tariff reduction and higher safeguard levels for U.S. orange shipments, and that should translate to a moderate increase in U.S. orange exports to Japan in 2020.
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.
The Hass Avocado Board, Mission Viejo, Calif., is highlighting several health initiatives in February, American Heart Month.
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.