Produce Crops
U.S. orange and grapefruit crops are forecast up in 2023-24 but lemon and tangerine crops are rated lower than a year ago, according to USDA crop production numbers.
The Fowler, Calif.-based company says specialty citrus varieties are sought by shoppers aiming to incorporate fresh produce into New Year’s resolutions, while upcoming holidays can be used to market the citrus category.
While the U.S. Apple Association reports some movement of fresh and processing apples, the overall number of apples in holding still remains high.
Researchers seek integrated pest management solutions to control silverleaf whitefly, a devastating pest to vegetables.
Despite weather challenges this season, growers “look hopeful for ’24,” said Cynthia Haskins, president and CEO of New York Apples. “We have a good mix of different apple varieties that are out there ...”
Additions to the Geneva rootstock line are semi-dwarfing, productive and even fire blight resistant.
With a large crop in apple-producing states, like Pennsylvania, marketers say there is a need to boost consumption. “That will take some time and some effort,” said Chris Sandwick of Hess Bros. Fruit., Lancaster, Pa.
The Minnesota-based grower, packer and shipper of fresh carrots said its refreshed look will make its products pop in the produce aisle.
The specialty artichokes are shipping now and will be intermittently available throughout the winter, the company says.
The National Potato Council’s latest economic findings show a current $4.78 billion value in economic activity, which could grow by more than 21% with the opening of new market access.
March is a great month for the retail promotion of Champagne mangoes from Ciruli Bros. LLC.
The upcoming 2024 Mexican mango season is poised to be a record season as more retailers understand that mangoes can be positioned all summer long, says Tim Beerup, mango consultant for Mission Produce, Oxnard, Calif.
“By targeting this expanding market segment, we aim to attract consumers who prioritize health and are environmentally conscious ...” said Ahiby Rodriguez, trade marketing manager for Fyffes North America.
The partnership will form a 50/50 Mexican joint venture, Royal Champs S. de R.L. de C.V.
Hidalgo, Texas-based GM Produce Sales LLC is celebrating its 40th anniversary as a mango importer.
Following detections in Hidalgo and Cameron counties, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and the Texas Department of Agriculture added four new quarantine areas and expanded one existing quarantine area.
California Citrus Mutual said the proposed farm bill would allocate more than $25 million in funding to the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture to discover a cure for Huanglongbing.
Naturipe Farms will offer conventional and organic options of strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries this spring and summer, says Ashley Finster.
Berries are rising to the occasion, according to a recent USDA Specialty Crop Retail Report.
Sunkist’s National Display Contest for its California Star Ruby grapefruit will award prizes to the produce managers of the top three winning stores.
The California Table Grape Commission will focus on health benefits as it launches its 2024-25 global marketing campaign targeting the U.S. and 21 export markets.
Berries are a hit with all demographics, but The Packer’s Fresh Trends 2024 data reveals where strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries shine.
California pear growers are expected to begin harvest in the River growing district July 15 with bartlett and red bartlett being the first varieties to harvest this year.
Los Angeles-based Giumarra Cos. says it is expanding its organic avocado program tailored for grocery retailers and foodservice operators.
Envy apples are transitioning to new-season fresh imports, primarily from New Zealand, over the coming weeks.
Applause and Epic Crisp will be available for a limited time at Costco, Sam’s Club, Albertson’s, Giant Eagle, H-E-B, Vons, Aldi and Kroger.
Good weather and timely rains should result in some good-quality Ohio vegetables kicking off right on schedule by the end of June, grower-shippers say.
California is expected have plenty of good-quality tree fruit, melons and other commodities this summer, though some items might get off to a later start than usual, and early volume on others may be off a bit.
Mexican mango season got off to a slow start this year because of weather issues, but supplies should pick up as the season progresses, importers say.
The USDA reports that the gains in retail per capita consumption for berries have been very strong compared with many other fresh fruits.