Produce Crops
Despite massive market disruptions and supply chain problems with the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. per capita availability of fresh vegetables rose 1.2% in 2020, new statistics from the USDA show.
Already with a U.S. East Coast presence, Costa Rica-based pineapple and banana supplier Kapi Kapi Growers is prepared to expand sales throughout the U.S., company officials say.
MONTEREY, Calif. — Despite very dry conditions, the North Carolina sweet potato crop for Vick Family Farms is looking good, says Charlotte Vick, partner and sales manager for the Wilson, N.C. produce marketer.
You may not have heard about Florida citrus being produced with the Citrus Under Protective Screens (CUPS) yet.
With the Idaho potato industry “facing extremely short supplies from August to September,” Baldor Specialty Foods offers retailers tips for keeping shelves stocked.
Led by explosive growth in berry and avocado imports, the value of U.S. imports of fruit soared 17% for the 12-month period ending June 30, USDA trade numbers show.
Wenatchee, Wash.-based Stemilt Growers is back on the road this year with The Great American Rave Race, according to a news release.
The Packer’s Tom Karst recently asked Mark Klompien, president and CEO of the United Potato Growers of America, several questions about the current supply and demand outlook for potatoes.
Despite drought challenges, growers in the Golden State predict high quality for grapes, pomegranates and citrus.
Nogales, Ariz.-based Divine Flavor has announced its new project of summer organic bell peppers in Jalisco, Mexico.
If Florida citrus growers are forced by disease or other pressures to cut back acreage on their first love, what other crops can serve as alternatives?
1981 was the first year in the industry for Dan Richey, president, and chief executive officer of Vero Beach, Fla.-based citrus grower-shipper Riverfront Groves Inc.
CHICAGO — Reflecting reduced expectations in Washington state but an upward revision in the Michigan forecast, the U.S. Apple Association estimate for the 2022 U.S. apple crop is down 4.2% from the USDA’s estimate.
Table grape growers around the world are adopting proprietary cultivars that offer higher yields and enhanced fruit quality, finds a new report from Rabobank.
A new survey from the American Farm Bureau Federation reveals the increasing toll of the western drought on crop and livestock producers.
Older consumers are by far the best consumers of onions, according to The Packer’s 2022 Fresh Trends research.
Sand Candy Produce LLC will feature good volume of sweet potatoes during the 2022-2023 marketing season, says Delbert Bland, Sand Candy partner and owner of Glennville, Ga.-based Bland Farms owner.
With new management in place, Nyssa, Ore.-based Snake River Produce is in a good position for the start of the Idaho-eastern Oregon onion season, says Joshua Frederick, general manager for the company.
The U.S. apple crop for 2022 is projected at 10.7 billion pounds or 255 million bushels, 2.7% higher compared with last year’s production but 3.5% less than the five-year average.
Nashville, N.C.-based Nash Produce expects to have a strong sweet potato supply this year, says Thomas Joyner, president.
The Washington fresh apple crop is projected at 108.7 million standard forty-pound boxes, an 11.1% decrease from 2021’s 122.3 million boxes, according to the Washington State Tree Fruit Association.
What’s on tap for the fall avocado market? A Q&A with Index Fresh’s sales and business development expert Bobby Fingerlin.
The Idaho-Eastern Oregon Onion Committee is reaching both domestic and foreign buyers to promote this year’s crop, says Candi Fitch, executive director.
The USDA’s 2022 U.S. apple production estimate is 10.1 billion pounds, up 3% from the previous year.
The company is ramping up production on the Rave apple variety in Michigan, which will allow the company to service more Midwest customers, said Brian Coates, vice president of sales and business development.
Despite challenging growing conditions, Owyhee Produce expects onion harvested acreage and yields at similar levels to a year ago, says Bailey Myers, marketing director for the Parma, Idaho-based shippers.
When it comes to potatoes, Idaho may be top of mind with most U.S. consumers, but the Colorado Potato Administrative Committee is working to change that.
With shorter trips for distribution to high-density population centers, Eastern apple shippers benefit from a reduction in fuel costs and emissions.
The Pacific Northwest organic pear crop looks promising, as estimates point to an increase in volume over last year, according to Domex Superfresh Growers.
With crop volumes expected similar to a year ago, Wenatchee, Wash.-based Stemilt Growers LLC will offer both organic and conventional pears this season.