Produce Crops
The biggest trend this year for OC Schulz & Sons Inc., Crystal, N.D., is the continued demand for yellow potatoes.
The value of U.S. imports of fresh produce increased at a double-digit pace in 2022, with volume growing at a moderate pace.
Chicago-based Hazel Technologies is teaming up with Sysco and Avocados From Mexico for a second year to help preserve the quality of fruit in the direct-to-consumer Gametime Guac Box meal kit.
Total U.S. fresh produce exports were rated at $6.89 billion in 2022, down 4% in value compared with 2021 and unchanged from 2020.
The Folsom, Calif.-based U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council is encouraging consumers to make heart-smart choices — like grabbing a boost of blue — in February for American Heart Month.
Coral Gables, Fla.-based Fresh Del Monte has announced a strong expansion plan for its convenient 24-count single-serve Del Monte banana box across the European market.
The most favored potato variety is still the russet, according to The Packer’s Fresh Trends 2023 survey.
Southeast berry grower-shippers say they should have a decent-size crop of good-quality blueberries and blackberries this spring as long as the weather remains favorable.
The USDA predicts U.S. citrus output will decline from 11.2 billion pounds in 2022 to 9.8 billion pounds in 2032.
USDA trade projections through 2032 call for U.S. ag exports to decline at an annual rate averaging 0.7% per year, ending at $182.2 billion in 2032.
Mexico asparagus programs for the months of January to March will take a substantial hit due to prolonged cold weather during the growing season, a Mexican grower group reports.
A review of Nielsen sales data released by Proprietary Variety Management shows Cosmic Crisp sales vaulting the variety into the top 10 bestselling U.S. varieties for the first time.
The USDA’s newly released annual report on Farm and Land in Farms showed drops in farm numbers and farm acreage in 2021 compared with 2020.
Imports can begin starting Feb. 15, the USDA said.
The volume of U.S. fresh potato exports jumped 10% in the calendar year 2022 despite an 8% drop in volume, USDA statistics reveal.
Known for its Crawfish B-Red potatoes, the company has added a 3-pound Crawfish Medley Pack and a 3-pound Crawfish Gold Pack.
Side Delights is promoting heart-healthy eating changes that can reduce the conditions that put consumers at risk.
The buses are part of a New York Apple Association campaign spreading the word that New York state-grown apples are arriving at local grocers.
A heatwave kicking off around mid-September delayed or interrupted the start of the 2024 harvest for most Red River Valley potato growers, but digging was expected to get back on schedule.
The North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission is shifting into high gear to promote what is expected to be an ample, high-quality crop.
Historically a big packer and shipper of cucumbers, Nash Produce in recent years has been solely focused on sweetpotatoes, said David Bradley, director of business development for the Nashville, N.C.-based marketer.
New Rochelle, N.Y.-based LGS Specialty Sales expects an early start for Moroccan citrus this season.
The USDA has announced its intent to purchase up to $25 million in fresh citrus from domestic producers to distribute to food banks and nutrition assistance programs.
The Glennville, Ga.-based operation said Vidalia sweet onions will be available through early October due to a strong season.
The new quarantine area in California’s Alameda and Santa Clara includes 54 acres of winegrapes, olives, avocados, tomatoes, peppers and eggplants.
Zespri said it has used 62 charter vessels — up from 51 last season — to ship this season’s kiwifruit from New Zealand.
Weather conditions and expanded acreage for the Texas onion crop are setting up for promotable volumes starting in late March, industry leaders say.
Bananas have maintained consumer appeal despite rising inflation and food costs, and Bobby Banana will be the face of Dole bananas in special events and web, social media, marketing and retail programs.
Naturipe will have very strong supplies of berries throughout the spring and summer of 2023, says Jerry Moran, vice president of sales for the Watsonville, Calif.-based marketer.
The Netherlands-based Enza Zaden says its new tomato varieties provide growers another tool to combat Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV).