Produce Crops
Industry experts recently shared their insight on what to expect for this year’s crop and and avocado trends in retail.
The new quarantine includes portions of Los Angeles, San Diego and Ventura counties.
The company says the packaging change reduces plastics use by 25% and that it hopes to roll it out for other pints by the end of the year.
Controlled environment agriculture continues to grow in Texas. While many growers see the state’s strategic location for distribution as an advantage to setting up shop, it’s more than just location, says one executive.
Glennville, Ga.-based Bland Farms is expecting a strong crop of Vidalia onions this year to go along with its Gold Rush promotional campaign.
The bio-engineered purple tomato from Norfolk Healthy Produce will soon reach retail shelves, says Harold Paivarinta, senior director of sales for Red Sun Farms.
The Sacramento Bee reports the cooperative of more than 3,000 almond growers faces heightened pressure and that the move is intended to help it stay profitable.
Wynne, Ark.-based Matthews Ridgeview Farms is optimistic for a strong spring sweetpotato season, says Autumn Campbell, sales manager.
Sweetpotato retail per capita availability rose from 3.78 pounds in 2000 to 6.02 pounds in 2020, USDA statistics show. The momentum continued in 2023, according to retail scan data.
San Antonio-based NatureSweet highlighted its Constellation three-color pack of mini sweet peppers at the Associated Wholesale Grocers’ seventh annual Innovation Showcase.
Naturipe Farms expects to have volumes of its Michigan blueberries from late June through September, says Brian Bocock, vice president of product management.
Michigan growers are national leaders for several specialty crops, and the state ships fruits and vegetables every month of the year.
Despite a drop in bearing acreage, New Zealand apple production and exports in 2023-24 will increase following last year’s rocky growing season, according to a new USDA report.
With the season underway, growers remain optimistic despite increased costs and regulations that threaten the future of specialty crop growers in North Carolina and South Carolina.
The Reedley, Calif.-based company says it has added to its specialty organic grape program by introducing new and unique heritage varieties.
The company is marking the milestone with initiatives such as a social media giveaway campaign, as well as incentives for display contests and a peach week celebration.
Chris Sandwick, marketing director for Hess Bros. Fruit Co., talks about the introduction of WildTwist and the challenges of marketing new apple varieties in a competitive market in this “Tip of the Iceberg” episode.
Following eradication efforts, the state’s department of agriculture removed the Oriental fruit fly quarantine, though it remains in place in six other areas of the state.
The Dole Golden Selection pineapple is arriving at select supermarkets in the U.S. and Canada in mid-April. The new fruit will be available in limited quantities based on seasonality and availability.
Melon production got off to a slightly later start than usual in many areas of the U.S., Mexico and Central America this spring, but growers are optimistic about the quality coming out of the fields.
Orchard View says its 100th season is shaping up to be large in volume and excellent in quality, even if it’s set to begin as much as two weeks later than usual due to chilly early spring weather.
New Mexico onion shippers enjoyed a good price year in 2022 compared with 2021, USDA data shows.
Stemilt Growers expects to have its Washington organic apricots available in big sizes from mid-June through July.
Weather has had an impact, said Anita Fernandez, manager of the Avocado Administrative Committee, but the 2023-24 season outlook for Florida avocados is still good.
Bee Sweet Citrus is reporting an ample supply of oranges, grapefruit and lemons, and it anticipates a strong supply through the summer months ahead.
Zespri’s 2022-23 financial results reflect a challenging period for the kiwifruit industry, according to a news release.
Arkansas grower-shippers already are harvesting many of their spring/summer crops, like berries, broccoli, cucumbers and lettuce, and movement will pick up as the season progresses.
While the Chilean Kiwifruit Committee is projecting an overall decrease in volume compared with last season, fruit quality is expected to be superior.
Bigger volumes of Florida mangoes are expected this summer from Miami-based Seasons Farm Fresh Inc. The firm’s Florida mango shipments began in May and will be strong this summer, said Gabe Bernal, vice president.
The USDA is seeking comment on a draft pest risk assessment for the importation of fresh hass avocado (Persea americana) for consumption from Kenya into the U.S.