Catch up on this month’s tomato content
More retail sales data show significant spike in fresh produce sales
IRI and Nielsen numbers for the week ending March 14-15 indicate fresh produce sales continue to soar as cities and states imposed more restrictions to contain the spread of the new coronavirus COVID-19.
Not just for guacamole: Avocados are on the menu everywhere
As more consumers eat more avocados during more dayparts, the fruit is turning up on more restaurant menus.
New inspections for Mexican tomatoes at border coming soon
The U.S. Department will start inspecting Mexican tomatoes entering the U.S. on April 4, as part of the suspension agreement with the Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration.
Wholesalers, others in supply chain changing business models
Wholesalers, shippers and distributors are strategizing how to handle drastic changes in buying, selling, and how they manage employees as coronavirus COVID-19 has spread.
Record meth seizure found in tomato, pepper load
Arizona Customs and Border Protection officers made a record methamphetamine seizure when a commercial truckload of tomatoes and peppers attempted to cross into the U.S.
Marketscope: Vegetable f.o.b.s as of March 16
This information, provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service, shows week-by-week shipments and f.o.b.s for commodities from shipments for the fresh market.
Village Farms production picks up for season
Village Farms International Inc., Vancouver, British Columbia, is ramping up supplies of greenhouse tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers for the season.
Retail demand gives jolt to markets
A peek at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s daily market news highlight page usually doesn’t reveal too much.
‘Taco Tuesday’ Cinco de Mayo means merchandising galore
Retailers can find promotional material for Cinco de Mayo from both Avocados From Mexico and the California Avocado Commission.
Florida growers expecting good crop this spring
Thanks to mostly favorable growing weather, Florida grower-shippers anticipate a strong spring season for their fruits and vegetables.
Traina Foods has new product
Traina Foods Inc., Patterson, Calif., has announced the launch of Pasta Toss, the latest fruit-forward product in its Traina Home Grown line.
Distributors anxious about expanded tomato inspections
Increased inspections are scheduled to begin on April 1 in Nogales, Ariz., as a result of the tomato suspension agreement that took effect in September, and distributors say they’re not sure what to expect.
Chapman Fruit Co. adds vine-ripe tomatoes
Chapman Fruit Co. Inc., Immokalee, Fl., offered vine-ripe tomatoes for the first time in the fall, plans to have more in the spring and will increase the line next fall, said director Stephen Madonia.
Marketscope: Vegetable f.o.b.s as of March 9
This information, provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service, shows week-by-week shipments and f.o.b.s for commodities from shipments for the fresh market.
Live Oak expands bell pepper season with new acreage
Live Oak Farms, Le Grand, Calif., is expanding its bell pepper program, with supplies of red and green peppers starting in mid-April from Coachella Valley.
Conventional, organic squash plays role at Divine Flavor
Conventional and organic squash is becoming a more consistent program at Divine Flavor LLC, Nogales, Ariz., said Michael DuPuis, quality assurance and public relations coordinator.
Calavo's new Jalisco tomato deal to start April 1
Santa Paula, Calif.-based Calavo Growers Inc. has planted tomatoes in Jalisco, Mexico, and they will be available starting April 1, said Brian Bernauer, director of operations and sales.
Florida produce attracts shoppers
Florida growers offer a wealth of fruits and vegetables, and retailers are eager to promote them.
West Mexico growers anticipate improved spring crop
Distributors of produce from West Mexico were hoping for a fruitful spring after a fall/winter season affected by rainstorms and cold weather.
Mastronardi’s Sunset brand adds Double Diamond supply
Mastronardi Produce, Kingsville, Ontario, is significantly increasing supplies, assuming sales and marketing all of Double Diamond’s 140 acres.
