Packer Insight — New products, awards, Florida and more

Get a rundown of the news of the week from The Packer's Tom Karst, Chris Koger, Ashley Nickle and Amy Sowder on topics from Trevor Suslow leaving PMA to Oleen Smethurst receiving the Canadian Produce Person of the Year Award.

For more on all of these stories, check out the articles listed below. You can also listen to Packer Insight on our Tip of the Iceberg Podcast on the player below or on listening apps like Apple Podcasts and Spotify. 

Trevor Suslow returns to UC-Davis, continues as a PMA resource — Trevor Suslow, who joined the Produce Marketing Association in mid-2018 as vice president of produce safety, is stepping down from full-time duties at the association.

Oleen Smethurst receives The Packer’s Canadian produce award — Praised by her peers as the kind of person who is relied on to get things done, Oleen Smethurst is The Packer’s 2020 Canadian Produce Person of the Year. 

New Product Review — Carrot dogs plus two more 'carrot swaps' from Bolthouse — Curious about the new line of "carrot swaps" that Bolthouse Farms debuted at Fresh Summit? Copy editor and designer Amelia Freidline and retail editor Ashley Nickle tried them out for an episode of Millennials Eat! 

COVID-19 considerations permeate holiday marketing plans — Produce marketers have been keeping COVID-19 and the “new normal” in mind as they prepare to promote their products and support their retail partners this holiday season.

 

Latest News

Banana supplier Reybanpac recognized for work in market diversification, gender equality
Banana supplier Reybanpac recognized for work in market diversification, gender equality

Ecuador banana supplier Reybanpac was recognized at the Banana Awards, organized by the Association of Banana Exporters of Ecuador.

Avocados From Mexico readies for Cinco de Mayo promotions
Avocados From Mexico readies for Cinco de Mayo promotions

Vivid displays, discounts and recipe inspiration are part of the marketing effort to include avocados in the lead-up to Cinco de Mayo.

Groups urge U.S. to ban imports of Mexican avocados tied to deforestation
Groups urge U.S. to ban imports of Mexican avocados tied to deforestation

A letter from more than 25 environmental organizations said many Mexican growers have created legal, longstanding avocado farms that could continue to supply the U.S. if avocados from deforested lands are banned.

Rural index in negative territory, survey says
Rural index in negative territory, survey says

The mood is subdued down on the farm, according to a survey of rural bankers.

Taylor Farms San Juan Bautista earns TRUE Certification for Zero Waste
Taylor Farms San Juan Bautista earns TRUE Certification for Zero Waste

Salinas, Calif.-based Taylor Farms is celebrating its fifth facility to receive TRUE certification, which is used by facilities to define, pursue and achieve their zero-waste goals.

Stemilt says latest Nielsen data shows opportunity for fuji apples
Stemilt says latest Nielsen data shows opportunity for fuji apples

The packer, grower and distributor of pears, apples and stone fruit says promotions and geo-targeting sales of fuji apples are keys to success this spring and summer.