Search - The Packer

Last year proved to be a difficult year for the leafy greens sector, with three outbreaks linked to romaine lettuce.

Citrus growers in California’s Central Valley will be checking for possible damage in the coming weeks as some areas saw temperatures drop to as low as 28 degrees Fahrenheit.

Salinas, Calif.-based Naturipe Farms has implemented a rebrand that speaks directly to younger consumers.

A research effort behind the rebranding of Naturipe Farms studied the attitudes of nearly 4,000 participants in the U.S. and Canada to gain consumer insights, company officials said.

The apple industry had 78.9 million (42-pound) bushels of fresh-market apples in storage as of Feb. 1, 12% less than the same time in 2018, and 7% off the five-year average.

While President Trump hasn’t yet indicated he will support it, Congress reached a tentative deal late Feb. 11 on border security that will avoid a government shutdown.

The USDA has cited a Los Angeles company for failing to pay $750,000 for fresh produce, and sanctioned four other companies, all for Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act violations.

Longtime apple industry salesman John “Roger” Smithey died Feb. 4. He was 81.

JOH, Billerica, Mass., has hired Christine Boettcher as an account executive in the New England division, and Christine DiGirolamo as an account manager in the Mid-Atlantic division.

Greenhouse grower Red Sun Farms, Kingsville, Ontario, will be growing next-generation OZblu blueberries at its Mexico facilities, which promise to deliver a firmer, crunchier and more flavorful berry.