Search - The Packer

Despite increased volume this year and lost foodservice business because of the COVID-19 crisis, avocado prices will remain steady through 2020 and into the first quarter of 2021, a new report from Rabobank predicts.

Northwest Cherry Growers, Yakima, Wash., estimates production for this season will be 20.5 million 15-pounds boxes.

Dierbergs and Slice of Earth Farm Stand are new companies to the Market. Del Bosque Farming, GOLDEN BASIL FARM LLC, Gordy’s Market, Kennies Markets Inc., Mariposa Food Co-op, Porter Farms and others have updates.

Harvest of the California cherry crop, estimated at 7 million 18-pound boxes, is underway in southern growing regions near Bakersfield and Fresno.

Kori Tuggle, whose industry experience goes back more than 20 years, has joined Braga Fresh, Soledad, Calif., as vice president of marketing and product development.

Blue River Legacy Farms LLC, Select Berries LLC, Tropical Sales of Florida LLC, and Western Sky Produce LLC are new companies to the Market. Clements’ Marketplace, Okimoto Corp., Sanchez Market and others have updates.

Peruvian avocado exporters plan to ship up to 190 million pounds of fruit to the U.S. this season, and the industry is taking steps to protect workers to ensure a steady supply.

The Peruvian Asparagus Importers Association expects summer volume to remain consistent as the crop approaches peak shipments in August and September.

Big cherries are on tap this season for Stemilt Growers.

Sales of fresh limes seem to be trending upward. At Delano, Calif.-based Wonderful Citrus, Elena Rhodes, director of product management, said in mid-April that sales were up 13% year over year.