Produce Marketing
The STARS are coming to Tampa, Fla., for the Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure 2020.
If California has a “nutty” reputation, it’s very well deserved. Nearly 100% of the three major U.S. tree nut crops — almonds, walnuts and pistachios — are grown in the Golden State.
The Fresh Energy brand from Bakersfield, Calif.-based Atlas Produce and Distribution Inc. now offers an organic option for all of its varieties, said sales representative Luke Fountain.
As consumers — from millennials to baby boomers — adopt new healthy eating goals, sales of dates, prunes and dried fruit are gathering momentum.
Sunsweet Growers Inc., Yuba City, Calif., has a number of ways for consumers to enjoy the company’s products, said Stephanie Harralson, director of marketing, North America.
Traina Foods Inc., Patterson, Calif., has announced the launch of Pasta Toss, the latest fruit-forward product in its Traina Home Grown line.
Woodspur Farms, which harvests 13 varieties of dates from late August until early November, had a record crop this year — up 6% from last year.
Judging by industry buzz, the Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure 2020 will be one of the most highly anticipated shows of the year.
The slate of education sessions Feb. 28 at the Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure conference will begin with a conversation on one of the most-discussed issues in the industry — plastic.
Bard Valley Date Growers Association has unveiled new sustainable packaging
Hanford, Calif.-based Nichols Farms, which grows pistachios and almonds, has introduced a new packaging design, said Caleb Adams, director of marketing.
Coachella, Calif.-based Sun Date is increasing the percentage of its product that is organic, said DJ Ryan, sales and operations manager.
Fad diets such as keto, Paleo and South Beach come and go, but a plant-based diet is here to stay, says P.K. “The Nutrition Doctor” Newby.
The Standard Fruit Co. of Costa Rica S.A., a subsidiary of Dole Food Co., received the Social Responsibility in Action award from The Costa Rican-North American Chamber of Commerce.
The average American is driving food sales. It used to be that chefs drove the trends in foods and creating demand for lesser-known commodities that would eventually translate into more sales in supermarkets.
GS1 US, Ewing, N.J., has scheduled a free online conference, GS1 Connect: Digital Edition, to help industry stay informed on trends, share best practices and prepare for future business.
Even among health experts, the mortality rate for those who contract the new coronavirus COVID-19 remains a matter of debate, but some approximations range from 1% to 5%.
Protective layers seem to be in demand during the COVID-19 pandemic, and that applies to produce, marketers say.
North Bay Produce Inc. was established as Wilderness Fresh Produce in 1984, its primary focus was Michigan apples, said Brian Klumpp, director of marketing and strategic development.
North American berry grower-shippers are responding to consumer and retailer pressure to reduce or eliminate single-use plastic.
Fresh apple inventories appeared to be down in December, compared to a year earlier, according to the Falls Church, Va.-based U.S. Apple Association.
Though COVID-19 has taken away the opportunities for in-person sampling and other strategies, retailers have plenty of apple promotion options, marketers say.
The COVID-19 crisis has supercharged apple packaging in multiple ways, marketers say.
With COVID-19 having forced consumers to stay indoors and sharpen their skills as online shoppers, apple marketers say they have adjusted, too.
One of the chief initiatives at Yakima, Wash.-based Sage Fruit Co. in 2020 pertained to sustainability, said Chuck Sinks, president of sales and marketing.
Brewster, Wash.-based Honeybear Brands is building a new packing facility, said Don Roper, vice president of sales and marketing for Honeybear Brands, as well as Elgin, Minn.-based Wescott Orchard & Agri Products Inc.
Wenatchee, Wash.-based grower-shipper CMI Orchards LLC continues to test new brands and apple varieties to go with its existing products, said George Harter, vice president of marketing.
The Fishers-based New York Apple Association rolled out numerous marketing and promotional initiatives in 2020, said Cynthia Haskins, president and CEO.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Gardners, Pa.-based grower-shipper Rice Fruit Co. has sharpened its focus on sustainable packaging, said Brenda Briggs, vice president of sales and marketing.
The Oppenheimer Group is reporting growth in its Envy and Jazz apple programs, while Pacific Rose remains strong with exports and in certain domestic markets, said Roger Aguirre, director of apples and pears.