Produce Retail
Produce companies and organizations continue to think of innovative ways of helping consumers and customers during the pandemic, from celebrating Cinco de Mayo to new ways of keeping employees safe.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved $1.2 billion in contracts for the Farmers to Families Food Box Program, including $461 million for produce purchases.
Fresh markets apples in storage on May 1 totaled 46.8 million 42-pound bushels, which is 21% more than a year ago, and 18% more than the five-year average, according to the U.S. Apple Association.
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.
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.
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.
Gotham Green, Brooklyn, N.Y., is opening a 30,000-square-foot hydroponic greenhouse in the Denver area to supply retailers in eight states.
Two universities and an association that represents blackberry and raspberry growers are studying retail strategies and how the pandemic is affecting sales.
Judging by early returns from on-farm markets, there is a high demand for Jersey Fresh produce this year — lagging foodservice business not withstanding.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is planning another round of contracts for the Farmers to Families Food Box Program, according to an administrator of the program who touted its successes in a PMA Virtual Town Hall.
Bowery Farming has launched crispy leaf lettuce.
Rainier Fruit Co. is on track to earn Bee Better certification for Washington blueberries in July 2020.
The common phrase lately has to be “I’m looking forward to getting back to normal.”
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, I sometimes struggle to find some ray of hope, some lesson that we may have overlooked that we might carry with us when it’s all over.
My quarantined focus, like that of so many folks now, is the grocers in my immediate area.
“You’re a produce person? I would buy more fresh produce if I only knew what was in season — you know, what’s really good right now.”
Senior director Chris Cockle said Dinuba, Calif.-based Wonderful Citrus will have an extensive offshore citrus deal this summer that will include mandarins, navel oranges and lemons.
Thanks to year-round availability, tastier varieties and improved growing practices, summer citrus seems to be more popular than ever at neighborhood supermarkets.
The Oppenheimer Group is bringing the Orchard View cherry brand back when the Pacific Northwest season starts in June.
Potatoes USA is seeking nominations for 60 open board member seats for the 2020-24 term.
April prices for food purchased at grocery stores were up 2.7% from March and 4.1% above year-ago levels, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported.
Fruits that can be eaten out of hand continue to reign in the realm of produce snacking, according to the newest FreshFacts on Retail report from the United Fresh Produce Association.
Wenatchee, Wash.-based Stemilt Growers is promoting Piñata and Artisan Organics Lil Snappers apples as summer promotion options.
Are consumers changing their preferences around fresh produce because of COVID-19? And will their new behaviors stick around after the pandemic has subsided?
The COVID-19 crisis has caused consumers to see plastic produce in a new way.
Lakeside Organic Gardens, Watsonville, Calif., has a unique new product, organic fioretto.