Page 212 - Roduce Editorials News Today

From Spider-Man, Iron Man and Ant-Man to Black Panther, Black Widow and Groot, Marvel super heroes are in a league all their own. And now, more than ever, many would agree that everyday heroes deserve the same accolades and admiration.

ORLANDO, FL — The produce industry gathered in force the first week in March at the Southeast Produce Council's Southern Exposure 2022 conference and trade show to celebrate "The Marvel of Produce" and reconnect in person with colleagues and friends. For many attendees, it was the first time they had seen one another in a couple of years, as the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic finally seems to be in the rearview mirror.

ORLANDO, FL — Georgia agriculture was in the spotlight at a reception held March 3, here, ahead of the opening of the Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure convention. The reception featured Georgia Grown foods and was highlighted by a one-on-one interview of former NFL great Anthony (Booger) McFarland by Sarah Walsh of Fox Sports.

Matthews Ridgeview Farms is known for providing great quality and outstanding customer service, which is why it’s been a go-to sweet potato distributor for decades.

When Jason Turek talks about the Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure expo, he points out that it is by far his favorite trade event. “I think people are there to spend a few minutes on conversation and spending time outside of the office. We’re really there for goodwill,” said Turek, a partner in Turek Farms, as well as its marketing arm, Cayuga Produce Inc., headquartered in King Ferry, NY.

Mission Produce Inc. launched its “Experience the Difference” campaign, a year-long initiative to showcase the key advantages customers can experience with Mission through the company’s world-class customer service, ripening and distribution, vertical integration and sourcing, value-added services and sustainability.

As part of its strategic commitment to government advocacy and leadership, the International Fresh Produce Association has played a key role in the creation of The Alliance for New Immigration Consensus, a diverse coalition representing the broad business community and focused on addressing workforce reforms and needs that are critical and essential to our nation’s economy.  

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has filed an administrative complaint against H Brooks & Co. LLC for alleged violations of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act. The company, operating from Minnesota, allegedly failed to make payment promptly to 37 produce sellers in the amount of $3.81 million from August 2019 through April 2021.

FMI—the Food Industry Association released its 2022 Power of Produce report today, revealing 25 percent of shoppers ranked price as the No. 1 factor when making fresh produce purchasing decisions, followed by appearance (19 percent), health benefits (19 percent) and ripeness (15 percent).

Industry data compiled by CMI Orchards note a growing trend toward bag over bulk sales with a tipping point in the near future. “Our estimates point to bags taking favor across conventional and organic apples sometime in the next 12-18 months,” said Danelle Huber, marketing specialist at CMI.