Page 235 - Roduce Editorials News Today

The Produce for Better Health Foundation welcomes its 2022 Executive Committee, including 2022 Chairman of the Board, CarrieAnn Arias, vice president of marketing for Naturipe Farms, LLC. Approved during the recent PBH Board of Trustees Meeting, PBH’s incoming executive leadership will ensure PBH continues to advance the organization’s mission to improve fruit and vegetable consumption in America.

By all accounts, Chris Jevne had an insatiable thirst for knowledge, and the uncanny ability to retain what he learned. “He knew something about everything,” said Megan Jevne, who was married to Mr. Jevne for 17 years at the time of his unexpected passing on Nov. 19 of a massive coronary event. “And it wasn’t just something trivial. He would know important information.  He would learn it and then retain it. It was amazing.”

The International Fresh Produce Association announced the Class Three Fellows of the Produce Safety Immersion Program, sponsored by Calavo Growers/Renaissance Food Group at the gold level, and Ecolab as a silver sponsor. The 11 fellows will begin their journey virtually during a kickoff meeting later this month, and continue their year-long program with in-person and virtual meetings.   

Over the years, Vick Family Farms, operating in Wilson, NC, has seen the spring sweet potato movement increase substantially. “Twenty-plus years ago, Thanksgiving and Christmas were the big movement holidays, but I think creative marketing and the demand for healthier foods has certainly helped grow spring sweet potato sales,” said Charlotte Vick, partner/sales and marketing manager at Vick Family Farms.

For a myriad of reasons food prices are higher than in recent memory, and will likely remain so for quite a while. Avocados, for example, are expensive right now. With prices ranging from $54 to $62 as Mark Campbell of ProduceIQ said, “the bigger Hass sizes are nearly worth their weight in gold.” He added that prices are about 40 percent higher than the previous high. Expect prices to go even higher as the Super Bowl approaches.

Del Rey Avocado announced that Justin Warren has recently been appointed Del Rey Avocado’s new chief financial officer. To help ensure a smooth transition, Warren has been working closely with Bob Siemer, partner, and chief financial officer for the past year as director of finance. A seasoned member of Del Rey Avocado's finance team, Warren will also play a key management role and will be reporting to the company’s board of directors.

Quail H Farms, LLC is considered one of the largest and most reputable sweetpotato growers-packer-shippers in the state of California, and its team is proud of the strong reputation it has developed since first starting operations in 2008.

  Research conducted by FoodMix Marketing Communications, a leading food marketing agency, revealed the underdeveloped state of branding within the fresh produce industry. To help businesses understand and utilize their findings, FoodMix is hosting a webinar on branded produce and the current state of it.

Organic fresh produce grew sales by 5.5 percent in 2021, topping $9 billion for the first time, and outpacing conventionally grown produce in year-over-year gains in both sales and volume, according to the 2021 Organic Produce Performance Report released today by Organic Produce Network and Category Partners.