Page 46 - Roduce Editorials News Today

Much of the country may be impacted by winter weather as produce prices are softening and heavy-weight commodities, such as berries, decrease in price. “For the first time in what feels like eons, strawberry prices are down over the previous week," said Mark Campbell, founder and CEO of ProduceIQ. He reported that strawberries fell 16 percent after reaching record highs.

NOGALES, AZ – Seeded Produce will offer its standard line of Mexican produce offerings again this year, but one new item in particular has owner Omar Lasolla bursting with excitement. “We will be introducing Golden Hami melons to our product line this year, and we are all very excited about it,” said Losolla. “It’s a sweet, very good eating melon.” Losolla said the Golden Hami is not an easy melon to grow, and it needs specific conditions to reach its optimal size and flavor.

In the latest move to strengthen the global marketing focus of the California Table Grape Commission, Maria Montalvo has been promoted to senior marketing director.

The Hass Avocado Board announced four newly elected executive committee board members who will be serving for the 2023 board year: importer Jorge Hernandez of London Fruit as chairperson; California producers C.J. Shade as vice chairperson and Susan Pinkerton as secretary; and importer Sergio Chavez from CalMich Produce as treasurer.

We have been getting field information over the past several weeks reporting lighter to below normal product supplies. For the most part limited supplies are still being buffeted by inclement weather conditions. The desert crops have been delayed because of colder temperatures that are slowing down growth.

Nickey Gregory Co., operating in the Atlanta State Farmer’s Market, continues to invest in its own fresh-cut and processing division, Family Fresh Foods, knowing its customers are looking for more safe, ready-to-eat produce.

As one of the largest cherry importers, Pacific Trellis Fruit is eager for the upcoming import cherry season. “With increased volumes of cherries arriving in the U.S. from Chile and Argentina, we are looking forward to increased opportunities to work with our customers in promoting cherries well into March," said Marcial Hernandez, director of imported fruit.

Healthy Family Project will close out 2022 with more than $238,000 raised through retail and digital cause marketing programs pushing the total raised since 2002 to more than $7.5 million for charities that support families. The organization leveraged social media,video content and digital shopper marketing to reach nearly 30 million families this year.

Sprouts Farmers Market, one of the largest and fastest growing specialty retailers of fresh, natural and organic food in the United States, hired Alisa Gmelich as the company's senior vice president, chief marketing officer. She will oversee Sprouts’ marketing, advertising and customer engagement.

Gumz Farms, led by brothers Roderick and Richard Gumz, grows red and yellow potatoes, grows and sources yellow, white, red and sweet onions and packs and ships both commodities year-round. Currently, Gumz Farms handles nearly 20 percent of the fresh-market red potatoes in the state and grows approximately 40 percent of Wisconsin onions, with more than 1,000 acres of farmland.