Page 14 - Roduce Marketers News Today

Carbon Robotics, a leader in AI-powered robotics, introduced its LaserThinning technology, continuing the rapid innovation of its state-of-the-art LaserWeeder. LaserThinning targets areas where vegetable crops are purposefully overseeded and then thinned for optimal crop spacing, growth and yield. This is particularly valuable for farmers growing any direct seeded leafy green and cole crops — such as lettuces and broccoli.

Joe Bernardi is one guy happy to see companies reopening their official work places and employees coming back to the office.

Oppy is being honored three times over for its commitment to its people and community. The company has been selected as one of British Columbia’s top employers for 2023 for the seventh consecutive year. Honored in the province Oppy first called home, this annual program evaluates industry-leading organizations across a range of criteria, including workplace, benefits, training and community involvement, and those that offer progressive and forward-thinking cultures and programs.

An increase in supply has led to a decrease in strawberries prices. After weeks of record-high prices, strawberry markets are down 18 percent. “Prices are down due to improved supply and waning holiday demand. Supply out of California and Mexico has improved significantly, but production in Florida still needs to catch up,” said Mark Campbell, founder and CEO of ProduceIQ. Currently strawberry prices are at about $18.25.

Flagship Food Group LLC acquired Yucatan Foods LLC, adding guacamole and dips to its growing portfolio of Southwestern foods. Yucatan manufactures and markets fresh guacamole and salsa under the Yucatan and Cabo Fresh brands. Sold nationwide and throughout Canada, Yucatan has long been a pioneer in the retail, pre-made guacamole category and is one of the larger brands in the set.

When Bob Morrissey joined the National Watermelon Association nearly 20 years ago as the organization’s first executive director, there was no blueprint to follow. He was tasked with setting a new course for one of the oldest commodity-specific organizations in the world.

The Southeast Produce Council announced this year's SEPC Vorhees Vision Scholarship recipients: Bryan Biederman, son of Bryan Biederman of Scotlynn Sweet Pac Growers; Brian Dunleavy, son of Kevin Dunleavy of Super Marketing Promotions; and Brittany St George, daughter of Kimberly St George of Dole Food Co.

After 27 years and millions of pounds of avocados sold, Index Fresh Vice President of Sales and Marketing Todd Elder is retiring.

The Fresh Produce Association of the Americas 2023 Spring Policy Summit will have a heavy emphasis on trade issues when the industry meets for the two-day event on March 14-15 at the Tubac Golf Resort and Spa in Tubac, AZ. FPAA President Lance Jungmeyer said the top government trade representative from both Mexico and the United States have been invited so a lively and frank discussion on market access is expected to take place. 

U.S. agricultural trade saw a record year in 2022, topping $196 billion. Despite an 11 percent increase from 2021, it wasn’t all good news for America’s farmers and ranchers. While export values increased, overall export volume decreased by 6 percent. Imports of agricultural goods also increased by $28 billion, creating a trade deficit for 2022.