In the news, Idaho potato crop value soars, while temperature recorders are introduced at Wal-Mart distribution centers. Finally, the Port of Oakland announces 5-year growth plan.
The value of the 2017 Idaho potato crop was 22 percent more the previous year as it hit a record $1.2 billion, according to the USDA.
However, harvested acreage in the state was down 5 percent and yields were down 1.2 percent. Half those potatoes — whether fresh, frozen or dehydrated — end up on restaurant menus and at other foodservice operations, says the Idaho Potato Commission, which accounts for 13 billion pounds.
“Consumers are demanding a broader variety of creative and ethnic foods that would often be too challenging, costly and time consuming to prepare at home,” Don Odiorne, the commission’s vice president of foodservice/website, said in a release. “A variety of Idaho potatoes products and recipe options help operators meet that demand.”
Temperature Recorders
Cargo Data temperature recorders have been approved by Wal-Mart distribution centers for use by their inspectors and receivers. The instruments are provided in self-hanging protective plastic pouches for protection from moisture and other contaminants. The pouches are also bright orange, which makes it easier for the Inspectors/Receivers to find the instrument within your shipment. Cargo Data’s Wal-Mart approved temperature recorders are $8.50/ea plus shipping, packed in cases of 20.
Port of Oakland has New 5- Year Plan
A new five-year strategic plan has been announced by The Port of Oakland (Calif.) which will serve as a blueprint for expansion.
Dubbed “Growth with Care,” the plan outlines projections for record business volumes for aviation and maritime businesses, capital investments for major projects and an emphasis on sustainability.
“We can grow, but we want our neighbors to grow with us,” Port of Oakland Executive Director Chris Lytle said in a news release about the 21-page document.
Cargo volume should reach 2.6 million 20-foot-equivalent containers (TEUs) by 2022, according to the plan, an increase of 8 percent.
Two projects will help with that increase:
- Cool Port Oakland, a 283,000-square-foot refrigerated distribution center that is set to open this summer, and
- A 440,000-square-foot distribution center planned at the nearby Seaport Logistics Complex.
Curbing diesel emissions is also a part of the strategic plan, and truck emissions at the port have been cut 98 percent since 2009, and vessel emissions have declined 76 percent.