Author Archive
By WP Rawl
Pelion, S.C. – WP Rawl, the premier grower, processor and shipper of leafy greens has begun its yearly ramp up of both conventional and organic leafy greens along with various other vegetable production at their Bunnell, Florida facility. This facility supports an increase in production in the latter parts of the year and lends itself to seasonal production in a warmer growing region.
Over four years ago, WP Rawl broke ground on a new farming and packing shed operation in Bunnell that included a 34,000 square feet facility, similar to the facility at their headquarters in Pelion, SC. This year the company has added acreage to their 2016 – 2017 organic production to support the increasing demand from customers.
“Our goal in expanding our operations into Florida years ago was to support our growth and help us better service our customers,” said Ashley Rawl, vice president of sales, marketing and product development. “We are delighted that or production in Florida has continued to grow, and the benefit of a distribution hub has been a vital part of our success and ongoing growth.”
WP Rawl’s Florida facility grows five months out of the year (December – April), complementing the company’s other strategically located growing regions.
About WP Rawl
Dating back to 1925, WP Rawl is a fourth generation family farm which has grown to become a grower/shipper/processor, specializing in year-round bulk and value-added leafy greens and vegetables in the Rawl®, Nature’s Greens®, Palmetto Gardens® and Versatile Veggies® brands.
In the early 1920’s, the late Walter and Ernestine Rawl started a local business known as the Walter P. Rawl Farm selling peaches. Over the years the business evolved into a larger farm selling greens and specialty vegetables and became known as Walter P. Rawl and Sons.
Today Walter P. Rawl & Sons continues to operate as a “family farm” with nine family members still working in the business along with an additional 400 employees.
by The U.S. Food and Drug Administration
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced it has completed its evaluation of a variety of pineapple genetically engineered by Del Monte Fresh Produce (DMFP) to have pink flesh, concluding that there are no unresolved safety or regulatory questions about the pineapple. DMFP submitted information to the agency to demonstrate that the pink flesh pineapple is as safe and nutritious as its conventional counterparts. DMFP’s new pineapple has been genetically engineered to produce lower levels of the enzymes already in conventional pineapple that convert the pink pigment lycopene to the yellow pigment beta carotene. Lycopene is the pigment that makes tomatoes red and watermelons pink, so it is commonly and safely consumed.
In addition, after consulting with the FDA, DMPF plans to identify the food as “extra sweet pink flesh pineapple” on tags attached to the crown of the fruit. This will distinguish the pink flesh pineapple from DMFPs golden” extra sweet pineapple” which was introduced in the 1990s.
DMFP participated in a voluntary consultation with FDA’s Office of Food Additive Safety about the pineapple. During that consultation, DMFP submitted information to FDA scientists regarding characteristics of the new plant variety, the nature and effect of the genetic change, potential unexpected or unintended effects that could accompany the genetic change, and the nutritional assessment. After review of that data FDA scientists concluded that there were no unresolved safety or regulatory issues under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) for the genetically engineered pink flesh pineapple.
A consultation is not synonymous with FDA approval. Rather, it is voluntary and helps developers of food ensure that foods derived from new plant varieties are safe and comply with the FD&C Act and FDA’s regulations.
Although DMFP will market this pineapple in the United States, they are not planning on growing it here. The company is working with the government of Costa Rica on this matter.
Chilean grape imports by U.S. importers should be much better than last season.
During the 2015-16 season, Chile exported a total of almost 85.5 million 18-pound equivalent boxes of table grapes. While there are no official estimates for 2016-17, table grape production is expected to be around 90 million boxes. The main variety out of Chile is globe, with global exports of more than 28 million boxes, followed by crimson with 18 million, thompson seedless with 16 million and flame seedless with 8.5 million boxes.
The Chilean grape season started a little earlier than normal, and by the week of Dec. 19th, Chile had shipped nearly 47,000 tons of grapes to the U.S. This compares with just 12,600 tons last season.
As of January 10th, the South American country had shipped 91 percent more than the same time last year; — 78,629 tons compared to 41,035 tons. Flame seedless, sugraone and thompson seedless were the main varieties that had shipped.
Total volume will be similar to last year and if not higher, although a significant difference will be in timing of U.S. imports, with the season starting and ending sooner than last season. In essence, Chilean grape availability will be condensed to about an eight to 10-week timeframe compared to the normal 10-12 week interval.
Heavy volume of imports are expected in the next two months from Chile’s southern region.
There were heavy rains in Chile last December the northern growing regions where early season grapes were the most affected, with some damage to flames and sugraones.
Still there is a 250 percent increase year-to-date in volume over last year, with a lot of loading opportunities coming at U.S. ports in February and March.
By contrast, Peruvian grape imports have fallen short of pre-season expectations while Chile is harvesting at a record rate, especially with red grapes.
One importer indicated that so far this year, there have been 16.3 million cases combined between Peru and Chile season-to-date compared to 12.7 million last year.
By the Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market
Philadelphia — The Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market (PWPM) was proud to accept an award for being the winning terminal market in the USDA’s Terminal Market U.S. Food Waste Challenge. Dan Kane, General Manager, and Christine Hofmann, Marketing Coordinator, accepted the award in Washington, DC , recently on behalf of the PWPM.
“We are honored to be recognized by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for our efforts to reduce waste, said Sonny DiCrecchio, President & CEO of PWPM. “We are most proud of our donations to hunger-relief organizations throughout Philadelphia.”
Supporting the USDA Food Waste Challenge, the National Association of Produce Market Managers encouraged its membership to divert fruit and vegetables from the waste stream, either through recycling (composting/animal feed) or by donating produce to food rescue programs. The Challenge ran from March 29, 2016 through June 30, 2016 and was based on the number of businesses within the PWPM that participated. “We are fully committed to increasing our numbers next year,” said DiCrecchio. “We’re always reviewing our methods on how to reduce our footprint on the environment and donate wholesome produce to people in need.”
About the Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market:
The Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market is the world’s largest, fully enclosed, fully refrigerated wholesale produce market. Completed in 2011, the 686,000 square foot facility is ¼ mile long and provides customers with security, comfort, efficiency, and cold chain protection. The PWPM is made up of 22 fresh fruit and vegetable merchants who carry a full range of produce including local, ethnic, specialty and commodities. The Market is open to the public and serves all types produce buyers from the home cook to national supermarket chains from Florida to Canada.
Customers range from Florida to Canada. Most come from within a 150-mile radius of Philadelphia. PWPM receives and sells hundreds of truckloads of fresh produce on a weekly basis, leading to cumulative annual sales of one billion dollars.
Find out more at www.pwpm.net
A second serious snowstorm ranging from 12 to 18 inches has caused the collapse of more onion storage sheds in the Treasure Valley region. Onion haulers had been showing up at some buildings, but had nothing to load due to the chaos. The weather forecast predicted much less snowfall and a number of companies shut down packing lines January 20th to focus all efforts to removing snow from roofs. Some onion shippers in Nyssa, OR are describing the event as a catastrophe.
Four buildings collapsed January 18 and 19 at Owyhee Produce in Nyssa, which included the company’s main storage facility. The operation lost around 20 millions pounds of onions in the storage shed. The good news is the packing shed had minimal damage and was planning to resume onion shipping on a limited basis this week.
The previous snow, followed by rain that saturated it, also caused numerous collapses. (See January 13th Trucking Report)
Murakami Produce of Ontario, OR was keeping its fingers crossed and has yet to lose any buildings, perhaps because it moved packing line workers to roof tops to shovel snow.
Snake River Produce in Nyssa, OR lost a facility January 19th in which it stores packed product. The building had about 20,000 bags of onions stored. The company was planning to convert another building to storage. It had lost another storage building, which had contained trucks but no onions, in the first snowstorm. It was hoping to start packing and shipping this week.
Golden West Produce, based in Nyssa has lost six buildings — three in each storm. The latest damage included the packing shed. Overall, about 30 to 40 onion buildings have collapsed in the last two weeks.
F.O.B. onion prices at shipping point have been increasing as a result of the weather-induced chaos. Around the holidays the price was between $4 and $5 cwt., but has increased to $8 and very well could go up more.
Idaho and Malheur County onions – grossing about $3600 to Chicago.
The United Fresh Start Foundation is launching a new community grants program to help advance the organization’s mission to increase children’s access to fresh fruit and vegetables.
The new in
itiative will provide $25,000 in grants to local community organizations and groups that share the United Fresh Start Foundation’s commitment to increasing kids’ access to fresh produce, ensuring they develop healthy habits that will last a lifetime. This effort extends the foundation’s work beyond the school day and will provide children with fresh fruit and vegetables after school, on weekends and during summer breaks.
“Food insecurity and obesity are major challenges for millions of children across the country,” Tom Stenzel, United Fresh president and chief executive officer, said in a press release. “We are proud of the work we have done in schools to increase fresh fruits and vegetables, but we know that many children need access when school is out. The program is designed to ensure kids have access throughout the day and the year.”
During a recent Produce Legends Dinner in New Orleans, the foundation announced the plans to launch the Community Grants Program. The foundation is committing $25,000 to the 2017 Community Grants Program. Grants will be available in various amounts up to $2,500. Applications will be accepted this spring and the recipients will be announced during the United Fresh Show this June in Chicago.
The United Fresh Start Foundation is focused on one core mission — to increase children’s access to fresh fruits and vegetables.
Florida strawberries and tomatoes are leading produce shipments from the Sunshine state this month.
Florida has over 11,000 acres of strawberries are grown in the Plant City area each year, with Hillsborough County shipping about 15 percent of the nation’s strawberries and virtually all the berries grown during the winter.
Since late spring, the weather was good and the state has been leading the nation in strawberry shipments now for a number of weeks. Although small compared to California’s total strawberry shipments, Florida ships about 20 million flats each year.
Florida is loading about 1,000 truck loads of strawberries per week.
Florida Vegetable Shipments
Unlike some winters, Florida growing conditions also have generally been favorable for vegetables, leading to fairly stable shipments from week to week. Mature greens provide Florida’s heaviest tomato volume, with much less amounts coming from plum and grape tomatoes. However, if you add the three types of tomatoes together, they are averaging about the same amount of volume as Florida strawberries.
However, a major difference between hauling strawberries and tomatoes relates to geography. Florida’s strawberry shipments are concentrated in a relatively small growing area just west of Tampa. By contrast, Florida tomato shipments are spread throughout much of the state, with some areas being more active depending on the season.
At the same time, Florida also is shipping a number of other winter vegetables. However, volume with Florida vegetable shipments are much lighter this time of the year. While Florida may be shipping around 1,000 truckloads of mature green, plum and grape tomatoes each week, the next closest item is bell peppers, averaging only 250 truck loads weekly. Other leading Florida vegetables range from cabbage, to sweet corn, cucumbers, and beans, but the volume this time of year is only 50 percent or less that of bell peppers.
This will remain so until the last half of March, or April, depending upon weather conditions. All of this means mixed loads and only partial loads for the most part in the winter. Even during the heaviest Florida produce shipping season in the spring, multiple picks and drops are very common.
Crunchies Natural Food Co.’s freeze-dried fruit and vegetable snacks will be carried at Sprouts stores.
“Sprouts and Crunchies share the same objective — to provide health-conscious shoppers with a snack option that’s hands-down the best in terms of ingredients, nutrition, taste and convenience,” said Scott Jacobson, president and CEO of Westlake Village, Calif.-based Crunchies, in a news release. “We are excited to help Sprouts give customers what they want: wholesome products from a company they can trust.”
The company’s freeze-dried snacks contain no added sugar, no artifical flavors or coloring and are non-GMO, gluten-free, vegan, kosher and halal-certified, according to the release. The company recently added freeze-dried beets to its line, which offers freeze-dried strawberries and mangoes.
The product will be available in Sprouts’ produce departments in January.
About Crunchies
How do we do it? First, we only work with farmers we know. Second, we pick the ripest fruit at the right time to make sure you have a mouthwatering burst of flavor in every bite. Lastly, we keep it simple. We never clutter your mind with in dustry jargon and your body with the bad stuff. We’re about keeping it real with ourselves and with you. PURE FRUIT AND VEGETABLES IN EVERY CRUNCH.
Our fruit and vegetables are harvested at the perfect ripeness, cleaned and then quickly frozen. The frozen fruit and vegetables undergo freeze drying with a special combination of temperature and pressure. The majority of the frozen water in the fruit and vegetables turns directly into water vapor, leaving the fruit and vegetables dry and crunchy. This unique process retains most of the color, flavor, and nutritional value of the fresh fruit. Taste the difference!
From sourcing fruit only from farmers we know and trust to ensuring you have the most flavor and crunch in every bite, we’re on a mission to deliver the best tasting and highest-quality snacks on the planet. Here’s how we’re changing the game.
There differing opinion by Americans on the value of organic foods and concerns about genetically modified (GM) foods, according to a new poll.
A poll of 1,480 adults nationwide found that 55 percent said organically grown produce is healthier than conventionally grown produce, while 41 percent said there’s no difference, says The Pew Research Center.
Nearly four out of 10 respondents said GM foods are worse for health than other foods, while almost 50 percent believe is no difference. Ten percent said GM foods are healthier, the researchers found.
Genetically modified foods come from plants, animals or microorganisms in which their DNA has been altered by technology.
“The data suggest that people’s divisions are linked to their interest in food issues and how they think food consumption ties to their well-being,” said Cary Funk, lead author and associate director of research at Pew.
“Their views are not driven by their political attitudes, their level of education, their household income, or where they live,” she noted in a center news release.
Some of the other survey results:
- Thirty-four percent said some of the food they eat is organic. Six percent said most of it is.
- Women care more than men about the issue of GM foods — 20 percent versus 12 percent, respectively. And they’re more pessimistic than men about the effect genetically modified foods may have on society.
- Broken down by age, 18- to 49-year-olds were more likely than older adults to consider organic produce better for health. Similarly, many more young adults said GM food is worse for health than non-GM food, compared with those 65 and older.
- Among those who care deeply about the issue of genetically modified foods, three-quarters consider GM foods worse for health, compared with 17 percent of those with little or no concern about GM foods.
The survey also found that 18 percent of respondents are focused on healthy and nutritious eating. These people are especially likely to believe that organic produce is healthier than regular produce.
Many respondents lack trust in scientists studying GM foods, the survey found.
More than one-third “say scientists do not understand the health effects of GM at all or not too well,” Funk said. Meanwhile, “just 19 percent of Americans say scientists understand the health effects of GM foods ‘very well.’ ”
Grape production throughout the world is forecast to jump, rising 1 million tons to 21.9 million, as China’s growth continues and Turkey’s production recovers.
U.S. grape shipments is forecast to rebound back to near the 2013-14 record, rising 60,000 tons to 1 million tons, as vineyards recover from previous years’ adverse growing conditions. Exports are forecast up 37,000 tons to 365,000 on higher production and improved shipments to Asian markets. Imports are slated to rise 15,000 tons to 545,000 as consumption continues to grow and as domestic supplies are augmented by higher deliveries from Chile.
Chile’s production is forecast up 42,000 tons to 910,000 on abundant chill hours, warm spring temperatures, and good water supplies. Exports are expected to parallel production, rising 42,000 tons to 730,000 on higher shipments to top markets U.S. and China.
Peru’s production is anticipated to increase by 65,000 tons to 605,000 on higher yields in maturing vineyards and as new plantings come into production. Exports, averaging 60% of production the last 3 years, are forecast to improve to 370,000 tons as greater exportable supplies lead to higher shipments to the European Union and the U.S. Continued export growth sustains Peru’s position as the world’s second-largest exporter after Chile.
China’s production is forecast to jump 600,000 tons to 10.2 million on yields from higher growing area. Exports are anticipated to surge over 50% to 350,000 tons, as increased supplies and lower prices boost shipments to Asian markets, especially Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia. Imports are projected to maintain an upward trend, rising 20% to 300,000 tons, as strong demand continues to drive shipments from top suppliers Chile, Peru and the U.S.
Turkey’s production is forecast to rebound from last year’s frost-affected crop, rising 345,000 tons to 2.4 million. Russia continues its ban on Turkish table grapes; yet, exports are expected to rise 50,000 tons to 225,000 on rejuvenated supplies and higher shipments to Belarus, Ukraine, and Georgia.
EU’s production is expected to slip 61,000 tons to 1.7 million, as decreasing acreage has been exacerbated by adverse weather in top producers Italy and Greece. Exports are forecast to contract slightly to 84,000 tons as production losses are reflected in lower shipments to Belarus and Norway. Imports are forecast flat at 610,000 tons.
Russia’s production is forecast to rise slightly to 103,000 tons as higher yields offset declining acreage. Imports are projected to decline further, dropping 25,000 tons to 230,000 as Russia continues to ban table grapes from top supplier Turkey.
Argentina’s production will drop 20,000 tons to 40,000, as a late frost damaged vineyards and high costs drove growers to raise wine and raisin grapes. Exports are expected to continue their downward trend, cut 3,000 tons to 8,000, and down sharply — nearly 90% — since their peak in 2006-07.
California grape shipments – grossing about $4400 to Chicago.
By WP Rawl
Pelion, S.C. – WP Rawl, the premier grower, processor and shipper of leafy greens has begun its yearly ramp up of both conventional and organic leafy greens along with various other vegetable production at their Bunnell, Florida facility. This facility supports an increase in production in the latter parts of the year and lends itself to seasonal production in a warmer growing region.
Over four years ago, WP Rawl broke ground on a new farming and packing shed operation in Bunnell that included a 34,000 square feet facility, similar to the facility at their headquarters in Pelion, SC. This year the company has added acreage to their 2016 – 2017 organic production to support the increasing demand from customers.
“Our goal in expanding our operations into Florida years ago was to support our growth and help us better service our customers,” said Ashley Rawl, vice president of sales, marketing and product development. “We are delighted that or production in Florida has continued to grow, and the benefit of a distribution hub has been a vital part of our success and ongoing growth.”
WP Rawl’s Florida facility grows five months out of the year (December – April), complementing the company’s other strategically located growing regions.
About WP Rawl
Dating back to 1925, WP Rawl is a fourth generation family farm which has grown to become a grower/shipper/processor, specializing in year-round bulk and value-added leafy greens and vegetables in the Rawl®, Nature’s Greens®, Palmetto Gardens® and Versatile Veggies® brands.
In the early 1920’s, the late Walter and Ernestine Rawl started a local business known as the Walter P. Rawl Farm selling peaches. Over the years the business evolved into a larger farm selling greens and specialty vegetables and became known as Walter P. Rawl and Sons.
Today Walter P. Rawl & Sons continues to operate as a “family farm” with nine family members still working in the business along with an additional 400 employees.
by The U.S. Food and Drug Administration
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced it has completed its evaluation of a variety of pineapple genetically engineered by Del Monte Fresh Produce (DMFP) to have pink flesh, concluding that there are no unresolved safety or regulatory questions about the pineapple. DMFP submitted information to the agency to demonstrate that the pink flesh pineapple is as safe and nutritious as its conventional counterparts. DMFP’s new pineapple has been genetically engineered to produce lower levels of the enzymes already in conventional pineapple that convert the pink pigment lycopene to the yellow pigment beta carotene. Lycopene is the pigment that makes tomatoes red and watermelons pink, so it is commonly and safely consumed.
In addition, after consulting with the FDA, DMPF plans to identify the food as “extra sweet pink flesh pineapple” on tags attached to the crown of the fruit. This will distinguish the pink flesh pineapple from DMFPs golden” extra sweet pineapple” which was introduced in the 1990s.
DMFP participated in a voluntary consultation with FDA’s Office of Food Additive Safety about the pineapple. During that consultation, DMFP submitted information to FDA scientists regarding characteristics of the new plant variety, the nature and effect of the genetic change, potential unexpected or unintended effects that could accompany the genetic change, and the nutritional assessment. After review of that data FDA scientists concluded that there were no unresolved safety or regulatory issues under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) for the genetically engineered pink flesh pineapple.
A consultation is not synonymous with FDA approval. Rather, it is voluntary and helps developers of food ensure that foods derived from new plant varieties are safe and comply with the FD&C Act and FDA’s regulations.
Although DMFP will market this pineapple in the United States, they are not planning on growing it here. The company is working with the government of Costa Rica on this matter.
Chilean grape imports by U.S. importers should be much better than last season.
During the 2015-16 season, Chile exported a total of almost 85.5 million 18-pound equivalent boxes of table grapes. While there are no official estimates for 2016-17, table grape production is expected to be around 90 million boxes. The main variety out of Chile is globe, with global exports of more than 28 million boxes, followed by crimson with 18 million, thompson seedless with 16 million and flame seedless with 8.5 million boxes.
The Chilean grape season started a little earlier than normal, and by the week of Dec. 19th, Chile had shipped nearly 47,000 tons of grapes to the U.S. This compares with just 12,600 tons last season.
As of January 10th, the South American country had shipped 91 percent more than the same time last year; — 78,629 tons compared to 41,035 tons. Flame seedless, sugraone and thompson seedless were the main varieties that had shipped.
Total volume will be similar to last year and if not higher, although a significant difference will be in timing of U.S. imports, with the season starting and ending sooner than last season. In essence, Chilean grape availability will be condensed to about an eight to 10-week timeframe compared to the normal 10-12 week interval.
Heavy volume of imports are expected in the next two months from Chile’s southern region.
There were heavy rains in Chile last December the northern growing regions where early season grapes were the most affected, with some damage to flames and sugraones.
Still there is a 250 percent increase year-to-date in volume over last year, with a lot of loading opportunities coming at U.S. ports in February and March.
By contrast, Peruvian grape imports have fallen short of pre-season expectations while Chile is harvesting at a record rate, especially with red grapes.
One importer indicated that so far this year, there have been 16.3 million cases combined between Peru and Chile season-to-date compared to 12.7 million last year.
By the Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market
Philadelphia — The Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market (PWPM) was proud to accept an award for being the winning terminal market in the USDA’s Terminal Market U.S. Food Waste Challenge. Dan Kane, General Manager, and Christine Hofmann, Marketing Coordinator, accepted the award in Washington, DC , recently on behalf of the PWPM.
“We are honored to be recognized by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for our efforts to reduce waste, said Sonny DiCrecchio, President & CEO of PWPM. “We are most proud of our donations to hunger-relief organizations throughout Philadelphia.”
Supporting the USDA Food Waste Challenge, the National Association of Produce Market Managers encouraged its membership to divert fruit and vegetables from the waste stream, either through recycling (composting/animal feed) or by donating produce to food rescue programs. The Challenge ran from March 29, 2016 through June 30, 2016 and was based on the number of businesses within the PWPM that participated. “We are fully committed to increasing our numbers next year,” said DiCrecchio. “We’re always reviewing our methods on how to reduce our footprint on the environment and donate wholesome produce to people in need.”
About the Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market:
The Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market is the world’s largest, fully enclosed, fully refrigerated wholesale produce market. Completed in 2011, the 686,000 square foot facility is ¼ mile long and provides customers with security, comfort, efficiency, and cold chain protection. The PWPM is made up of 22 fresh fruit and vegetable merchants who carry a full range of produce including local, ethnic, specialty and commodities. The Market is open to the public and serves all types produce buyers from the home cook to national supermarket chains from Florida to Canada.
Customers range from Florida to Canada. Most come from within a 150-mile radius of Philadelphia. PWPM receives and sells hundreds of truckloads of fresh produce on a weekly basis, leading to cumulative annual sales of one billion dollars.
Find out more at www.pwpm.net
A second serious snowstorm ranging from 12 to 18 inches has caused the collapse of more onion storage sheds in the Treasure Valley region. Onion haulers had been showing up at some buildings, but had nothing to load due to the chaos. The weather forecast predicted much less snowfall and a number of companies shut down packing lines January 20th to focus all efforts to removing snow from roofs. Some onion shippers in Nyssa, OR are describing the event as a catastrophe.
Four buildings collapsed January 18 and 19 at Owyhee Produce in Nyssa, which included the company’s main storage facility. The operation lost around 20 millions pounds of onions in the storage shed. The good news is the packing shed had minimal damage and was planning to resume onion shipping on a limited basis this week.
The previous snow, followed by rain that saturated it, also caused numerous collapses. (See January 13th Trucking Report)
Murakami Produce of Ontario, OR was keeping its fingers crossed and has yet to lose any buildings, perhaps because it moved packing line workers to roof tops to shovel snow.
Snake River Produce in Nyssa, OR lost a facility January 19th in which it stores packed product. The building had about 20,000 bags of onions stored. The company was planning to convert another building to storage. It had lost another storage building, which had contained trucks but no onions, in the first snowstorm. It was hoping to start packing and shipping this week.
Golden West Produce, based in Nyssa has lost six buildings — three in each storm. The latest damage included the packing shed. Overall, about 30 to 40 onion buildings have collapsed in the last two weeks.
F.O.B. onion prices at shipping point have been increasing as a result of the weather-induced chaos. Around the holidays the price was between $4 and $5 cwt., but has increased to $8 and very well could go up more.
Idaho and Malheur County onions – grossing about $3600 to Chicago.
The United Fresh Start Foundation is launching a new community grants program to help advance the organization’s mission to increase children’s access to fresh fruit and vegetables.
The new initiative will provide $25,000 in grants to local community organizations and groups that share the United Fresh Start Foundation’s commitment to increasing kids’ access to fresh produce, ensuring they develop healthy habits that will last a lifetime. This effort extends the foundation’s work beyond the school day and will provide children with fresh fruit and vegetables after school, on weekends and during summer breaks.
“Food insecurity and obesity are major challenges for millions of children across the country,” Tom Stenzel, United Fresh president and chief executive officer, said in a press release. “We are proud of the work we have done in schools to increase fresh fruits and vegetables, but we know that many children need access when school is out. The program is designed to ensure kids have access throughout the day and the year.”
During a recent Produce Legends Dinner in New Orleans, the foundation announced the plans to launch the Community Grants Program. The foundation is committing $25,000 to the 2017 Community Grants Program. Grants will be available in various amounts up to $2,500. Applications will be accepted this spring and the recipients will be announced during the United Fresh Show this June in Chicago.
The United Fresh Start Foundation is focused on one core mission — to increase children’s access to fresh fruits and vegetables.
Florida strawberries and tomatoes are leading produce shipments from the Sunshine state this month.
Florida has over 11,000 acres of strawberries are grown in the Plant City area each year, with Hillsborough County shipping about 15 percent of the nation’s strawberries and virtually all the berries grown during the winter.
Since late spring, the weather was good and the state has been leading the nation in strawberry shipments now for a number of weeks. Although small compared to California’s total strawberry shipments, Florida ships about 20 million flats each year.
Florida is loading about 1,000 truck loads of strawberries per week.
Florida Vegetable Shipments
Unlike some winters, Florida growing conditions also have generally been favorable for vegetables, leading to fairly stable shipments from week to week. Mature greens provide Florida’s heaviest tomato volume, with much less amounts coming from plum and grape tomatoes. However, if you add the three types of tomatoes together, they are averaging about the same amount of volume as Florida strawberries.
However, a major difference between hauling strawberries and tomatoes relates to geography. Florida’s strawberry shipments are concentrated in a relatively small growing area just west of Tampa. By contrast, Florida tomato shipments are spread throughout much of the state, with some areas being more active depending on the season.
At the same time, Florida also is shipping a number of other winter vegetables. However, volume with Florida vegetable shipments are much lighter this time of the year. While Florida may be shipping around 1,000 truckloads of mature green, plum and grape tomatoes each week, the next closest item is bell peppers, averaging only 250 truck loads weekly. Other leading Florida vegetables range from cabbage, to sweet corn, cucumbers, and beans, but the volume this time of year is only 50 percent or less that of bell peppers.
This will remain so until the last half of March, or April, depending upon weather conditions. All of this means mixed loads and only partial loads for the most part in the winter. Even during the heaviest Florida produce shipping season in the spring, multiple picks and drops are very common.
Crunchies Natural Food Co.’s freeze-dried fruit and vegetable snacks will be carried at Sprouts stores.
“Sprouts and Crunchies share the same objective — to provide health-conscious shoppers with a snack option that’s hands-down the best in terms of ingredients, nutrition, taste and convenience,” said Scott Jacobson, president and CEO of Westlake Village, Calif.-based Crunchies, in a news release. “We are excited to help Sprouts give customers what they want: wholesome products from a company they can trust.”
The company’s freeze-dried snacks contain no added sugar, no artifical flavors or coloring and are non-GMO, gluten-free, vegan, kosher and halal-certified, according to the release. The company recently added freeze-dried beets to its line, which offers freeze-dried strawberries and mangoes.
The product will be available in Sprouts’ produce departments in January.
About Crunchies
How do we do it? First, we only work with farmers we know. Second, we pick the ripest fruit at the right time to make sure you have a mouthwatering burst of flavor in every bite. Lastly, we keep it simple. We never clutter your mind with in dustry jargon and your body with the bad stuff. We’re about keeping it real with ourselves and with you. PURE FRUIT AND VEGETABLES IN EVERY CRUNCH.
Our fruit and vegetables are harvested at the perfect ripeness, cleaned and then quickly frozen. The frozen fruit and vegetables undergo freeze drying with a special combination of temperature and pressure. The majority of the frozen water in the fruit and vegetables turns directly into water vapor, leaving the fruit and vegetables dry and crunchy. This unique process retains most of the color, flavor, and nutritional value of the fresh fruit. Taste the difference!
From sourcing fruit only from farmers we know and trust to ensuring you have the most flavor and crunch in every bite, we’re on a mission to deliver the best tasting and highest-quality snacks on the planet. Here’s how we’re changing the game.
There differing opinion by Americans on the value of organic foods and concerns about genetically modified (GM) foods, according to a new poll.
A poll of 1,480 adults nationwide found that 55 percent said organically grown produce is healthier than conventionally grown produce, while 41 percent said there’s no difference, says The Pew Research Center.
Nearly four out of 10 respondents said GM foods are worse for health than other foods, while almost 50 percent believe is no difference. Ten percent said GM foods are healthier, the researchers found.
Genetically modified foods come from plants, animals or microorganisms in which their DNA has been altered by technology.
“The data suggest that people’s divisions are linked to their interest in food issues and how they think food consumption ties to their well-being,” said Cary Funk, lead author and associate director of research at Pew.
“Their views are not driven by their political attitudes, their level of education, their household income, or where they live,” she noted in a center news release.
Some of the other survey results:
- Thirty-four percent said some of the food they eat is organic. Six percent said most of it is.
- Women care more than men about the issue of GM foods — 20 percent versus 12 percent, respectively. And they’re more pessimistic than men about the effect genetically modified foods may have on society.
- Broken down by age, 18- to 49-year-olds were more likely than older adults to consider organic produce better for health. Similarly, many more young adults said GM food is worse for health than non-GM food, compared with those 65 and older.
- Among those who care deeply about the issue of genetically modified foods, three-quarters consider GM foods worse for health, compared with 17 percent of those with little or no concern about GM foods.
The survey also found that 18 percent of respondents are focused on healthy and nutritious eating. These people are especially likely to believe that organic produce is healthier than regular produce.
Many respondents lack trust in scientists studying GM foods, the survey found.
More than one-third “say scientists do not understand the health effects of GM at all or not too well,” Funk said. Meanwhile, “just 19 percent of Americans say scientists understand the health effects of GM foods ‘very well.’ ”
Grape production throughout the world is forecast to jump, rising 1 million tons to 21.9 million, as China’s growth continues and Turkey’s production recovers.
U.S. grape shipments is forecast to rebound back to near the 2013-14 record, rising 60,000 tons to 1 million tons, as vineyards recover from previous years’ adverse growing conditions. Exports are forecast up 37,000 tons to 365,000 on higher production and improved shipments to Asian markets. Imports are slated to rise 15,000 tons to 545,000 as consumption continues to grow and as domestic supplies are augmented by higher deliveries from Chile.
Chile’s production is forecast up 42,000 tons to 910,000 on abundant chill hours, warm spring temperatures, and good water supplies. Exports are expected to parallel production, rising 42,000 tons to 730,000 on higher shipments to top markets U.S. and China.
Peru’s production is anticipated to increase by 65,000 tons to 605,000 on higher yields in maturing vineyards and as new plantings come into production. Exports, averaging 60% of production the last 3 years, are forecast to improve to 370,000 tons as greater exportable supplies lead to higher shipments to the European Union and the U.S. Continued export growth sustains Peru’s position as the world’s second-largest exporter after Chile.
China’s production is forecast to jump 600,000 tons to 10.2 million on yields from higher growing area. Exports are anticipated to surge over 50% to 350,000 tons, as increased supplies and lower prices boost shipments to Asian markets, especially Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia. Imports are projected to maintain an upward trend, rising 20% to 300,000 tons, as strong demand continues to drive shipments from top suppliers Chile, Peru and the U.S.
Turkey’s production is forecast to rebound from last year’s frost-affected crop, rising 345,000 tons to 2.4 million. Russia continues its ban on Turkish table grapes; yet, exports are expected to rise 50,000 tons to 225,000 on rejuvenated supplies and higher shipments to Belarus, Ukraine, and Georgia.
EU’s production is expected to slip 61,000 tons to 1.7 million, as decreasing acreage has been exacerbated by adverse weather in top producers Italy and Greece. Exports are forecast to contract slightly to 84,000 tons as production losses are reflected in lower shipments to Belarus and Norway. Imports are forecast flat at 610,000 tons.
Russia’s production is forecast to rise slightly to 103,000 tons as higher yields offset declining acreage. Imports are projected to decline further, dropping 25,000 tons to 230,000 as Russia continues to ban table grapes from top supplier Turkey.
Argentina’s production will drop 20,000 tons to 40,000, as a late frost damaged vineyards and high costs drove growers to raise wine and raisin grapes. Exports are expected to continue their downward trend, cut 3,000 tons to 8,000, and down sharply — nearly 90% — since their peak in 2006-07.
California grape shipments – grossing about $4400 to Chicago.