Riveridge Produce Marketing of Sparta, MI. is Michigan’s largest apple grower-packer-shipper and the company reports its 2023 apple crop, as well as that of Michigan – is the second largest ever, trailing only 2022. This season, Riveridge has the same acreage but more production because maturing, premium-variety blocks have developed to boost productivity.
The company estimates Michigan’s 2023 fresh market apple harvest will be between 30 and 32 million bushels. A primary difference is the final pack-outs for this new crop should be much better than the 2022 Michigan apple crop, thanks to more favorable growing conditions.
Riveridge finished shipping its 2022 apple crop just in time to start packing the new 2023 season.
For the coming year, Riverridge is shipping five varieties until the beginning of 2024’s harvest. These varieties are Gala, Fuji, Honey Crisp, Red Delicious and Ambrosia. Ambrosia is only in its third season for Riveridge to grow and ship and is rapidly gaining in popularity.
The company began harvesting its Red Delicious crop in the first week of October. Red Delicious accounts for about 10-12% of Riveridge’s volume.
As part of a food-as-medicine strategic initiative, Kroger Health, the healthcare division of Cincinnati-based The Kroger Co., is collaborating with Performance Kitchen to offer medically tailored meals (MTMs) aimed at improving consumers’ overall health and potentially saving the nation billions in health care costs.
The partnership marks the first time Kroger Health is offering evidence-based, registered dietitian-approved meals that will offer nutrition intervention for people who are living with various health conditions including diabetes, heart disease and cancer, according to a news release. MTMs are created to meet the specific needs of individuals and may significantly improve a person’s overall health and wellness while providing access to nutritious foods, the release said.
“We believe in empowering people with resources to help them make healthy choices that will deliver the best outcomes for them,” James Kirby, Kroger Health chief commercial officer, said in the release. “Offering MTMs allows us an opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to supporting individuals on their wellness journeys, while providing a personalized approach to help them transform their health. Through better options and access, we are assisting people in improving their quality of life, disease prevention and management.”
A recent evidence review and national simulation modeling study by researchers at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University estimated that MTM programs could help prevent 1.6 million hospitalizations and save health insurers $13.6 billion across the country in one year after paying for the cost of food, the release said. Over 10 years, the health care cost-savings from MTM program participants where they receive 10 MTMs per week for eight months were estimated to reach $185.1 billion, on top of the cost of the MTMs.
Performance Kitchen and Kroger Health are focused on implementing food as medicine into people’s daily lifestyles, the release said. To encourage consumption, the medically tailored meals are crafted to meet nutritional standards while considering the needs of increasingly diverse populations and the inclusion of culturally relevant foods, according to the release.
The Performance Kitchen and Kroger Health MTMs include options such as Chicken Dijon with Kale, Moroccan Style Chicken with Quinoa, Vegetable Chickpea Curry, and Salmon Pasta.
Kroger Health is able to pair the MTMs with preexisting Kroger Health services such as virtual appointments with registered dietitians and access to healthy groceries for a holistic approach to improving nutrition security and patient outcomes, the release said.
Performance Kitchen’s team of chefs, doctors and registered dietitians seeks to deliver nutritionally balanced meals by using high-quality proteins, full servings of vegetables, healthy fats, whole grains and fiber, while limiting sodium and added sugar. The meals are frozen, single-serve and ready to heat, making them convenient for people who are concerned about the amount of time it takes to prepare and cook a healthy meal, the release said.
All Performance Kitchen meals crafted for the collaboration are also approved by Kroger Health registered dietitians, according to the release.
“MTMs help us achieve our goal of making sure people have access to food that helps them feel their best and improve their health,” Taylor Newman, Ph.D., a registered dietitian nutritionist and director of nutrition for Kroger Health, said in the release. “While the meals are personalized for an individual’s specific health condition, we’re also proud to offer a variety of culturally diverse recipes and flavors to make sure everyone’s needs are met.”
The collaboration with Performance Kitchen is the latest initiative from Kroger Health’s Food as Medicine platform, which comes after the release of SuperWIN, a retail-based randomized controlled trial, and the company’s participation in the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition and Health.
“We’re excited to work with Kroger Health in our unified goal of empowering the country to live healthier lives through food,” Mark Walker, chairman and CEO of Performance Kitchen, said in the release. “In a country where we spend $4.3 trillion on sick care annually, states and insurance companies that have begun offering millions of Americans these new meal benefits, along with organizations like Kroger Health who are making these benefits available, should be celebrated. Together, we are pioneering a new horizon of preventative care through nutritious food.”
Payers, providers, employers, and community organizations interested in learning more about Kroger Health and Performance Kitchen’s medically tailored meal collaboration should contact khb2b@krogerhealth.com.
Kroger Health and the Kroger Family of Pharmacies and clinics operate more than 2,200 pharmacies and more than 220 clinics in 35 states serving more than 17 million customers annually.
Performance Kitchensays it provides the next generation of chronic disease management through healthy medically tailored meals, paid for by insurance and delivered directly to consumers’ homes.
Projected Chilean avocado volumes for 2023-24 will remain close to 2022-23 levels. This would put the numbers at about 165,346 tons for the Hass variety, according to the Chilean Avocado Committee.
The committee, reports fruit size is good, yet factors such as water availability and location will be considered.
Chile’s main destination markets remain Europe, the U.S., China and Argentina.
The committee estimate about 90,000 tons will be exported, which is 60% of the total production.
Chile’s share in the U.S. avocado market has slowed down in the past few years, as Mexico’s geographical proximity and abundant offer gives Chilean fruit little space.
As for domestic consumption, Chile continues to have one of the higher per capita consumption indexes in the world with 17 pounds. It is only surpassed by Mexico, at 19 pounds.
Syracuse, UT- Onions 52, Inc. announces plans to expand operations to the east coast; with a distribution and packing facility in Cincinnati, Ohio set to be fully operational beginning early 2024. With existing FOB shipping locations in Utah, Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Texas, and New Mexico, the expansion will better serve east coast retailers and foodservice partners.
Onions 52, a vertically integrated onion supplier grows, packs, and ships all varieties of onions 52 weeks a year – ensuring there is a never a week without onions. While some companies focus on many different commodities, Onions 52 focuses on one thing, onions, and does it the very best.
Trevor Flint, CFO of Onions 52 said, “The expansion will increase production capacity through additional space and process improvements by adding an additional 60,000 square feet of consumer packing machines and sorting lines.” Flint continued, “As the demand for same-day and next-day order fulfillment increases, this new facility will make operations more efficient and help supply our top-quality onions coast to coast.”
About Onions 52
Onions 52, Inc. was founded in 1977 and is headquartered in Syracuse, UT. The vertically integrated onion supplier is the country’s leading year-round grower-shipper of yellow, red, white, sweet, and organic onions.
North Bay Produce, Inc., based in Traverse City, MI, is adding “significant” acres to its Florida and Mexican strawberry production for the 2023-24 season. This strengthens the firm’s commitment to developing a 52-week program for strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries. A year-round supply of these berries offers consumers a one-stop-shop for all their berry needs, North Bay indicates in a recent press release.
The strawberry offerings include conventional and organic, all shipped under the North Bay label in one- and two-pound clamshells.
“With the addition of a more robust strawberry program, North Bay is now bringing more value to our retail partners and consumers through continuous, uninterrupted, high-quality supplies and experiences,” stated Ryan Lockman, vice president of sales and procurement. He adds that North Bay is a grower-owned cooperative with a focus on varietal development.”
North Bay’s Mexico season for strawberries will run from about Oct. 1 through the beginning of April. Zamora, Mexico, operation is enjoying favorable growing weather to start the season.
North Bay’s Florida strawberry production will begin about Nov. 25 and end in April. North Bay also has strawberries growing in California to support the low season in Mexico and Florida.
So far during the 2023-2024 Peruvian fresh blueberry season, 40,527 tons of fruit was shipped until mid September, revealing a 50 percent plunge compared to the same time span of the previous year, according to Agraria.
In mid September, the largest amount shipped in this season was recorded, totaling 6,626 tons, representing 62 percent less volume than the same period in 2022.
In that week, the exports reached 27 countries, of which three accounted for 88 percent of all exports. These were the U.S., with 53 percent, followed by the Netherlands, 24 percent and China, with 10 percent.
Shipments to the U.S. totaled 3,513 tons, which showed a decrease of 64 percent compared to last year. The biggest Peruvian exporters were Camposol S.A., with 19 percent, and Agrícola Cerro Prieto S.A., with 14 percent.
The Netherlands received 1,623 tons, 66 percent less than the same week in 2022. Regarding Peruvian export companies, those that led in exports were Camposol S.A., with 15 percent, and Complejo Agroindustrial Beta S.A., with 9 percent.
Finally, exports to China totaled 684 tons, representing a 41 percent decrease compared to last year. The Peruvian exporters that had the most exports to this market were Agrovisión Perú S.A.C., with 25 percent, and Camposol S.A., with 18 percent.
Mexico has surpassed record avocado exports to the U.S. so far in 2023, according to the trade association Avocados From Mexico (AFM) based in Dallas.
Imports to the United States are expected to increase this year, which would mark the beginning of a new record, due to increasing international demand over 2022.
Export volumes to the U.S. this year could exceeded 1.19 billion tons.
Avocados are gaining in popularity, mainly with celebrations and events, when consumption soars. The Super Bowl and Cinco de Mayo are the United States’ leading avocado events.
The Association of Mexican Avocado Producers and Packers and Exporters is the only Mexican cooperating partner with the United States, as well as with the USDA-APHIS for Mexican avocado exports. It is also responsible for avocado promotions in other countries under the Avocados From Mexico brand. Currently, the association involves almost 35,000 growers and 84 packing houses.
LOS ANGELES – The Giumarra Companies announces its exclusive, domestic Lemonade apple volume will increase to promotable levels this fall. The vibrant, yellow apple sensation will see a dramatic increase in production in the state of Washington, complemented by more availability in Pennsylvania.
“We are excited to share that we have expanded our offering of exclusive Lemonade apples in collaboration with Apple King from Washington state and Rice Fruit Company from Pennsylvania,” said Jason Bushong, Wenatchee Division Manager for the Giumarra Companies. “Our increased supply will help us meet the soaring consumer demand for this distinctive variety.”
The Lemonade variety was developed in New Zealand. Bushong noted the importance of Giumarra’s grower partners in expanding domestic acreage of Lemonade, which has been in commercial development in the U.S. for five years. The Keller family has been growing apples in the Yakima Valley since 1914. This multigenerational grower family is recognized globally under their distinguished brand name, Apple King. Founded in 1913, the Rice Fruit Company is a family-run fruit packing business located in the heart of Pennsylvania’s apple country.
Promotable volumes of Lemonade apples will begin shipping in late October, continuing through January. The fruit will be available in bulk cartons and multiple bag options.
“Word of mouth has been a powerful tool in generating consumer excitement for our brand,” said Bushong. “Consumers are captivated by the apple’s visually appealing yellow hue, invigorating tang, and satisfying crunch.”
About the Giumarra Companies
The Giumarra Companies is a leading international network of fresh produce growers, distributors, and marketers that encompasses a world of flavor and freshness. Since its inception in 1922, the company has taken pride in a longstanding commitment to quality, service, and industry leadership.
DENVER – Every year, neighborhoods across America embrace their favorite Halloween traditions. But in recent years, families are jumping on new trends that bring an element of surprise to our beloved traditions with potatoes.
That’s right, Potatoes USA is reporting that America’s favorite vegetable has expanded its spooky season repertoire with crafts, games and some very excited trick-or-treaters.
Potatoes or Candy?
Want to surprise and delight your trick-or-treaters? Offer them a potato! Revelers nationwide have begun offeringspuds as a fun alternative to candy. “It honestly started as a joke,” explained Pat Foy, a self-employed contractor in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. “I thought, if I’m going to give something out to kids on Halloween, I don’t want to just give them something that makes them go nuts. I’m of Irish descent, so potatoes made sense. I gave away big baking potatoes, and before I knew it, it took on a life of its own. Who would’ve thought?”
And Foy isn’t the only one mixing things up for Halloween. Families are exploring spooky spud crafts that provide new and old twists on Halloween activities.
Potatoes – The Original Jack-o’-Lantern!
It’s not Halloween without a jack-o’-lantern. But did you know this tradition started with potatoes? The Irish would carve spooky faces into spuds to scare away an evil spirit called Stingy Jack.
Modern Halloween lovers are bringing back this historic trend, sharing their favorite potato jack-o’-lanterns or jack-o’-taters. In addition to being adorable, they know that potatoes are easy to carve and affordable – so it’s easy to have a few extra on hand in case you need a redo. Like pumpkins, the potato’s long shelf-life makes it ideal for displaying your family’s carved creations. And no need to toss the potato insides! Carved out potato can be cut into small pieces for Fall Harvest Mashed Potatoes or other delicious dishes.
Spooky Spud Stamps
Because of their hardy texture, raw potatoes are an ideal craft tool for making spooky spud stamps. While adults carve the potatoes, younger artists can add their own spin to these handmade stamps by choosing designs and acting as the master painter.
“There’s always an element of child-like delight on Halloween. We want to be amazed and see things we don’t expect. Traditions like trick-or-treating for candy bars and carving pumpkins aren’t going anywhere. But it’s really fun to experiment with unexpected twists that can catch people by surprise,” said Marisa Stein, marketing director, Potatoes USA. “Potatoes and Halloween go far back historically, so it’s really cool to see them come back together, and for our traditions to come full circle.”
An all-star vegetable, a 5.3 oz skin-on potatoes bring to the table the highest potassium among top 20 most eaten vegetables, nearly one-third of the vitamin C we need each day and 3 grams of plant-based protein, making it an easy choice for families reaching for healthy dishes to balance out the post-Halloween candy hoard.
If you participate in #JackOTater or #Trick-or-Tater, tag @PotatoGoodness on Facebook or Instagram for a chance to win Potato Goodness Swag!
About Potatoes USA Potatoes USA is the national marketing and promotion board representing U.S. growers and importers. Potatoes USA, the largest vegetable commodity board, was established in 1971 by potato farmers to promote the benefits of eating potatoes. For more information on Potatoes USA’s mission to “Strengthen Demand for Potatoes,” visit PotatoesUSA.com.
Unprecedented rainfall and an invasion of tiny insects known as thrips are being blamed for an expected decrease in California citrus shipments this season.
The weather phenomenon disrupted typical citrus thrips timing in orchards and led to uncontrollable conditions in the fields, according to a California Citrus Mutual press release.
“It’s been an extremely challenging pest season for citrus growers,” says CCM President, Casey Creamer. “The industry did its absolute best in trying to control this unprecedented thrips season. Growers bear that cost while also facing the reality that the pest pressure will result in decreased returns in the marketplace.”
Reports from the California Citrus Mutual (CCM) Pest and Disease Task Force indicate some growers have experienced exterior fruit scarring on as much as 80% of the fruit on individual blocks, primarily affecting navels but with varying impacts to mandarins, lemons, and other citrus varieties.
The CCM Marketing Committee estimates 30% of the navel crop has thrips scarring and the utilized volume will be 8% to 15% under the previous season’s production due to thrips. The Committee also estimates the mandarin and lemon crops will also be down 5% compared to the previous season’s production.O
Visual effects from thrips have no effect on the interior fruit quality, taste, or texture. Consumers can still expect the same exceptional eating experience they are used to with California citrus with higher volumes of choice fruit. Fancy fruit, with minimal external scarring or damage, will be a premium commodity this season.
“Despite these challenges, our growers remain optimistic about the fruit quality on the tree this season. The overabundance of water has reservoirs full and has reinvigorated the groves after three years of extreme drought conditions,” says Creamer.
