Archive For The “News” Category
by United Fresh Produce Association
WASHINGTON, DC – United Fresh President & CEO Tom Stenzel issued this statement in response to a national poll of parents’ opinions of school lunch standards released today by The Pew Charitable Trusts, The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and the American Heart Association.
Parents nationwide want their children to have healthier meals and snacks at school, according to the poll. An overwhelming 91 percent of parents support requiring schools to include a serving of fruits and vegetables with every meal and more than 72 percent of parents support national nutrition standards for school meals and snacks sold in schools.
This new national poll underscores the strong support by parents for the new healthier school meal standards that require more fresh fruits and vegetables. Their voice joins public health authorities, the National PTA, teachers and others in their steadfast support for healthier school foods.
The childhood obesity crisis is real – with early onset of diabetes and the enormous burden of healthcare costs on society. Moms and dads know the challenge of helping our kids’ make healthier choices – but we don’t opt out of trying. We put our kids’ health first and Congress must continue to do the same. There can be no going back to water down the modest requirement that children take at least one-half cup of fruit or vegetable at breakfast and lunch. Instead, we should be looking for ways to reach our public health goal of half the plate being fruits and vegetables, not just half a cup.
The national poll was commissioned by The Pew Charitable Trusts, The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and the American Heart Association and was conducted by Hart Research Associates and Ferguson Research between June 19 and 28, 2014 among registered voters who are parents of public school children.
Founded in 1904, the United Fresh Produce Association brings together companies across every segment of the fresh produce supply chain, including growers, shippers, fresh-cut processors, wholesalers, distributors, retailers, foodservice operators, industry suppliers and allied associations. We empower industry leaders to shape sound government policy. We deliver the resources and expertise companies need to succeed in managing complex business and technical issues. We provide the training and development individuals need to advance their careers in produce. And, through these endeavors, we unite our industry with a common purpose – to build long-term value for our members and grow produce consumption. For more information, visit www.unitedfresh.org or call 202-303-3400.
By Organics Unlimited
SAN DIEGO – Organics Unlimited is launching GROW organic bananas on the east coast, it was announced today by company president Mayra Velazquez de Leon. All distribution will be handled by Four Season Produce in Lancaster County, Pa. who receives and ripens the bananas for markets in the mid-Atlantic and northeastern parts of the country.
“We want to be involved in supporting the communities in our banana growing regions,” said Four Seasons General Manager Jason Hollinger. “Our company is a major supporter of Fair Trade, but we realize that there are different ways to support the workers and their families. We’ve added GROW to give our customers another option for buying good, quality organic bananas that also have a way to give back to others.”
Started in 2005, the GROW program has now provided over $1 million of support for programs in Mexico and Ecuador that promote education, dental, vision care and safe water. “We’re excited with the growth we’ve seen in the program and to have the GROW organic bananas available in the east,” said Mayra Velazquez de Leon, president of Organics Unlimited. “In the past few years, we’ve seen a major increase in interest from our customers, which has allowed us to expand funding to additional programs and promising young people.”
From 2012 to 2013, GROW support increased by almost 150 percent. This year, GROW has raised over $200,000 in funds to help continue efforts in social responsibility. All funds come from the purchase of GROW bananas in the US. Each box of fruit has a surcharge of $.60 that goes directly to the fund. Proceeds from the funds go to Children International in Ecuador and Project Amigo in Mexico to help build opportunities for workers, their families and communities.
GROW retailers also benefit from the merchandising support available through the Organics Unlimited website. While materials are available year round, the celebration of GROW Month in September provides a special consumer focus that expands shoppers awareness of the added benefits of buying the GROW label. Of interest to consumers this year will be an increased selection of personalized stories about the impact that GROW has made on their lives.
About Organics Unlimited
Organics Unlimited is a San Diego-based distributor of organic tropical fruit from Mexico and South America, providing its traditional label as well as the GROW label. The company is USDA certified organic for the U.S. and Canada through Organic Certifiers. For more information on Organics Unlimited and GROW visit OrganicsUnlimited.com, GrowBananas.org, or call 619.710.0658. Check out the latest blog post from Organics Unlimited at OrganicOdes.com or find Organics Unlimited on Facebook, Twitter or YouTube.
About Four Seasons Produce
Four Seasons Produce, Inc. is a full-service wholesaler supplying organic, local and conventional fresh produce to organic markets, food co-ops, independent retailers, chain stores, juice bars and other produce buyers in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. For more information, visit FSProduce.com or call 800-422-8384.
Cold Train Express Intermodal Service suspended service this summer due to rail congestion, while two new refrigerated rail services were just getting started.
McKay TransCold based in Minneapolis began last June offering a refrigerated, dedicated boxcar unit train known as Transcold Express, which runs each week between Selma, CA and Wilmington, IL. Meanwhile, Tiger Cool Express LLC, Overland Park, KS launched intermodal services from multiple locations in southern California to destinations in the Midwest and East Coast in February. In a press release Cold Train reported that on-time deliveries for shipments on BNSF’s Northern Corridor fell from more than 90% in November to less than 5% in April due to surging more oil and coal shipments.
Meanwhile, the problems on BNSF’s northern lines reportedly has had little effect on the southern BNSF and Union Pacific rail routes.
Tiger Cool Express, reported rail shipments of oil from North Dakota on BNSF’s Northern Corridor have increased from 20,000 tank cars three years ago to more than 400,000 this year. And unlike major southern rail routes in the U.S., that northern route doesn’t have two different tracks.
Produce is viewed by some in the rail industry as the last long-haul, $100 billion market that intermodal has yet to penetrate. Still, over 95 percent of fresh produce is delivered by truck in the U.S.. Rail officials are counting on trucks supplies tightening, with the driver shortage continue to worsen.
By National Mango Board
The National Mango Board (NMB) conducts ongoing consumer research to explore consumer awareness, knowledge about mangos, buying habits, barriers to purchase and many other factors of consumer attitudes relative to mangos. Understanding consumer purchasing behavior is key to increasing mango consumption in the U.S.
In 2013, the NMB conducted an in-depth consumer attitude and usage study to better understand consumer purchasing behaviors. The overall goal was to measure consumer awareness and usage practices as they relate to mangos, and importantly, determine the extent to which shifts have taken place over time. In addition to tracking and updating who mango consumers are, why they buy the fruit, and what might encourage future purchases, the study also investigated health awareness and health perceptions toward mangos. Results highlight that overall, providing more information and education about mangos and keeping them in front of consumers at point-of-sale (POS) and in the media would help increase mango sales. Basic education is most needed by consumers since the research reflects not knowing how to choose and select a “good” mango, as well as what to do with it after purchase.
In 2014, the NMB conducted Qualitative Exploration Research, also known as focus groups, with small groups of mango buyers and non-buyers to provide direction on effective mango messaging. The study included discussions of mango associations, usage, likes and dislikes, and the buying or eating experience and then progressed through a series of messaging statements. The statements covered general, education, nutrition and sustainability messaging. Key findings include the overall positive mango associations with tropical and sweet; with nutrition being one of the strongest messages for consumers. Top interest was paid to “100% of daily Vitamin C in a single cup,” “20 vitamins and minerals” and “100 calories a cup.” Other opportunities for mango messaging include the lack of familiarity, not knowing what to do with a whole mango, and selection and cutting.
“Consumer research is vital to focusing our marketing strategies around the obstacles and opportunities that mangos present to consumers,” stated Megan McKenna, NMB Director of Marketing. “Armed with these findings, the mango industry can move forward with its outreach regarding mango selection, ripening, cutting, and usage since they continue to be the barriers to purchase.
About National Mango Board
The National Mango Board is an agriculture promotion group, which is supported by assessments from both domestic and imported mangos. The board was designed to drive awareness and consumption of fresh mangos in the U.S. The superfruit mango contains 100 calories, an excellent source of vitamins A and C, a good source of fiber and an amazing source of tropical flavor.
Mango availability per capita has increased 53 percent since 2005 to an estimated 2.87 pounds per year in 2013. Mango import volume for 2013 was 935 million pounds.
New DOLE SALAD COMPANIONS™, the first line of natural, just-add-lettuce salad solutions providing a total-recipe option in an all-in-one-package, gives consumers everything they need to turn their favorite, freshest greens into an exciting flavorful salad.
Each Salad Companions recipe includes a variety of flavorful toppings – including dried cranberries, crispy apple chips, roasted nuts and other ingredients – with an original, perfectly paired dressing. Consumers simply toss Salad Companions with their favorite greens, head lettuces or premixed salad blends to create a delicious salad in minutes.
Four new DOLE Salad Companions™ will launch in convenient tray packaging in June 2014, with national supermarket distribution expected by October 2014 – and more flavor varieties expected soon.
- DOLE SALAD COMPANIONS™ Apple Walnut Harvest: Crispy apple chips, dried cranberries, walnuts, aged white cheddar cheese and Dole’s own Apple Cider Dijon Vinaigrette dressing. Pairs best with Dole’s popular Spring Mix or similar blends.
- DOLE SALAD COMPANIONS™ Pesto Asiago: Pine nuts, sun-dried tomato croutons, shredded Asiago and Mozzarella cheeses, and Dole’s own Signature Caesar dressing. Pairs best with butter lettuces or mild, sweet greens like Dole’s Butter Bliss blend.
- DOLE SALAD COMPANIONS™ Pecan Honey Dijon: Dried cranberries, roasted pecans sweet cornbread croutons, aged white cheddar and Dole’s own Honey Dijon dressing. Pairs best with Dole’s Field Greens or similar blend.
- DOLE SALAD COMPANIONS™ Signature Caesar: Parmesan, Romano, Asiago and Mozzarella cheeses, toasted garlic croutons and Dole’s own Signature Caesar dressing. Pairs best with Romaine lettuce or a DOLE Salad blend like Hearts of Romaine or Leafy Romaine.
About DOLE Salads
DOLE Salads is one of the world’s largest lines of packaged salads, with 47 unique salad blends and all-natural salad kits. The line is supported by a comprehensive online library of salad and salad-based recipes, serving suggestions and entertaining tips, as well as various consumer-friendly tools like the on-pack DOLE® Salad Guide, Taste and Texture scales, and “Pairs well with” feature, as well as the Dole Salad Circle online community of salad lovers.
Dole Food Co,is one of the world’s largest producers and marketers of high-quality fresh fruit and fresh vegetables, Dole is an industry leader in many of the products it sells, as well as in nutrition education and research.
Produce loads to Canada should increase in 2015.
It looks like there will be substantially more opportunities for U.S. produce truckers to haul fresh fruits and vegetables across our northern border into Canada.
The USDA has recently published new information indicating Canada looks likely to import far more US fruits and vegetables during the coming year, pushing the value of American exports to Canada to $21.7 billion.
Overall, the value of fresh fruit, vegetables and nuts exported by the US in 2015 could outstrip that of grain and feed for first time in the country’s history, according to new information published by the US Department of Agriculture.
Fresh produce exports including nuts are forecast to generate a record US $37 billion in 2014, the report said, thanks to strong demand and higher prices.
And the sector appears set to buck the prevailing trend as far as US agricultural exports are concerned, with lower prices for corn, wheat and soybeans expected to push down the value of the country’s exports to US $144.5 billion, down US $8 billion or 5.25 per cent from the previous year.
As for imports, the US is expected to spend US $117 billion on agricultural products in 2015, an increase of US $7.5 billion, which the USDA attributed to projected growth in the American economy.
The Port of Savannah plans to receive South American fruit through a U.S. Department of Agriculture pilot program allowing imports of cold-treated commodities. The program was launched September 1.
The Savannah, Ga., port will be authorized to accept commodities from Peru and Brazil that have undergone cold treatment. Brazil and Peru grapes and Peru blueberries and citrus, including mandarins, tangelos, clementines, tangerines, grapefruit and sour limes, are to be allowed, according to a news release. The cold treatment process prevents the transmission of agricultural pests and last year, the USDA approved a similar program for cold-treated Peru and Uruguay blueberries and grapes into Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and the Port of Miami.
Jacksonville, Fla.-based Crowley Maritime Corp. Inc., imports produce and other commodities through the south Florida ports and ports in Jacksonville, Pennsauken, N.J., and Gulfport. The test program should help increase produce movement, something the Savannah port doesn’t handle much of. The program is said to be the next logical step to complement cold treatment conducted at Atlanta’s Hartsfield International Airport. The port is looking to grow their perishables imports because they export a lot of poultry and refrigerated cargo.
Containers that fail cold treatment will be prohibited from entering the port and will not be offloaded from vessels but will be allowed to ship via sea to a northeastern port for retreatment or be returned to the country of origin, according to the release.
While South American fruit destined to customers in the Southeast has traditionally been shipped to northern U.S. ports, the addition of Savannah could reduce truck delivery times and allow fresher offerings for stores and longer shelf life for consumers.
The port plans to work closely with the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and the Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection to evaluate the application of cold treatment and to monitor its progress, according to the release.
During the past year researchers have been studying how temperature monitoring can help ensure longer shelf lives for strawberries. A temperature tracking system has been used to study how various fresh produce items and strawberries fare.
Jeffrey Brecht, director of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences’ Center for Food Distribution and Retailing, and other researchers studied how temperature monitoring can help ensure longer shelf lives for strawberries. Using radio frequency identification tags, researchers collected temperature data and mapped temperatures throughout shipments of trailer loads from Oxnard, Calif., and Plant City, Fla., to Wal-Mart distribution centers. Florida berries were tracked in shipments to Illinois and Washington, D.C., while California strawberry loads were recorded in shipments to Alabama, South Carolina and Washington state.
Brecht says the research showed strawberries can warm during transport ,but not uniformly throughout the trailer. There was a variance of about 5 degree F. in temperatures in the trucks with the pallets nearest the truck walls, particularly those on the truck’s south side exposed to the sun from California shipments to the East Coast. This is were the most increase in temperature occurred.
If a shipper knows the quality of the produce and the temperatures the products have been exposed to, they will know which pallets should be delivered first to stores for longer shelf life, Brecht said.
The researcher adds the tracking technology can be used on many perishable produce items, including bell peppers, cucumbers, squash and tomatoes.
“All the crop inputs, there are so many things if you think of it, it’s mind-boggling,” Brecht said. “If we take it all the way to the end and the product winds up in the trash can in someone’s kitchen, it’s a horrible waste. Making sure everything is of high enough quality and will be eaten by the ultimate consumer, that’s improving sustainability.”
Models developed by the researchers are being commercialized by project partners Franwell Inc., a Plant City agricultural software firm, and the a Bridgeton, Mo.-based Hussman Corp., which manufactures refrigeration and food merchandising equipment. The research was funded by a $155,000 grant by the Fayetteville, Ark.-based National Strawberry Sustainability Initiative, which is supported by the Bentonville, Ark.-based Wal-Mart Stores Inc’s foundation.
45 percent of U.S. residents buy organic foods at least once a month, according to research recently released by Consumer Reports.
Additionally, the USDA reports $35 billion was spent on organic food in 2013. However, that is still only 5 percent of the total “at home food sales” for that year. In another report, TechSci research forecasts annual sales increases of 14 percent through 2018 for organic foods. This is causing a lot of folks to believe organic foods are on the verge of becoming mainstream.
Big retailers such as Wal-Mart and Target and preparing to cash in on the trend. Both have recently announced they will be adding over 100 organic and “natural” products.
In a press release Wal-Mart stated 91 percent of their customers would choose organic over conventional if the different in price wasn’t too much. The retailer later this year plans launch an organic private label, Wild Oats, that will save shippers 25 percent compared to other organic products.
Organic Web Domain
Next consumers will be seeing websites with a new domain name “organic” instead of com or net. It will be one of more than 175 new generic top-level domains recently introduced by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, Marina del Ray, CA. Until 2013 there were only 22 domains, with the best known including com, net, org and edu.
Afilia Limited, an Irish registry services company with its subsidiary Afilias USA Inc. based near Philadelphia, is handling the new organic domain. Only certified organic producers and marketers and organic trade associations will be allowed to use the domain.
HALL, NY– Say hello to Butterkin, a flavorful new variety of winter squash developed for its distinctive flavor and texture.
“I think the best way to describe it is Butterkin is like butternut’s hotter cousin. It’s sweeter than butternut with a creamier texture and less stringiness. I see it gaining popularity over the next few years as more people are exposed to it,” says Michele Collins at Fair Weather Acres in Connecticut.
There are over 300 growers in 34 U.S. states and five Canadian provinces who are growing it.
“The feedback from the growers has been very positive and we’re looking forward to a very successful season,” says Dean Cotton, Vegetable Seed Business Manager at SEEDWAY, LLC.
This new variety measures about 6 to 7.5 inches in diameter and weighs between 2 to 4 pounds, according to a press release. Its flavor is a perfect blend of sweet and buttery, and its texture makes it extremely versatile and excellent for baking, roasting, steaming and even grilling.
Butterkin will be harvested in September and available in parts of the U.S. and Canada, with supplies expected to last through November.