Posts Tagged “feature”
Fresno, CA – Prima Wawona, the world’s leading grower and marketer of conventional and organic peaches, nectarines, plums, and apricots recently announced that it is expanding its acreage by another 2600 acres devoted to growing Stone Fruit. The new acreage increases the company’s total to almost 15,000 acres, equating to 1.0 million additional Stone Fruit trees, and further establishes Prima Wawona as the leading Stone Fruit grower in the world.
“As industry leaders, this investment represents an ongoing commitment to the growth and development of the Stone Fruit category and will help us achieve our long-term objectives. It will allow Prima Wawona to expand its ability to grow, harvest, pack and ship the healthiest, most delicious, highest quality Stone Fruit” said Eric Beringause, Chief Executive Officer of Prima Wawona.
“We look forward to building our partner relationships with valued retail and wholesale customers across North America and around the world by providing additional product for their shoppers who acknowledge and appreciate Prima brands as the best Stone Fruit available” said Kevin J. Kollock, Chief Commercial Officer. “Additional Stone Fruit will also provide selling opportunities with new customers who may not have experience with our superior products”. Kollock added that “our expansion will put Prima Wawona acreage at a total approaching double the peach acreage of all of Georgia, a state known for peaches”.
Prima Wawona has been involved in breeding & growing Stone Fruit for generations. The company is known for its unrivaled quality and consistency across multiple varieties. Prima Wawona is committed to quality control, unwavering attention to food safety, and ongoing research and development. The 2,600-acre expansion is on top of approximately 1,000 acres that are redeveloped and replanted with new trees every year as older plantings age out of production and further reflects the company’s commitment and investment in Stone Fruit.
“This expansion is an exciting opportunity for our team, customers, and ultimately consumers” said Mark Murai, Senior Vice President of Agricultural Operations. “We are the best in the industry in understanding what it takes to deliver the finest Stone Fruit available. That commitment to excellence includes our extensive proprietary breeding program and development of new, innovative varieties in both conventional and organic fruit that this additional acreage will provide”. Murai added that “as a company we are focused on sustainable farming practices and will be utilizing cutting-edge water management technology on all of our new & redevelopment acreage”.
For more information, please email the Prima Wawona Team at info@prima.com.
About Prima® Wawona:
Prima® Wawona is the largest producer of stone fruit in the U.S. Based in the heart of California’s central San Joaquin Valley.
By Matt Sarko,Transportation Broker, ALC Cleveland
Since the beginning of last year, the increase in the cost of freight has not only impacted the transportation industry but the economy as a whole. Transportation costs are now at an all-time high as drivers and trucks are currently in short supply.
Food prices rose 3.9% in 2020 and the U.S. Department of Agriculture anticipates another 2% to 3% increase for costs in 2021. The increase in transportation prices is primarily due to the shortage in drivers causing trucking companies to increase wages to attract more employees.
Additionally, the market is experiencing a shortage in semi-conductors, which is keeping new trucks from coming on the market and has since exacerbated the issue. The increase in transportation costs only adds to the supply chain problems for growers, suppliers, and retailers as they are still experiencing the effects of congested ports as well as the winter storm, which both continue to have widespread impacts across the U.S.
Furthermore, the rise in the price of fuel is also a major contributor to the inflated freight costs. As a result of these supply chain complications, retailers have begun raising prices on a number of different goods in order to offset the shortages and transportation costs. “The rise in transportation prices affects everything from the farmer and the tractor, to the fertilizer and even the plastic hamper you put the product in.”
With the supply chain in disorder, we will continue to see a rise in the price of consumer goods. Moreover, the cost of transportation will ultimately affect the prices of publicly traded companies such as Bed Bath & Beyond and General Mills, considering they have alerted investors about these problems on their earnings call.
For transportation brokers like ourselves, taking advantage of the spot market whenever possible might be the best way to combat the losses taken on contractual year round rates as freight prices continue to rise, and to also keep important products, produce, and perishables moving across the country.
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Matt began working fulltime for the Allen Lund Company in August of 2020 as a transportation broker for the Cleveland office. He originally started working his summer breaks during college as a broker’s assistant for the office. Matt joined the company with a degree in Finance from John Carroll University.
RIDGE SPRING, SC – Lori Anne Peaches are back in stores at select retailers nationwide. The varieties that make up the Lori Anne Peach brand are chosen for flavor and are the absolute best of the best fruit grown at Titan Farms. Knowing Lori Anne Peaches will bring back childhood memories of chin dripping goodness and summertime fun, Titan Farms has revamped their POS signage for the upcoming season. Additionally, Lori Anne Carr will continue the tradition of in-store demos at select retailer locations in Minnesota and Louisiana this July and August.
“The opportunity to interact directly with customers is genuinely something I look forward to. We are excited to be able to travel and introduce Lori Anne Peaches to new market areas for these retailers. Consumers ask the best questions and I have the opportunity to share stories about the farm, peaches, and our family. At the same time, I am also able to share tips, techniques, and even some recipes! It’s truly a lot of fun!” – Lori Anne Carr, Vice President and Administrative Manager
“Lori Anne Peaches are by far the best tasting peaches I’ve ever had; there’s really no comparison.” – Lori Anne Peach repeat customer
For more than 10 years, Titan Farms has grown a beautiful peach like none other named the Lori Anne Peach, where only the top 20 percent of their peaches are selected for this brand. Grown by Chalmers and Lori Anne Carr, this peach is so special that Chalmers could not think of a better name than that of his beloved wife. College sweethearts, who are partners in life and in business, they have produced this ripe consistently tasty peach with just enough fuzz – a special peach that brings back memories of Southern summer days passed, and lazy days shared with family while a warm homemade peach cobbler cools on the kitchen counter. These peaches receive a lot of tender loving care—ripened by humid South Carolina nights, harvested by hand, and carefully selected for packing—giving Lori Anne’s Peaches that special flavor – just how a peach should taste: the perfect marriage between ripeness and flavor.
“A peach so special I named it after my wife.” – Chalmers Carr, President and CEO
To learn more about Titan Farms check out their website: http://titanfarms.com/
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About Titan Farms
Founded in 1999 by Chalmers and Lori Anne Carr, Titan Farms is a premier grower, packer and shipper of fresh peaches and vegetables. With core values focused on producing the highest quality produce in the market, you are sure to take home the freshest produce they have available. Today, Titan Farms is the largest peach grower on the east coast, with over 6,200 acres of peaches, 600 acres of bell peppers, 1,000 acres of broccoli and 36 acres of eggplant. Titan Farms is a family-run operation, including long-time employees who have become part of their Titan family.
New Jersey ranks 3rd nationally in peach shipments, behind California (which produces more than all other states combined) and South Carolina. Georgia, The Peach State, ranks 4th.
New Jersey peach shipments got underway in light volume about a week ago.
Recent statistics published by the NJ Peach Promotion Council (NJPPC) estimate that 55 NJ growers are producing about 3300 acres of peaches and nectarines and should harvest between 50, and 55 million pounds of fruit in 2021.
The New Jersey Peach Promotion Council emphasizes tree thinning is necessary to not only improve size but also to keep the tree branches and shoots from breaking with a heavy crop, and even dying from overload, particularly when it is stressed from dry weather. and heat.
A mature peach tree may have 12,000 flowers or 10,000 little peaches but only needed 500 to 600 mature large fruit.
The NJPPC is a voluntary organization of growers, packers, shippers, marketers and allied industry dedicated to the orderly marketing and promotion of NJ Peaches.
Mexico is now the world’s leading strawberry exporter in 2020, having over taken Spain.
The Mexico News Daily reported for over 20 years Spain was led the pack with $646 million in sales in 2020, while Mexico reached over $851 million, an increase of 12.4 percent from 2019.
The U.S. ranks third with $477 million.
Mexican strawberries’ main export destination was the U.S., as it imported 99.3 percent of Mexico’s shipments. Spain mainly exports within Europe.
Mexico overcame difficulties prompted by the current pandemic such as shortage of labor and the collapse of foodservice demand, to which 15 percent of the fruit is sold.
On the other hand, the pandemic contributed to the purchase of foods perceived as healthy, such as berries, according to the USDA.
The Mexican strawberry market surpassed the Belgian market in 2012, the Dutch in 2016, and the U.S. market in 2019.
Over a million poles stretch toward the sky on 750 rolling acres in Oceanside, California, graced by vines which yielded the season’s first vine-ripened roma and round tomatoes the Fourth of July.
With tomatoes peaking in September and October, and finishing off at the beginning of December, the Oceanside Pole label packs in 22-pound two layers, 25-pound volume fill and 15-pound single later, RPCs and a 5-pound club pack.
The leading grower, marketer and distributor of fresh produce from around the world, Oppy offers the last remaining pole-grown tomatoes in California in its Oceanside Pole label. This year, 2.2 million cases of rounds and 1.1 million cases of romas will be shipped across the U.S. and Canada, and as always, arrive at preferred ripeness dependent on customer needs.
“Our team harvests each acre 18-20 times throughout the season to ensure each tomato is carefully hand-picked at its best,” said Oppy Director of Sales and Strategy Mark Smith. “In many cases, we pack, ship and deliver to our customers within 24 hours. Because of our central location and efficiency, we only harvest tomatoes when ready. That translates to high brix levels, exceptional flavor and an extended shelf life that you can only expect from the Oceanside Pole label.”
Attention to detail is unmatched, with teammates walking the fields each day to always know what the plants need at that time, said Smith. Along with upgrading its packing line for even better precision at Oceanside Pole this season, Oppy is prepared to meet increased foodservice demands while ensuring its tomatoes are of the best quality. Food safety and traceability protocols are constant, according to Smith.
Oceanside Pole also has great pride in their dedication to supporting the local community which includes their pledge to hiring military veterans from neighboring Marine Corps base Camp Pendleton. All while collaborating on an internship program that provides civilian work experience for soldiers leaving the military.
About Oppy
Growing, marketing and distributing fresh produce from around the globe for more than 160 years, Vancouver, BC-based Oppy discovers and delivers the best of the world’s harvest. With over 50 million boxes of fresh fruits and vegetables grown on every continent moving through its supply chain annually, Oppy offers popular favorites from avocados and berries to apples and oranges year-round, alongside innovative seasonal specialties. Over the years, Oppy has introduced North Americans to a number of items across its diverse produce range, including Granny Smith, JAZZ and Envy apples, as well as green and gold kiwifruit.
About Oceanside Pole
Growing for three generations, the Singh family is the last remaining pole tomato producer in California. Since 1939, they have tended vine-ripened tomatoes on the same land with the knowledge and expertise that can only come with time. Grown on an idyllic property near the historic Mission San Luis Rey in Oceanside, the Singh family has a calm, almost spiritual approach to growing their produce. The fresh, salty air and bright sunshine makes it seem like a calling—only with such a deep sense of care and determination can exceptional produce be harvested time and again.
U.S. onion consumption has increased over the past two decades.
Though the gains have not been dramatic, USDA per capita availability numbers for onions have consistently risen since 2000.
The USDA’s per capita retail availability for fresh onions (edible weight) has increased from 14.4 pounds in 2000 to 16.2 pounds in 2019. Per capita retail availability of onions reached 19.8 pounds in 2017, according to USDA statistics, before falling to 16.2 pounds for both 2018 and 2019.
The import share of the total U.S. onion supply was 14% in 2019, up from 6% in 2000, according to the USDA.
Here is a comparison of onion truck shipments from U.S. sources in 2020, compared with 2015 and 2010.
- Arizona: 19.1 million pounds, compared with 29.1 million pounds in 2015 and 24.7 million pounds in 2010;
- Central California: 339.1 million pounds, compared with 304.8 million pounds in 2015 and 328.9 million pounds in 2010;
- California Imperial Valley: 144.9 million pounds in 2020, compared with 119.1 million pounds in 2015 and 91.6 million pounds in 2010;
- California South: 16.1 million pounds in 2020, compared with 110.5 million pounds in 2015 and 113.1 million pounds in 2010;
- Colorado: 106.4 million pounds in 2020, compared with 159.6 million pounds in 2015 and 248.2 million pounds in 2010;
- Georgia: 180.1 million pounds in 2020, compared with 166.8 million pounds in 2015 and 181.9 million pounds in 2010;
- Idaho: 690.2 million pounds in 2020, compared with 478.7 million pounds in 2015 and 368.4 million pounds in 2010;
- Michigan: 47.9 million pounds, compared with 67.4 million pounds in 2015 and 65.2 million pounds in 2010;
- New Mexico: 415.3 million pounds, compared with 379.9 million pounds in 2015 and 319.5 million pounds in 2010;
- New York: 154.8 million pounds in 2020, compared with 236.2 million pounds in 2015 and 180.5 million in 2010;
- Oregon: 526.3 million pounds in 2020, compared with 644 million pounds in 2015 and 502.5 million in 2010;
- Texas: 299.7 million pounds in 2020, compared with 65 million pounds in 2015 and 273.5 million pounds in 2010;
- Utah: 74.1 million pounds in 2020, compared with 74.9 million pounds in 2015 and 59.5 million pounds in 2010;
- Washington: 1.11 billion pounds in 2020, compared with 775.9 million pounds in 2015 and 645.4 million pounds in 2010; and
- Wisconsin: 57.6 million pounds in 2020, compared with 44 million pounds in 2015 and 41.3 million pounds in 2010.
Rouge River Farms of Gormley, ON has acquired of all assets and shares of Magnolia Packing of Americus, GA.
Magnolia is a green bean grower and packer with operations in Florida and Georgia.
Following the agreement with Rouge River Farms, Magnolia will continue to operate with their current management and sales staff to ensure a smooth transition to the new ownership.
The Magnolia green bean packing operation is expected to complement the corn program at Rouge River, and this year the company will be able to offer a year round green bean program with the opening of its new packinghouse in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley.
Magnolia has 5,000 acres of green beans planted.
About Rouge River Farms
Rouge River Farms is a premiere distributor of sweet corn to grocery chains throughout North America and has farmland and packinghouses in Florida, Georgia, Virginia, and Ontario, providing farm fresh sweet corn year round.
California almond domestic shipments as well as across the globe hit a new record this year, despite port and trade issues and Covid-19 complications.
The Almond Board of California (ABC) in a May 2021 Position Report shows the California industry shipped 219 million pounds in May – a record for the month – bringing the total this crop year to 2.45 billion pounds, setting a new record in just 10 months. The crop year for almonds runs from Aug. 1 to July 31.
“This shows continuing high demand for California almonds among consumers around the world,” said ABC president and CEO Richard Waycott. “People love almonds because they’re a remarkably sustainable plant protein, they’re versatile in a range of cuisines, they have outstanding health and beauty benefits, and they’re delicious.”
California almonds ship to over 100 countries, and export growth has been soared 30% overall compared to last year to date and record shipments in a number of markets.
A month ago, India made history for California almonds. For the first time ever, a single market exceeded 300 million pounds of imports in one crop year. The current May report shows India has now received 322 million pounds and is up 54% over the previous year to date.
The entire Asia-Pacific region continues its strong growth with a 46% increase overall. In that region, the China/Hong Kong market is up 72% year-to-year despite tariffs, South Korea increased by 42% and Vietnam is up an astounding 132% from last year.
Almost all European markets, east and west, continued their impressive growth in response to the high demand. Germany and Spain posted strong gains as did the Netherlands and Italy. Overall, European imports are up 18% from 2019-20.
The Middle East and North Africa are also regions with strong growing markets. Countries of note include the United Arab Emirates, which grew 31%, Egypt with 20% growth and Morocco, which has a year-to-date increase of 148% over last year.
Growth in the U.S. continues to be strong, especially considering that the domestic market is large and well established. The year-to-year increase stands at 4% for the crop year.
“The world-wide appetite for almonds and our range of products continues to grow,” Waycott said. “Almonds outpaced all other nuts in new product introductions ranging from dairy alternatives and snacks to confectionery, bakery and bars. Our industry members have done a terrific job of moving the current crop and meeting the demand from consumers here in the U.S. and around the world.”
4th Of July:
Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence?
Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army; another had two sons captured. Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the evolutionary War. They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor.
What kind of men were they?
Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists. Eleven were merchants; nine were farmers and large plantation owners; men of means, well-educated, but they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured.
Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the British Navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts, and died in rags.
Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in the Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him, and poverty was his reward.
Vandals or soldiers looted the properties of Dillery, Hall, Clymer, Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Ruttledge, and Middleton. At the battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson Jr., noted that the British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters. He quietly urged General George Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt.
Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed. The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months.
John Hart was driven from his wife’s bedside as she was dying. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and his gristmill were laid to waste. For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished.
Also approximately 1/5th of the colonists fought against the British. So, take a few minutes while enjoying your 4th of July holiday and silently thank these patriots. It’s not much to ask for the price they paid.
It’s time we get the word out that patriotism is NOT a sin, and the Fourth of July has more MEANING to it than beer, fireworks, HOT DOGS, and picnics.