Posts Tagged “feature”
P
azazz apples shattered retail sales targets last winter, less than a year ahead of its nationwide 2018 roll out, according to Honeybear Brands. The variety, which debuted a month earlier than usual in December 2016, sold faster, in more markets and more retail stores than at any other time since its initial introduction.
“We’re looking at the sales numbers and receiving feedback from our retail partners as we speak,” Don Roper, Honeybear’s vice president of sales and marketing, said in a press release. “We’re thrilled. Pazazz did exactly what we designed the variety to do: offer a truly exceptional variety to help drive new revenue for retailers as well as provide an opportunity to extend their sales window of premium apple varieties well into the later winter months.”
Roper said it’s too early to put an exact number on final retail sales figures, but this year’s crop production was up nearly 400 percent over last year and is already sold out. Retailer feedback highlighted strong, repeat customer sales and a sharp rise in inquiries from new customers seeking out the variety by name.
“Pazazz has created a strong following among apple lovers,” Roper said in the release. “That’s an incredible development in just a few short years and an absolute win for retailers who are giving their customers another reason to get excited in the fresh produce aisle. It is a real testament to the unique eating experience of this apple and its flavor profile that has significantly raised the bar in the apple category.”
Thanks to increased production from planted acreage and the continued maturation of Pazazz orchards, the 2016-17 Pazazz crop debuted in many regions a month earlier than usual, arriving on store shelves in December 2016 and making an immediate impact on pre-holiday retail sales. In all, Pazazz was sold in more than 50 markets and 1,000 stores in January and February.
“We couldn’t be happier with the results we’ve seen from Pazazz,” Craig Clasen, group vice president of produce purchasing at Hy-Vee, said in the release. “For a new variety, it’s performing incredibly well across our more than 240 stores throughout the Midwest and it offers many of the things we try to bring our customers with every piece of produce that they purchase — excellence in quality, superior taste and freshness.”
From coast-to-coast apple growers are growing new apple varieties to increase sales.
For example there are New York apple growers looking to make a splash with the RubyFrost and SnapDragon varieties.
On the opposite side of the country there are growers and shippers pushing varieties for club stores such as Jazz and Envy.
The Honeycrisp is perhaps the best example of a meteoric rise in an apple variety, plus the initial success of the RubyFrost and Snap Dragon have been impressive.
While some of the new varieties have been seen as rising stars, the traditional favorites of consumers continue playing an important role such as in New York state with the world-famous mcintosh, as well as galas and empires.
While marketers heap praise on new varieties, not everyone is completely sold.
For example, Forrence Orchards Inc., of Peru, N.Y. has seen sales of its more traditional varieties such as McIntosh and Cortland adversely affected by the new varieties. At the same time Forrence Orchards also has invested in the Honeycrisp.
One of the more interesting aspects in all of these changes will be observing to see if consumers are willing to pay substantially higher prices for these new varieties which can easily be 50 percent or more. A generation ago the red delicious, golden delicious, golds and cortlands pretty much made up the choices in the apple section of local produce departments.
Planning Important
It is very costly to launch a new apple variety, including being labor intensive. The bottom line on whether it is worth the effort and cost ultimately depends on whether the consumer likes the product.
Even if the new variety proves popular with consumers, it also takes a lot of help from retailers through good placement in the produce department, promoting the product, and having reasonable pricing.
Stemilt Growers LLC of Wenatchee, WA offers its Piñata variety apple in bulk, organic bulk, 3-pound Lil Snapper conventional and organic kid-sized fruit and a value 5-pound pouch bag using an attractive display-ready carton. These efforts are backed by promotion with social media and in-store demonstrations.
Hess Bros. Fruit Co. of Leola, PA is launching a late season proprietary variety called Sweet Cheeks, expected to should be available at the end of January. The initial offering will only be a couple of truck loads.
Volume and loading opportunities for Northwest pears should be similar to last season.
If the forecast holds this should translate into early variety pears shipped for the summer and fall pear season in 2016 being down 3 percent, followed by winter pear volume that continues well in 2017 being up 2 percent.
Rainier Fruit of Selah, WA, as well as most other pear growers started shipping bartlets in mid August and anjouis in early Septembers, about two to three weeks later than last season.
The Pear Bureau Northwest projects shipments near 18 million boxes, down about 9 percent from the five-year average. The forecast for loading opportunities improved a little from the June 2 estimate, which predicted volume would be down about 2 percent from last season.
Probably the biggest change is Bosc shipments are projected to decline by 19 percent from last season and a 16 percent drop from the five-year average.
New Pear Variety
WENATCHEE, Wash. — Oneonta Starr Ranch Growers of Wenatchee, WA will have limited shipments this season of Gem, a new pear variety, which is about five years away from full production. The limited volume will be shared this season with retail customers and a few consumers to start gathering some feedback on the fruit.
The pear is expected to be a relatively convenient offering compared to other options in the category, meaning it can be eaten out of hand. The taste is said to be more like a Bartlett, but a little spicier type taste to it. A lot of times with pears one has to wait for it to change color or check the neck to gauge its ripeness. Another appeal with the Gem is it does not instantly brown when cut. This could possibly lead to value-added opportunities such as packaged pear slices, which has become so popular with apples.
Oneonta markets fruit for Diamond Fruit Growers of Hood River, OR.
Are Potatoes Good for You?
Potatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C, and those eaten with the skin are a good source of potassium. Foods that are good sources of potassium and low in sodium, such as potatoes, may reduce the risk of high blood pressure and stroke.
All varieties of potatoes are nutritious and, while both the type and amounts of nutrients may vary slightly depending on the variety, the differences are minimal. So minimal in fact, the FDA nutrition label for potatoes represents a composite of varietals.
The FDA-approved Nutrition Facts Label says it all. Potatoes are:
– An excellent source of vitamin C
– A good source of potassium (more than a banana!)
– A good source of vitamin B6
– Fat-, sodium- and cholesterol-free
– Only 110 calories per serving
– An excellent source of vitamin C
– A good source of potassium (more than a banana!)
– A good source of vitamin B6
– Fat-, sodium- and cholesterol-free
– Only 110 calories per serving
Potatoes and Potassium
One medium potato with skin provides 620 milligrams or 18% of the recommended daily value (DV) of potassium per serving and is considered one of the best foods with potassium. Skin- on potatoes rank highest for foods with potassium and are among the top 20 most frequently consumed raw vegetables and fruits. Potassium is a mineral that is part of every body cell. It helps regulate fluids and mineral balance in and out of cells and in doing so, helps maintain normal blood pressure. Potassium is also vital for transmitting nerve impulses or signals, and in helping muscles contract.
Potassium is a powerful dietary factor that may help lower blood pressure. Unfortunately, few Americans are getting the recommended 4700 milligrams per day of potassium they need. (Potatoes make it easier!)
Are Potatoes Fattening?
No. A 5.3-ounce potato has only 100 calories and no fat. Experts agree weight gain occurs when an individual consumes more calories than he or she expends.
Are Fries and Chips Healthy?
Staple foods such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains should be eaten every day, while fried foods and high fat snacks should be viewed as occasional treats. One food, even one meal, does not make or break a healthful diet. Understanding the impact that fried foods, like fries and chips, or high-fat foods like ice cream and cookies, have on your overall eating pattern makes it possible for you to “make room” for them as occasional indulgences.
More information on potatoes can be found at the Potato Goodness website.
A second consecutive increase in apple shipments from all of the Eastern states has been predicted by a recent USDA forecast.
New York state us the second-largest apple shipping state in America and has an estimated volume for this season of 28.5 million 42-pound carton equivalents. This is a two percent increase over 2016’s 28.1 million cartons, but well below 30 million-plus production of the three season of 2013, 2014 and 2015.
Pennsylvania the second-largest apple shipper among the Eastern states and is forecast to have 11.7 million cartons, which would be up 11 percent over 2016’s 10.5 million cartons. Virginia’s estimate is 5.2 million cartons, up a whopping 22 percent over a year-ago when volume stood at 4.3 million boxes. Virginia avoided a devastating spring freeze, unlike a year ago, so it should ship way more fruit this year.
West Virginia is predicted to have 2.2 million cartons, which is 18 percent higher than the 1.9 million cases from last year.
But to put this in perspective, Washington state should ship 159.5 million cartons of apples in 2017, down eight percent from the 174.3 million cartons in 2016. Meanwhile, Michigan’s estimate is 19 million cartons, off 32 percent from nearly 28 million a year ago.
In the Gardners, PA areas the first harvested apples of the season took place the week of August 7th with, ginger golds, while galas and Honeycrisps followed within days.
New Eastern Apple Varieties
In New York two of the newest apple varieties are on the brink of major shipping increases. Crunch Time Apple Growers of Wolcott, NY, a grower cooperative, which has 145 growers, and ships about 60 percent of the apples in New York. It expects to load 100,000-boxes for the first time this season, which will be the fourth year for SnapDragon and fifth for RubyFrost. This would nearly double the shipments this season for these varieties. The new crop of SnapDragons will be on the market in the fall, with RubyFrost shipping out of storage in January.
The first shipping forecast for California kiwifruit has been issued, while we take a look at coming mango imports, and domestic apples loading opportunities.
California kiwifruit shipments are expected to be off only a little from a year ago when California growers produced 31,324 tons. An initial forecast this season, which is called by some “conservative,” estimates there will 30,449 tons of kiwi. About 98 percent of the U.S.-grown kiwifruit is produced in California.
Around 80 percent of of the crop is shipped to domestic markets, while some fruit exported, primarily to Mexico, Canada and Japan.
California kiwifruit shipments occur from late September until April
Western Fresh Marketing Services Inc., of Madera, CA. should start initial shipments the third or fourth week of September.
The Flavor Tree Fruit Co. LLC, Hanford, CA., will have 86 acres of gold kiwifruit grown under large tents this season as the company plans to ship about 50,000 cartons of gold kiwifruit from October until January and possibly February.
Mexican Mango Imports
Imported mangoes from Mexico should continue through September. Light volumes of imported mangoes from Brazil are now arriving at U.S. ports. Brazilian mango imports will peak in mid October and run until November, with a projected 7.8 million boxes.
Meanwhile, Through the week ending Aug. 12th, Mexico had shipped about 67.9 million boxes, up from about 66 million boxes through the same week in 2016.
Apple Shipments
The U.S. Apple Association projects a 248.3 million carton crop for 2017-18, which would be 8 percent smaller than last year, but right on the 5-year average.
“There’s every reason to be optimistic about this year’s apple crop,” said Mark Nicholson, co-owner of Red Jacket Orchards, Geneva, N.Y.
The estimate is only 400,000 42-pound cartons lower than the USDA estimate from a few weeks ago. The estimate came at the conclusion of the association’s annual Apple Crop Outlook and Marketing Conference, August 24-25 in Chicago.
The Washington crop is estimated at 159.5 million cartons, 1 percent higher than the 5-year average but 8 percent smaller than last season. New York’s crop is estimated at 28 million cartons, 1 percent above the 5-year average and nearly the same as last year’s production.
by American Consolidation & Logistics
Miami, FL – A third Miami warehouse location for international produce importer, American Consolidation & Logistics (ACL) has been leased. The 93,799 sq. ft. facility located at 3200 NW 67th Avenue in the South Florida Logistics Center is one of the only controlled atmospheres for fumigation in the country. This multimillion-dollar deal gives ACL a prime location near Miami International Airport, where much of their imported produce arrives by plane.
The leasing project was handled by ComReal, led by Partner and Managing Member, Edward Redlich.
“Our new location near MIA is critical. We can provide our clients peace-of-mind by assuring that their produce is transported as quickly as possible to our specialty refrigeration units located inside our warehouse.” Said Jose Medina, CEO of American Consolidation and Logistics. “The quick work of finding this facility by Edward Redlich and his team of Chris Spear and Edison Vasquez was unbelievable. I’ve never worked with a Realtor more professional, diligent, and who conducts business with complete integrity like Ed does.”
In the Fall of 2016, Redlich and his team were retained by ACL to acquire a +/- 100,000 sq. ft. refrigerated warehouse facility. They began working on a comprehensive site selection of potential properties that would suit ACL’s needs including both existing warehouse buildings and vacant land for build-to-suit construction. The only building that already had the refrigeration systems installed and ready-to-go was Building #1 at South Florida Logistics Center, where ACL now operates. In addition to Miami International Airport, the property is also easily accessible to PortMiami via truck or railroad. American Consolidation & Logistics moved into their new warehouse on April 17, 2017. This is their third South Florida location along with their Opa-Locka headquarters and a warehouse in Pompano Beach.
ComReal Miami – Doral: The ComReal Industrial Team has been assisting companies with their South Florida real estate needs for over 30 years.
American Consolidation & Logistics: ACL specializes in handling imports of fresh fruits and vegetables, having a wealth of experience with produce.
From South of the border in Baja California to just above the U.S., Mexican border and then up north in the San Joaquin Valley, good volume tomato shipments are coming soon.
Although Baja California tomato shipments have been under way since April, the seasonal increase in volume of Mexican tomatoes crossing the U.S. border at Otay Mesa, CA has just started.
August is typically a slower month, primarily since growers don’t plant as much because there will be homegrown garden tomatoes and regional production in the summer. When those summer tomatoes start fading, the larger commercial farmers come back for a fall season.
Everything from conventional and organic roma tomatoes as well as heirloom tomatoes and organic round tomatoes from Baja California started in June.
Higher volume shipments from this area south of San Diego in Mexico will ramp up in mid-October and continue into mid-January.
California Tomato Shipments
Meanwhile, shipments are also is underway north of the U.S. Mexican border.
West Coast Tomato Growers LLC, of Oceanside, CA, started shipping romas and round tomatoes in July, and supplies are expected to last into November. The company has increased its roma production 50 percent this season.
A decade ago, there were a handful of tomato growers in San Diego County, but now West Coast is the lone survivor. A primary reason is land values for home and commercial real estate, combined with the increase in Baja production. Labor and production costs also are cheaper south of the border.
Although the Baja California tomato farming production continues to increase, there is competition from California’s San Joaquin Valley. The valley has bee shipping tomatoes since the second week of June and will continue until the first week of November.
Hot summer weather in northern California led to below-average yields and some quality issues, but by September more favorable weather is expected that should result in better volume and quality out of northern California.
Northern California tomatoes – grossing about $4000 to Chicago.
Favorable weather across much of the United States is resulting in good loading opportunities for pumpkins and other fall items. Meanwhile an update on California grape shipments shows the best is yet to come.
Pumpkins are grown in almost every state and shippers in most areas see a good crop of pumpkins and hard squash for the upcoming season. Since these items are grown in so many states, most loads are regional or local.
While pumpkins are an American Halloween tradition, good volume typically occurs after after October 31st. Pumpkin shipments typically are brisk following Halloween as Americans prepare for Thanksgiving.
For example, Frey Farms in Keenes, Ill., started shipping its fall pumpkins the last week of August. Besides regular pumpkins, the company sells painted pumpkins as an in-and-out item and pumpkin tattoo kits – food-safe transfers that enable consumers to “paint” a pumpkin in a minute.
Van Groningen & Sons Inc. Manteca, CA starts shipping pumpkin and ornamentals around Labor Day.
Todd Greiner Farms of Hart, MI began shipping pumpkins, squash and ornamentals in late August.
Jackson Melons Inc., of Henderson, TX will start shipping carving pumpkins right after Labor Day.
Pumpkin Pyle of Floydada, TX is shipping pumpkins, squash and ornamentals, which will continue through until about October 20th.
California Grape Shipments
The California table grape shipments continues through the summers and by season’s end at the end of the year, maybe January, is projected at 111.4 million 19-pound boxes.
California grape shippers loaded 108.9 million 19-pound box equivalents, about 40 percent of which was moved from May through August. With the end of August, 60 percent of the overall crop had been shipped in 2016, but the season should last into January.
Over 85 varieties are grown in California, with the leading varieties being scarlet royal, autumn king, flame seedless, crimson seedless and sugraone. About 93 percent of the state’s grapes are seedless.
With California grape crop in 2016, 36 percent of the fruit was exported, mostly to Canada, Mexico, China, the Philippines, Taiwan and Japan.
By Hudson River Fruit Distributors
Hudson River Fruit Distributors is excited to announce its brand new, high graphic, apple display bin. The bin is the latest addition to Hudson River Fruits expanding packaging lineup that aims to utilize apples in many different ways, while bringing the farm fresh feel to your stores!
The bin displays a hi definition photo of one of the farms owned by Hudson River Fruit, and highlights the locally grown and family farmed aspects in the forefront. The side of the bin features a metal plaque “mounted” onto wooden planks, which contains a quote from co-founder and owner Harold Albinder, about the company, as well as, the history and tradition of Apples grown in New York State.
“We are very excited to launch this marketing tool to help our customers bring the farm to their stores this fall. The display bin can be used to display local loose apples, tote’s, poly bags or our 2LB Lil Chief bags.” Says Pat Ferrara, Sales Director at Hudson River Fruit Distributions, ” We are excited to share our story and products with customers at store level.”
About Hudson River Fruit
Hudson River Fruit is a 4th generation, family owned and operated apple grower, packer and shipper in New York. They have been in business for over 54 years and are widely recognized as an industry leading apple supplier. They grow over 21 different varieties and ship over 2 million boxes of fresh apples yearly.
Hudson River Fruit Distributors was established on July 12, 1963, by Isadore “Izzy” Albinder and his son Harold Albinder.
Izzy first entered the apple business back in 1932, after emmigrating from Russia. He saw an opportunity to broker apples, so he bought a pushcart and sold apples in the neighborhood streets of Brooklyn, New York. A time came that Izzy had trouble finding apples of high enough quality. He decided to venture up to the Hudson Valley, and began fostering relationships with apple growers, some of whom we still work with today