February 11, 2021
The Organic Produce Network has released its inaugural State of Organic Produce, a comprehensive overview of how the industry performed last year, including data and analysis of retail sales of organic fresh produce.
The year-over-year growth of organic fresh produce compared to conventional
Region-specific organic produce performance
The percentage change in year-over-year monthly produce sales for both conventional and organic
Additionally, the report contains retailer and wholesaler feedback on last year’s record-breaking sales of organic fresh produce.
The downloadable report is available for viewing here.
“Organic produce took center stage in 2020 retail sales. The connection consumers made between their personal health and fresh produce is crystal clear in the data shared in this first-ever report. Organic produce is, and will remain, a key driver of retail sales,” said Tonya Antle, co-founder of the Organic Produce Network.
February 11, 2021
Essential workers employed by California cantaloupe growers are among some of the first front-line food workers to receive COVID-19 vaccines in the state that grows the majority of our nation’s fruits and vegetables.
“We’re so thankful to be able to offer our workers these life-saving vaccines,” said Garrett Patricio of Westside Produce Co., a cantaloupe harvesting, packing and shipping company located in Firebaugh, CA. “Farmworkers are just one of the many groups who need and want to be vaccinated and we urge federal and state leaders to get more shots in more arms of more workers as quickly as possible.”
February 11, 2021
“I am, over the next couple of months, optimistic” about the Mexican tomato deal, Joe Bernardi indicated in late January.
Joe Bernardi,
& Associates Inc.
Bernardi, the president of Bernardi & Associates Inc., noted that “going into the spring, there is a lot of pent-up energy in this country. People want to get out and about. Overall, people want to be dining in restaurants, or barbequing. They want to be outside. I think we will see a rebound” after a year-long coronavirus pandemic.
This would tie-in nicely with the Mexican tomato deal, which will have a good supply in March.
“Through December and January, growers had near-perfect weather,” Bernardi said. “In February and March there will be ample supplies.” These will primarily come from Mexico, but Florida growers and production in other areas will also contribute to springtime tomato volumes.
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February 11, 2021
“For us at Agri-Packing, this year so far has certainly evolved with many challenges,” indicated Jorge Ruiz, salesperson for Agri-Packing Supply Inc. Agri-Packing is a major supplier of a wide range of supply products for Mexican produce grower-packers.
Omar Cabrera and Jorge Ruiz of
Agri-Packing Supply Inc. at a meeting
of the Fresh Produce Association of the
Americas in Tubac, AZ.
Ruiz told
The Produce News on Jan. 30 that obstacles have ranged “from hikes in the prices of raw materials used in the products we sell, to prolonged lead times from the places we source our products, to longer lines all over due to the COVID-19 pandemic.”
February 11, 2021
Calavo Growers Inc., a global leader in the avocado and value-added fresh food industries, has announced changes to enhance the organizational structure within the company’s operations department. Under the leadership of CEO Jim Gibson, Calavo is working to synergize all segments of the business by creating a “one-company vision”, wherein Calavo and its subsidiary, Renaissance Food Group, join forces to optimize and elevate the Calavo name.
“Through the merging of our internal divisions, we are able to leverage the legacy and expertise of the Calavo brand with the innovation and influence of RFG to form one cohesive, industry-leading enterprise,” said Gibson. “The combined talents of the Calavo and RFG teams will help realize our vision and strengthen the future of our company.”