Produce

Freshfel Europe is releasing today its latest edition of the Freshfel Consumption Monitor which analyses the production, trade and consumption trends for fresh fruit and vegetables in the EU-28. The analysis of the latest available data (up to 2013) shows that consumption in the EU-28 stands at 341.82 g/capita/day of fresh fruit and vegetables in 2013. This represents a slight increase compared to 2012 by 5.6%, but a decrease by 1.9% compared to the average of the last five years (2008-2012). …

Sesame Street’s Oscar recently helped Giumarra get the word out to children and their parents to eat more produce. The company displayed its Nature’s Partner-branded watermelons at Grocery Outlet’s annual sponsored produce “Freshtival,” held June 5-7 in select regional stores serviced by Portland-based United Salad. …

Vivien Lindley was recognized as the 2015 Agricultural Woman of the Year for Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Benito Counties at an annual event hosted by Ag Against Hunger on June 5, at Paraiso Vineyards in Soledad. …

As part of the Christie Administration’s continuing efforts to provide improved nutritional opportunities for school children, New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Douglas H. Fisher today announced 151 New Jersey schools will participate in the 2015-2016 school year’s Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP).  …

Produce industry veteran Joe Watson is set to join Produce Marketing Association’s (PMA) staff team on June 22, as vice president of domestic business development. His hiring reflects an ongoing effort by the association and its member board to bring hands-on industry perspectives to developing, delivering and communicating the value PMA brings to members and their businesses. …