Produce

Some farmers in the strawberry capital of the world are souring on the fruits of their labor. Cold snaps, falling prices and worker shortages have combined to convince some farmers to scale back on strawberries, leading to a decline in acreage of Plant City's top crop for the first time in at least a decade. …

Over this past weekend Progressive Produce has begun harvesting their first fields of their 2015 California Asparagus crop.   California asparagus is a sign of Spring’s arrival in the Golden State.  Over the next two weeks, the warm weather and longer days will ramp up the spring production.  Don Hessel, Asparagus General Manager for Progressive Produce noted, “The fields are in great shape and we are excited to have a strong season in terms of both supply and most importantly quality”. …

Pushed by national promotions and a 25% increase in distribution, Ambrosia™ apples are riding a retail wave all the way to the cash register.  Over the past 13 weeks, a record 14,022 supermarkets put Ambrosia™ on the shelves for consumers.  The result:  During this period, Nielsen data shows Ambrosia™ ranked #9 in total dollars among all apple varieties and had the strongest growth of any apple in the top 10 nationally. …

The United Fresh Produce Association is now accepting nominations for the 2015 Women in Produce honoree to speak at the annual Reception Honoring Women in Produce, Tuesday, June 9 at United Fresh 2015 in Chicago. …

Giumarra Wenatchee is in its second season of marketing Carmen pears and the variety continues to offer flavor and value to customers. …