Nogales, AZ – The “Experts in Eggplant” want to tell retailers they also know a lot about spring fruit. Malena Produce, Inc, Nogales-based premier eggplant and winter vegetable supplier, has launched a new spring grape and melon program focused on expanding assortment and services to retailers.
According to Gonzalo Avila, Malena vice president, their new spring fruit program is launching late this month with ample supplies of fresh spring grapes and melons. Of special note is their introduction of new varieties Summer Royal, Autumn Royal and Red Globes. The company will also continue to ship Perlettes, Flames and Sugraones.
Avila just returned from a vineyard review in Hermosillo, and notes: “The vines look very healthy, with well-formed bunches. We are looking for good, promotable volume and timing similar to last season.” (Note: as of this writing, the official crop forecast by the Sonora Grape Producers Assn. (AALPUM) has not been released.)
The company expects to begin shipping Perlettes on May 10th, followed by Flames by May 15th and Sugraones around May 20th. The Globes and Royal varieties are expected later in the season, around June 5th.
“We’re pleased to be adding these black and red-seeded varieties this season that meet consumer demand for exciting, new colors and flavors.” Avila says, adding that overall grape category sales rise two to three percentage points annually. “Our goal is to continue to expand our customers’ assortment to help build sales and shopper loyalty.”
Heading Malena’s spring table grape sales program for the fifth season will be produce veteran Scott Terry, formerly with One-Source Marketing and Suma Fruit. Danny Stoller, Malena’s Sales Manager, will be managing the company’s melon program, beginning with honeydews on April 25th and watermelons on May 10th.
Avila will also lead efforts in the company’s expanded food safety program, including the addition of two especially-trained Food Safety experts for both field and warehouse. This additional dedicated personnel is part of the expansion of Malena’s Innovative Supply System (ISS), a seven-element program designed to ensure seamless, stress-free sourcing (for more info about this program visit: http://malenaproduce.org). The company has also added more than 10,000new square feet of warehouse and forced-air cooling facilities, including the new Miatech Bio-Turbo system that kills airborne pathogens and helps extend shelf life.
Malena Produce, Inc. — premier distributors of fresh produce since the 1950s — is a recognized category leader in eggplant. With ten packing operations throughout Mexico, they also ship bell peppers, squash, cucumbers, tomatoes, grapes, melons and chili peppers. The company has shipping out of Nogales and McAllen, plus comprehensive food safety, sustainability and social responsibility programs.
Source: Malena Produce, Inc.