Month: December 2015

Local fruits and vegetables are extremely popular, with farmers typically selling directly to consumers. Yet many farmers have excess volume — not enough to sell to wholesalers but too much for the consumer market. Kenesha Reynolds-Allie, Ph.D., county agricultural and resource management agent, Rutgers University, Belvidere, NJ, studied the best ways to help farmers sell their surplus through local restaurants. She presented her research on how chefs consistently search for local products but face barriers in “restaurant preferences” and “willingness to pay for local food.” …

Success in table grapes, avocados and mangos – among many other products – will be the focus of the Egyptian company’s appearance at the upcoming trade fair. …

Del Monte Fresh Produce (Del Monte) is pleased to announce the third-party certification of its pineapple farms and canning operations in Kenya as Sustainably Grown.  This certification was issued by SCS Global Services (SCS) in accordance with the producer and handler requirements of its internationally recognized Sustainably Grown Standard v 1.3.  As a result, certified canned pineapples will soon be able to feature the Kingfisher eco-label. …

Mann Packing today announced a new promotion for the holiday season centered on irresistible recipes using Culinary Cuts® Sweet Potato Ribbons or Butternut Squash Zig Zags. The online promotion is accessible via Mann’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages using the hash tag #MannsMerryRecipes and is running now through December 18. …

An exports platform showcasing producers from across the UK’s horticulture and potato industries will be unveiled at Fruit Logistica 2016 by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB). …