Record Turn Out At Fenway Park Sunny Valley International Hits A Homerun At Fenway Park With The New England Produce Council

Burlington, MA – New England Produce Council, Inc. (NEPC) hosted a dinner meeting event at Fenway Park, Boston MA and the event was sponsored by Sunny Valley International, Inc., a supplier of fresh fruits and vegetables to the North American market since 1986. The evening included a presentation from Sunny Valley International and some special guest speakers.   

Beth McGuire, NEPC Secretary & Treasurer (JOH), welcomed the group to the event and introduced Bonnie Lundblad, Sunny Valley International, Inc. sales representative.  Bonnie announced they will begin picking NJ peaches around July 1 and continue until about September 15.  With both SC and NJ peaches, Sunny Valley is able to ship peaches from the onset of the SC season and continue with no interruption until the end of NJ. Next, Bonnie introduced the South Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture, Hugh Weathers, who mentioned that the South Carolina growers value the support of the New England markets, and look forward to another successful year.  Chad Truesdale, South Carolina Department of AG Commodities Coordinator stated the crops are progressing nicely with early shipments almost ready to start with the implementation of E logs, SC is a viable option to face the challenges of timely and affordable deliveries.        

The group enjoyed listening to Matt Forrest, Dixie Belle Farms, who explained the Dixie Belle Peaches will be ready to start picking around May 18.  Some cold weather this winter had a small impact on the first varieties but, once we get into the second week of June, there will be good volumes of sweet juicy peaches ready for promotions.  Some other key points of their presentation included Tom Beaver, New Jersey Department of Agriculture Director Of Marketing who expressed the NJ grower’s appreciation and support of New England Produce industry.  This past winter did not present any issues to the NJ crops and the early crops are just about ready for picking and packing.  Summer crops are right around the corner and the proximity of the growing area to New England allows for fresh and timely arrivals.  To conclude the presentation, Bob Von Rohr, Sunny Valley International explained that NJ Blues will be ready for shipment right around June 15.  Plenty of opportunities for ads this summer for the 4th of July and beyond. 

The meeting was followed by a Red Sox game with record attendance by NEPC even though.  The group included regional retailers, wholesalers and vendors sharing thoughts, experiences and knowledge.  The Red Sox vs. Kansas City Royals proved to be an exciting match up and they did not disappoint with the outcome being the Red Sox victorious.  “We were so happy to be able to have guests from both SC Department of AG and NJDA join us and pass their messages along to everyone” stated Bonnie Lundblad.  According to NEPC President, Anthony Sattler, “The New England Produce Council, Sunny Valley and Fenway Park have a long standing relationship.  It was a great event and thank you to Sunny Valley for their continued support.”

Source: New England Produce Council, Inc. (NEPC)