Chilean grapes are timely for promoting. Higher volumes of red grapes are cost-friendly while the green market is slightly higher. There probably will be a big draw on grapes for the Easter holiday.

Asparagus is showing good volume coming out of Mexico. Demand is light on a steady market. The weather has been very favorable for growth. Prices are attractive now but may rise as we get closer to Easter ad promotions.

After being delayed for about six weeks the New England Produce Council held its 2022 Dinner Dance Gala at InterContinental Boston on Saturday, March 26. A full house enjoyed a fun-filled night of cocktails, dinner and dancing under the Starry Night theme.

In preparation for California’s upcoming avocado season, Del Rey Avocado has introduced a Compac packing line.

“We are very excited as it will allow us to pack more fruit in less hours so our efficiency and total output will increase drastically,” said Patrick Lucy, president of the Fallbrook, CA-based company. The new line is the year-long project of Jessica Hunter, CEO of Del Rey.

Goldenberry Farms began shipping the initial boxes of Sweet Sugar mangos, an ultra-sweet and miniature mango variety, trademarked by the company.   These naturally grown tree mangos easily fit in the palm of your hand and are unique due to their ability to be eaten with their skin, giving it the nickname of “lunchbox mango.”

The ever-increasing love of avocados by consumers has stretched supply channels and caused most California avocados to be marketed in the western half of the country. But a tracking study, conducted on behalf of the California Avocado Commission by a third-party organization, revealed that the fruit has an excellent reputation throughout the nation.

No matter what the meal or occasion, putting open-faced sandwiches on the menu ensures a guaranteed hit! They are simple to make yet still full of great flavor combinations.

Presentation is key when serving open-faced sandwiches because all ingredients are highly visible. It’s important to ensure that the ingredients used be fresh, flavorful, and complementary.

THE HISTORY OF OPEN-FACED SANDWICHES