Going into its second distribution season for the diminutive Rockit apple from New Zealand, Chelan Fresh is looking at increased movement this year, according to Director of Marketing Mac Riggan.

Smaller misshapen produce that tastes great and is healthy is now available at select Loblaw Cos. locations in Ontario and Quebec. Furthering its commitment to offer affordable, quality products to customers, Loblaw Cos. is introducing the "no name" Naturally Imperfect line of fruits and vegetables. Starting with apples and potatoes, "no name" Naturally Imperfect produce costs up to 30 percent less than traditional produce options found in store.

The National Onion Association was launched over 100 years ago in 1913. Just as it was when it began, the primary purpose of the organization is to represent the industry, including growers, shippers and others along the supply chain.

A colder winter and the water situation have combined to produce a Texas spring onion crop that is around 15 percent lighter than usual.

At least that is the viewpoint of Don Ed Holmes, longtime industry observer from his perch as owner of The Onion House in Weslaco, TX.

Holmes told The Produce News that the crop was running behind a normal growth pattern by about two weeks. “We had a colder winter so it looks like it will be about April 10 before we get going,” he said.

How does one pronounce the word “Vidalia”? Is it Vy-dayl-yah? Vi-dahl-ya? Vi-day-lia? That’s a question the team at Shuman Produce in Reidsville, GA, wanted answered as they were preparing for the season that’s just around the corner.

Along the way to solving that mystery (the answer is that there is no right answer) they came across many other pronunciation quirks particular to the Southeastern United States and soon realized that most of the rest of the world does not know how to speak Southern.

Sherise Jones, longtime marketing director for the Idaho-Eastern Oregon Onion Committee, is leaving that position May 31, opting not to renew the contract between her company, SJ Management, and the onion committee for the 2015-16 marketing season.

The announcement came March 12 in a press release from Candi Fitch, executive director of the committee.