Representatives from To-Jo Fresh Mushrooms Inc., in Avondale, PA, enjoyed tremendous success at Produce Marketing Association Foodservice Conference & Exposition in Monterey, CA, in July.

Paul Frederic, senior vice president of sales and marketing for the company, told The Produce News that the response to its new Simply Sautee item was outstanding.

Green Tree International, headquartered in Visalia, CA, with a brokerage office in Wenatchee, WA, expects to begin marketing a quality crop of pears from the Pacific Northwest in mid-August. “Bartlett, Anjou and Bosc are the main varieties we sell,” said Brett Hull, sales associate. “But we sell all major varieties.” Bartletts will kick off the production season, with Anjous following several weeks later.

Rainier Fruit Co., headquartered in Yakima, WA, is poised to begin its pear season on an optimistic note. “Quality looks to be excellent, fruit is clean, and overall condition is very nice,” Director of Marketing Suzanne Wolter told The Produce News July 27. “Generally speaking, the growing season has been much more conducive for producing a high-quality product.” To date, there have been no significant effects to the fruit caused by weather events.

The 2008 agreement between Oneonta Starr Ranch Growers in Wenatchee, WA, and Diamond Fruit Growers in Odell, OR, continues strong, with Oneonta handling exclusive sales and marketing for the longtime Oregon pear and cherry grower-shipper.

Domex Superfresh Growers anticipates a good pear season with quality product and strong marketing opportunities. “Our pear crop looks terrific,” Marketing and Communications Manager Loren Queen told The Produce News July 27. “We are excited about the opportunities this crop will bring. From a sizing standpoint, it’s in line with the historic average. But with regard to grading, it’s much better than last year. We expect to see a larger percentage of the crop being a U.S. No. 1 grade. In fact, we probably won’t pack much, if any, third grade this year.”

A recent hail storm is expected to reduce overall pear volume for Stemilt Growers Inc., located in Wenatchee, WA. “We have experienced a hail event in the state that will reduce the crop in some orchards,” Director of Marketing Roger Pepperl told The Produce News July 26. “Stemilt fared pretty well. But we all will lose some crop due to the hail.”