ORLANDO, FL — Is the movement toward consuming more fruits and vegetables from local sources affecting the fresh produce industry, or is it more a matter of perception than reality?

Although that question wasn't actually the topic of a Produce Marketing Association workshop devoted to the concept during that group’s annual convention, held here Oct. 15-18, it was one of the more intriguing theories put forth by the panelists.

Apples, pears and cherries, soon shipping from Chelan Fruit's new facility in Chelan Falls, WA, enjoy two things other fruit in the state may not.

First, the new packingshed lies within a small radius of Chelan’s orchards, which reduces handling and loading and results in better-quality fruit. Moreover, the proximity of orchards to the firm’s shipping facility reduces transportation time, cost and environmental impact, lowering the operation’s carbon footprint.

Less competition from Chinese garlic had members of the global garlic industry upbeat about the state of the industry when they met recently for their annual breakfast meeting.
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ORLANDO, FL — Les Jardins Paul Cousineau & Fils Inc. is known for its Quebec broccoli and cauliflower programs, but some in the industry might not know that the family-owned-and-operated firm has these items available year round.

While the St-Constant, QC-based grower-packer-shipper has not figured out how to grow the items during the harsh Canadian winters, it has created a California division named Bro-Quali Harvest Inc. that began operating two years ago, which has allowed it to become a 12-month-a-year supplier.

The Fresh Produce Association of the Americas' 42nd Nogales Produce Convention & Golf Tournament is scheduled for Nov. 4-6 in Tubac, AZ, just north of the border town of Nogales, AZ, which is the main port of entry for the preponderance of the produce grown in mainland West Mexico.

Is Thanksgiving dinner tried-and-true or innovative and creative?

Mary Ostlund, director of marketing for Brooks Tropicals in Homestead, FL, told The Produce News that while it is nice to know the green bean casserole will always be there, she likes a touch of the unexpected at a festive meal.