The new two-compartment clamshell introduced by Kurt Zuhlke & Associates earlier this year has met with resounding marketplace acceptance. Owner and President Kurt Zuhlke said this new packaging builds upon successes realized with three-compartment packaging introduced a year ago designed to hold a trio of tomatoes or berries.

The New York State Council on Food Policy released its 2013 annual report this past December. “In 2013, Council members carried out the mission and addressed the key issue areas of the New York State Council on Food Policy in many ways,” the report stated.

Pegi Adam, director of communications for the New Jersey Peach Promotion Council, told The Produce News that the council has produced two videos for retailers to use in their closed loop televisions -- one meant for produce professionals and the other for consumers.

COMMERCE CITY, CO — Excitement was building in mid-June for the first loads of Colorado’s famed Olathe-area sweet corn, on schedule to start shipping early to mid-July from the state’s Western Slope.

Joshua Johnson, president of Ringer & Son Brokerage and the “go-to guy” for sister company Mountain Fresh’s sweet corn, said this year’s crop was expected to be very good — and non-GMO.

Last July, the Colorado Department of Agriculture released its publication, Colorado Agricultural Statistics 2012.

“The New Jersey peach crop is expected to have a normal start this year,” Bob Von Rohr, director of customer relations for Sunny Valley International headquartered in Glassboro, NJ, told The Produce News in mid-June. “The winter chill and good moisture has combined to help ensure a nice crop this coming season.”

Von Rohr noted the peach trees had an outstanding bloom by around April 18, and with a full crop set, stressing that Sunny Valley is expecting a good crop that is on track for its normal seasonal movement start during the week of July 7.