A second night of cold temperatures is expected to leave behind some damage to the San Joaquin Valley's citrus crop, according to a Dec. 6 press release from California Citrus Mutual in Exeter, CA.

"Although the extent of damage cannot be known for certain at this time, the industry along with county and state regulators will begin assessments as early as next week," the release stated.

Gourmet Trading Co. is debuting its new tray and flow-wrapped asparagus product. The packaging features a modern, natural look that is expected to garner a positive response from consumers. The new pack is state-of-the-art — extending shelf life to ensure the product is at its freshest — all while having a natural, eco-friendly look and feel. 

At its December luncheon meeting, the Fresh Produce & Floral Council held its annual holiday auction and raised more than $116,000 for charity. The designated charity this year was Caterina’s Club, a private Southern California organization that serves nightly meals to 300 underprivileged kids who would otherwise do without a real dinner. The event was held on Wednesday, Dec. 4 at the Sheraton Hotel in Cerritos, CA.

Norcross, GA-based Rock-Tenn Co. recently hired MICHELLE L. ALLEN-ZIEGLER as its corporate business manager.

“Business is good. No one is complaining about it being slow,” Ted Kreis said of Red River Valley potato shippers on Nov. 15.

Kreis is the marketing director for the Northern Plains Potato Growers Association, which is located in East Grand Forks, MN.

“Demand for red potatoes is good throughout the country,” he added. “Prices are ok but they could be better. There are a lot of red potatoes on the market. Wisconsin yields are high. Idaho grew more potatoes. All of the U.S. has got to be up for red potato production.”

Shuman Produce Inc. of Reidsville, GA, has seen its Peruvian onion deal grow in the last few years to become one of the industry’s largest, and the company also grows in California, Idaho, Texas, Chile and Mexico. But the Vidalia is still the crown jewel of the company’s program, and President John Shuman believes the new mandatory ship date established recently by the Georgia Department of Agriculture will make his program and the industry stronger.