IPG NEWS
IPG looks to keep its customers, suppliers, and partners world-wide, all connected and in touch through its new IPG News Reports. This news source will highlight the most significant, relevant and day-day international trade and produce news stories.
We feel it’s very important to not only have a great understanding for our current market and country, but to maintain a worldly viewpoint and full understanding of all other markets and their effects on the fresh produce export/import industry. Please stay connected and informed through our news channel.
Church Brothers Farms’ John Patullo Discusses Spring Transition
May 30, 2019
SALINAS, CA - This winter and spring saw growers in California and the Southwest exposed to adverse weather conditions, challenging even the most adept farming operations. But with the late spring and summer season on the horizon, things are shaping up nicely for Church Brothers/True Leaf Farms. I recently had the opportunity to speak with John Patullo, Grower, Church Brothers Farms, to learn more about where the company is in the season and what retail and foodservice partners can expect as 2019 progresses. As a grower…
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California farmers report climbing scarcity of employees
May 30, 2019
It’s a pressing concern—and an increasing one at that—for California farmers: farm worker scarcity. And according to a new study, Still Searching for Solutions: Adapting to Farm Worker Scarcity Survey 2019 from the California Farm Bureau Federation (CFBF) and UC Davis, the problem shows no sign of letting up. Shortage of help The study, a voluntary survey of 1,071 farmers and ranchers conducted in early 2019, reveals that 56 percent of participating farmers had been unable to hire all the employees they needed…
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California stone fruit sees slow start to season
May 30, 2019
Production of California’s stone fruit is slow to start due to the unseasonable California weather. “Any commodity buyer knows that it’s been a weather-filled last few weeks. It’s not just the rain itself but the overall lower temperatures have slowed down the volume of stone fruit right out of the gate,” says Jon McClarty of HMC Farms in Kingsburg, Ca., who adds that the stone fruit is currently coming mostly out of the Central California region. McClarty adds that plums…
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Hot weather anticipated to ignite Mexican table grape season
May 29, 2019
With temperatures finally due to approach the 100 degree mark in the Mexican growing regions this week, table grape suppliers are anticipating shipments over the border to dramatically increase. Cooler weather has persisted all spring in Hermosillo and Caborca and as a result, growers have reported a lack of sugar and color development. Shipments on all varieties have been slow but that is expected to change within the week. Sources indicate that with such a heavy-set hanging, growers have been…
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Spring report reveals how foodservice produce is trending
May 28, 2019
It’s happened with kale, avocado, and cauliflower: Fresh produce trends move through a menu cycle in an established pattern of inception, adoption, proliferation and ubiquity. Although it’s early in gaining popularity, persimmon’s penetration into quick-service restaurants is expected to grow by 101% in the next four years. That’s one produce trend forecast to influence the foodservice industry in the fall, according to the United Fresh Produce Association’s “Spring 2019 Fresh Insights for Foodservice,” which was the subject of a webinar May 17, led…
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