USDA terminates marketing order for cranberries

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Produce Leaders
July 15, 2024

🌱 Good afternoon, and welcome to today's fresh newsletter! 

👉 In today's email:

  • USDA terminates marketing order for cranberries

  • National Mango Board expands partnership with Ole Miss Athletics

  • Fresh produce prices decline? U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Report

  • Fresh Prep: Reimagining produce at the heart of Boskovich Farms

  • Trends: 10 Global trade trends in fresh produce

USDA

USDA Terminates Marketing Order for Cranberries Following Lack of Producer Support

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has officially terminated Marketing Order No. 929, which governed the handling of cranberries in states including Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, Oregon, Washington, and Long Island, New York.

This decision follows an administrative suspension in October 2023, when the USDA halted the Cranberry Marketing Committee’s authority to collect assessments and reports from handlers after a continuance referendum failed to demonstrate producer support.

The proposal for termination was made public in the Federal Register on December 7, 2023, initiating a 60-day public comment period that concluded on February 5, 2024.

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) received five comments during this period, and upon review, the USDA concluded that ending the order was appropriate.

Following the requirement to notify Congress at least 60 days before terminating a federal marketing order, the USDA informed Congress of its decision on April 11, 2024.

The final rule, which includes a public comment analysis, was subsequently published in the Federal Register on July 12, 2024.

Marketing orders, authorized by the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, are industry-driven programs designed to assist producers and handlers in achieving marketing success through collective efforts funded by the industry itself.

MANGO.ORG

National Mango Board Expands Partnership with Ole Miss Athletics for 2024-2025 Season

The National Mango Board (NMB) has announced an enhanced partnership with the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) Athletics for the 2024-2025 season.

NMB will sponsor all home games for Ole Miss football and basketball, aiming to promote the health benefits and delightful taste of mangoes to a broader audience.

The partnership begins on September 7, 2024, with the Ole Miss vs. Middle Tennessee State football game, where NMB will serve as the official game sponsor.

This collaboration underscores NMB's mission to highlight the nutritional value and deliciousness of mangoes through the vibrant atmosphere of collegiate sports.

Fans can anticipate a season filled with activities, engaging promotions, and opportunities to sample mangoes at select home games, enhancing their game-day experience.

Dan Spellman, director of marketing for the National Mango Board, expressed excitement about the partnership, emphasizing the joy of sharing mangoes with the Ole Miss community.

The sponsorship will include various promotional activities throughout the football and basketball seasons, focusing on the versatility and health benefits of mangoes.

Unique mango-themed experiences will be featured at each home game, ensuring memorable visits to Vaught-Hemingway Stadium and the SBJ Pavilion at Ole Miss for fans, students, and athletes.

Chris Helsel, general manager of Ole Miss Sports Properties, highlighted the alignment of NMB's healthy living promotion with Ole Miss values and anticipated a successful partnership benefiting fans and student-athletes.

The Ole Miss Athletics sponsorship agreements are managed by Ole Miss Sports Properties, part of Learfield, which drives revenue, growth, brand awareness, and fan engagement for brands and sports properties.

NMB's involvement in Ole Miss sports is part of a broader effort to transition mangoes from an exotic fruit to a staple in every U.S. household, aiming to increase mango consumption nationwide.

Funded by assessments from domestic and imported fresh mangoes, the National Mango Board continues its vision of making mangoes a daily necessity in U.S. households.

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PRICES

Fresh Produce Prices Decline Amid Mixed Inflation Trends In June: U.S. Bureau Of Labor Statistics Report

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a slight decline in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) by 0.1 percent in June, following a stagnant May. Over the past 12 months, the all items index increased by 3.0 percent before seasonal adjustment, reflecting various sector fluctuations.

Notably, the fresh fruits and vegetables index saw a significant decline, dropping 0.5 percent over the past year and 1.5 percent from May to June. Fresh fruits experienced a 1.7 percent decrease over the last 12 months, while fresh vegetables fell by 0.3 percent during the same period.

The overall food index rose 0.2 percent in June, with food at home increasing by 0.1 percent. Notably, the indexes for other food at home, dairy products, and meats, poultry, fish, and eggs all saw increases, while the fruits and vegetables and cereals and bakery products indexes decreased.

Yearly data reveal a 1.1 percent increase in the food at home index, with significant rises in meats, poultry, fish, and eggs, and other food categories, while the fruits and vegetables index fell by 0.5 percent. Food away from home saw a notable rise of 4.1 percent over the year.

The report attributes the drop in fresh produce prices to market factors, including supply chain issues and seasonal variations. Energy prices also fell, with gasoline seeing a sharp decline, contributing to the overall decrease in energy costs which helped offset rising shelter prices.

Overall, the all items index rose 3.0 percent for the 12 months ending June, marking the smallest 12-month increase since April 2021 for the all items less food and energy index. The energy index saw a 1.0 percent increase over the past year, while the food index went up by 2.2 percent.

INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT

Fresh Prep: Reimagining Produce at the Heart of Boskovich Farms

With over a century of history behind it, Boskovich Farms. stands as a paragon of quality and innovation in the produce industry.

This family-owned enterprise, now in its fourth generation of leadership, has continually evolved to meet the changing demands of consumers and the marketplace.

Central to Boskovich’s success is Fresh Prep, a dynamic entity that focuses on developing value-added products from its fresh-grown produce.

Bob Spence, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Fresh Prep, brings over several decades of experience in the produce industry.

He exudes enthusiasm for being part of a company that is not just a grower and shipper but also a marketer of quality produce to the U.S. market.

“I have been in the produce industry for over 30 years” said Bob.

“Boskovich is over 120-year-old; with a reputation for quality produce and service. Now on the fourth generation of leadership, continues to reinvent itself.”

This legacy of reinvention is evident in Fresh Prep’s approach to processing and packaging.

The company’s investments in expanding capabilities, capacity, and food safety reflect a deep commitment to delivering top-notch products.

Fresh Prep is one of three companies that comprise Boskovich Inc., alongside its growing and commodity sales divisions.

Fresh Prep’s role within this trio is crucial, as it processes and packages the farm’s fresh produce into innovative products.

Spence highlights the significance of this division, noting that Fresh Prep is the processing company that develops value-added products that leverage their portfolio of fresh-grown produce from their farms.

These products range from packaged commodities to salads, both conventional and organic.

“With Mike O’Leary’s leadership, Fresh Prep is a significant player in the Food Service business, supplying quality packaged produce to regional and national customers.”

The company’s reputation for creating customer solutions and providing exceptional service is well-recognized in the industry.

The formation of Fresh Prep underscores Boskovich’s commitment to innovation and meeting the needs of modern consumers.

This entity was born from the company’s pioneering efforts in developing value-added products as early as 1990.

The company’s vertically integrated system further enhances its control over product quality. By managing the entire process from farm to table, Fresh Prep can ensure that their produce is harvested and processed under optimal conditions.

The company’s innovative spirit, inherited from its parent company Boskovich Farms, is evident in its product offerings and market presence.

Boskovich’s history of pioneering value-added products has paved the way for Fresh Prep to expand its capabilities and introduce new, exciting products.

The involvement of renowned chef Andrew Hunter in developing the Fair Earth product line showcases Fresh Prep’s use of external expertise to exceed consumer expectations for taste and quality.

Fresh Prep exemplifies the innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction that have defined Boskovich Inc. for over a century, positioning it well to meet the evolving needs of consumers and the marketplace.

TIP OF THE DAY

Share the stories of the farmers who grow your produce

Ever wondered how sharing the stories of the farmers who grow your produce can create a deeper connection with your customers?

By highlighting the passion and dedication of these hardworking individuals, you make your produce more relatable and meaningful.

Customers appreciate knowing the origins of their food and the people behind it, which builds trust and loyalty.

Feature a different farmer each month in your newsletters and social media, showcasing their journey and what makes their produce unique.

Use videos, photos, and personal anecdotes to bring their stories to life.

This not only enhances your brand's authenticity but also adds value to your products, making every bite more enjoyable for your customers.

TRENDS

10 Global Trade Trends in Fresh Produce

In recent years, there has been a noticeable evolution in the world’s commerce sector.

This is particularly evident within the sphere of fresh produce.

Understanding these shifts is not only beneficial but crucial in the competitive business landscape.

With constant fluctuation of market patterns, industry players are perpetually challenged to adapt and remain relevant.

This demands an in-depth perusal of the current trade trends and prospective future patterns.

Herein, we unpack noteworthy developments and ultimately dig in into the implications derived from this unfolding narrative.

Key Takeaways:

  • The demand for organic fruits and vegetables is growing.

  • Food safety standards are becoming more stringent.

  • Consumers are showing higher awareness of health and nutrition.

  • Cold chain logistics benefit from technological advancements.

  • Interest in exotic Asian fruits is increasing.

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