United States Acres for this year’s Northwest crops are now secured. Approximately half of the pea crop has been planted with some early fields beginning to emerge. Harvest expected June. Plantings for sweet corn have already begun in some areas. Raw material prices this season were lower than last, however input costs such as equipment and labor are still …
Food Safety
RETAIL FOOD PROTECTION SOURCES
There are more than 3,000 state, local and tribal agencies that have primary responsibility to regulate the retail food and food service industries in the United States. They are responsible for the inspection and oversight of over one million food establishments that include restaurants and grocery stores, as well as vending machines, cafeteria and other …
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The Great Chocolate Crisis – Prices Continue to Soar
The cost of chocolate is skyrocketing, and much to the chagrin of chocolate lovers it is reaching new and dizzying heights. At the heart of this dilemma is the cocoa bean, the essential ingredient that makes chocolate a favorite indulgence among old and young alike. The demand for chocolate (in many forms) now far exceeds …
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Crop News
China’s Sugar Snap Peas Late
United States Negotiations for grower contracts are now under way for potatoes, peas and corn. Raw material prices this season expected to be lower than last, however input costs such as equipment and labor are still up so we expect finished product cost to remain stable: similar to last season prices or a few cents lower. We …
Food Safety
STOP EMA Economically Motivated Food Fraud
EMA or economically motivated adulteration is when someone takes out or leaves out or substitutes a valuable ingredient or part of a food intentionally. It can also occur when someone adds a substance to make it appear better, bigger or of greater value. As an example, if a manufacturer adds cheaper vegetable oil to more …
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Trending
Who’s Buying Up All the Farmland?
It seems to be a trend of late. Investment firms are buying up farmland in the United States at an increasing rate. Since 2008 to mid-2023 the amount of farmland bought by investment firms has increased 231%. Taking a closer look, at the end of 2023 investors owned $16.6 billion worth of farmland, up 9.2 …
Crop News
Contract Negotiations Under Way for 2024 Potatoes
United States Sweet Corn season was a strong one with abundant yields and superior quality. With the above budget crop, many processors have extra inventory and price levels have changed from firm to very aggressive. Diced Carrot It was a good carrot season in Oregon and Washington and the crop came in on budget. Overall, Industry …
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Trending
A Battle Cry from Farmers Paralyzes France And Spreads Across Europe
The farmers in France call it “Operation Paris Seige” and they’re not backing down. Major roads and highways surrounding cities in France and Belgium have been blockaded with the participation of French and Flemish-speaking farmers. In the smaller cities as well as in Lyon, Marseille and Toulouse, blockades are disrupting supply chains and creating havoc …
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Food Safety
Tech-Enabled Traceability Video Series for Companies of All Sizes
The FDA has launched its first video that focuses on how food safety and consumer protection from foodborne illness can be enhanced using tech-enabled traceability. This first video is primarily focused on Supply Chain Technology and how companies of all sizes can utilize low or no-cost tech enabled traceability technologies. In this video, 5 companies …
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What Does It Take to Become a Costco Vendor?
Costco stands out as a remarkable company with a rich history of achievements, as I highlighted in the previous week’s article. Here are some impressive facts about this retail giant: They are responsible for distributing half of the world’s cashews. Annually, they sell more than 100 million rotisserie chickens. Their decision to stock a book …
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Food Safety
Embracing a Sustainable Future in Agriculture: The Role of AI in Eco-Friendly Pest and Weed Management
In the realm of agriculture, the traditional use of glyphosate-based herbicides, such as Monsanto’s “Roundup”, has been a common practice for controlling various weeds and pests. However, concerns have risen about its potential health risks, including negative impacts on gut health, hormonal disruptions, and cancer risks. This has necessitated a shift towards safer, more sustainable …
Crop News
Plenty of Potatoes
United States Sweet Corn season was a strong one with abundant yields and superior quality. With the above budget crop, many processors have extra inventory and price levels have changed from firm to very aggressive. Diced Carrot processing in the Pacific Northwest is completed. It was a good carrot season in Oregon and Washington and …
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The Joy and Secrets of Costco Shopping
If you want to sell to Costco, are already selling to Costco, or just love shopping there, then the latest book The Joy of Costco – A Treasure Hunt from A to Z is a “must read.” The authors, David and Susan Schwartz, delve deep into the secrets behind Costco’s success and, when writing this …
Crop News
European Potato Price Spikes
United States Sweet Corn season, overall, was a strong one with abundant yields and superior quality. With the above budget crop, many processors have extra inventory and price levels have changed from firm to very aggressive. Diced Carrot processing in the Pacific Northwest is now completed. It was a good carrot season in Oregon and …
Food Safety
Beware: Banned Food Additives in Europe Still Commonly Used in U.S. Foods
People with dietary restriction who travel abroad often worry about the food they will be served and if it will affect their health. Oddly enough, their trip turns out beautifully and without incident on the eating side. Some believe it may have to do with certain food additives that are banned in Europe but allowed …
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Food Safety
Robotic Technology Brings Food Safety Benefits
We’re entering a new era in fast foods. Now, your speedy meals may be assembled not just by human hands, but with the help of the advanced precision of robotics. An example: Chipotle, a trailblazer in culinary innovation, has joined forces with Hyphen (kitchen technology experts) and together they are cooking up something extraordinary – …
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Vanilla Ice Cream from Recycled Plastic? Still Waiting for Approval
Ice cream with vanilla flavoring sourced from recycled plastic doesn’t sound very appetizing to me, but I must give credit to Eleonora Ortolani, a Central Saint Martins Design School student in the UK for her forward thinking and desire to make better use of recycled material. “If I tell you there’s an ingredient in that …
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Crop News
A Perfect Potato Season
United States Sweet Corn season in the Pacific Northwest is now completed. Overall, the season was a strong one with abundant yields and superior quality. With the above budget crop, many processors have extra inventory and price levels have changed from firm to very aggressive. Diced Carrot processing in the Pacific Northwest will go through …
Crop News
A Perfect Season For Northwest Potatoes
United States Green Pea harvest completed. Overall, early season pea yields came in under budget and this could reflect a 20% drop in pack for some processors. The situation is more severe for those whose fields are not irrigated and we are hearing numbers of a 50% to 60% reduction in yield due to lack …
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Expansion Frenzy as FRESHIPPO Opens a Store Each Day
“They say at Freshippo good things come in large quantities“ Freshippo, also named Hema Fresh is a Chinese retail company owned by Alibaba. It is best known for its innovative new retail model that is driven by big data and advanced technology. The first Freshippo was opened in Shanghai, China in January 2016. Fast forward …
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