California Fruit and Vegetable

Category: Economics

  • Over 25 Farming Robots to be Featured at FIRA USA 2023 this Fall in Salinas

    Weeding, harvesting, picking, carrying,… Robots are today’s answer to many challenges facing agriculture. And they will show up this fall in Salinas for the second edition of FIRA USA. From September 19 to 21, the Salinas Sports Complex, home of the famous California Rodeo Salinas, will be the place to discover the autonomous farming solutions in action. During three days, expo, demos, pitch sessions and even a robot parade will take place in the Salad Bowl of the World. Please note that the traveling event through California FIRA USA not only focuses on vegetables: trees and vineyards are also at the heart of the environmental and labor issues that agriculture must address… just like FIRA USA!  For this reason, Malcolm Media is partnering with FIRA-USA, and California Ag Network, California Fruit & Vegetable, Pacific Nut Producer, and American Vineyard Magazines are among the proud sponsors of this special event, so be sure to come see us there.

    25+ robots for farming autonomously

    FIRA’s organizers, French association GOFAR, Western Growers and University of California ANR/The VINE announce that already 25 robots have signed up for FIRA USA 2023.

    “Even if FIRA USA 2022 in Fresno was already a success, this year marks a real turn: four months before the event, we already confirmed 25 robots – and it’s just the beginning!”notes Maialen Cazenave, co-director in charge of the partnerships at GOFAR. “Coming from California, other states in the US, and even from Europe, we expect another 10 to 20 robots to partner with us – and we have space to welcome them both on the exhibition area and on the demo zones (on vegetables, fruits, orchards, and vineyards)”.

    From weed control to fruits picking, robots main functions at FIRA USA

    Here is the list of the 25 robots from the companies that already confirmed their participation in FIRA USA 2023:

    • ●  Bluewhite (USA – California): Bluewhite’s Pathfinder transforms any brand of existing orchard or vineyard tractor into a fully autonomous fleet, capable of executing multiple tasks, such as spraying, herbicide, discing, mowing, or harvesting, with high precision and operating efficiency.
    • ●  Naïo Technologies (France and USA – California): Oz, Ted, Orio and Jo: light electric and autonomous ag. robots to offer a sustainable alternative to the use of herbicides that can interface with smart implements to offer a high precision weeding, seeding, mowing and a very precise guidance of the implements.
    • ●  Carbon Robotics (USA – California): high-precision LaserWeederTM leverages sophisticated AI deep learning technology, computer vision, robotics, and lasers.
    • ●  Stout Industrials (USA – California): the Stout Smart Cultivator is a software-defined, tractor-drawn implement that uses machine vision and artificial intelligence to cultivate and weed fields using mechanical blades.
    • ●  Agtonomy (USA): A fully electric, reference tractor that executes labor-intensive field missions such as mowing, spraying, transport, and weeding, in the toughest terrain.
    • ●  Ecorobotix (Switzerland): ARA is a high-precision sprayer developed by Ecorobotix, which enables the ultra-targeted application of herbicides, fungicides, insecticides or fertilizers, reducing the use of them up to 95%.
    • ●  Solinftec (Brazil): scouting robot that scans the crops and record their growth rates, plant health the prevalence of any weeds, suited for farms around 500 acres and works with several types of row crops including corn, soybeans, cotton, wheat, canola and many others.
    • ●  Nexus Robotics (Canada): weeding and scouting robot that provides farmers with real-time information about the size and health of their crops.
    • ●  Verdant Robotics (USA – California): multi-action, autonomous farm robot capable of millimeter-accurate spraying, laser weeding, and AI-based digital crop modeling.
    • ●  GUSS Automation (USA – California): GUSS autonomous sprayers provide a solution to labor challenges while increasing efficiency, precision and safety in orchards, vineyards, and high-density orchards.
    • ●  SeedSpider (USA – California): the WeedSpider can be configured to efficiently and accurately mechanically weed, mechanically thin, or precision spray commercial vegetable crops.
    • ●  Farm-ng (USA – California): Amiga is a modular, all-electric micro-tractor that can turn-in-place, haul, lift, carry tools, cultivate, and is easy to adapt to any farm’s cropping systems and cultural practices.
    • ●  Monarch Tractor (USA – California): fully electric, driver-optimal, smart Tractor platform built to empower farmers by enabling profitable implementation of sustainable and organic practices.●  Mantis Ag Technologies (USA – California): from thinners to sprayers and cultivators, the line of products turns intelligence, automation and data into smart, practical solutions for growers.●  Burro (USA – California): Burros use computer vision, high precision GPS, and AI to follow people to navigate autonomously from A to B while carrying various payloads.●  Robotics Plus (New Zealand): modular platform, designed to accommodate swappable attachments for spraying – mowing, trimming and weed control under development.●  Aigen (USA – Washington) : robotics platform powered by the sun, directly. Like a plant! We aim for affordability and scale, while others aim for high profit margins. We start with the farmer first, and build our platform from there.●  EDETE (Israel): end-to-end artificial pollination service comprising 2 steps that mimics the natural pollination process: 1. collecting and 2. distributing pollen.

      ●  K.U.L.T. (Germany): agricultural machines for soil cultivation and weeding solutions for vegetable production, field crops, ornamental production, herbs, grassland, vineyards, orchards,…

      ●  Sabanto (USA – Iowa): aftermarket autonomy system installed on tractors.

      The US largest in-field demo zone for robots

      FIRA USA will host the largest demo zone of farming robots.

      Managed by Triangle Farms, Pacific Ag Rentals and the University of California, the crops will be available for the robots to show their functions on vegetables, fruits, orchards and vineyards.

      To exhibit and/or make a robot demos, manufacturers can contact Maialen Cazenave:

      fira.usa@fira-agtech.com

      Registrations to FIRA USA 2023 are open, please visit: www.fira-usa.com

      About GOFAR

      The GOFAR non-profit organization undertakes to promote and develop the agricultural robotics sector at international level. Like RobAgri, whose objective is to facilitate the technical development of agricultural robots, GOFAR meets the increasing need for visibility and networking of the agricultural robotics sector.

      About Western Growers

      Founded in 1926, Western Growers represents local and regional family farmers growing fresh produce in Arizona, California, Colorado and New Mexico. Our members and their workers provide over half the nation’s fresh fruits, vegetables and tree nuts, including nearly half of America’s fresh organic produce. Some members also farm throughout the U.S. and in other countries so people have year-round access to nutritious food. For generations, we have provided variety and healthy choices to consumers.

      About The Vine, UC ANR

      The VINE, an initiative of University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources, is California’s agriculture, food, and biotech innovation network. Our mission is to harness the power of open innovation to help industries and entrepreneurs grow and scale globally while catalyzing technology innovation and commercialization for productive, sustainable, and equitable food systems.

      We connect entrepreneurs to a vast network of public and private sector resources, build collaborations that accelerate technology solutions to solve industry challenges, and grow regional capacity to support global innovation as an economic opportunity.

  • California Grower Concerns for Bees & Monarchs being Listed as Endangered Species

    Native California bees and monarch butterflies may soon be listed as endangered species.  While California farmers, and almond growers in particular, want to take care of and protect these important pollinators, listing them as endangered could prove problematic for farming as we know it. Watch this interview with Josette Lewis from the Almond Board of California as she explains.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Thunder Creek Equipment for their industry support.

  • National Watermelon Retail Merchandising Contest Call for Entries

    The National Watermelon Promotion Board (NWPB) invites all retail chains, independent retailers and commissaries to submit entries to their 15th annual Watermelon Retail Merchandising Contest.  More than $10,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded to top entrants, including $5,000 for the grand prize for winner. The second place winner will receive $2,500, third place will receive $1,000 and three honorable mentions will each receive $500. An additional incentive of a $15 gift card will be awarded to the first 25 entries.

    Additional prizes will be awarded thanks to a continued partnership with Tajín® for the 2023 season. The first 100 entries that include watermelon and Tajín seasonings in their in-store display submissions or in their mixed merchandising tactics in social, digital, print and web marketing will each receive a $20 Amazon digital gift card.

    NWPB’s partnership with Tajín will add to the chance for incentives for stores to enter and will increase the reach of the contest while offering retailers a great cross-merchandising opportunity. Fresh watermelons and Tajín – a chili/lime seasoning — are a perfect complement, as the flavor profile of watermelons combined with the ‘zing’ of Tajín creates a new eating experience for many consumers.

    “We couldn’t be more thrilled to ‘add a little zing’ to our contest with Tajín,” said Juliemar Rosado, Director of Retail and International Marketing. “Watermelons and Tajín lend themselves to many flavors and cuisines. Cross-merchandising promotions are always a great opportunity to showcase more than one item AND the benefits of both.”

    “We have partnered with the NWPB for several years,” stated Eric Patrick, Partnership Brand Manager. “Consumers always love the experience, and we look forward to seeing the creative merchandising and marketing efforts that retailers big and small will create this year. Watermelons and Tajín are a delicious combination, and these joint efforts create a ton of interest in both products.”

    The contest began in July to honor National Watermelon Month and runs throughout the month of August and is used by NWPB to encourage and identify retailers who are showcasing watermelon’s benefits including happiness, health, value and versatility.

    To enter a promotion, retailers can submit their entry and photos, links, screenshots, etc., online, via email or postal mail. All entries must be submitted/postmarked by midnight Eastern on September 15, 2023. Visit: http://watermelon.org/Retailers/Retail-Contest for more information, including official contest rules and entry form, or email NWPB at retail@watermelon.org.

    About National Watermelon Promotion Board

    The National Watermelon Promotion Board (NWPB), based in Winter Springs, Florida, was established in 1989 as an agricultural promotion group to promote watermelon in the United States and in various markets abroad. Funded through a self-mandated industry assessment paid by more than 700 watermelon producers, handlers and importers, NWPB mission is to increase consumer demand for watermelon through promotion, research and education programs.

    A serving of nutrient-dense watermelon provides an excellent source of Vitamin C (25% DV), a source of Vitamin B6 (8% DV), and a delicious way to stay hydrated (92% water), with only 80 calories per 2-cup serving. Watermelon consumption per capita in the United States was nearly 15.5 pounds in 2022. Watermelon consumption in the United States was nearly 5.2 billion pounds in 2022. The United States exported an additional 328 million pounds of watermelon. For additional information, visit www.watermelon.org.

    About Tajín Seasonings

    Industrias Tajín is a 100% Mexican company, leader in Mexico and United States markets in chili powder, and one of the most important in the production and commercialization of products derived from chili worldwide. It has presence in more than 65 countries around the world. It was founded in 1985, surprising consumers with the perfect blend of lime, chili, and sea salt. In 1993, Tajín exports to the United States for the first time and Tajin International Corporation is established in Houston, TX, from where all the commercial activity of the brand in the U.S. is managed. The brand arrived in the Central American and European markets in 2006.

    Last year’s (2022) Contest Winners

  • Meal Period Violations, Farm Employers Beware

    Meal break violations are an open door for Class Action & PAGA lawsuits that farmers have been getting impacted by, according to longtime ag labor and employment attorney Ron Barsamian.  Watch this video interview with Ron as he shares what farm employers can do to maintain better records and avoid the costly losses involved in such litigation.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Ranch Systems for their industry support.

  • California Strawberry Commission Fills Two Key Positions

    The California Strawberry Commission (CSC) is announcing two key hires to advance the industry through research and communications.

    Dr. William “Bill” Turechek joins the CSC as the new Vice President of Research. Bill joins the CSC after serving since 2006 as a Research Plant Pathologist at the USDA-ARS Horticultural Research Laboratory in Fort Pierce, Florida, where he worked on epidemiology and management of strawberry and vegetable diseases.

    Dr. Turechek has over 100 peer-reviewed research articles and book chapters, has raised tens of millions of dollars in extramural funding, and has served as senior editor for the journals Plant Disease and Phytopathology. His areas of expertise include plant disease epidemiology, disease management, and statistics, with an emphasis on diseases that occur in strawberry and annual vegetable production.

    “We are excited to have Dr. Turechek join the California Strawberry Commission and utilize his expertise to aid the 400+ family-owned strawberry farming operations in California,” said Rick Tomlinson, California Strawberry Commission President.

    “I am honored to join the California Strawberry Commission and I am looking forward to meeting and getting to know the many growers, shippers, and processors in the California strawberry industry. As the Vice President of Research, one of my primary goals is to work closely with the industry to identify key research needs, and then make it happen. In leading the Commission’s research efforts, I hope to empower California strawberry growers with the latest research and data to help them make the informed decisions that will advance strawberry farming in California” said Dr. William Turechek, California Strawberry Commission Vice President of Research.

    The California Strawberry Commission also recently named Jeff Cardinale as the new Director of Communications.

    Among his duties, Cardinale will lead positive marketing message campaigns highlighting the importance of the California strawberries and the industry itself to the local communities where strawberries are grown as well as to local, state, and national stakeholders. Cardinale will also handle media relations and crisis communications. Cardinale led the commission’s response to the January and March flooding events.

    Jeff Cardinale Joins the CSC as Director of Communications

    “On behalf of the 400+ California strawberry growers, shippers, and processors, I am excited to join the California Strawberry Commission. There are incredible stories to tell about the California strawberry industry, from the remarkable opportunities for field workers becoming farm owners, to the fact that 97 cents of every California strawberry dollar goes right back into the community. These are just a few of the many great things happening in the California strawberry industry and I look forward to showcasing those stories,” said Jeff Cardinale, California Strawberry Commission Director of Communications.

    “We are delighted to have Jeff on board. He brings nearly 10 years of agriculture communications experience as well as extensive work in proactive and crisis communications. The commission is confident Jeff will serve the industry well,” said Rick Tomlinson, California Strawberry Commission President.

    Dr. Bill Turechek joins the CSC as Vice President, Research

    Prior to his work in agricultural communications, Cardinale served as the Public Information Officer for the Fresno Police Department. Cardinale also has more than 15 years experience in television news management where he won six Emmy Awards for Best Newscast.

    As part of the marketing and media relations campaigns, Cardinale plans to introduce new ways of reaching the media, as well as the local strawberry farming communities to stay engaged with the industry.

     

  • Win $250,000 in AgSharks Pitch Competition

    Western Growers and S2G Ventures are now accepting applications for the 2023 AgSharks Competition, a unique event where startup companies pitch their innovations in front of a live audience of the world’s largest specialty crop producers to win a $250,000 minimum investment. Impact-driven entrepreneurs and startups developing technologies that promote a more healthy and sustainable food and agriculture system can apply for the AgSharks Competition by clicking here. Applications close on July 28, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

    “As our partnership with S2G Ventures to host the AgSharks competition at the Western Growers Annual Meeting enters its sixth year, we look forward to finding finalists who can bring real-world technology solutions to solve the issues impacting the specialty crop community,” said Western Growers President and CEO Dave Puglia. “2022 AgSharks winner NutJobs earned a record $6 million equity investment – and this year we invite entrepreneurs to apply who have a similar bold vision.”

    Three startups will be selected to pitch their solutions to a panel of growers, shippers, processors and venture capitalists in front of more than 300 fresh produce farmers and industry leaders during the WG Annual Meeting in Kauai on Nov. 12-15, 2023. The AgSharks finalists will be the only presenting startups featured on stage. In addition to potential investment capital, the winner(s) will receive international recognition, mentoring from S2G and WG, potential access to farm acreage to pilot their technologies and access to WG’s expansive network of leading fresh produce companies.

    “It takes an ecosystem of stakeholders working together to unlock better outcomes for consumers and producers,” said Audre Kapacinskas, Principal, S2G Ventures. “Western Growers has been a tremendous partner, serving as a bridge between growers, innovators and investors to accelerate innovation in agriculture. As an investor, we bring capital to the table, and having an open dialogue with growers allows us to have a better understanding of industry needs and how we might work together to meaningfully move the needle on innovation in agriculture. We look forward to collaborating again this year.”

    AgSharks was first held in 2017; during last year’s competition AgSharks winner NutJobs received a record $6 million equity investment offer. Nutjobs transforms nutshell waste into bio-benign plastic alternative products that are compostable.

    Past AgSharks winners Hazel Technologies and Burro have since brought their products from development to market. Hazel Technologies has raised over $87.8 million in funding over six rounds and is advancing the industry with sachets that extend the shelf life of fresh produce by as much as three times. Burro raised a $10.9 million Series A round in September 2021 led by S2G Ventures and Toyota Ventures and continues to help solve farmers’ labor woes with the expansion of its fleet of autonomous robots to farms across the West.

    About Western Growers:

    Founded in 1926, Western Growers represents local and regional family farmers growing fresh produce in California, Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico. Western Growers’ members and their workers provide over half the nation’s fresh fruits, vegetables and tree nuts, including half of America’s fresh organic produce. Connect and learn more about Western Growers on Twitter and Facebook.

    About S2G Ventures:

    S2G Ventures, the direct investment team of Builders Vision, partners with entrepreneurs who are working on solutions to some of the world’s greatest challenges across the food, agriculture, oceans, and clean energy markets. We provide capital, mentorship and value-added resources to companies pursuing innovative market-based solutions that generate positive social, environmental and financial returns. We provide our partners with flexible capital solutions that can range from seed and venture funding through growth equity to debt and infrastructure financing. For more information about S2G, visit s2gventures.com, read our insights, or connect with us on LinkedIn.

  • Excellent Sizes Expected for California Prunes this Year

    California experienced favorable weather during prune bloom and growers are observing good sizes on fruit set. While production looks promising, supplies are expected to be tight again this season with an estimated 75,000 short tons (68,000 MT) in volume for the 2023 prune crop year according to the Executive Committee of the California Prune Board.

    Bigger sizes for California Prunes are in line with the premium quality of the crop. While still in the first half of the growing season, the prune trees in California appear happy from the wet weather with natural fruit drop, resulting in what growers anticipate will be a range of optimum sizes.

    “We’ve built solid demand and California prune handlers maintain careful inventory management, putting our industry in a pretty steady position,” says Donn Zea Executive Director for the California Prune Board. “The cost of business and continued tight supply is likely to keep pressure on pricing for the foreseeable future.”

    While participating on a panel of dried fruit industry leaders during the 40th meeting of the International Nut & Dried Fruit Congress (INC) in London last month, Mr. Zea reported that while production will be higher this year, the global prune industry is in relative balance between supply and demand. “The industry realities are impacted by a return to typical crop years in South America and France after short crops last year,” added Zea.

    For over 100 years, California Prune growers have been responsibly producing premium prunes. With the highest quality agricultural standards of any nation and a climate-controlled tunnel drying system, the California difference is reflected in the naturally sweet prunes that safely reach 60 countries every year. California is the largest producer of prunes in the world and heavily invests in scientific research to continue leading the category.

    ABOUT THE CALIFORNIA PRUNE BOARD

    The California Prune Board was established in 1952 to represent growers and handlers under the authority of the California Secretary of Food and Agriculture. California is the world’s largest producer of prunes with orchards across 14 counties in the Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys. Promoting a lifetime of wellness through the enjoyment of California Prunes, the organization leads the premium prune category with generations of craftsmanship supported by California’s leading food safety and sustainability standards. California Prunes. Prunes. For life.

  • The Ugly Company Enhances Upcycling Capability with New Farmersville Fruit Processing Plant

    The Ugly Company, a farmer-led producer of upcycled dried fruit snacks, announced the opening of its new fruit processing plant in Farmersville, California. The facility represents a significant milestone in the company’s mission of providing nutritious snacks sourced from funny-looking but perfectly edible fruit that would otherwise be thrown out.

    Furthering its growth momentum and solidifying its mission, The Ugly Company also unveiled new packaging that will better illustrate its brand story and clearly define its products.

    With the first fruit dump of the farming season set to take place this June, The Ugly Company hopes that its plant and mission-centric branding will draw awareness to fruit waste in the U.S. and make a tangible impact.

    Farmersville Plant is Operational 

    Located in the heart of Farmersville, the new facility spans 23.5 acres. It is equipped with cutting-edge technology to process a wide range of locally grown fruits, including a self-developed sticker-removal machine, class-leading pit extractors imported from Italy, and 32 fruit dehydration tunnels. Additionally, in collaborating with regional growers, The Ugly Company ensures a sustainable supply chain that minimizes transportation costs and reduces the company’s carbon footprint.

    “Our new fruit processing facility represents a significant step forward in our commitment to sustainable and healthy snacking,” said Ben Moore, founder and CEO of The Ugly Company. “We are proud to open this facility in Farmersville, as it allows us to support local farmers, contribute to the community’s economic growth, and bring our delicious and nutritious snacks to more people.”

    The facility allows The Ugly Company far greater control over the quality of its products by bringing processing in-house. Unlike other dried food startups that outsource complicated de-pitting and drying processes, The Ugly Company can also ensure greater food sanitation standards via more ability to monitor the lifecycle of the fruit from picking to end-product.

    The new facility estimates an initial hire of 28 employees spanning a variety of roles from processing to the management level, bringing new employment opportunities to the Farmersville community.

    “Upcycling and addressing food waste has been an important issue in the San Joaquin Valley,” said Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21). “The Ugly Company is bringing significant sustainable investments to the Valley in an effort to address the local food ecosystem.”

    New Product Packaging Unveiled

    The Ugly Company is also revamping its product packaging to provide greater insight and transparency into its products. It notes that each snack package is sourced from a single ingredient: the fruit. The Ugly Company doesn’t add any artificial ingredients or sugars, believing that the deliciousness of fruit can and should be celebrated by standing on its own.

    The packaging also shines a light on the farmers from the Central Valley from which its fruit is sourced and where founder Ben Moore was born, raised, and inspired to upcycle the fruit waste he saw firsthand as a truck driver.

    Last year, The Ugly Company prevented more than 2.17 million pounds of food waste by upcycling. In 2023, it aims to turn three million pounds of perfectly good fruit, which otherwise would’ve been tossed or fed to cattle, into dried fruit.

  • Processing Tomato Variety Evaluation for Tolerance/Susceptibility to New Soilborne Pathogen

    In recent years, there has been an increase in crown rot/vine decline problems in processing tomatoes. Many tolerant, as well as several susceptible tomato cultivars, have been identified from previous efforts funded by CTRI. The number of fields in the Sacramento Valley with confirmed Fusarium falciforme vine decline has been increasing each year. In 2022, eight new tomato fields were diagnosed in Sutter and Colusa counties, for a total of 20 fields since 2019. In 2021 and 2022, we worked with AgSeeds and evaluated processing tomato varieties in field trials for their tolerance or susceptibility to Fusarium falciforme by rating disease severity and sending diagnostic samples to the Swett lab at UC Davis for confirmations. Unfortunately, in 2021, we were unable to confirm F. falciforme in the particular fields we evaluated, however, in 2022, all three fields in Sutter County where we evaluated trials were positive for F. falciforme, along with Fusarium crown and root rot in 2/3 fields. We evaluated fields for advanced decline and whole plant collapse. Yield data was provided by AgSeeds. Below is a table with the average number of declined plants at our three field sites in Sutter County. The table also includes percent decline and yield for two of the fields. Also worth noting, field #2 was evaluated the day before harvest, whereas field #1 was evaluated a couple weeks before harvest and field # 3 was not harvested due to September rain events in 2022.

    The varieties with the highest decline are similar to results we have seen at other sites over the years and a more comprehensive table (developed by UCCE Vegetable Crops Advisor, Brenna Aegerter, in San Joaquin County) which can be found in my December 2022 newsletter. If you are interested in more results and information from other regions of the state, you can see Brenna’s article on pages 4-5 in the UCCE San Joaquin County Field Notes newsletter from February 2023. — By Brenna Aegerter, UCCE San Joaquin; Co-PIs: Tom Turini, UCCE Fresno; Amber Vinchesi-Vahl, UCCE Colusa/Sutter/Yuba; Cassandra Swett, UC Davis Extension Pathology Specialist; Collaborators: AgSeeds (Funded by California Tomato Research Institute)

  • Duda Farm Fresh Foods Launches “Sizzling Sweet Summer” Consumer Sweepstakes

    Duda Farm Fresh Foods, a leading grower of fresh vegetables and citrus,launches the “Sizzling Sweet Summer Sweepstakes.” The seasonal contest aims to encourage consumers to get a little corny this summer, with a promotion centered around Dandy® sweet corn and positioning the company as the premier brand when grocery shopping this season.

    Dandy seeks to elevate the consumption of fresh U.S. grown sweet corn among shoppers with corn inspired recipes, cooking tips, nutrition information, super corny facts, and by giving consumers the chance to win the ultimate summer prize pack.

    “We’ve seen corn become synonymous with the summer season, especially on the grill and in fresh salads or dips,” said Nichole Towell, senior director of marketing and packaging procurement at Duda Farm Fresh Foods. “Though we are known for our celery products, we are excited to showcase our Dandy sweet corn throughout this promotion and to offer our shoppers more insight on cooking and enjoying the vegetable!”

    Now through July 7th, consumers can enter the “Sizzling Sweet Summer Sweepstakes” for a chance to win one grand prize pack featuring a brand name 20-piece stainless steel grill set, a seasoned cast iron grill pan, a denim cooking apron, spiral corn holders, a heavy duty oven mitt, and a $500 gift card to stock up on additional grilling needs. Duda will also be choosing one winner every week during the promotion to take home Dandy sweet corn and a $100 gift card.

    Duda Farm Fresh Foods will utilize a 360-degree marketing strategy that includes a regional TV segment, public relations efforts, influencer support, corn use and application inspiration, online advertising, as well as email and social media campaigns to increase sweepstakes entries and drive demand for the product in stores.

    Dandy sweet corn is available in bulk as well as a pre-shucked and pre-cut tray pack options to help reduce meal prep time and offer a bit more convenience to cater to shoppers’ busy lifestyles. The brand takes care to grow and harvest the best sweet corn of the season from farms in Florida, Georgia, and Michigan.

    For additional information, please visit www.dudafresh.com or follow Dandy Fresh Produce social media platforms for daily inspiration at Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

    About Dandy® Celery

    For nearly 100 years, Duda Farm Fresh Foods has been a leading grower, shipper, processor and marketer of fresh vegetables and citrus. Known for their superior celery, the company has expanded their facilities over the years to accommodate recent developments such as celery juicing and other health and wellness trends in order to provide consumers with the freshest celery possible. With primary locations in Florida, California, Arizona, Georgia and Michigan, Duda Farm Fresh Foods carries a commitment to innovation and sustainability and believes in growing a healthy future for generations to come. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of A. Duda & Sons, Inc., a family-owned, diversified land company headquartered in Oviedo, Fla. For more information, please visit www.dudafresh.com.