PMA, WGA TO PUBLISH COOL GUIDE
NEWARK, Del. — The Produce Marketing Association, in conjunction with the Western Growers Association, Irvine, Calif., will soon release a best practices document that's intended to guide produce retailers through the adoption of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's country-of-origin labeling requirements, The Packer reported recently. The PMA-WGA Country of Origin Labeling Task Force recently sent a letter to its members urging retailers to be patient and not to place any additional pressures on the supply chain. The laws are scheduled to go into effect on Sept. 30 this year, but due in part to legislative delays with the 2007 Farm Bill, the USDA will not release revised COOL regulations until July. PMA and WGA plan to publish their best practices document this month.
HASS AVOCADO NUTRITION ONLINE
IRVINE, Calif. — In an effort to raise awareness among nutritionists and shoppers about the benefits of incorporating avocados into their diets, the Hass Avocado Board here has unveiled a nutrition-oriented section on its website at www.avocadocentral.com/healthandnutrition. The site includes recent nutrition news about avocados, recipes and information about how avocados can be part of a heart-healthy diet. An “Ask the Expert” section includes frequently asked questions about avocados and health, answered by Julie Upton, a registered dietitian who serves as a nutritional consultant to HAB. The board has said it plans to market the site by placing online banner ads on other health and wellness-oriented websites.
MANGO INITIATIVES TARGET LATINOS
ORLANDO, Fla. — The National Mango Board here has announced two new initiatives designed to reach out to Latino shoppers in the U.S. Ingrid Hoffman, host of the Food Network's “Simply Delicioso” program, will be NMB's new spokesperson, and the board has launched a Spanish-language website, www.mango.org, which includes information for both consumers and industry professionals. “Ingrid is well positioned to introduce mangos to general market consumers, as well as teach new ways to use mangos to Latinos across the country, since both markets relate to her,” Wendy McManus, director of marketing for the National Mango Board, said in a release. “With our multiple and diverse programs this year, she is the perfect fit to spread excitement about mangos.” The new website includes a searchable recipe database and a kids' page featuring bilingual activities.