01/02/06 Top fruit industry stories of `05, Finale

01/02/06 Top fruit industry stories of `05, Finale

Fresh fruit, especially Northwest fruit, is getting some new found yet well deserved recognition among consumers. But to have that recognition, you have to have the fruit first. And many Northwest growers were worried that they may not have enough in 2005, due to drought like conditions that plagued much of the region early in the spring. Late spring rains and water conservation efforts resulted in easing the pain of the dry weather on fruit growers. Credit the demand for Northwest fruit on not only increased markets, but continued strong marketing by both regional fruit marketers and federal marketing orders as they played on a growing consumer trend & the purchase of fresh fruit as part of a healthy and active lifestyle. U.S.D.A.'s release of its revised nutrition guidelines&My Pyramid&showed an increased leaning towards more fruits and vegetables, and excited produce industry supporters like Elizabeth Pvonka of the Produce for Better Health Foundation. PVONKA: They're terrific. In fact, I don't think we could ask for anything better as far as the fruit and vegetable category. There were other studies that backed up the fruit industries new push, such as cherries and red apples containing key anti-oxidants. But the biggest sign of fruits' growing presence to consumers may have been from big business. On the success of its "Apple Dippers" product, McDonalds conducted a big rollout of its fruit salad this year. And officials for the world's largest restaurant chain say it will continue to increase its emphasis on fruit products in coming years.
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