The 2012 New Jersey Peach Buyers Guide is now available to all interested in the New Jersey peach industry and those buying New Jersey peaches. “This year’s 72-page guide is dedicated to Mr. Alfred Caggiano, owner of Sunny Slope Farms in Bridgeton,” says Santo John Maccherone, chair of the New Jersey Peach Promotion Council, publisher of the guide. “The Sunny Slope Brand is emblematic of the highest quality Jersey Fresh peaches,” said Mr. Maccherone. “Mr. Caggiano’s leadership in the peach industry and his goal of marketing premium quality peaches has set the bar high for all of us attempting to market the best fruit,” said Maccherone. Sunny Slope is currently managed by Mr. Caggiano’s family, packing and distributing white and yellow fleshed peaches and nectarines out of their modern facility in Bridgeton, NJ.
“The 2012 guide lists in alphabetical order growers and shippers of New Jersey peaches including their brands, and general information on what and how they ship,” states Jerry Frecon, agricultural agent with Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station Cooperative Extension. “This section has been completely rewritten for easier use and placement on the New Jersey Peaches web site at www.jerseypeaches.com, and an updated list of direct marketers and community farmer’s market members selling New Jersey peaches is also included in the guide,” said Frecon, editor of the publication.
Over the years the guide has been an important source of information for the media because it provides details and statistics on the peach industry. Color pictures of some of the most important varieties are highlighted along with details on when they are available for buyers. Other statistics and a history of the New Jersey peach industry are provided.
Information is included on the Jersey Fresh Promotional program for peaches and the quality-grading program run by the New Jersey Department of Agriculture. Details on officers and directors of the New Jersey Peach Promotion Council are listed along with an outline of plans for the 2012 promotional program on peaches.
For merchandisers, the guide contains information on how to store and handle New Jersey peaches; flavor, quality, and hydrocooling; and food safety procedures for New Jersey handlers.
The opening page of the guide explains why everyone should buy New Jersey peaches. Buying New Jersey peaches helps to preserve peach farms and open space in the Garden State.
Information on procuring the guide can be obtained by contacting info@jerseypeaches.com or by writing the New Jersey Peach Promotion Council at 1200 North Delsea Dr., Clayton, NJ 08312 or calling 856-307-6456.