Latest news with #California-grown
Nikkei Asia
27-06-2025
- Business
- Nikkei Asia
Japan's May rice imports surge as companies shrug off heavy tariff
Japanese retailer Aeon is offering California-grown Calrose rice in its stores. (Photo by Marina Inoue) KOSUKE TAKEUCHI TOKYO -- Rice imports by Japanese companies shot up in May, government trade data shows, as retailers and restaurants try to cope with elevated domestic prices. Imports of rice for consumption, which are subject to a high tariff, exceeded 10,000 metric tons for the first time. The May figure was 126 times greater than the monthly average in 2024.
Business Wire
09-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Pompeian's Sunrise Olive Ranch Olive Oil Earns Global Recognition for Quality and Sustainability
BALTIMORE--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Pompeian, America's #1 olive oil brand, has earned top honors at three of the world's most prestigious olive oil competitions, a testament to the exceptional quality of its California-grown oils and its ongoing commitment to sustainable, innovative farming. At the heart of these accolades is Sunrise Olive Ranch, located in California's Cuyama Valley. The ranch was the first olive farm in North America to earn the Sustainably Grown ® Certification from SCS Global Services, anchoring Pompeian's bold commitment to certify 100% of its farms by 2030. To date, 30% of Pompeian's olive oil farms have already achieved this certification. At Sunrise Olive Ranch and across the world, Pompeian's dedication to continuous improvement is reflected in its sustainable practices, which have been recognized with the prestigious Zurich International Olive Oil Award (IOOA) for sustainability and innovation, making Pompeian the only American brand to receive this honor. In addition, Pompeian received three Gold Medals at the 2025 NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition and multiple honors at the 2025 Los Angeles International Extra Virgin Olive Oil Competition, including Best of Class, Best Delicate – Domestic, two Golds, and a Silver Medal. 'Our dream is to transform the olive oil industry through sustainability and high-quality olive oil,' said Paula Lopes, Pompeian's VP of Quality, R&D, and Sustainability. 'These awards honor the growers and innovators working to make better olive oil for people and the planet.' Pompeian continues to lead with purpose, producing olive oils that reflect a deep commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability on the farm, in the bottle, and at every table. Learn more about Pompeian's sustainability practices and vision for the future. About Pompeian, Inc. Pompeian is America's #1 olive oil brand, with a line of best-selling vinegars and a variety of cooking sprays. Farmer-owned and Baltimore-based since 1906, Pompeian is a family of olive farmers and olive oil craftsmen whose passion, expertise, and dedication bring the best-tasting, highest-quality olive oils to kitchens everywhere. Upholding the highest quality standards, Pompeian conducts daily testing through their in-house quality assurance team in the state-of-the-art Pompeian Quality Control and Research & Development Center ensuring each bottle is always at peak freshness. Inspired by heritage and tradition, Pompeian products are rooted in authenticity and crafted for quality and great taste. Learn more at
Malaysian Reserve
03-06-2025
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Bella Sun Luci Goes Global At Gulfood Exposition
CHICO, Calif., June 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Bella Sun Luci product line has expanded to new international markets, continuing its global growth showcased in Dubai at Gulfood 2025. This expansion represents a key milestone in Mooney Farms' continued global growth. From humble beginnings, the Mooney family began selling their products at farmers' markets forty years ago and is now selling internationally. The company's commitment to quality, innovation, and excellence is the key to its success. While sun-dried tomatoes are produced globally, it's Bella Sun Luci's rich, California-grown flavor that's capturing consumer attention and fueling a surge in market demand. This dynamic expansion follows Mooney Farms' successful market entries in the Philippines, Canada, Mexico, and South America. With global demand rising for healthier, cleaner food choices, Bella Sun Luci's California sun-dried tomatoes are striking a chord with international consumers seeking bold flavor and premium quality. Bella Sun Luci sun-dried tomatoes are gaining global attention due to the innovative approach Mooney Farms takes in crafting every jar. The process of making sun-dried tomatoes in California is different from the methods used in other countries. Traditionally, sun-dried tomatoes have an overly salty and pungent taste, often a result of salt-heavy drying techniques. In contrast, Mooney Farms uses a process that creates a naturally sweet sun-dried tomato without added salt. Bella Sun Luci tomatoes are sun-dried in California, never coated in salt, and always packed with the finest ingredients. Mooney Farms' unique technology and drying techniques continue to set its products apart in a growing global market. The result is a sun-dried tomato that's naturally flavorful, rich in antioxidants, and perfectly suited for today's health-forward kitchens. Mooney Farms is a vertically integrated company and oversees every step of the process from seed to jar. They use the finest ingredients in all of their products. Unlike competitors who rely on gas ovens, Mooney Farms harnesses the power of the California sun, using 100% natural energy to dry their tomatoes. Our California sun-dried tomatoes are crafted with unmatched quality. Unlike many other sun-dried tomato products on the market, Bella Sun Luci sun-dried tomatoes are always packed in olive oil—never seed oils—prioritizing the health-conscious choices of today's consumers. The brand's global growth is further fueled by the influence of social media, which has allowed Bella Sun Luci to connect with audiences around the world through recipes, nutrition tips, and culinary inspiration. On this global stage, the brand continues to gain recognition, especially among health-conscious consumers seeking clean, flavorful ingredients. Bella Sun Luci fits perfectly into this growing worldwide demand for healthier food options, offering a premium sun-dried. Founded in 1986, Mooney Farms is a third-generation, certified woman-owned, family company rooted in quality, integrity, and family values. Mooney Farms has grown to be the premier producer of sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil in the United States. Mooney Farms is vertically integrated. The family oversees every step from seed to jar, sourcing all ingredients locally to ensure freshness and exceptional quality in every jar. Their innovation continues to meet the demands of the modern consumer, offering a cleaner, more sustainable option for today's wide variety of recipients. Mooney Farms has a 100,000 square foot facility and 200-year-old olive trees planted among rows of lavender and rosemary, which reflects the family's rich history of the Mediterranean. Its flagship product line, Bella Sun Luci, features premium California-grown and Mediterranean-inspired foods created from authentic family recipes. Bella Sun Luci's sun-dried tomatoes add genuine Mediterranean flavor to homemade appetizers, salads, sandwiches, pizzas, pasta, and more. The Bella Sun Luci line also includes a new 100% olive oil Salad Dressings, Plant-Based Tomato Jerky, Pasta Sauces, Bruschetta Spreads, Bottled Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Risotto, and Marinades. Visit to learn more and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. Press Contact: Abigail ThorpeMooney Farms530-899-2661pr@
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bella Sun Luci Goes Global At Gulfood Exposition
CHICO, Calif., June 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Bella Sun Luci product line has expanded to new international markets, continuing its global growth showcased in Dubai at Gulfood 2025. This expansion represents a key milestone in Mooney Farms' continued global growth. From humble beginnings, the Mooney family began selling their products at farmers' markets forty years ago and is now selling internationally. The company's commitment to quality, innovation, and excellence is the key to its success. While sun-dried tomatoes are produced globally, it's Bella Sun Luci's rich, California-grown flavor that's capturing consumer attention and fueling a surge in market demand. This dynamic expansion follows Mooney Farms' successful market entries in the Philippines, Canada, Mexico, and South America. With global demand rising for healthier, cleaner food choices, Bella Sun Luci's California sun-dried tomatoes are striking a chord with international consumers seeking bold flavor and premium quality. Bella Sun Luci sun-dried tomatoes are gaining global attention due to the innovative approach Mooney Farms takes in crafting every jar. The process of making sun-dried tomatoes in California is different from the methods used in other countries. Traditionally, sun-dried tomatoes have an overly salty and pungent taste, often a result of salt-heavy drying techniques. In contrast, Mooney Farms uses a process that creates a naturally sweet sun-dried tomato without added salt. Bella Sun Luci tomatoes are sun-dried in California, never coated in salt, and always packed with the finest ingredients. Mooney Farms' unique technology and drying techniques continue to set its products apart in a growing global market. The result is a sun-dried tomato that's naturally flavorful, rich in antioxidants, and perfectly suited for today's health-forward kitchens. Mooney Farms is a vertically integrated company and oversees every step of the process from seed to jar. They use the finest ingredients in all of their products. Unlike competitors who rely on gas ovens, Mooney Farms harnesses the power of the California sun, using 100% natural energy to dry their tomatoes. Our California sun-dried tomatoes are crafted with unmatched quality. Unlike many other sun-dried tomato products on the market, Bella Sun Luci sun-dried tomatoes are always packed in olive oil—never seed oils—prioritizing the health-conscious choices of today's consumers. The brand's global growth is further fueled by the influence of social media, which has allowed Bella Sun Luci to connect with audiences around the world through recipes, nutrition tips, and culinary inspiration. On this global stage, the brand continues to gain recognition, especially among health-conscious consumers seeking clean, flavorful ingredients. Bella Sun Luci fits perfectly into this growing worldwide demand for healthier food options, offering a premium sun-dried. Founded in 1986, Mooney Farms is a third-generation, certified woman-owned, family company rooted in quality, integrity, and family values. Mooney Farms has grown to be the premier producer of sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil in the United States. Mooney Farms is vertically integrated. The family oversees every step from seed to jar, sourcing all ingredients locally to ensure freshness and exceptional quality in every jar. Their innovation continues to meet the demands of the modern consumer, offering a cleaner, more sustainable option for today's wide variety of recipients. Mooney Farms has a 100,000 square foot facility and 200-year-old olive trees planted among rows of lavender and rosemary, which reflects the family's rich history of the Mediterranean. Its flagship product line, Bella Sun Luci, features premium California-grown and Mediterranean-inspired foods created from authentic family recipes. Bella Sun Luci's sun-dried tomatoes add genuine Mediterranean flavor to homemade appetizers, salads, sandwiches, pizzas, pasta, and more. The Bella Sun Luci line also includes a new 100% olive oil Salad Dressings, Plant-Based Tomato Jerky, Pasta Sauces, Bruschetta Spreads, Bottled Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Risotto, and Marinades. Visit to learn more and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. Press Contact: Abigail ThorpeMooney Farms530-899-2661pr@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Mooney Farms Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
The Mainichi
30-05-2025
- Business
- The Mainichi
'American and Japanese rice farmers can join forces': US ambassador says on exports
TOKYO -- U.S. Ambassador to Japan George Glass, who assumed his position in April, contributed an opinion piece to the Mainichi Shimbun regarding exports of U.S. rice, stating, "American and Japanese rice farmers can join forces to bring relief to Japanese households." Below is the full text. * * * Rice: Easing the Burden on Japanese Consumers By U.S. Ambassador to Japan George Glass My first few weeks in Japan as the U.S. Ambassador have reinforced for me the indispensable role of rice in the national diet. Whether it's part of a lunch bento, a sushi dinner, or an onigiri on the go, rice is eaten at least once a day by most Japanese. So, when the price of that staple increases drastically, every consumer and family is impacted. With a standard 5-kilogram bag of rice now twice as much as it was a year ago, Japanese consumers are having to make hard choices about what they buy and what they eat each day. Since food represents the largest share of monthly spending for Japanese households, the current rice situation is, naturally, causing concern across the country. Americans understand what it feels like when the price of a staple food skyrockets. Last year, the United States faced its own crisis when a bird flu outbreak led to a dramatic surge in egg prices. To help mitigate a shortage, the U.S. government looked for a solution overseas, temporarily sourcing eggs from producers as far away as South Korea and Turkey. Within a remarkably short period, egg supplies stabilized and prices returned to near-normal levels. It was bold and unconventional thinking that averted an even worse situation for American consumers. In contrast, the Japanese public has endured months of rising rice prices. Even the release of emergency stockpiles has failed to ease the burden for the average consumer. Unfortunately, a combination of restrictive domestic production policies, a deficient distribution system, and protectionism have hampered the government's ability to provide immediate relief to Japanese consumers and their strained household budgets. Amid the ongoing difficulties, retailers are doing their best to meet consumer demand. Japan's largest supermarket chain, Aeon, for example, will offer premium California-grown Calrose rice at stores across Japan from June 6. Earlier this month, I hosted an event at the Ambassador's Residence in Tokyo to launch Aeon's new product and commended the retailer for providing its customers with another rice option to help them manage their weekly grocery costs. While many Japanese may not immediately associate rice with America, it has been grown in California for more than a century. Initially using methods learned from Japanese growers, farmers in California now produce high-grade rice varieties that meet the exacting standards of the Japanese market. Getting their Calrose rice on supermarket shelves in Japan, however, can be a bigger challenge. The California farmers receive around $670 (approx. 97,000 yen) per ton for their rice, which is a fair market price. But, by the time the same rice reaches the kitchen of a Japanese family, its price has ballooned to around $5,500 (roughly 800,000 yen) per ton. Multiple charges and costs applied once the rice arrives in Japan add an extra 3,500 yen to a 5-kilogram bag. It's an arrangement with no tangible benefit for the Japanese consumer. Japan's rice challenge has highlighted the urgent need for a trading system that is flexible and responsive to market needs. Reform doesn't mean undermining the livelihoods of Japanese farmers, either. As somebody with roots in farming in my home state of Oregon, I understand the essential role our agricultural sector plays in our economies and communities. I also know what it's like to wake up before dawn and spend all day, whatever the weather, tending to livestock or crops. It's hard work that requires determination and adaptability. Like Japanese farmers, American farmers are proud and dedicated stewards of the land they cultivate and the animals they raise. And just as they deserve to be paid fairly for what they produce, consumers deserve to pay a fair price for it. As last year's egg challenges in the U.S. showed, when a nation's food security is at stake, it takes resourcefulness, ingenuity, and even help from your friends to ensure supply chains are secure and supermarket shelves are stocked. The United States and Japan have a long history of helping each other in times of adversity, just as our two countries have worked together for decades to preserve peace and deliver development to nations across the world. Now, in another example of what we can accomplish as friends and partners, American and Japanese rice farmers can join forces to bring relief to Japanese households.
