Welcome to the G&S Online Newsletter!

The newsletter was last updated:  December 11, 2008 – 5:00 p.m.

News From the Packinghouse

After several weeks of packing, we are pleased to report that all is running smoothly and that our relationship with the Association continues to be strong and going well.  The quality and grade of the fruit harvested this year is exceptional and holding up nicely.   Unfortunately, rain has affected several of our harvesting areas today which may potentially slow us down some.  As you are aware, the economy is on a downward trend.  If you are experiencing lower than normal sales, don’t feel as if you are alone as we are receiving reports of low sales industry wide.

New Box Design –

We are now eco-friendly as we have redesigned our shipping cartons to utilize 100% recycled fiber.  The new cartons resemble wooden crates and we are thrilled with the new look.  We took delivery of several styles early this week and began utilizing them immediately.   By switching to these recycled fiber cartons, we are saving trees, oil, water and electric energy; which is information we encourage you to share with your customers.    In addition, we have changed the packing material in our apple and pear packs from shredded grass to foam.  We have also implemented a new method to store this delicate fruit.  In lieu of having apples and pears delivered every other week, causing breaks in refrigeration by loading and unloading, we have elected to pick-up the fruit utilizing a refrigerated semi.  We then store the fruit in this same unit and pull from the unit as needed.  With these changes, we hope to better protect the soft skin of the pears and reduce the number of replacements on these particular packs. 

Tracking of Gift Orders –

We are excited to report that the tracking program on G&S’ web site is up and running.  We are very pleased to offer 24/7 tracking capability to our customers for the first time in G&S Packing Company history.  If you haven’t had an opportunity to use this function yet, we encourage you to check it out at www.gspacking.com.  Please be advised that you will need to enter your 6 digit account number followed by the 8 digit order number and the 3 digit suffix, excluding spaces and dashes.   This service is available to our retail customers and we ask that you not provide it to your individual buyers.  There is a fee for each tracking which G&S will cover.    

“Lone Star” Program –

Just a reminder that the last date to place citrus orders through the Lone Star program is 5:00 p.m. on Monday, December 15^th.   Please be sure to use the proper style number for these packs.  Several customers have input style numbers for  regular packs and simply lists that the pack is to be shipped to a restricted state.  This may cause delays in shipments.  There will be no future shipments of citrus to Texas, California, and Louisiana after this date.  This program has proved to be a success and we are pleased so many of you were able to offer it to your customers. 

Post Card Programs -

Please be advised that the Honeybell announcement post cards will be mailed beginning December 12^th  through December 20^th.   This will inform the recipient that a loved one has ordered a gift of Honeybells as a Christmas gift, and that it will be delivered during Honeybell Season. 

Please don’t forget about our “It’s not too late for Christmas” program as well.  We ask that you encourage your customers to place orders for Christmas gifts even after the cut-off dates.  Inform them that a postcard will be forwarded to the recipient explaining that a gift is coming and will be delivered some time during the holidays.  These particular post cards will be mailed beginning December 18^th through December 20^th. 

Citrus Greening -

We have received questions from customers regarding citrus greening which was generated by recent news coverage.  The Florida Department of Citrus has provided the following messaging for you to pass on to your customers if and when questions arise:. 

• Florida citrus products are delicious and healthy.  Fresh citrus fruit and 100% orange and grapefruit juices are rich in vitamin C and provide additional important nutrients. 
• Florida citrus products are among the safest in the world.  Citrus products undergo federal and state inspection before reaching the market. 
• According to the UDSA, citrus greening “specifically attacks citrus plants and presents NO THREAT to humans or animals”.  Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Factsheet, March 2007 
• The Florida Department of Citrus has committed $20 million to support citrus disease research and find solutions to greening. 

If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact the Florida Department of Citrus at 863-499-2500 or info@citrus.state.fl.us.

Special Points –

If you are interested, zip codes for special points (areas of limited delivery) will be provided upon request.  Feel free to contact our customer service department at 800-949-9074.

Customer Service Department Hours –

The Customer Service Department will continue to be available to take your calls Monday through Friday; 8:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday; 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

Available Varieties -

Tangerines

Orlando Tangelos

Navel Oranges

Red Navel Oranges

Ruby Red Grapefruit

White Grapefruit

This newsletter is long, but we trust you will find it very informative.

We hope your holidays are as sweet as Florida citrus!! 

Sincerely,

The G&S Family