Latest News From The Packer

Hatice Evren will serve as U.S. Group CEO, overseeing Getir and FreshDirect, while Sloan Eddleston has been appointed FreshDirect CEO.

Village Farms Fresh recently partnered with home improvement series, “Military Makeover,” hosted by Montel Williams.

The Pharr, Texas-based company says the bags will be available for organic and conventional avocados beginning in late 2023.

The growing season has been excellent for Washington apples, says Robb Myers, and that is just the start of the good news.

IFPA attendees can sample and experience chef-inspired, grab-and-go salads utilizing Local Bounti's sustainably and locally grown lettuces.

Fresh Solutions Network, exclusive farmers and suppliers of the Side Delights brand of fresh potatoes and onions, invite retailers who want to see the new packaging line in person to join us at booth no. 2162.

Retailers can stop by the redesigned Zespri booth #2487 to meet with regional and international staff and learn how Zespri SunGold Kiwi is driving the category to new levels. 

Big Chief Sunpie Barnes and Chief Zohar Isreal will be joining the I Love Produce team at its booth #1504 to help promote its annual OctGarlicFest Halloween promotion, the release stated.

The Pretty Lady Vineyards team will be featuring their premium California Table grapes at the revamped IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show in Orlando, Fla.

With IFPA’s Global Show fast approaching, the Watsonville, Calif.-based company is eager to showcase its offering of high-quality strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries.

Watsonville, Calif., - based Well-Pict tradeshow crew will be in Orlando for the IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show at the Orange County Convention Center, according to a news release.

Village Fresh Farms will be hosting artist Shirley Chapman at booth 3643 of the International Fresh Produce Association's first annual Global Produce and Floral Show Oct. 27-28.

Mann Packing Co., Inc, a subsidiary of Fresh Del Monte N.A., Inc. is relaunching its stringless sugar snap peas in redesigned packaging to modernize the look and feel of the brand.

Anthony Mazzuca has been promoted to vice president of sales strategy and Steve Souza will now serve as director of product management.

Kwik Lok is introducing its new 865B at the International Floral and Produce Association (IFPA) show in Orlando, Fla., Oct. 27-29, 2022.

Rexburg, Idaho-based Wilcox Fresh expands its supply of Idaho potatoes by acquiring heirloom fingerling grower and shipper, Southwind Farms.

Volumes are steady and should remain this way with no interruptions through October, says Marco Serrano, sales rep for Fresh Farms.

In Q4 of 2022, BizMatch Plus will feature five key commodities and categories that have been specifically requested by participating buyers.

Hy-Vee, Inc., has earned GreenChill recognition from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its work to reduce refrigerant emissions and decrease its environmental impact.

Potato retail sales increased in dollar sales but decreased in volume sales from July 2021 - June 2022, compared to the same timeframe a year ago.

Running through March 2023, the episodes will feature voices from across fresh produce discussing topics from mental health and workplace safety to the importance of diversity and more.

For the California Avocado Commission, social media outreach is one of its most effective means of engaging with its target consumer audience.

The Oppenheimer Group’s Oceanside Pole label is increasing its roma crop this season, according to a news release.

The Yuma, Ariz., based date broker, grower and wholesaler's Sweet and Salty Almond Mini Medjools won Good Housekeeping Healthy Snack Award for "Best Dates".

The company has been named to Corporate Knights inaugural Future 50: The Fastest Growing Sustainable Companies in Canada.

The two-day event kicked off with attendees and exhibitors taking to the golf course and pickleball courts at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort and Spa in Palm Desert, Calif.

“We work hard, and we play hard. We wanted to have a little fun," said Blake Belknap, vice president of sales for Rainier Fruit. 

Fresh Express president John P. Olivo announced, in a news release, a new consumer social media awareness campaign and revitalized sustainability initiative in recognition of Earth Day 2022. 

Good Foods has announced its latest hire, Tim Meskill, who will take on the role of vice president of club strategy to support strategic growth plans for the brand’s perspective and current club retail partners.

The Packer and PMG announce the launch of ProduceEDU, an online education platform offering courses tailored for both the buy-side and supply-side audiences of the produce industry.

This season’s ads feature visuals that point to the “CA” in the middle of the word “avocados, and audio and other ads that call out the play on words in their taglines.

Fyffes has announced the appointment of Áine McElroy as marketing executive with responsibility for the coordination of marketing activities for bananas and pineapples in Ireland.

Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. has been named one of America’s Most Trusted Companies of 2022 by Newsweek.

Here are the top 10 commodities searched for on Produce Market Guide in 2021.

Castroville, Calif.-based Ocean Mist Farms is celebrating its 98th year of growing artichokes in the Castroville, Calif., region.

The Packer will once again honor excellence in sustainability marketing by companies throughout the fresh produce supply chain by presenting the second annual Best of SPS Marketing Awards.

Registration for the West Coast Produce Expo (WCPE) golf tournament is now open and spots are filling up fast.

Much like St. Patrick’s Day, WCPE is widely known for its lively networking and all-around good cheer. We’re counting down the many instances of green that attendees will experience.

Patrick Kelly, Ross Nelson and Dan Avakian weigh in on their thoughts and experiences at The Global Organic Produce Expo.

In a Q&A with The Packer, Amanda Griffin, VP of education and events specialist with the NABC discussed marketing advice, goals for the produce industry and what favorite activities are getting her through the pandemic.

The Packer is seeking nominations for the 2022 Canadian Produce Person of Year. Do you know a worthy candidate?

After four decades of dedication to his career, editor Tom Karst is moving to an editor emeritus position as a capstone of creating best-in-class content for the produce industry’s most respected publication.

The next BizMatch Plus session, which will be focused on asparagus, is scheduled for Thursday, January 20, 2022.

The year 2021 was a rough one and brought no “back to normal”. For many 2021 wasn't much better than 2020. Take a trip back in time with us and explore 2021's top 10 fruit and vegetable news.

Panel discussions, one-on-one networking and a performance by 80s cover band Flashback Heart Attack will be just some of the highlights of GOPEX, going on Jan. 31 – Feb. 2.

A special offer for Indoor AgCon attendees - Download The Packer’s 2021 Sustainability Insights magazine today!

The Packer caught up with Potandon Produce’s Marketing Manager Dan Fitzgerald to discuss the innovation and market penetration behind One Step …. Done!

Patrick Kelly tells us about how he got into the produce industry, his best marketing advice, the story of how his dog was named and so much more. 

The Packer is on the scene again. This time in Nogales, Ariz. Here are a few photos from our visit.

The Packer is on the scene in Wenatchee, Wash. Our first stop is Stemilt and our second is at CMI Orchards. Here are a few photos.