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 USDA lifts PACA reparation sanctions on Texas produce company
USDA lifts PACA reparation sanctions on Texas produce company

The McAllen, Texas, company has met obligations outlined in the reparation order issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act and is now free to operate in the produce industry, USDA said.

Save A Lot names chief development officer
Save A Lot names chief development officer

Bill Mayo spent the past 29 years at Wakefern Food Corp. As chief development officer, Mayo will lead the strategic growth of Save A Lot’s licensed retail business to support and strengthen the Save A Lot brand.

Maryland expands spotted lanternfly quarantine
Maryland expands spotted lanternfly quarantine

The state’s department of agriculture added 17 counties to control the spread of the invasive insect.

2024 NGA Show concludes with record attendance, sold-out expo hall
2024 NGA Show concludes with record attendance, sold-out expo hall

Organizers said 3,600 grocery professionals participated in the three-day event, the largest in the National Grocers Association's 42-year history.

Inspiration on the agenda: The Viva Fresh ‘Clean Eating Challenge'
Inspiration on the agenda: The Viva Fresh ‘Clean Eating Challenge'

Now in its fifth year, the Viva Fresh Clean Eating Challenge supports industry peers taking the challenge to eat more fruits and vegetables, while making the meaningful first steps to improve their health and lives.

Research examines intelligent systems to prevent freeze damage
Research examines intelligent systems to prevent freeze damage

A research team at Penn State University looks to use real-time data and an unmanned vehicle to better target heat in orchards during freeze events.

Strong Texas onion crop expected
Strong Texas onion crop expected

Barring unforeseen weather events, Texas spring onion season is expected to feature plenty of good-quality product, growers say.

TIPA adds new VP, general manager
TIPA adds new VP, general manager

Rodrigo Castaneda, who joins the company with more than 25 years of experience in various industries, is expected to help expand the company’s presence.

University of Florida researchers look to extend artichoke shelf life
University of Florida researchers look to extend artichoke shelf life

A new research project hopes to identify genetic markers to breed artichokes for improved storage.

How the apple industry is navigating the rising cost of business
How the apple industry is navigating the rising cost of business

In this "Tip of the Iceberg" podcast, Jim Bair, president and CEO of the U.S. Apple Association, talks rising food prices, slowing grower returns and the current challenges to maintaining a profitable apple business.

Viva Fresh poised for a hit in Houston
Viva Fresh poised for a hit in Houston

For the first time, the Texas International Produce Association will bring its dynamic Viva Fresh Expo to Houston. While the event is in a new venue with new ideas, the old favorites are also on the schedule.  

Alpine Fresh showcases Sweet Karoline blackberries at South Beach Wine and Food Festival
Alpine Fresh showcases Sweet Karoline blackberries at South Beach Wine and Food Festival

Grower, shipper and marketer Alpine Fresh introduced its newest blackberry variety, Sweet Karoline, to over 26,000 foodies, chefs and restauranteurs at the recent South Beach Wine and Food Festival in Miami.

USDA offers more than $40M for organic market developments
USDA offers more than $40M for organic market developments

The department said the grant funding will impact more than 27,000 organic producers and 31.8 million consumers.

Food Lion says it diverted over 80% of its waste this past year
Food Lion says it diverted over 80% of its waste this past year

In spotlighting strides in sustainability efforts, the grocer reported progress in waste diversion and recycling various materials and food, while also making donations to support food-insecure communities.

Seen and heard at SEPC's Southern Exposure 2024 — Part 7
Seen and heard at SEPC's Southern Exposure 2024 — Part 7

The energy and enthusiasm at Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure 2024 filled the Tampa Convention Center — as did a host of new products, promotions and packaging from the world of fresh produce.

Data Opens Up New Solutions At The Farm Gate
Data Opens Up New Solutions At The Farm Gate

Whether it's planting, spraying, soil sampling or harvesting, new tools are turning the information you collect into actionable insights.

Smallhold files for bankruptcy
Smallhold files for bankruptcy

The Brooklyn, N.Y.-based mushroom grower plans to streamline operations, its marketing director told The Packer. Smallhold's co-founder announced his departure in February.

California produce organizations present lifetime achievement award
California produce organizations present lifetime achievement award

The California Table Grape Commission and the California Fresh Fruit Association recently honored Anthony Vineyards co-founder Domenick “Cookie” Bianco.

How Fyffes is emphasizing its organic banana segment
How Fyffes is emphasizing its organic banana segment

"By targeting this expanding market segment, we aim to attract consumers who prioritize health and are environmentally conscious ..." said Ahiby Rodriguez, trade marketing manager for Fyffes North America.

ProducePay unveils Visibility solution to improve transparency, reduce food waste
ProducePay unveils Visibility solution to improve transparency, reduce food waste

Agtech company ProducePay says Visibility gives buyers the ability to monitor and manage produce shipments via a digital dashboard on the ProducePay platform.

Wish Farms and Publix help North Carolina food bank
Wish Farms and Publix help North Carolina food bank

Monetary donations and more are helping the food bank provide healthy and fresh food to underserved families.

Seen and heard at SEPC's Southern Exposure 2024 — Part 6
Seen and heard at SEPC's Southern Exposure 2024 — Part 6

Check out these booth tour videos to learn more about some of the exhibitors at the Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure event.

Markon adds veteran produce executive
Markon adds veteran produce executive

Brian Jameson will lead Markon’s multi-unit sales team that supports its member distributors in developing and deploying cohesive produce programs that include the company's three brands.

National Restaurant Association Show to spotlight FABI Awards recipients
National Restaurant Association Show to spotlight FABI Awards recipients

The 2024 FABI Awards are honoring 35 innovative products shaping the future of food and beverage, with 10 earning the esteemed title of FABI Favorites.

GS1 US offers new FSMA 204 resources
GS1 US offers new FSMA 204 resources

These resources include documents and an online learning platform aimed at those in retail and foodservice.

Start date set for Vidalia onion packing
Start date set for Vidalia onion packing

Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper and the Vidalia Onion Committee have revealed April 17 as the official pack date this season.

Sun World International hails successes in intellectual property cases
Sun World International hails successes in intellectual property cases

Sun World International LLC says Italian courts ruled in favor of the company in four recent infringement lawsuits against unlicensed growers who unlawfully produced and sold Sun World grape varieties.

Survey: Political leanings color food inflation expectations
Survey: Political leanings color food inflation expectations

The Purdue University survey evaluated consumer expectations for food prices and how they correlate with other consumer perceptions, behaviors and characteristics.

DoorDash partners with more grocers to expand SNAP/EBT payment offerings
DoorDash partners with more grocers to expand SNAP/EBT payment offerings

With the newest additions, over 6,000 locations nationwide will support SNAP/EBT payment capabilities on DoorDash for on-demand delivery of eligible grocery items, the company says.

Seen and heard at SEPC's Southern Exposure 2024 — Part 5
Seen and heard at SEPC's Southern Exposure 2024 — Part 5

From product introductions to relationship building, exhibitors shared their recent highlights at the Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure trade show.

Syngenta’s active greenhouse business to sell direct to the U.S. and Canada
Syngenta’s active greenhouse business to sell direct to the U.S. and Canada

The company says the distribution model change gives growers direct communication with Syngenta’s technical experts, as well as personalized customer service from crop planning to harvest.

Titan Farms extends peach season through partnership
Titan Farms extends peach season through partnership

The Ridge Spring, S.C.-based company says a collaboration with the Borquez family in the Mexican state of Sonora will bring early access to the market with the first peaches harvested in the Northern Hemisphere.

Expert shares tips on unlocking the power of conscious leadership
Expert shares tips on unlocking the power of conscious leadership

Leadership development expert Vaishali Jadhav discussed the value that conscious leaders bring to their team and company during the Global Organic Produce Expo.

Circana lead discusses how to connect with the conscious consumer
Circana lead discusses how to connect with the conscious consumer

Alex Kalausich, produce lead for the fresh foods group at Circana, kicked off this year's Global Organic Produce Expo with a look at fresh produce trends and how those trends apply specifically to the organic market.

GOPEX panel breaks down the Strengthening Organic Enforcement rule
GOPEX panel breaks down the Strengthening Organic Enforcement rule

With the USDA's Strengthening Organic Enforcement rule going into effect March 19, Organic Trade Association co-CEO Matt Dillon led a panel discussion to help attendees understand actionable items ahead of enforcement.

How vendors can foster strong retailer relationships
How vendors can foster strong retailer relationships

What makes a good retail partnership? A panel of retailers discussed what they really want — and don't want — from vendors at GOPEX 2024.

Apple holdings in March up 35% over same time last year
Apple holdings in March up 35% over same time last year

A U.S. Apple Association report shows apple holdings for March are also 25% higher than the five-year average for the month.

GOPEX panel asks, 'Are you FSMA 204 ready?'
GOPEX panel asks, 'Are you FSMA 204 ready?'

Panelists at the Global Organic Produce Expo shared insight on becoming traceability compliant as part of the Food Safety Modernization Act.

Why Florida growers anticipate a productive spring produce season
Why Florida growers anticipate a productive spring produce season

An unusually wet fall/winter deal hasn't dampended the outlook for grower-shippers in the Sunshine State.

Seen and heard at SEPC's Southern Exposure 2024  — Part 4
Seen and heard at SEPC's Southern Exposure 2024 — Part 4

TAMPA, Fla. — Sustainability and sustainable packaging solutions were hot topics at the recent Southeast Produce Council's Southern Exposure event at the Tampa Convention Center, March 7-9.

GLC Cerritos hires sustainability director
GLC Cerritos hires sustainability director

The avocado grower-shipper says the newly created position will evaluate current sustainability initiatives within the company and define a strategy for future projects.

Sev-Rend appoints sales director for Texas and Southeastern U.S.
Sev-Rend appoints sales director for Texas and Southeastern U.S.

The Collinsville, Ill.-based packaging manufacturer says Nathan Wise has joined the company, having previously served as a sales manager for Tosca Ltd.

Inflation ticks higher in February
Inflation ticks higher in February

The all-items index rose 3.2% for the 12 months ending February, a greater rise than the 3.1% increase for the 12 months ending January, according to a Bureau of Labor Statistics report.

Mission Produce notes improved performance across all segments
Mission Produce notes improved performance across all segments

Mission Produce reported a 21% increase in revenue for its first quarter 2024 financial results, while also experiencing growth in mango and blueberry revenues.

Boosting consumption aim of Consumer Connection Conference
Boosting consumption aim of Consumer Connection Conference

The Consumer Connection Conference, a driver in efforts to boost fruit and vegetable consumption, will welcome leaders in produce, nutrition and lifestyle from April 29 to May 1 in Phoenix.

Seen and heard at SEPC's Southern Exposure 2024 — Part 3
Seen and heard at SEPC's Southern Exposure 2024 — Part 3

Highlights of the Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure included a keynote presentation by a Super Bowl-winning quarterback, booths touting the industry's "unseen heroes" and a lot of eye-catching produce.

New Zealand Jazz apple season begins
New Zealand Jazz apple season begins

T&G Global says the company and its independent growers will collectively pick over 4 million tray carton equivalents of apples this year, including its premium Jazz and Envy apple brands.

5 grocery retail trends to watch in 2024
5 grocery retail trends to watch in 2024

Kroger's retail data science arm says these five key trends are reshaping the grocery shopper experience: Holistic health, engaging experience, flexible shopping, personalization and simple efficiency.

Index Fresh expects consistent crop, size for California avocados
Index Fresh expects consistent crop, size for California avocados

The company says it will offer both Gem and hass avocados as the season kicks off in the Golden State.

Seen and heard at SEPC's Southern Exposure 2024 — Part 2
Seen and heard at SEPC's Southern Exposure 2024 — Part 2

TAMPA, Fla. — Flavorful and convenient snacking innovation was a key trend at the recent Southeast Produce Council's Southern Exposure event at the Tampa Convention Center, March 7-9.