Latest News From PRODUCE

Topics addressed by the proposed rule for mushrooms include sourcing of substrate and spawn in organic mushroom production and composting requirements for organic mushroom production.

The funds, awarded to the International Labor Organization, support the use of systems to promote fundamental labor rights and acceptable work conditions, including an end to forced labor in supply chains.

Michelle Carter, who was hired in July 2006 as a sales and marketing assistant, will now oversee all communication strategies for Meridian Growers.

Inspired by wine flights, where patrons experience a tasting flight of multiple varietals, this retail program offers consumers the opportunity to discover the flavor profiles and vibrant colors of each variety.

The company says the packaging change reduces plastics use by 25% and that it hopes to roll it out for other pints by the end of the year.

Digital farm management provider CropX Technologies has unveiled an API integration with WiseConn to improve data gathering and analytics for farmers.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection said its officers discovered 574 suspected packages of methamphetamine with an estimated street value in the millions of dollars.

Controlled environment agriculture continues to grow in Texas. While many growers see the state’s strategic location for distribution as an advantage to setting up shop, it’s more than just location, says one executive.

Equitable Food Initiative has released an updated communications toolkit in preparation for Farmworker Awareness Week, which is held March 25-31 annually.

The new quarantine includes portions of Los Angeles, San Diego and Ventura counties.

Industry veteran Glenn Beckham, 77, of Bettendorf, Iowa, died March 12 after a courageous battle with health complications due to diabetes. 

The Save Mart Cos. has become the first California grocer to partner with Flashfood, an app that connects shoppers with fresh produce and other groceries at up to 50% off.

James "Jim" M. Kelly, executive vice president, is retiring after 41 years with the company.

The company was honored with the Organic Company of the Year award at the 2024 Natural Products Expo West trade show.

The allegations relate to what the National Council of Agricultural Employers said was coercion of vulnerable workers and misuse of the USDA Farm and Food Worker Relief Grant Program.

The Sacramento Bee reports the cooperative of more than 3,000 almond growers faces heightened pressure and that the move is intended to help it stay profitable.

The flexible packaging and material science company said the acquisition of the Michigan-based recycled kraft paper manufacturer will help boost environmentally friendly packaging products.

International Fresh Produce Association CEO Cathy Burns joined fellow industry leaders to discuss agricultural policy and sustainability at the Agri-Pulse 2024 Ag & Food Policy Summit in Washington, D.C., March 18.

Hurricanes last fall, recent drought and other factors have held back some fresh produce output in Mexico in recent months, but the value of U.S. imports from the country continues to climb. 

The 11th edition of the event drew controlled environment agriculture industry members from 49 U.S. states and over 30 countries.

A marketing campaign for TX1015 sweet onions will feature promotions including a sweepstakes, social media giveaways and restaurant events.

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has come up with a plethora of ways to promote the state’s fruits and vegetables through the Fresh From Florida retail promotion this spring.

The sanctions include suspending the businesses’ PACA licenses and barring the principal operators of the businesses from engaging in PACA-licensed business or other activities without approval from USDA.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

Mishandling an inbound produce load can make the work done before its arrival all for naught — and it's a recipe for rapidly declining quality, unsatisfied customers and increased shrink, says columnist Armand Lobato.

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.

Investment in vertical farming was down in 2023, but there should be optimism about the future of the CEA leafy greens industry — and tech has a role in it — strategy consultant Craig Carlson says in this guest column.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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