Latest News From PRODUCE

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Ecuador is by far the leading supplier of organic bananas to the U.S., accounting for 50% of total U.S. organic banana value in 2023, according to trade numbers from the USDA.

Exhibitor booths echoed the Southeast Produce Council's Southern Exposure trade show and conference's theme of "Unseen Heroes."

The campaign aims to educate shoppers about healthier and sustainable ways to eat, live and shop. Those who buy Bolthouse Farms juice at select Walmart stores will receive a coupon for Back to the Roots garden seed.

Fresh produce had one of the strongest performances in 2023, said Anne-Marie Roerink of 210 Analytics during "The Power of Produce 2024” session at the Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure conference, March 8.

During SEPC's Southern Exposure event, author Kevin Brown mentioned the adage that heroes are ordinary people doing extraordinary things — and explained why that's not exactly right.

Brighter Bites, with DoorDash support, says it is expanding a Produce Rx program, delivering fresh produce to families for better health outcomes and tackling food insecurity.

The sanctions include barring the business and the principal operators of the business from engaging in Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act-licensed business or other activities without approval from USDA.

Brittany Hansen, impact officer with Viiision, a blockchain technology provider, spoke with The Packer about her company’s technology and how it can help those in the produce industry.

Biome Makers said it pairs artificial intelligence with its soil database to decode soil biology and provide growers with more actionable information.

Celebrations and creative arts will highlight the human rights progress achieved through the Fair Food Program, while emphasizing efforts to expand those gains to U.S. farmworkers beyond the program’s protections.

Vidalia Onion Committee says Delbert Bland was selected for this honor based on his commitment to promoting and protecting the Vidalia onion brand.

In this podcast episode, the National Potato Council's Kam Quarles and Bob Mattive and Kelly Turner of Potato Growers of Michigan discuss the importance of potatoes in dietary guidelines, economic impacts and more.

Kroger has reported $37.1 billion in fourth-quarter sales, while total company sales for 2023 were at $150 billion.

Aldi plans to add 800 U.S. stores by the end of 2028 through a combination of new openings and store conversions. The company says it will invest more than $9 billion over the next five years for its national expansion.

The proposed rule that would raise the assessment rate for tomatoes grown in Florida from 2.5 cents to 3.5 cents per 25-pound carton. Comments on the proposal can be submitted until April 8.

The Securities and Exchange Commission has scrapped a plan to mandate tracking of greenhouse gas emissions that originate throughout supply chains, down to family farms.

Sekoya is an in-demand variety platform that retailers ask for by name, having earned a reputation for excellence thanks to its consistently high-quality blueberries, says the family-owned greenhouse business.

When pursuit of a sought-after position doesn't go as expected, Plan B isn't necessarily a lesser option. Columnist Armand Lobato shares the lessons one produce pro learned in taking a step down in order to move up.

The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research and The Organic Center say the awards fund much-needed training, technical support and innovative climate research.

The proposed Food Traceability Enhancement Act seeks to make targeted improvements to the rule that are necessary for more feasible industry compliance while continuing to enhance food safety.

For every pound of Little Smoochies mandarins purchased at North Carolina Harris Teeter locations from March 6-12, Consalo Family Farms will donate a pound of mandarin oranges to a food bank.

Greater Rochester American Advertising Federation recognized NYAA's "The Big Flavor" campaign, and the New York Agricultural Society honored the association's communication efforts.

Little Bear Produce Executive Vice President Bret Erickson discusses how Center for Produce Safety research projects have informed the Edinburg, Texas-based company's food safety efforts.

The class comprises 17 professionals set to gain industry insights through diverse opportunities, blending field experiences with classroom seminars on topics like food safety and leadership development.

Sev-Rend has introduced tray sealing film, a flexible plastic packaging material for fresh produce intended to ensure food freshness and safety.

Nominations for excellence in sustainability marketing are being accepted for The Best of SPS Marketing Awards through May 10, 2024. Winners will be announced live at the 2024 Sustainable Produce Summit.

Bobby Chacko succeeds Andrea Montagna, who has stepped down after serving as the company's CEO since 2021.

Four school districts in Alaska, Iowa, Maine, and Ohio received awards for innovative efforts to improve the nutritional quality of meals for students.

Spearheaded by the Allred family, co-owners of CMI Orchards and sole proprietors of Royal Family Farming, the partnership seeks to transform byproducts from orchards, row crops and more into high-quality soil amendments.

The company is making a significant change to enhance the recyclability of its mushroom packaging by incorporating NIR sortable material in its rPET thermoformed tills.

Called VPick and VPack, the systems use artificial-intelligence vision systems to enhance warehouse efficiency and reliability, the company says.

Equifruit did not become a North American market leader for Fairtrade-certified bananas by being boringly conventional.

Whole Foods Market Daily Shop is a quick-shop format set to launch this year. With a footprint ranging from a quarter to half of an average Whole Foods Market store, it aims to offer convenience to urban neighborhoods.

The website highlights North Country Growers' sustainability initiatives, its premium lettuce varieties and its team.

Walmart says it will offer an Easter meal that can serve up to 10 people and is available for an average price of less than $8 per person.

The Kingsville, Ontario-based company said the new offering will make its debut at the Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure event, set for March 7-9 in Tampa, Fla.