Latest News From PRODUCE

U.S. fresh fruit imports nudge higher in 2023
U.S. fresh fruit imports nudge higher in 2023

U.S. fresh and frozen fruit imports reached nearly $20 billion.

Imports of fresh vegetables rise 6%
Imports of fresh vegetables rise 6%

U.S. imports of fresh vegetables showing double-digit increases in 2023 were tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, carrots, okra, radishes and endive.

Save Mart honors Store Manager of the Year
Save Mart honors Store Manager of the Year

Oakdale, Calif., Save Mart store manager Robert Alton was honored for his leadership at the company's 30th Annual Management Awards Gala, which also recognized other store managers.

CEA Alliance adds two to board of directors
CEA Alliance adds two to board of directors

Craig Hurlbert, CEO of Local Bounti, and Andrew Horowitz, North American Director of Strategic Development of KUBO Greenhouse Projects, join the Controlled Environment Agriculture Alliance board of directors.

Senate Appropriations Committee bill would fully fund WIC
Senate Appropriations Committee bill would fully fund WIC

The Fiscal Year 2024 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies Appropriations bill, if approved, would increase WIC spending by $1.03 billion.

As the fresh produce supply chain pursues sustainability, industry says challenges remain
As the fresh produce supply chain pursues sustainability, industry says challenges remain

Growers, packaging companies and a grocer all weigh in on the current state of sustainability and its future role in the fresh produce industry.

Bay Baby Produce to debut Retro-Kins decorative pumpkins
Bay Baby Produce to debut Retro-Kins decorative pumpkins

The company says it will introduce Retro-Kins nationwide this fall, the third installment in the -Kins family of painted and decorative pumpkins and a continuation of its 25th anniversary festivities.

Union workers reject contract, authorize strike, Kroger responds
Union workers reject contract, authorize strike, Kroger responds

Kroger union members in West Virginia, Kentucky and Ohio have authorized a strike, meaning union bargaining committee can call a strike at any moment. Negotiations are ongoing.

Frieda’s to showcase purple sweetpotatoes, dragon fruit at SEPC
Frieda’s to showcase purple sweetpotatoes, dragon fruit at SEPC

The company said it will highlight the popularity of its Stokes Purple sweet potato and how its slate of dragon fruit fit with healthy diets and popular culture.

Local Bounti gets patent for Stack & Flow Technology
Local Bounti gets patent for Stack & Flow Technology

The indoor agriculture company’s indoor agriculture production techniques now patented.

Side Delights to launch Amazables product line at SEPC show
Side Delights to launch Amazables product line at SEPC show

Amazables are oven-crispy-skin-style microwavable U.S. No. 1 grade russet potatoes, available with two custom sauces created exclusively by Litehouse.

Research shows relationship between certain properties and foodborne pathogens in leafy greens
Research shows relationship between certain properties and foodborne pathogens in leafy greens

A university research team looked at temperature and surface properties related to E. coli susceptibility in leafy greens, such as romaine lettuce, green leaf lettuce, spinach, kale and collards.

New Jersey to participate in Summer EBT program
New Jersey to participate in Summer EBT program

New Jersey is one of 35 states that will participate in the USDA’s new Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer program to provide more food availability to children and families in need during the summer months.

Alliance for Sustainable Packaging for Foods says EU research neglects food safety, waste
Alliance for Sustainable Packaging for Foods says EU research neglects food safety, waste

The organization offered a position paper that highlights the relationship between packaging and food safety and food waste.

Potato industry members say it's time to tout nutrition, versatility
Potato industry members say it's time to tout nutrition, versatility

As the potato industry eyes its role in the upcoming Dietary Guidelines for Americans, those in the industry say marketers should focus on nutritional benefits and trends to grow interest among younger shoppers.

Armand Lobato
What chess and produce share when it comes to success

With merchandising and labor demands for March Madness, spring break, Easter and more on the horizon, produce managers should analyze the challenges like a chess grandmaster, says columnist Armand Lobato.

Israeli ag biological company partners with Corteva to license its products
Israeli ag biological company partners with Corteva to license its products

Lavie Bio says the completion of an advanced payment as part of the licensing agreement will now make its products that target fruit rot and powdery mildew available for commercialization by Corteva.

Food Lion launches orange bag campaign to address food insecurity
Food Lion launches orange bag campaign to address food insecurity

The campaign, which runs from Feb. 28 to March 19, benefits Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization, as well as local partner food banks throughout Food Lion’s 10-state operating area.

Lawmakers push for investments in specialty crop mechanization
Lawmakers push for investments in specialty crop mechanization

A bipartisan coalition of 30 U.S. House members is urging Agriculture Committee leaders to prioritize federal support for specialty crop mechanization research and development in the 2024 farm bill.

D’Arrigo California welcomes new sales director
D’Arrigo California welcomes new sales director

As sales director, Henry Dill will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of daily sales operations, enhancing strategic partnerships and implementing initiatives to strengthen customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Convenience, well-being and digitization key to consumer loyalty, industry leaders assert
Convenience, well-being and digitization key to consumer loyalty, industry leaders assert

New research from FMI, Oliver Wyman, and Circana reveals opportunities for food industry partners to meet evolving shopper values.

Sun World hosts first-ever Autumncrisp Symposium
Sun World hosts first-ever Autumncrisp Symposium

Licensed table grape growers from 14 countries took part in the symposium, which focused on global planting plans, local agronomy support, quality assurance, retail relations and an overview of global marketing plans.

South Mill Champs and Grupo APAL partner to expand mushroom production in Mexico
South Mill Champs and Grupo APAL partner to expand mushroom production in Mexico

The partnership will form a 50/50 Mexican joint venture, Royal Champs S. de R.L. de C.V.

IFCO acquires reusable packaging pooling company
IFCO acquires reusable packaging pooling company

Reusable packaging container provider IFCO says it has acquired BEPCO, a reusable packaging pooling company based in Tallinn, Estonia.

IFPA meetings connect school foodservice buyers with produce suppliers
IFPA meetings connect school foodservice buyers with produce suppliers

The International Fresh Produce Association coordinated a series of “speed dating” meetings in late February to connect produce companies with school foodservice officials from several U.S. school districts.

Walmart settles $45M weighted grocery lawsuit
Walmart settles $45M weighted grocery lawsuit

Customers who bought eligible sold-by-weight groceries from Walmart between Oct. 19, 2018, and Jan. 19, 2024, qualify for the settlement. Walmart shoppers have until June 5 to submit a claim.

Verdant Technologies' HarvestHold Fresh shows extended freshness and shelf life in study
Verdant Technologies' HarvestHold Fresh shows extended freshness and shelf life in study

The study found the product’s slow and controlled release of industry-standard 1‑methylcyclopropene to be more effective in extending the shelf life of broccoli compared to traditional in-room 1-MCP applications.

Tops cuts ribbon on newly renovated store
Tops cuts ribbon on newly renovated store

The company said the renovation, which totaled $2 million in enhancements, welcomes shoppers into a warm, engaging environment.

Takeoff and Knapp expand partnership to enhance e-grocery fulfillment
Takeoff and Knapp expand partnership to enhance e-grocery fulfillment

Micro-fulfillment e-grocery solutions provider Takeoff and Knapp said the partnership offers modular solutions for food retailers' automation needs, enabling flexible fulfillment strategies.

$188 million in debt, almond grower declares bankruptcy
$188 million in debt, almond grower declares bankruptcy

Trinitas Farming, an almond grower in the Central Valley cites high borrowing costs, low almond prices and lower production as reasons for its filing.

Driscoll’s new video series highlights sustainability efforts
Driscoll’s new video series highlights sustainability efforts

Building on its One Family video series, the company will release a new mini-series focusing on its growing communities and the company’s values around sustainability.

Agrovision sets sights on sustainability, empowering communities
Agrovision sets sights on sustainability, empowering communities

Los Angeles-based Agrovision, a year-round supplier of berries and cherries, says it's on a mission to intertwine sustainable agribusiness with ecological preservation, societal empowerment and global health improvement.

BeeHero deploys research stations to provide users real-time data
BeeHero deploys research stations to provide users real-time data

The data-driven pollination company said these research stations will offer live-streamed bee activity and bloom progression data to help growers better understand bee activity in their orchards.

Dole to sell its equity stake in Progressive Produce
Dole to sell its equity stake in Progressive Produce

PTF Holdings, the parent company of Pacific Trellis Fruit and a portfolio company of Arable Capital, has agreed to purchase the equity share of Los Angeles-based grower, packer and shipper Progressive Produce.

Pear Bureau Northwest president and CEO to depart
Pear Bureau Northwest president and CEO to depart

Kevin D. Moffitt is set to relinquish day-to-day duties as president and CEO this summer after 35 years with the marketing organization, though he will aid the transition of his successor.

Survey: Growers could add 10.5 million new cover crop acres
Survey: Growers could add 10.5 million new cover crop acres

The American Seed Trade Association surveyed participants of a USDA climate-smart program, and results show growers continue to plant cover crops across many commodities.

Activist group claims European produce shows rising ‘forever chemicals’
Activist group claims European produce shows rising ‘forever chemicals’

The 91-page report from the Pesticide Action Network Europe states the number of European fruit and vegetables with detected PFAS pesticide residues has nearly tripled between 2011 and 2021.

SQFI names 2024 Excellence Awards finalists
SQFI names 2024 Excellence Awards finalists

The Safe Quality Food Institute, a division of FMI — The Food Industry Association, has named six finalists for the 2024 SQF Excellence Awards.

Grant funding, new resources available for food system development
Grant funding, new resources available for food system development

USDA says about $26 million in funding for the Local Agriculture Market Program will aim to help build, coordinate and expand producer-to-consumer marketing, local and regional food markets, and local food enterprises.

Report shows gap between loyalty membership and consumer shopping behavior
Report shows gap between loyalty membership and consumer shopping behavior

Upside's survey highlights the evolving landscape of loyalty programs, revealing gaps in consumer behavior and retailer expectations despite widespread enrollment.

Continental Fresh to showcase Water For All awareness campaign at Southern Exposure
Continental Fresh to showcase Water For All awareness campaign at Southern Exposure

Continental Fresh plans to introduce its Water For All mangoes at the Southeast Produce Council's 2024 Southern Exposure, highlighting the company's PLU with Purpose campaign that supports clean-water initiatives.

Titan Farms launches revamped website
Titan Farms launches revamped website

Titan Farms has introduced a redesigned website highlighting its fresh peach offerings, featuring recipes, nutrition facts, team insights and an interactive timeline.

Honoring the 'face of Colorado potatoes'
Honoring the 'face of Colorado potatoes'

Jim Ehrlich, the 2024 Potato Person of the Year, was recognized for his work advocating for the potato industry in Colorado and nationally. The award is co-sponsored by The Packer and the National Potato Council.

Family ownership to divest Maricopa Orchards, Touchstone Pistachio Co.
Family ownership to divest Maricopa Orchards, Touchstone Pistachio Co.

Following legal battles and declining health, the Assemi family reportedly will seek to sell 52,000 acres of farmland and a nut processing facility.

Forum to explore sustainability in global banana supply chain
Forum to explore sustainability in global banana supply chain

From climate change to labor rights to gender equality, the World Banana Forum is set to explore key sustainability issues impacting the banana industry at the Fourth Global Conference of the World Banana Forum.

FTC files lawsuit against Kroger-Albertson merger
FTC files lawsuit against Kroger-Albertson merger

In a filing, the Federal Trade Commission claims the largest supermarket merger in U.S. history will eliminate competition and raise grocery prices for millions of consumers, while harming tens of thousands of workers.

New National Potato Council report shows $1B export potential
New National Potato Council report shows $1B export potential

The National Potato Council’s latest economic findings show a current $4.78 billion value in economic activity, which could grow by more than 21% with the opening of new market access.

Consumer shopping behavior detailed in special report
Consumer shopping behavior detailed in special report

84.51° has released its "Omnichannel Special Report" that examines consumer behaviors of the unique omnichannel shopper.

Apeel Sciences names new CEO
Apeel Sciences names new CEO

The company says Luiz Beling will work with James Rogers, Apeel’s founder and outgoing CEO, to transition into the new role. Rogers will remain as founder and board member.

Driscoll’s among buyers of Australian produce company
Driscoll’s among buyers of Australian produce company

The Watsonville, Calif.-based berry grower is part of a consortium that has purchased the Costa Group, a leading Australian grower, packer and marketer of fresh fruit and vegetables.