Latest News From Regional Markets

Excessive rainfall hurt some of the fall corn, squash and cucumber crops in Connecticut but doesn’t seem to have had much of an impact on apples.

Business remains brisk in the St. Louis market as produce distributors tweak their product lines to add traditional fall items.

D’Arrigo New York’s online platform allows a customer to place an order directly into the ProducePro system, where the entire product lineup can be found.

Colorado's San Luis Valley, a heavy hitter in fresh potato production, is poised for another strong season.

“The revised estimate for the California crop is 71.9 million 19-pound boxes,” said California Table Grape Commission President Kathleen Nave. “The last time the crop was under 75 million boxes was 1994.”

Business seems to be going strong for most produce distributors in the Boston area this summer. See what they say is likely to happen as a new season approaches.

Over the last 12 months, U.S. potato export values have increased almost 20%, or $2.2 billion, with a new Mexican export market fueling growth, according to a Potatoes USA report.

While the Golden State is producing almost two-thirds of peaches grown in the U.S., it’s harvest yields have been steadily declining for two decades, according to a USDA report.

The California-based fresh produce licenser has appointed two new directors and added three new regional leaders to its team to support its fruit portfolio expansion.

Overall domestic apple production is anticipated to beat last year’s production, despite notable shifts in the top apple-producing states.

The organic importer says it’s delivering a steady supply of ginger from Peru into a tight market this year.

The first shipment of citrus imports from South Africa and South America has arrived, says importer William H. Kopke Jr.

For many producers, growing garlic is a long game and this year’s domestic crop is finally experiencing favorable market conditions due to softening global import supplies.

Growers in the Lone Star State’s Rio Grande Valley, Winter Garden and West Texas growing regions are enjoying solid yields and increased moisture compared to last year’s brutal drought conditions.

Stemilt's Artisan Organics brand is kicking off its summer season with Washington-grown organic apricots, nectarines and peaches.

California Giant Berry Farms is anticipating promotable yields of blueberries out of Oregon, British Columbia and Washington state in July and August.

“We are closer than we have ever been to funding a project that means so much to our nation’s food infrastructure,” said Phillip Grant, CEO of the Hunts Point Produce Market.

The Citrus Committee of ASOEX has predicted 345,000 tons of citrus exports for the 2023 season, with U.S. markets remaining the top destination for shipments.

Sun World and Divine Flavor have confirmed a strategic collaboration agreement that they say could alter table grape imports to North American markets.

Eastern Produce Council’s John McAleavey Annual Gala is set for April 1.

The Texas International Produce Association In Bloom Women’s Committee is set to host a game show-inspired event, “Challenge Accepted!” at Viva Fresh, followed by a special event for young industry professionals.

The 35th annual farm conference convenes from Feb. 26 to Mar. 6 throughout California, uniting small-scale farmers and ranchers across the state.

The newly opened, 97,000-square-foot Lake Austin H-E-B has underlined the Texas grocer’s commitment to creating rich in-store experiences, boasting two-levels, an expansive produce department and multiple restaurants.

The Irvine, Calif-based avocado commission has forecast 257 million pounds of avocados for the 2022-23 harvest season, a slight decrease from last year’s volume.

The USDA has extended the deadline to Jan. 6, 2023, for submission of the Regional Food Business Centers Request for Applications (RFA). 

The future of Hunts Point Produce Market — open every day and moving some 2.5 billion pounds of produce each year — is uncertain.

Just before Thanksgiving, Hunts Point Produce Market in the Bronx, N.Y., distributed almost 30 million pounds of produce — on a single day.

After two difficult years thwarted by extreme weather, Texas citrus growers are anticipating a steady 2022-23 season with strong demand.

Hunts Point Produce Market stands to benefit from New York City Eric Adams' food-focused health initiatives as well as promising money-backed progression toward a much-needed market overhaul.

While a preliminary snapshot of the losses to Florida agriculture, this initial assessment is "a critical first step in the process of securing federal disaster aid," said Commissioner of Agriculture Nikki Fried.

As Canada’s second-largest producer of fruits and vegetables, the province of Quebec is home to 650 vegetable growers and more than 3,500 businesses devoted to fruit and vegetable production.

St. Paul, Minn.-based Northwestern Fruit Co. Inc. will kick off the fall with an extensive assortment of products, including local and homegrown zucchini, yellow squash, corn, green beans and peppers.

NEW YORK — The market that supplies 25% of New York City’s fresh produce is getting another financial shot in the arm toward solving the challenge of redeveloping the hub’s outdated infrastructure.

Sales are on the rise and fob prices on many items remain strong as Twin Cities-area produce suppliers prepare for what looks to be a promising fall-winter season.

Like other produce suppliers, Boston companies have felt the impact of inflation. Freight costs to Boston from California are up 20% to 25%, said Steven Piazza, managing partner at Community-Suffolk Inc.

Despite the challenges of inflation and the residual effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, business overall seems to be strong for produce suppliers in the Boston area market.

Produce suppliers in Michigan and throughout the industry are struggling to cope with ever-increasing freight costs. 

Things may have gotten off to a slow start in some areas, but it appears business will be booming during late summer and fall for Michigan produce suppliers.

Ohio-based retail giant Kroger is seeking to strengthen its position in grocery delivery.

DNO Produce is growing its fresh cut capacity to meet expanding demand, says Marissa Dake, director of communications and public affairs for the Columbus, Ohio-based company. 

It is not a predictable time for Ohio restaurant operators, says John Barker, president and CEO of the Ohio Restaurant Association.

The new Got to Be NC logo is part of the latest branding campaign designed to promote fresh produce and more from North Carolina.

NEW YORK — Hunts Point Produce Market has needed modernizing — a serious, comprehensive update to its infrastructure — for at least 50 years.

The fields of this Midwestern state are a smorgasbord of more than 200 types of produce.

NEW YORK — Hunts Point Produce Market will get the funding long needed to update its aging infrastructure —$100 million for the market and $40 million for the surrounding south Bronx neighborhood.

Mike Mauti of Execulytics recommends two strategies to help retail buyers and suppliers maneuver through today's challenges: Focus more on domestic programs and plan much more in advance for import programs.

In Episode 71 of the Tip of the Iceberg Podcast, Mike Mauti of Execulytics talks about Toronto retail, and this feature reveals the hottest produce retail trends in the greater Toronto area.

Toronto-based F.G. Lister & Co. brings a longstanding vendor and customer relationships to its formula for success, said Michael Fallico, vice president.

Being a family-run business has helped keep Toronto-based J.E. Russell Produce Ltd. focused on service.

Supply chain disruptions this year are bringing challenges never seen in at least a generation, said Larry Davidson, CEO of North American Produce Buyers Ltd., Toronto, Ontario.