Latest News From Brooke Park

This year Ramadan begins on March 22 at sunset, and Natural Delights is bringing back its 2-, 5- and 11-pound window boxes just in time for peak date retail sales.

At the crossroads of social media, fruits and vegetables, retailers and dietitians lies the passion for increasing consumer produce consumption — specifically, organic produce. 

Check out these photos from Global Organic Produce Expo...

Organic cucumbers are a rising star in the produce department. According to retail scan data from IRI, organic cucumber sales soared 14% higher in 2021. 

While 2022 had its share of challenges from labor and supply chain shortages to drought and other devastating weather-related events, the year also offered much for which to be thankful.

Considering the plethora of produce options available to consumers in the U.S., there were a few commodities in 2022 that kept our attention.

Join us Jan. 30-Feb. 1 at the Global Organic Produce Expo as we discuss how produce companies and retailers can implement social campaigns that bolster their brands and drive produce sales.

Jennifer Strailey, editorial director of The Packer, presents the 2022 Produce Marketer of the Year award to Wendy Reinhardt Kapsak, president and CEO of Produce for Better Health Foundation.

Amy Sowder, Produce Market Guide editor and The Packer's retail and education editor, presents PMG's 2022 Produce Retailer of the Year award to Chris Miller, produce director for MOM's Organic Market.

Award recipients were honored at the International Fresh Produce Association’s Global Produce and Floral Show.

The Bee Sweet Citrus team plans to showcase its modernized label and new point-of-sale material at IFPA’s inaugural Global Produce and Floral Show.

Kellen Stailey Martin is the vice president of marketing at Hazel Technologies, Chicago, Ill.

Rio Rico, Ariz., -based Fresh Farms recently added Jean P. Honorat as senior sales manager for its melon division, according to a news release. 

The Purdue University and CME Group Ag Economy Barometer farmer sentiment index declined 5 points in September.

After five years of negotiations, Colombia celebrates the arrival of the first shipment of bell peppers to the U.S.

After Hurricane Irma in 2017, Hurricane Michael in 2018 and six other hurricanes since 2000, Florida farmers are hyper-aware of the potential impacts of Hurricane Ian.

Santa Cruz, Calif.,-based Awe Sum Organics recently announced the addition of two new hires to support its upcoming launch of organic avocados.

Do you know which farmers market is no. 1 in America? American Farmland Trust and the Farmers Market Coalition hope to answer during the annual 2022 America's Farmers Market Celebration.

The company has updated its facility and packinghouse in Peru, with new grading lines and sorting equipment that will enhance product quality and allow for a more efficient final repack in Georgia.

CMI Orchards has advanced several positions within the company in preparing for a period of expected tremendous growth.

IFPA's first Global Produce and Floral show are slotted with big names and even bigger events.

Reed Searle, an Eastern Idaho potato farmer located in Shelley, Idaho is featured in this edition of Eagle Eye Produce's Grower Spotlight. 

"This first export of avocados from Jalisco will only improve the already positive economic benefits of avocado imports from Mexico," says Ron Campbell of Mexican Hass Avocados Importers Association.

The Bipartisan Policy Center hosted the National Convening to Inform White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition and Health on July 14.

Organic Produce Network's 2022 Organic Produce Summit was July 13-14, in Monterey, Calif. Here are just a few photos from this year's event.

In order to save consumers money and maintain loyalty, major grocery retail brands have been making more of an effort to offer diversified incentive programs.

Organic Produce Network's 2022 Organic Produce Summit is scheduled for July 13-14. Here are just a few of the exhibitors featuring something new this year.

It’s a good time for garlic. Christopher Ranch and I Love Produce say they are garnering successful returns on their marketing efforts.

Ariz.- based Duncan Family Farms LLC., focus on sustainability is deeply rooted in transparency and a drive to be better.

The company has raised $300 million in new capital, with equity financing led by The Rise Fund and debt funding from Bank of America.

Ocean Mist Farms announced Jenny Rivera has joined Ocean Mist Farms as Sales Representative. With this hiring, Ocean Mist Farms has brought on an experienced and proven professional.

Join us from the 2022 West Coast Produce Expo show floor with Patrick Kelly and the Produce Industry Podcast.

The Packer’s 13th annual Women in Produce issue honors eight industry leaders, like Caitlin Tierney, who play pivotal roles in the success of their own organizations, as well as the produce industry.

Have you heard about the Mushroom Council and Food Network's Blended Burger contest? We have a few recipe ideas we want your input on.

The Packer’s 13th annual Women in Produce issue honors eight industry leaders, like Wendy Reinhardt Kapsak, who play pivotal roles in the success of their own organizations, as well as the produce industry.

Check out these merchandising display photos by Ryan Fernandes, assistant produce manager for Longo's Walkers Line store in Burlington, Ontario.

Each year, Deloitte and Wall Street Journal partner to showcase US and Canadian Best Managed Companies companies.

Each week The Packer releases its digital version of the print newspaper. Check out this week's issue.

Everything you want to know about broccoli numbers.

Founded by Enrique Camou Mendoza, Carlos Bon Echavarria and Alan Ricardo Aguirre Ibarra, Grupo Alta is celebrating 30 years of business.

Irvine, Cali.-based UnitedAg has recently announced the appointment of five new directors in both California and Arizona, as well as the appointment of its first female board chair, Veronica Urzua-Alvero.

Despite industry backlash and inconsistent findings from several government agencies, EWG has released its controversial 2022 “Dirty Dozen" and "Clean Fifteen" fruit and vegetable lists.

These produce companies were searched for the most on Produce Market Guide last week.

Lisa (Davis) Corrigan, director of marketing for Cutler, Calif-based Prima Wawona announced the company has completed a major rebranding-updated logo, new website launch and new packaging. 

These bright, colorful holiday produce merchandising display photos were submitted by Jude Leong, produce manager at the Yokota Air Base Commissary, western Tokyo, for PMG's 2022 Winter Produce Artist Awards Series.

Date demand is at an all-time high, and Yuma, Ariz.-based Bard Valley Natural Delights is targeting foodies that enjoy an ethnic exploration of food.

Ramadan is a crucial time of year for the date industry, and that goes for Joolies LLC. For Ramadan, going on this year from April 2 to May 2, Joolies is offering a 2-pound gift box full of its organic medjool dates.

A recent Purdue University Ag Economy Barometer report, conducted Feb. 14-18 (just days before Russia's invasion of Ukraine), shows farmers expect weaker financial performance in 2022.

“We are excited for retailers to visit our booth so we can thank them for a great season last year and start planning for 2022,” states Susan Noritake, Zespri’s head of sales for the North American market.

According to the Trendspotters Panel at the 46th annual Specialty Food Association’s Winter Fancy Food Show, two major food trends to note are dates and peppers. Here are a few merchandising ideas to kick up sales.