Latest News From Jennifer Strailey

IFPA CEO calls for ‘competitive, level playing field’ for U.S. ag
IFPA CEO calls for ‘competitive, level playing field’ for U.S. ag

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.

Inspiration on the agenda: The Viva Fresh ‘Clean Eating Challenge'
Inspiration on the agenda: The Viva Fresh ‘Clean Eating Challenge'

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.

Viva Fresh poised for a hit in Houston
Viva Fresh poised for a hit in Houston

For the first time, the Texas International Produce Association will bring its dynamic Viva Fresh Expo to Houston. While the event is in a new venue with new ideas, the old favorites are also on the schedule.  

Seen and heard at SEPC's Southern Exposure 2024 — Part 7
Seen and heard at SEPC's Southern Exposure 2024 — Part 7

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.

Seen and heard at SEPC's Southern Exposure 2024  — Part 4
Seen and heard at SEPC's Southern Exposure 2024 — Part 4

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.

Seen and heard at SEPC's Southern Exposure 2024 — Part 2
Seen and heard at SEPC's Southern Exposure 2024 — Part 2

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.

How is fresh produce faring amid inflation?
How is fresh produce faring amid inflation?

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.

CMI Orchards, Royal Family Farming partner to launch The Soil Center
CMI Orchards, Royal Family Farming partner to launch The Soil Center

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.

Chilean Grape Committee projects 35 million boxes for the U.S.
Chilean Grape Committee projects 35 million boxes for the U.S.

With robust supplies of Chilean grapes headed for the U.S., “it’s looking like mid-March through April will be a great time for retailers to promote Chilean grapes,” says Ignacio Caballero of Frutas de Chile.

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.

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.

Mushroom Council targets fungi fans with new multimedia campaign
Mushroom Council targets fungi fans with new multimedia campaign

Launching March 1, the “Mushroom Loyalist” campaign is expected to reach the top third of mushroom buyers who account for almost 75% of all mushroom dollar sales and 68% of all mushroom purchases.

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.

Seed association explores role of genome editing in future of food
Seed association explores role of genome editing in future of food

The American Seed Trade Association and U.S.-based agriculture companies recently convened in Japan to explore breeding tools, including genome editing, with the aim of bringing improved varieties to market.

EPC annual gala to honor former president Marianne Santo
EPC annual gala to honor former president Marianne Santo

The Eastern Produce Council is set to honor former president Marianne Santo at the John McAleavey Annual Gala on April 6.

Agrovision pens large-scale berry farming deal in China
Agrovision pens large-scale berry farming deal in China

The Los Angeles-based producer and year-round supplier of premium superfruits has signed an agreement to introduce large-scale farming operations in the Yunnan province of China.

IFPA convenes global executive leaders at Berlin summit
IFPA convenes global executive leaders at Berlin summit

BERLIN — International Fresh Produce Association's annual Executive Leadership Summit, held one day prior to Fruit Logistica, welcomed more than 120 executive leaders from 24 countries.

Seen and heard at Fruit Logistica 2024 — Part 3
Seen and heard at Fruit Logistica 2024 — Part 3

BERLIN — From new tech to new tastes and so much more, innovation filled the aisles at the recent Fruit Logistica, held Feb. 7-9 at Messe Berlin.

Seen and heard at Fruit Logistica 2024 — Part 2
Seen and heard at Fruit Logistica 2024 — Part 2

This year’s Fruit Logistica, held Feb. 7-9 at the sprawling Messe Berlin, was once again filled with innovation, inspiration and the topic of sustainability.

Seen and heard at Fruit Logistica 2024 — Part 1
Seen and heard at Fruit Logistica 2024 — Part 1

Exhibitors at this year’s Fruit Logistica brought their A-game, sharing the latest industry innovations and engaging in candid discussion around the challenges and opportunities facing the global produce industry.

AgroFresh reveals expanded solutions, brand refresh at Fruit Logistica
AgroFresh reveals expanded solutions, brand refresh at Fruit Logistica

The post-harvest technologies provider shared new messaging, a brand refresh and the latest since its September 2023 acquisition of South Africa-based packaging solutions provider Tessara at Fruit Logistica.

Keeping up with the Kardashians and FiveStar Gourmet Foods
Keeping up with the Kardashians and FiveStar Gourmet Foods

What’s trending in the world of pre-packaged gourmet salads? At the recent GOPEX 2024, FiveStar Gourmet Foods' Tal Shoshan dished on the salad trends stealing the show.

Seedless wonder: Wonderful Citrus  continues to expand lemon program
Seedless wonder: Wonderful Citrus continues to expand lemon program

Wonderful Citrus, which recently marked its fifth season with Wonderful Seedless Lemons, says it's focused on providing retail partners and consumers with a consistent supply of its high-quality fruit.

Fresh mushroom trends afoot
Fresh mushroom trends afoot

What are the latest mushroom trends at retail and foodservice? To find out, Produce Market Guide asked Baldor Specialty Foods, Bronx, N.Y.

Kroger sets new produce supplier biodiversity requirements
Kroger sets new produce supplier biodiversity requirements

The Cincinnati-based grocer says it will require all of its fresh produce suppliers to use Integrated Pest Management practices for all products supplied to Kroger by 2028 or 2030, based on the grower's size.

Trader Joe’s reveals customers’ top produce picks
Trader Joe’s reveals customers’ top produce picks

Episode 70 of the Trader Joe’s Podcast reveals the winners of its 15th Annual Customer Choice Awards, including the top 5 picks in the produce category.

GOPEX 2024 seen and heard — Part 2
GOPEX 2024 seen and heard — Part 2

GOPEX 2024, which explored the intersection of fresh produce and conscious consumerism with industry leaders from across the supply chain, also featured a vast array of new products and innovation on the expo floor.

Seen and heard at GOPEX 2024 — Part 1
Seen and heard at GOPEX 2024 — Part 1

GOPEX 2024 explored the intersection of fresh produce and conscious consumerism with industry leaders from across the supply chain Jan. 22-24 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.

Scenes from GOPEX 2024 launch parties
Scenes from GOPEX 2024 launch parties

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. — GOPEX 2024 kicked off Jan. 22 with a poolside gathering at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, followed by dinner and drinks aboard a luxury yacht on Fort Lauderdale's intracoastal waterway.

How can fresh produce reach the conscious consumer?
How can fresh produce reach the conscious consumer?

The Packer spoke with Barbara Connors of The Kroger Co.'s 84.51° to learn more about shifts in shopper behavior, trends for the year ahead and where the conscious consumer fits into the evolving retail landscape.

Flashfood readies for growth with new direction, leadership
Flashfood readies for growth with new direction, leadership

The Toronto-based app marketplace that seeks to reduce food waste and food insecurity recently revealed a new brand identity and leadership changes it says will better position the company for growth.

Calavo Growers makes move to sell fresh-cut business
Calavo Growers makes move to sell fresh-cut business

The global avocado industry provider based in Santa Paula, Calif., says it is exploring the sale of its fresh-cut division — formerly RFG — to F&S Fresh Foods.

Natural Grocers to promote organic produce in 21-day health program
Natural Grocers to promote organic produce in 21-day health program

Natural Grocers and its team of nutritional health coaches are kicking off the new year with “21 Days to a Healthier You,” a free three-class series from Jan. 22 to Feb. 11.

Potato Expo 2024 raises the roof in Texas
Potato Expo 2024 raises the roof in Texas

AUSTIN, Texas — The National Potato Council is reporting a record-breaking year for its Potato Expo 2024, which drew 2,320 attendees and 216 exhibitors to the Austin Convention Center, Jan. 10-11.

5 food trends The Fresh Market bets will be big in 2024
5 food trends The Fresh Market bets will be big in 2024

The Greensboro, N.C.-based grocer has named five food and beverage trends it predicts will be hot in the year ahead, with produce playing a role in each.

Inside Morton Williams’ west side glory
Inside Morton Williams’ west side glory

With an emphasis on local produce, the specialty supermarket — boasting 15 stores in New York and one in New Jersey — sources the majority of its produce from Hunts Point Market in the Bronx, N.Y.

Year in Produce 2023: The great indoors
Year in Produce 2023: The great indoors

Ever-evolving, indoor agriculture made headlines throughout the year from bankruptcies to high-profile mergers and acquisitions to setbacks and triumphs.

Year in Produce 2023: Industry continues to eye Kroger-Albertsons merger
Year in Produce 2023: Industry continues to eye Kroger-Albertsons merger

Will they or won’t they? Opposition remains as the planned transaction between the two retail grocery giants appears to be moving ahead.

Indoor ag leaders forecast strong growth at NYPS
Indoor ag leaders forecast strong growth at NYPS

The recent NYPS spotlighted CEA success stories during an educational panel discussion organized by the Controlled Environment Agriculture Alliance and moderated by Tom Stenzel, the CEA Alliance’s executive director.

Seen and heard at NYPS — Part 3
Seen and heard at NYPS — Part 3

With the theme "Gratitude," the recent NYPS drew more than 5,000 players from across the fresh produce supply chain to the Javits Center, where industry professionals discussed products, promotional campaigns and more.

Inside Wegmans' world-class Astor Place market
Inside Wegmans' world-class Astor Place market

From the moment shoppers enter the 87,500-square-foot Astor Place Wegmans — the Rochester, N.Y.-based grocer's newest store — the fresh produce storytelling begins.

Seen and heard at NYPS — Part 2
Seen and heard at NYPS — Part 2

From fresh flavors to new packaging to promotable product, the fresh fruit and vegetable industry hit the New York Produce Show, Dec. 5-7 at the Javits Center, ready to put their best produce foot forward.

Seen and heard at New York Produce Show — Part 1
Seen and heard at New York Produce Show — Part 1

From the sublime local dancers who performed at the opening breakfast to the hot dog carts stationed throughout the show floor, the 14th annual NYPS once again delivered an only-in-the-Big-Apple industry experience.

Baldor President Michael Muzyk receives NYPS Lifetime Achievement Award
Baldor President Michael Muzyk receives NYPS Lifetime Achievement Award

Baldor Specialty Foods President Michael Muzyk received the New York Produce Show’s Lifetime Achievement Award, Dec. 6, prior to a ribbon cutting to open the show’s exhibition hall.

ReSeed and FoodChain ID partner to promote transparency, regenerative ag
ReSeed and FoodChain ID partner to promote transparency, regenerative ag

The carbon-credit traceability provider and global sustainability certifier have partnered on a new carbon-credit verification standard that aims to incentivize, measure and verify the progress of carbon sequestration.

Coachella kicks off artichoke season
Coachella kicks off artichoke season

As the Coachella Valley, Calif., season begins, Ocean Mist is eyeing strong volumes to meet customer demand through the holiday season and into the new year.

Lidl US releases first corporate social responsibility report
Lidl US releases first corporate social responsibility report

The Arlington, Va.-based company says its CSR strategy includes working to provide solutions to environmental and social issues that matter most to its team members, communities and other valued stakeholders.

Kroger, Target and Wakefern execs join GS1 US Board of Governors
Kroger, Target and Wakefern execs join GS1 US Board of Governors

The GS1 US Board of Governors has elected four industry leaders from the grocery retail and health care sectors to join the board.

South Mill Champs acquires World Fresh Produce
South Mill Champs acquires World Fresh Produce

South Mill Champs, a vertically integrated North American grower and supplier of fresh mushrooms and functional mushroom foods, has acquired World Fresh Produce, a global fresh produce sourcing organization.

Equifruit president receives Canadian women entrepreneur award
Equifruit president receives Canadian women entrepreneur award

Equifruit President Jennie Coleman was recently honored with the RBC Momentum Award, during a ceremony celebrating Canada's most accomplished women entrepreneurs.