Latest News From The Packer Staff

USDA seeks to purchase apples
USDA seeks to purchase apples

The USDA is seeking offers to sell fresh fuji apples to the agency.

Mastronardi Produce joins Sekoya blueberry platform
Mastronardi Produce joins Sekoya blueberry platform

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.

Melon suppliers form alliance for year-round distribution
Melon suppliers form alliance for year-round distribution

The Ayco Farms and Fisher collaboration is aimed at supplying a year-round assortment of melons, including cantaloupe, honeydew and various mixed melons.

Groups invest more than $632K to advance organic farming
Groups invest more than $632K to advance organic farming

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

FMI reacts to bill aimed at addressing FDA Food Traceability Rule challenges
FMI reacts to bill aimed at addressing FDA Food Traceability Rule challenges

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.

USDA recognizes school districts for innovations in school meals
USDA recognizes school districts for innovations in school meals

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

2024 Mexican mango season underway for Urapa Produce
2024 Mexican mango season underway for Urapa Produce

Mexican mango grower-shipper Urapa Produce has announced the start of its mango season.

Mission Produce to highlight seasonal avocado and mango programs at SEPC show
Mission Produce to highlight seasonal avocado and mango programs at SEPC show

The company says it will highlight its Peruvian organics, its upcoming Mexican mango program and its Emeralds in the Rough avocado bags during the Southern Exposure trade show, set for March 7-9 in Tampa, Fla.

Liberty Robotics Inc. launches new systems
Liberty Robotics Inc. launches new systems

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

North Country Growers prepares for grand opening with website launch
North Country Growers prepares for grand opening with website launch

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

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.

DelFrescoPure expands tomato line
DelFrescoPure expands tomato line

The Kingsville, Ontario, Canada-based greenhouse grower said it will debut its Original Cherry Tomatoes on the Vine at the Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure event, set for March 7-9 in Tampa, Fla.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Fresh Del Monte reduces debt, increases quarterly dividend
Fresh Del Monte reduces debt, increases quarterly dividend

Coral Gables, Fla.-based Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. has revealed quarterly and full-year earnings through December that report the company has reduced its long-term debt and increased its quarterly dividend.

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.

$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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Santos International marks 50 years of service
Santos International marks 50 years of service

The McAllen, Texas-based logistics company is highlighting its service, innovation and advocacy and will mark the milestone by hosting events throughout the year.

Bloom Fresh appoints interim CEO
Bloom Fresh appoints interim CEO

Kenneth Avery has departed as CEO following a six-month tenure that began with the acquisition of International Fruit Genetics by Amfresh and its merging with SNFL Group.

Heritage Grocers Group launches loyalty program
Heritage Grocers Group launches loyalty program

Cardenas Rewards offers points for purchases, as well as access to digital deals, exclusive offers and personalized savings via the mobile app or website.

D.C. Section of IFT to host food policy impact summit
D.C. Section of IFT to host food policy impact summit

Food Policy Impact 2024 will review updates in food and nutrition-related regulations, policies and programs, as well as get industry input on how organizations are planning to or are already responding to the changes.

Better Earth launches e-commerce platform and expands staff
Better Earth launches e-commerce platform and expands staff

The Atlanta-based compostable packaging supplier says its new e-commerce store enables restaurant owners, caterers and eco-conscious consumers to quickly find and purchase compostable foodservice packaging products.

New Jersey grower wins National Outstanding Young Farmer Award
New Jersey grower wins National Outstanding Young Farmer Award

Byron DuBois was among award finalists selected based on progress in an agricultural career, the extent of soil and water conservation practices and contributions to the well-being of the community, state and nation,

Allen Lund Co. promotes GM to senior director of carrier development
Allen Lund Co. promotes GM to senior director of carrier development

In the role, Matt Minthorn will focus on the carrier side of ALC's business, overseeing activities related to carrier relations, compliance, and fraud prevention.

Lipman Family Farms adds board members
Lipman Family Farms adds board members

The four newly appointed board members will help drive growth and innovation, bringing experience in distribution, retail, ag biotech and more to enhance strategic vision and sustainability, the company says.

Dole Organic Fair Trade Certified Pineapples earn Good Housekeeping sustainable innovation award
Dole Organic Fair Trade Certified Pineapples earn Good Housekeeping sustainable innovation award

Dole Organic Fair Trade Certified Pineapples are grown year-round in Costa Rica according to strict social, environmental and economic standards, says Dole Food Co.

IFCO delivers record environmental savings during 2023
IFCO delivers record environmental savings during 2023

The provider of reusable packaging containers for fresh products, also awarded customers with sustainability certificates to highlight specific environmental savings achieved with IFCO.

Kwik Lok has new director of business development
Kwik Lok has new director of business development

Chris Latta, most recently vice president of global sales for Binsfeld Engineering, has experience with sales, marketing and industrial design.

Category Partners names director of analytics
Category Partners names director of analytics

With a background in category management and market research, Walter Liu brings experience from his tenures at Del Monte Fresh Produce and Coca-Cola Bottling Co.

Grupo Alta hosts farmworker social event ahead of Jalisco grape season
Grupo Alta hosts farmworker social event ahead of Jalisco grape season

La Escuela de Asociados, which is Spanish for the School of Associates, is a key component of Grupo Alta's recruitment process when new workers from the southern states of Mexico migrate north for employment.

The Packer seeks nominations for the 2024 Canadian Produce Person of the Year
The Packer seeks nominations for the 2024 Canadian Produce Person of the Year

Do you know someone who is advancing the Canadian produce industry, creating change and giving a voice to the underrepresented in fresh produce? The Packer wants to hear from you. Deadline for nominations is March 18.

UnitedAg set for April annual meeting
UnitedAg set for April annual meeting

The three-day event has a focus on collaboration and networking; UnitedAg said the event’s attendance will include over 300 representatives from member organizations, partners and other influential ag leaders.

Emissions data added to corrugated industry life-cycle assessment
Emissions data added to corrugated industry life-cycle assessment

Companies tracking environmental, social and governance, or ESG, performance can now find more information for the life-cycle assessment of corrugated packaging.

Chiquita pledges additional 10 years of protection to nature reserve
Chiquita pledges additional 10 years of protection to nature reserve

The Nogal Reserve in Costa Rica was established as a private wildlife refuge as the result of a joint effort between Chiquita and a portion of its clients, honoring the communities and land from which its bananas grow.