Latest News From The Packer Staff

California Ag Leadership Foundation adds board members
California Ag Leadership Foundation adds board members

Measure to Improve's CEO and Burford Ranch's director of farming have joined the foundation board.

BeeHero adds chief sales and marketing officer
BeeHero adds chief sales and marketing officer

Industry veteran Ze’ev Barylk brings experience from Rivulus and Netafilm to the precision pollination and hive sensing company.

National Produce Prescription Collaborative’s fly-in promotes food as medicine
National Produce Prescription Collaborative’s fly-in promotes food as medicine

The event, hosted by the Department of Health and Human Services, highlighted the correlation between nutrition and health.

Brambles ranked second-most sustainable company
Brambles ranked second-most sustainable company

Atlanta-based Brambles has advanced one position to be ranked the second most sustainable company in the world by Corporate Knights in its 2024 Global 100 list.

Honeybear Brands shares details on Chilean apple, pear imports
Honeybear Brands shares details on Chilean apple, pear imports

Honeybear Brands says it is gearing up to deliver a bounty of fresh Chilean apples and pears to retailers nationwide.

California Table Grape Commission advocates for competitiveness
California Table Grape Commission advocates for competitiveness

In remarks to the USDA and the California Department of Food and Agriculture, incoming commission president Ian LeMay encouraged promotions to extend access to markets.

Rural Mainstreet economy in negative  territory for sixth straight month
Rural Mainstreet economy in negative  territory for sixth straight month

For a sixth straight month, the overall Rural Mainstreet Index sank below growth neutral, according to the February survey of bank CEOs in rural areas of a 10-state region dependent on agriculture and/or energy. 

Zespri looks for strong growth in kiwifruit supply
Zespri looks for strong growth in kiwifruit supply

While still early in the season, Zespri said its latest supply estimate reflects the positive growing conditions seen across New Zealand in recent months.

January cold snap leads to spot-market surge, DAT says
January cold snap leads to spot-market surge, DAT says

A weather-related bump in demand for truckload capacity pushed spot freight volumes to all-time highs for January, according to a report from DAT Freight & Analytics.

Axia Vegetable Seeds adds to its commercial team
Axia Vegetable Seeds adds to its commercial team

Rafael Lacaz Ruiz joins the team as a protected culture sales representative. He will focus on sales in the U.S. and Canada, according to the company.

Researchers tout new Lumina strawberry variety
Researchers tout new Lumina strawberry variety

Researchers at the USDA Agricultural Research Service's strawberry breeding program in Beltsville, Md., are touting the benefits of a new variety well suited to the mid-Atlantic region.

Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association names president
Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association names president

The a nonprofit organization, which represents and promotes the state's potato and vegetable growers, also announced a slate of other recently elected board members.

FPAA talks infrastructure, tomatoes with Arizona governor
FPAA talks infrastructure, tomatoes with Arizona governor

The Fresh Produce Association of the Americas recently hosted Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs at its headquarters for a roundtable discussion.

Superfresh Growers update discusses water reservoirs and Cascadian snowpack
Superfresh Growers update discusses water reservoirs and Cascadian snowpack

A video update from Yakima, Wash.-based Superfresh Growers also highlights the company’s transition to high-density apple orchard systems for efficiency and safety.

FreshDirect offers Valentine's Day limited-edition strawberries
FreshDirect offers Valentine's Day limited-edition strawberries

FreshDirect is touting curated offerings, including Oishii's limited-edition holiday gift box and Driscoll's Sweetest Batch strawberries.

California Walnut Board touts benefits during American Heart Month
California Walnut Board touts benefits during American Heart Month

The organization’s new marketing effort aims to draw awareness to the health benefits of walnuts.

Tomra Food presents new organization, unveils AI-powered platforms
Tomra Food presents new organization, unveils AI-powered platforms

Tomra Food has unveiled its new organizational structure, showcased its sorting, grading and packing solutions, and has launched three new AI-powered sorting and grading solutions.

Produce Traceability Initiative releases new FSMA 204 guidance
Produce Traceability Initiative releases new FSMA 204 guidance

The industrywide organization has updated its Food Safety Modernization Act guidance to include information on the supply chain and lot source codes to better prepare the fresh produce industry for 2026 enforcement.

Carbon Robotics unveils new LaserWeeder model
Carbon Robotics unveils new LaserWeeder model

The artificial-intelligence robotics company has released the Track LaserWeeder, a new model of its LaserWeeder weed control solution, as well as a pair of software enhancements.

Tasteful Selections adds new packaging for premium potatoes
Tasteful Selections adds new packaging for premium potatoes

The company will introduce a 3-pound mesh pillow pack for its Honey Gold, Ruby Sensation and Sunburst Blend potatoes.

Sun World showcases Autumncrisp grapes at Winter Fancy Food Fest
Sun World showcases Autumncrisp grapes at Winter Fancy Food Fest

The Bakersfield, Calif.-based licensing company highlighted the green seedless grape variety during the specialty foods industry event.

Colombian avocados star in Super Bowl celebrations, agency says
Colombian avocados star in Super Bowl celebrations, agency says

Big Game celebrations serve as one example of how the country is helping meet U.S. demand for the fruit, says promotional agency ProColombia.

Oppy, Sun Grape USA form joint venture
Oppy, Sun Grape USA form joint venture

With the new partnership, Oppy will expand its year-round reach in Peru, Brazil, Chile, South America and Mexico with Sun Grape’s nearly 1,500 acres in production in California.

Mango importer's campaign to aid jaguar conservation programs
Mango importer's campaign to aid jaguar conservation programs

Splendid by Porvenir says its Save the Jaguar campaign will return to celebrate the upcoming Jaguar honey mango crop.

Pacific Coast Fruit Co. unveils name change
Pacific Coast Fruit Co. unveils name change

The Portland, Ore.-based company says the new name — Pacific Coast Fresh Co. — better reflects the company’s evolution and current offerings.

Driscoll’s offering heart-shaped raspberry clamshell
Driscoll’s offering heart-shaped raspberry clamshell

Driscoll’s says the limited-availability packaging can be found at select retailers while supplies last.

Hy-Vee integrates Instacart's fulfillment capabilities for same-day delivery
Hy-Vee integrates Instacart's fulfillment capabilities for same-day delivery

Hy-Vee has expanded its partnership with Instacart, integrating same-day delivery into its platforms via Instacart's fulfillment-as-a-service, to enhancing the customer experience and meeting evolving needs.

Farmworker Florentino Reyes picks tomatoes Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2016, at a field near Mendota, Calif.
NASDA members urge collaboration by U.S. agencies on ag labor shortages

Members of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture have encouraged federal agencies to develop strategies that address agricultural labor shortages across the country.

Side Delights updates Bakeables package design
Side Delights updates Bakeables package design

The brand says the design change comes as shopper demand increases for healthy, convenient and cost-effective meals.

Brighter Bites named strategic partner of MyPlate.gov
Brighter Bites named strategic partner of MyPlate.gov

Brighter Bites joins a variety of organizations and companies to elevate USDA’s Dietary Guidelines for Americans and MyPlate’s mission to encourage healthier eating habits and choices.

$270M awarded to build supply chain resiliency
$270M awarded to build supply chain resiliency

Through a competitive grant process, states and territories will issue subawards of infrastructure grants available through a USDA-administered Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure program.

Indoor Ag-Con details event's keynotes
Indoor Ag-Con details event's keynotes

The event focused on indoor agriculture and vertical farming returns to Las Vegas on March 11-12 and will feature speakers from Gotham Greens, Red Sun Farms, Little Leaf Farms and more.

Tajín-dipped California strawberries trending for Valentine's Day
Tajín-dipped California strawberries trending for Valentine's Day

Tajín and California Strawberries are highlighting how Tajín-dipped strawberries are a growing trend for Valentine's Day.

SIMBA adds traceability feature
SIMBA adds traceability feature

The software application provides production and inventory tracking and traceability reporting using bar-code technology.

Sipcam Agro expands availability of tool for disease control in grapes
Sipcam Agro expands availability of tool for disease control in grapes

The company’s new biofungicide, Mevalone, is now available to treat bunch rot and powdery mildew in California.

Texas A&M works to develop disease-resistant spinach
Texas A&M works to develop disease-resistant spinach

Texas A&M AgriLife researchers are part of a multistate project to help identify disease resistance in spinach to help develop future cultivars.

Produce Alliance announces new president
Produce Alliance announces new president

Chicago-based Produce Alliance, an entity of the Buyers Edge Platform Fresh Division, has named Chris Rheault as its president.

MountainKing readies petite-sized potato varieties for crawfish season
MountainKing readies petite-sized potato varieties for crawfish season

The fresh potato grower and packager says it will offer its Crawfish B-Red potatoes, Crawfish Medley Pack and Crawfish Gold Pack to retailers, along with additional sales support.

Nature Fresh Farms earns honors for packaging design
Nature Fresh Farms earns honors for packaging design

The Leamington, Ontario-based company received "Best in Class" honors and an Award of Distinction for its packaging design at this year’s PAC Global Awards competition.

Bloom Fresh to license its protected plant varieties in China
Bloom Fresh to license its protected plant varieties in China

Bloom Fresh International Ltd., responsible for table grape varieties such as Cotton Candy and Sweet Globe, will license its protected plant varieties to Chinese growers.

ProducePay raises $38M in Series D financing
ProducePay raises $38M in Series D financing

The Los Angeles-based agtech company says it will use the latest capital to accelerate expansion to Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia, as well as advance the development of technology and services.

Fresha refreshes website to reflect new-look brand
Fresha refreshes website to reflect new-look brand

The Morris, Minn.-based grower-packer-shipper of carrots says the website will enhance the user’s experience and features a modern design with playful elements.

Study: Multistate foodborne illness outbreaks change public perception of restaurants 
Study: Multistate foodborne illness outbreaks change public perception of restaurants 

Multistate foodborne illness outbreaks bring swift financial losses to restaurants, increased media attention and an environment that makes subsequent smaller outbreaks more financially damaging, a new study says.

FMI weighs in on proposed food waste national strategy
FMI weighs in on proposed food waste national strategy

The food industry association's comments underscored addressing food loss and waste throughout the entire food supply chain and offered recommendations for consideration as three federal agencies finalize the strategy.

Agrovision celebrates 10 years of growing berries
Agrovision celebrates 10 years of growing berries

The Los Angeles-based producer says it has become the third-largest grower of blueberries in Peru, capturing a leading position in the global premium blueberry market.

Zespri sees dollar and volume gains
Zespri sees dollar and volume gains

Zespri’s SunGold has generated double-digit growth in both dollars and volume helping to solidify a top brand position, the marketer says.

Bako Sweet celebrates National Heart Month, National Sweet Potato Month
Bako Sweet celebrates National Heart Month, National Sweet Potato Month

Bakersfield, Calif.-based Bako Sweet touts the health benefits of sweet potatoes during National Sweet Potato Month and National Heart Month.

Village Farms honored as outstanding employer
Village Farms honored as outstanding employer

A nonprofit in British Columbia has recognized Village Farms Fresh and its sister company, Pure Sunfarms, for efforts to promote diversity and strong company culture.

Wholesale Produce Supply adds G.O. Fresh 
Wholesale Produce Supply adds G.O. Fresh 

Wholesale Produce Supply, a portfolio company of Cross Rapids Capital LP, says the addition of G.O. Fresh expands its fresh-cut capabilities and product offerings.

Applicants sought for SEPC leadership program
Applicants sought for SEPC leadership program

The Southeast Produce Council is welcoming applications for the second class of the Next Generation Leadership Academy, a year-long program is designed to honor and invest in future leaders in the produce industry.