Latest News From The Packer Staff

ShopRite has once again been named the 'Most Trusted Conventional Grocery Store in the Northeast' in this year's edition of the BrandSpark Most Trusted Awards.

Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Joey Bosa is set to compete against world champion competitive eater Joey Chestnut during the second annual Wonderful Pistachios Get Crackin’ Eating Championship on World Pistachio Day.

The commission's new marketing highlights the nutritional benefits of eating potatoes.

Irvine, Calif.-based Agtools is heading to the Feb. 7-9 Fruit Logistica show in Berlin, Germany to share insights on avocados.

The Oxnard, Calif.-based company, which sources, produces and distributes fresh hass avocados, is set to showcase its advanced ripe-room technology, “Mission Control,” at Fruit Logistica, Feb. 7-9, in Berlin.

A proposed rule from the USDA would increase the assessment rate for Florida citrus for the 2023-24 fiscal year and subsequent years. Comments on the proposal must be received by March 4.

Dole is marking 125 years of farming, shipping and selling bananas in 2024 with a year-long celebration featuring contests, partnerships, proclamations, recipes and other promotions.

D’Arrigo California is commemorating the 100th birthday of Andy D’Arrigo, whose leadership helped shaped the company.

Germany-based Baumer hhs says it has introduced a system that will reduce the use of plastic film in palletizing.

A research project supported by the Center for Produce Safety aims to shed light on pathogen risks in controlled environment agriculture.

The Yakima, Wash.-based company says its employees contributed 50% more hours to community service in 2023 compared with the previous year.

The nine-member council comprises eight domestic growers and one importer.

Seeking to capture the “joyful spirit” of its brand, Chiquita says its latest campaign, “Pop by Nature,” is a vivid fusion of art and nature.

At the FMI Mid-winter Conference in Florida, the Independent Grocers Alliance honored the former president of W. Lee Flowers & Co. with the J. Frank Grimes Award.

Darrin Snarr has been appointed regional sales manager for Orion.

Made from up to 100% recycled fiber, the baskets with flaps offer produce growers a sustainable alternative to replace more hard-to-recycle packaging.

Vanessa Hensley joins FullTilt as project manager, and Chandell Lattin will serve as the firm’s newest marketing specialist.

The USDA has recently reviewed a lowered-glucose potato and three other plants modified using genetic engineering.

The Yakima, Wash.-based company says the initiative aims to empower young changemakers to transform their dreams into impactful projects that contribute to positive change in their communities.

The company received the award based on quantitative data from an associate survey as well as other qualitative scoring methods.

Dorot Farm has introduced baby carrots for U.S. customers, partnering with California growers. Shipment starts next month, and a showcase is planned for Fruit Logistica in Berlin.

A new initiative provides $65 million for projects to help the specialty crop sector increase global exports and an additional $72.9 million is available for research through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.

Designed to connect the fresh produce industry with people who directly influence consumer consumption, the Consumer Connection Conference is set for April 29 through May 1 in Phoenix.

Little Leaf Farms, a Devens, Mass.-based indoor grower, said the new salad kit celebrates corporate office workers’ love of salads for lunch by offering a "five-star dining event."

The brand says its new look reflects the nearly 700 family farmers who grow for the nearly 95-year-old co-op.

Chilean stone fruit growers and exporters believe that exports will reach 35.3 million boxes in 2023-24, an increase of 15% over last season.

The Wenatchee, Wash.-based company says retailers will benefit from another four months of the variety’s availability, with Juici deliveries expected through May.

California Avocado Commission has released its official crop forecast for the fiscal year 2023-24, projecting 208 million pounds, compared to the prior year volume of 237 million pounds.

Monterey Mushrooms grows, harvests, packages, and delivers conventional and organic fresh mushrooms and mushroom products every day of the year, says Lindsey Occhipinti, marketing manager.

Heirloom navels are available at Bee Sweet Citrus, further expanding their line of winter citrus varieties.

ShopRite says it is the nation's first grocery retailer to implement Phononic’s second-generation Active Cooling Solutions totes, which are used to pick, store and stage online orders and save space in-store.

The Hass Avocado Board survey shares insight into shopper behavior and the opportunities for bagged fruit in the retail space.

Castroville, Calif.-based Ocean Mist Farms says its winter artichoke season in Coachella, Calif., is well underway, peaking with harvests of its Gold Standard (green globe) artichokes.

West Concord, Mass.-based technology company Divert Inc. has expanded its executive leadership team with the appointment of Bob Watkins as chief information officer.

Only days remain until the Feb. 2 nomination deadline. Help honor a deserving member of the potato-growing community by submitting their name today!

Crespo Organic anticipates that ataulfo mangoes will experience robust and increased market demand as retailers are expected to attempt to fill the void in round-fruit pipelines.

With more than 30 educational workshops and sessions led by industry experts, the National Grocers Association says its 2024 show will offer highly specialized content designed specifically for independent grocers.

Stores under the Heritage Grocer Group banner will award a $3,000 scholarship to a student who demonstrates academic excellence, financial need, leadership attributes and a commitment to serving their local community.

Wandin Valley Farms has been recognized at the Sydney Markets Cherry Auction for growing the “best cherry” in Australia — Bloom Fresh’s Cheery Nebula cherry variety.

The food packaging manufacturer has unveiled new Pulp Hinged Containers and Pulp Portion Cups, adding to its line of sustainable and compostable products for foodservice operators.

A study says water data platform OpenET shows considerable accuracy in measuring evapotranspiration, a key measure of water consumption in ag that has been difficult and expensive to monitor accurately at scale.

The Masser Family of Companies says it makes annual investments in sustainable practices that contribute to a reduced carbon footprint and integrated long-term efficiencies across all business segments.

The National Restaurant Association's Restaurant Show says designated badge category offers exclusive access to more than 40 operator-led sessions, intimate roundtable discussions and networking refreshment breaks.

Lemonade is a cross between a gala and braeburn, giving the apple its crunchy effervescence paired with a blushing cheek.

Shipments of the premium branded apple variety are expected to continue only through April, according to CMI Orchards.

Pazazz apples are now available to retailers and shoppers as an organic option exclusively from Elgin, Minn.-based Honeybear Brands.

McCain Foods says it is making progress with its regenerative agriculture sustainability goals.

The Food and Drug Administration has published its first video in a series focused on how food companies’ use of tech-enabled traceability can enhance food safety and protect consumers from foodborne illness.

The meeting is open to up to 100 public attendees on a first-come, first-served basis

The Rubyglow pineapple features a red outer skin, bright yellow flesh and a new, sweet flavor similar to Del Monte pineapples.