Latest News From The Packer Staff

Nine projects were awarded funding via Center for Produce Safety’s annual call for research proposals, which identified top industry science priorities.

The Philadelphia-based importer has designated Haydy Shahin and Pascuala Vergara Sabaini as country managers, moves it says underscores its commitment to diversity and equal opportunities in top leadership.

The organization plans to put New York-grown apples on center stage for the Big Game with a marketing blitz, giveaway and more.

The USDA said it is amending a federal order that prohibited importing fresh bell peppers (Capsicum annuum) from Spain into the U.S. to prevent Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata or Medfly) introduction.

The awards provide a total of $1 million annually for innovations that can transform food systems to be more equitable and lead to safe, nutritious and trusted food using sustainable practices.

This year the International Fresh Produce Association will honor 20 top retail produce managers for their dedication to boosting fresh produce sales, innovative merchandising, community service and shopper satisfaction.

Honeybear Brands' Pazazz Apple and chef Elle Simone Scott of "America’s Test Kitchen" are encouraging shoppers to check out the American Institute for Cancer Research's online tool.

The company says veteran agribusiness executive Daniel Mathieson will steer the largest business unit for the company, overseeing all aspects of the enterprise, from strategic planning to financial success.

Bluewhite, an Israel-based agricultural robot-as-a-service company enabling data-driven autonomous farming, says it works with more than 20 of the leading permanent crop growers in the U.S.

In this new role, Bas Reijndorp will develop, execute and grow Kwik Lok’s distribution and original equipment manufacturer network in Europe and the Middle East.

A husband and wife whose farm was the first to partner with New Sprout Organic Farms recently purchased the North Carolina-based company, which now has a network of 10 growers.

Unifrutti said the move supports its strategy of building a globally diversified premium fruit platform, while complementing its product offering by adding a strong table grape and cherry platform.

Two recent product launches by Tomra Solutions have shown how AI is changing food processing.

The Boise, Idaho-based grocer says the program is designed to discover, support and give diverse-owned suppliers the opportunity to expand their business with Albertsons Cos. and its stores.

Three Meadows Farm's new Paradise Salad debuted at the ShopRite of Chester, N.J. The salad was grown by students with autism who are part of the Somerset Hills Learning Institute’s hydroponics career training program.

SpartanNash now enables the real-time exchange of food traceability data across its suppliers, distribution centers, company stores and independent grocer customers.

Kate Degan brings more than 15 years of experience in the food industry to her new role in the metro New York and New Jersey produce division.

The Arlington, Va.-based organization said the MyPlate National Strategic Partnership named it a champion, which is the partnership’s highest level of recognition.

The organization has planned a social media campaign and additional recognition of scholars and volunteers.

JC Cheyne sells over 70 different items, including a variety of potatoes and onions, to more than 80 retail, foodservice and wholesale establishments throughout California.

The grower-packer-shipper of potatoes says it will display its potato products and have executives on hand discuss its farming and supply chain practices at its Global Organic Produce Expo booth.

Yael Cosset, The Kroger Co.'s chief information officer and senior vice president, discussed digital transformation at the National Retail Federation Big Show 2024.

In this new agreement, Nichino grants Sipcam access to miticide and insecticide formulations, and Sipcam expands distribution rights of its powdery mildew fungicide.

Tops Friendly Markets continues to make advances not only in its day-to-day efforts to adopt practices that help protect the environment, but also in efforts that will make a lifelong impact, the company says.

The Houston-based nonprofit says it has distributed over $17 million in retail cost of produce since fall 2022 to the more than 50,000 families enrolled in the program.

AgroFresh experts will be available at Fruit Logistica in Berlin to discuss technologies that help reduce food waste and extend fruit quality.

The company says it has introduced a unified visual identity and eco-friendly packaging in a global refresh.

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

Scientists at the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service and the Ohio State University have been working to investigate how tomatoes may be imparting health benefits in a recently published study.

The grant-funded projects will support the development and expansion of new and existing organic markets to increase the consumption of domestic organic agricultural products.

The indoor farming company said it recalled salad kits and baby spinach due to a positive sample from a supplier farm and the potential cross-contamination of its Pennsylvania facility.

The USDA is making a pest risk analysis available to the public for review and comment for a 60-day period.

Co-founder Camilo Penalosa will step away from the company's daily operations Jan. 31, and a new vice president of sales and marketing will assume Penalosa's former customer responsibilities.

Food and beverage company KESI Management has joined FreshEdge, a collaboration that builds on their four-year partnership.

Wholesum will curate an art exhibit during the event’s opening reception from high school students where attendees will help determine prize winners.

The company says its precision pollination services help boost cropset when conditions are less than ideal for bee activity.

A University of Florida scientist has published a milestone study in the journal Insects that provides new products that can be used to battle invasive thrips parvispinus. 

The alliance brings together global stakeholders to engage with regulators and governments around the world to encourage the adoption of a holistic and harmonized approach to food packaging regulation.

The company has promoted Nicole Gordy, who had served as director of business analytics. Gordy succeeds Steve Clement, who becomes CEO of PNW Tree Fruit, which owns Sage Fruit packers and 6,000 acres of orchards.

Onion industry veteran Jared Gutierrez is now president of the National Onion Association after serving the last two years as first vice president for the organization.

The event hosted by Yakima, Wash.-based FirstFruits Farms aims to raise the apple's profile through retailer promotions and social media posts.

Distinguished by its compact size and sweet taste, baby gem lettuce is a versatile ingredient suitable for a variety of culinary creations, the company said.

The Fowler, Calif.-based company says specialty citrus varieties are sought by shoppers aiming to incorporate fresh produce into New Year’s resolutions, while upcoming holidays can be used to market the citrus category.

The specialty artichokes are shipping now and will be intermittently available throughout the winter, the company says.

The company says Antonio “Tony” Figueroa will play a pivotal role in elevating its risk management culture, with his extensive background in regulatory compliance and loss control and prevention.

The year-end results highlight the challenge facing regional grocers in growing e-commerce in today’s competitive environment.

Mush Foods says chefs swapping the mushroom root blends into recipes, in place of some meat, can seamlessly enhance flavor and nutritional value, while improving cost and reducing the environmental impact in every dish.

Procurant, a software for retail grocers, said it will help the Salt Lake City-based retailer with greater connectivity and traceability of perishable goods.

The new and improved Upside Dashboard redefines measurement, giving retailers data needed to make decisions regarding industry changes.

Programs include a one-stop shop for agricultural employers and employees, as well as leadership and education opportunities in agriculture for New York youth.