Latest News From Industry

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 6
Seen and heard at SEPC's Southern Exposure 2024 — Part 6

Check out these booth tour videos to learn more about some of the exhibitors at the Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure event.

Start date set for Vidalia onion packing
Start date set for Vidalia onion packing

Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper and the Vidalia Onion Committee have revealed April 17 as the official pack date this season.

Sun World International hails successes in intellectual property cases
Sun World International hails successes in intellectual property cases

Sun World International LLC says Italian courts ruled in favor of the company in four recent infringement lawsuits against unlicensed growers who unlawfully produced and sold Sun World grape varieties.

Seen and heard at SEPC's Southern Exposure 2024 — Part 5
Seen and heard at SEPC's Southern Exposure 2024 — Part 5

From product introductions to relationship building, exhibitors shared their recent highlights at the Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure trade show.

Syngenta’s active greenhouse business to sell direct to the U.S. and Canada
Syngenta’s active greenhouse business to sell direct to the U.S. and Canada

The company says the distribution model change gives growers direct communication with Syngenta’s technical experts, as well as personalized customer service from crop planning to harvest.

Expert shares tips on unlocking the power of conscious leadership
Expert shares tips on unlocking the power of conscious leadership

Leadership development expert Vaishali Jadhav discussed the value that conscious leaders bring to their team and company during the Global Organic Produce Expo.

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.

Mission Produce notes improved performance across all segments
Mission Produce notes improved performance across all segments

Mission Produce reported a 21% increase in revenue for its first quarter 2024 financial results, while also experiencing growth in mango and blueberry revenues.

Boosting consumption aim of Consumer Connection Conference
Boosting consumption aim of Consumer Connection Conference

The Consumer Connection Conference, a driver in efforts to boost fruit and vegetable consumption, will welcome leaders in produce, nutrition and lifestyle from April 29 to May 1 in Phoenix.

Seen and heard at SEPC's Southern Exposure 2024 — Part 3
Seen and heard at SEPC's Southern Exposure 2024 — Part 3

Highlights of the Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure included a keynote presentation by a Super Bowl-winning quarterback, booths touting the industry's "unseen heroes" and a lot of eye-catching produce.

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.

Duda Farm Fresh Foods celebrating National Celery Month
Duda Farm Fresh Foods celebrating National Celery Month

The company says it plans to tout the health benefits of the vegetable through a marketing campaign that includes giveaways.

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.

'The Hero Effect' author speaks to SEPC crowd about what sets heroes apart
'The Hero Effect' author speaks to SEPC crowd about what sets heroes apart

During SEPC's Southern Exposure event, author Kevin Brown mentioned the adage that heroes are ordinary people doing extraordinary things — and explained why that's not exactly right.

USDA cites Texas company for PACA violations
USDA cites Texas company for PACA violations

The sanctions include barring the business and the principal operators of the business from engaging in Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act-licensed business or other activities without approval from USDA.

Farm groups applaud scaled-back final climate disclosure ruling
Farm groups applaud scaled-back final climate disclosure ruling

The Securities and Exchange Commission has scrapped a plan to mandate tracking of greenhouse gas emissions that originate throughout supply chains, down to family farms.

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.

New York Apple Association recognized for communications, marketing
New York Apple Association recognized for communications, marketing

Greater Rochester American Advertising Federation recognized NYAA's "The Big Flavor" campaign, and the New York Agricultural Society honored the association's communication efforts.

Eastern Produce Council announces 2024 leadership class members
Eastern Produce Council announces 2024 leadership class members

The class comprises 17 professionals set to gain industry insights through diverse opportunities, blending field experiences with classroom seminars on topics like food safety and leadership development.

Will Europe's Farmer Protests Make Their Way To The U.S.?
Will Europe's Farmer Protests Make Their Way To The U.S.?

Steve Cubbage says the upcoming farm bill could decide if the U.S. gets a taste for Europe's recent farmer protests.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

USDA seeks Hass Avocado Board nominees
USDA seeks Hass Avocado Board nominees

Nomination applications are due April 1 for eight member seats: two domestic producers, two importers and four total alternates.

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.

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.

Potato industry members say it's time to tout nutrition, versatility
Potato industry members say it's time to tout nutrition, versatility

As the potato industry eyes its role in the upcoming Dietary Guidelines for Americans, those in the industry say marketers should focus on nutritional benefits and trends to grow interest among younger shoppers.

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.

Convenience, well-being and digitization key to consumer loyalty, industry leaders assert
Convenience, well-being and digitization key to consumer loyalty, industry leaders assert

New research from FMI, Oliver Wyman, and Circana reveals opportunities for food industry partners to meet evolving shopper values.

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.

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.

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.

$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.

Dole to sell its equity stake in Progressive Produce
Dole to sell its equity stake in Progressive Produce

PTF Holdings, the parent company of Pacific Trellis Fruit and a portfolio company of Arable Capital, has agreed to purchase the equity share of Los Angeles-based grower, packer and shipper Progressive Produce.

Oishii raises $134M in Series B funding
Oishii raises $134M in Series B funding

The vertical indoor strawberry grower says the funds are expected to accelerate growth. The brand plans to open a solar-powered facility, expand distribution to new markets and continue to invest in advanced robotics.

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.

Report shows gap between loyalty membership and consumer shopping behavior
Report shows gap between loyalty membership and consumer shopping behavior

Upside's survey highlights the evolving landscape of loyalty programs, revealing gaps in consumer behavior and retailer expectations despite widespread enrollment.

Titan Farms launches revamped website
Titan Farms launches revamped website

Titan Farms has introduced a redesigned website highlighting its fresh peach offerings, featuring recipes, nutrition facts, team insights and an interactive timeline.

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.

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.

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.

This will be the biggest packaging trend for the next few years, according to industry poll
This will be the biggest packaging trend for the next few years, according to industry poll

The survey asked produce professionals to choose among biodegradable packaging, recycled content packaging, reduced packaging and reusable packaging.

RaboResearch publishes its North American Agribusiness Review
RaboResearch publishes its North American Agribusiness Review

Rabobank’s RaboResearch Food and Agribusiness team in North America has announced the publication of the North American Agribusiness Review.