Industry
Take a look at the fresh produce industry stories and topics that topped The Packer’s coverage during the year.
More than ever, fresh produce growers needed guest workers to harvest their crops in 2023. At the same time, the escalating wage costs of the H-2A program — up nearly 20% since 2020 — have many desperate for relief.
As inflationary pressures wage on this holiday season, the Cincinnati-based grocer continues to promote affordable and convenient meal planning ideas.
The National Grocers Association Foundation has officially launched the SNAP EBT Modernization Technical Assistance Center website.
The Fresno, Calif.-based stone fruit producer has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, seeking a third-party sale or conversion of existing debt into equity ownership.
From the proliferation of compostable packaging options to a snack-sized supernova, fresh produce purveyors unveiled the most exciting updates and products at the 2023 Global Produce and Floral Show in Anaheim, Calif.
Luis Guardia, president of the Food Research & Action Center, said the group is troubled that a recent USDA report reveals hunger in America soared in 2022 after falling the previous year due to pandemic relief efforts.
Attendees brought their A-game to the show floor at the IFPA’s 2023 Global Produce & Floral trade show, creating an inspired, and at times raucous, display of products, people and innovations.
The International Fresh Produce Association has kicked off its annual show, bringing together a diverse industry and delivering programming and parties with its signature showmanship and panache.
“For us, it was a perfect, unicorn type of an event — you just don’t get these kinds of opportunities very often, if ever,” Frutura’s CEO David Krause tells The Packer in a Q&A about what these acquisitions mean.
The Kingsville, Ontario-based greenhouse grower has announced it has leased two Kentucky greenhouses — one in Richmond and another in Morehead — which represent a combined 120 acres of fully lit production.
As the dust settles in recent Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings, a new controlled environment agriculture company from the Netherlands is poised to secure AppHarvest’s 30-acre farm facility in Somerset, Ky.
International Fresh Produce Association CEO Cathy Burns and current and incoming board of directors chairs say technology and innovation will be a constant drumbeat throughout the 2023 Global Produce & Floral Show.
United Farm Workers has endorsed Biden, citing his labor rights track record and appointment of Julie Chavez Rodriguez, granddaughter of Cesar Chavez and daughter of UFW’s Arturo Rodriguez, as campaign manager.
Blue Road Capital is acquiring the greenhouse grower from its venture-capital parent company, Silver Venture, and aims to expand the company through increased vertical integration, innovation and distribution channels.
After recent tariff lifts on apples, walnuts and almonds, India has slashed tariffs for additional U.S. exports, including include blueberries and cranberries, signaling increased opportunities for American producers.
SecondBloom Auctions, a management firm specializing in indoor growing facilities, is auctioning assets from AeroFarms’ vertical farm facility in Newark, N.J., through Sept. 28.
The vertical, controlled environment agriculture greens grower says it’s doubling its retail footprint by expanding to Whole Foods Market and Gelson’s Markets California stores.
Jim Jones has been selected to lead the Human Foods Program, a new initiative within the FDA that will encompass food safety, chemical safety, innovative food products and agtech. The news has received early praise.
As the CEA industry matures, investors are increasingly eager to see results in the form of productivity and profitability.
As part of shifting its business model, the hydroponic grower is pausing production, closing three of its four container farms across the U.S. and laying off staff.
The indoor grower has secured a financing commitment to support operations at three of its four farms during Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings and hopes to maintain operations and employees through transition.
The Kentucky-based greenhouse grower is seeking to reassure stakeholders in a stated response to recent news of creditor and property issues facing several of its farms.
The Kentucky-based greenhouse grower is facing threats of another foreclosure, this time at the largest in its four-farm network in Morehead, Ky.
The Pennsylvania-based supplier distributor of fresh garlic, ginger and shallots is building its business and deepening its capabilities through a partnership with a food industry-focused holdings company.
AppHarvest has replaced founder and CEO Jonathan Webb with CEA industry veteran Tony Martin in an effort to recover from mounting financial issues, the latest being an eviction notice from Mastronardi Produce.
A Florida group has asked the Commerce Department to dump price agreements and implement antidumping duties on Mexican tomatoes.
The Arizona-based produce broker, shipper and wholesaler received Whole Foods Market’s annual supplier award that recognizes 15 brands that raise the bar for quality, innovation, value and social responsibility.
According to recent testimony, top farm bill priorities for specialty crops include research, crop insurance, conservation and the climate, nutrition, the Specialty Crop Block Grants initiative, organics and trade.
A recent public filing could cause the indoor grower to default on its Richmond farm facility and trigger a domino effect, leading to additional farm foreclosures.