Latest News From Industry

From one-on-one conversations to a host of activities to educational programming and a lively expo floor, the 2023 West Coast Produce Expo at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa had something for everyone.

PALM DESERT, Calif. — Tamara Muruetagoiena looked across the crowd gathering in the ballroom of the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort and Spa. There was much to learn at the two shows hosted by The Packer and PMG.

PALM DESERT, Calif. — Tamara Muruetagoiena looked across the crowd.

Dole Food Co. Hawaii, part of Dole plc, has launched a hands-on, behind-the-scenes agricultural tour of the original Dole pineapple farm on Oahu in Hawaii.

New traceability requirements will affect the entire fresh foods supply chain, and retailers and growers have until January 2026 to achieve compliance.

Scores of produce industry professionals soaked up the sun, fun, educational and networking opportunities at the 2023 West Coast Produce Expo, May 19-20, at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa.

Former defense Secretary Leon Panetta, chairman of the Panetta Institute of Public Policy, will speak on food security and innovation at the upcoming Salinas Biological Summit on June 20-21, 2023.

The onion category has not escaped the perils of inflation that have challenged the produce industry as prices of inputs and other necessities have skyrocketed over the past couple of years.

Packaging and fresh produce experts shared their experiences, challenges and inspiration in the pursuit of sustainable produce packaging during a panel at the Sustainable Produce Summit on May 18, 2023.

Delano, Calif.-based Four Star Fruit has acquired 1,100 acres of table grape vineyards and two modern distribution facilities near Bakersfield, Calif., from Grapeman Farms.

Sparking a jump in its stock price, Dole plc on May 18 reported first quarter 2023 gains in revenue and earnings.

In what advocates call a major win for the fresh produce industry, Canada’s House of Commons has passed Bill C-280, which aims to strengthen the financial security of fresh fruit and vegetable sellers.

HAB says the on-demand webinar spotlighting how its U.S. strategy for building demand inspires the industry globally is available on-demand as of May 18.

The sale of Blue Apron’s operational assets for $50 million is expected to streamline the meal company’s business model and expand prepared meal company FreshRealm’s footprint.

The annual event typically draws more than 100 people, from growers, brokers and shippers to marketers, wholesalers and retailers.

The California-based avocado grower-distributor has received three awards from the advertising industry's largest competition, recognizing the company’s avocado integrated-advertising campaign.

Miami-based Fresh Del Monte Inc. and plant-based food supplier Vertage Inc. have announced a strategic partnership.

This year’s West Coast Produce Expo features a keynote presentation from NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Steve Young, educational sessions, networking opportunities, farm tours and a multitude of worthwhile diversions.

The Glenville, Ga.-based Vidalia onion grower, which has been named the “official sweet onion” of the American Cornhole Organization, has released a summer cookbook.

With recent funding streams, the Montana-based indoor ag grower is completing facilities in Georgia, Texas and Washington and is set to continue expanding its distribution footprint across the U.S.

The International Fresh Produce Association has announced plans to collaborate with the Delta USDA Regional Food Business Center led by the Mississippi Delta Council for Farm Worker Opportunities. 

The Kingsville, Ontario-based fourth-generation, family-owned greenhouse grower has expanded its U.S. network through a joint venture formed with Intergrow Greenhouses Inc.

“H.R. 2 does nothing to help U.S. agriculture and instead throws a longstanding foe in E-Verify in our faces,” California Fresh Fruit Association President Ian LeMay said in a statement.

AppHarvest has surpassed its first quarter target with net sales of $13 million and has shipped commercially for first time from a full four-farm network.

Chapdelaine, the president of berry operations at Star Produce, has worked in the industry for more than 25 years. He will lead the Canadian Produce Marketing Association board of directors through 2024.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed a state immigration law imposing new requirements on many employers and adding penalties for those employing undocumented workers.

Carter, a 25-year veteran in the potato industry and CEO and co-owner of Bushmans' Inc., has contributed his expertise to the Potatoes USA board of directors for a decade.

Fyffes says the new facility’s design minimizes bruising to the fruit, increases packaging capacity through multiple processing lines, reduces water consumption by up to 40% and improves occupational health.

National Watermelon Promotion Board has released the findings of a new study, which it says demonstrates a “significant positive impact of the NWPB's activities” on the demand for watermelon.

Rio Rico, Ariz.-based Ciruli Bros. has released a new website to better communicate the company’s offerings, availability, and core values to its trading partners.

Kingsville, Ontario-based Mastronardi Produce has been named one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies for the 14th year in a row.

Kingsville, Ontario-based Red Sun Farms has now earned the distinction for 11 years in a row.

The volunteer position, which serves through Oct. 31, 2024, provides an opportunity to represent the community and have a voice in the future of the California avocado industry, according to the commission.

The Amado, Ariz.-based fair trade certified grower and shipper of organic vegetables says it is becoming a more fully integrated farm by building in-house capabilities to produce organic seeds.

The 2023 CPMA Convention and Trade Show stacked up to be the association's biggest show to date and sets the tone for next year's event in Vancouver, British Columbia, on April 23-25, 2024.

PMG, retail and education editor Amy Sowder digs into the world of marketing produce to young families this spring — especially to picky preschoolers.

The transaction increases BelleHarvest’s overall growing and storage capacity by 20%, according to the company.

D’Arrigo is vice president of communications and marketing at D'Arrigo New York, which has been a partner to the nonprofit organization that distributes produce as a way to introduce healthy lifestyles to families.

A panel of produce industry and cybersecurity experts shared key facts that produce industry leaders need to know about cybersecurity in 2023 at CPMA’s Convention and Trade Show on April 26.

Snacking, seasonality and new varieties were among the top trends at the recent 2023 Canadian Produce Marketing Association Convention and Trade Show in Toronto.

The 2023 Canadian Produce Marketing Association Convention and Trade Show spotlighted the latest trends and product innovations from local and global markets across the fresh produce supply chain.

FreshEdge, a family of fresh food distribution companies backed by private equity firm Wind Point Partners, has acquired Testa Produce, a produce and specialty food company headquartered in Chicago.

The USDA has announced that WWD Fruits LLC, doing business as B Fruits, satisfied a $60,725 reparation order issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act involving unpaid produce transactions.

From a fair trade dance party to a Hallmark actor partnership to sustainable packaging innovations, this year’s Canadian Produce Marketing Association Convention and Trade Show offered something for everyone.

With its dips, including guacamoles and salsas, avocado-forward cream cheese dips, and new Original Bean Dip and Spicy Bean Dip, Yo Quiero seeks to be a “dip destination” at retail this Cinco de Mayo.

The company says its new warehouse opens up a "world of possibilities" in terms of storage and production, doubling Canadawide’s capacity to 14,000 pallets as well as its number of ripening rooms.

After two consecutive years of neutralizing emissions originated in the international transport of its organic apples, Chilean exporter Copefrut has received the CarbonNeutral Product certification.

This year’s Canadian Produce Marketing Association Convention and Trade Show brought industry leaders across the fresh produce supply chain to downtown Toronto on April 26-27 to learn, network and collaborate.

Held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre April 26-27, the 2023 Canadian Produce Marketing Association Convention and Trade Show drew players from across the fresh produce supply chain.

Over 250 fresh produce industry advocates gathered to meet, learn and amplify industry influence on key issues in Washington, D.C.