Latest News From Industry

7 Essential Strategy Considerations
7 Essential Strategy Considerations

Mark Faust shares objectives in seven key areas that can intensify your operation's vision, divergence and focus.

7 top food and beverage trends for 2024
7 top food and beverage trends for 2024

KeHE, a distributor of natural and organic, specialty and fresh products, has identified its top seven trends in the food and beverage industry for 2024, and fresh produce has the potential to play a role in each one.

USDA seeks application grant reviewers for farm labor pilot
USDA seeks application grant reviewers for farm labor pilot

The USDA is seeking reviewers to evaluate grant applications submitted under the Farm Labor Stabilization and Protection Pilot Program.

Inflation and high grocery prices impact holiday food donations, fresh produce purchases, survey finds
Inflation and high grocery prices impact holiday food donations, fresh produce purchases, survey finds

Divert has released new data that finds nearly 20% fewer consumers are donating this holiday season and nearly 72% of consumers are changing their grocery shopping habits and behaviors amid the current economic climate.

Congress Can't Ignore the Mental Health Crisis Anymore, Costa Says
Congress Can't Ignore the Mental Health Crisis Anymore, Costa Says

More than 1 in 5 U.S. adults live with a mental illness. U.S. Representative Jim Costa (D-CA) says Congress cannot ignore the mental health crisis in America anymore. 

Arizona kicks off leafy greens season, celebrates state’s leafy greens month
Arizona kicks off leafy greens season, celebrates state’s leafy greens month

“Right now, Arizona farms are actively growing and harvesting all leafy greens from iceberg and romaine to spinach and spring mix,” said Teressa Lopez, administrator of the Arizona LGMA program.

Lineage marks grand opening of Houston ColdPort facility
Lineage marks grand opening of Houston ColdPort facility

The new facility is expected to strengthen Lineage’s network in Texas, which now spans more than 189 million cubic feet of capacity across 19 locations.

The Packer celebrates produce retail and marketing excellence
The Packer celebrates produce retail and marketing excellence

Watch as the recipients of this year’s awards for Produce Retailer of the Year and Produce Marketer of the Year are honored at the recent International Fresh Produce Association's Global Produce and Floral Show.

Legislation introduced to boost exports of specialty crops
Legislation introduced to boost exports of specialty crops

Supporters say the Specialty CROP Act responds to continued high tariffs, burdensome labeling requirements and other trade barriers that restrict U.S. products from accessing foreign markets.

USDA nutrition incentives aim to improve access to healthy food 
USDA nutrition incentives aim to improve access to healthy food 

The USDA says it is investing more than $52 million to improve dietary health and access to fresh fruits and vegetables for eligible families.

Will Border Security Issues Force Congress To Take Action On Immigration Reform? Ag Economists Say It's Unlikely
Will Border Security Issues Force Congress To Take Action On Immigration Reform? Ag Economists Say It's Unlikely

The debate over immigration continues to be an issue in Washington. However, the Ag Economists' Monthly Monitor shows economists are still skeptical it's enough for Congress to act on immigration reform.

Equitable Food Initiative welcomes new project manager and marketing associate
Equitable Food Initiative welcomes new project manager and marketing associate

Gabriela Lopez-Barry joins EFI as the Ethical Charter Implementation Program project manager and Alexandra Martinez joins as marketing and sales associate. 

U.S. ag trade negotiator talks apple industry issues during visit to orchard
U.S. ag trade negotiator talks apple industry issues during visit to orchard

The chief ag negotiator in the office of the U.S. trade representative was among those visiting Cherry Hill Orchards & Farm Market in Lancaster, Pa., to discuss trade, jobs and market conditions.

New Legislation Looks To Connect Farmland And Ranchland To Broadband
New Legislation Looks To Connect Farmland And Ranchland To Broadband

The Last Acre Act would help expand high-speed internet access across eligible farmland, ranchland and farm sites. At least 15% of farms and ranches have no access to the internet today. 

How USDA plans to make the U.S. specialty crop sector more competitive
How USDA plans to make the U.S. specialty crop sector more competitive

The USDA says the specialty crops competitiveness initiative will raise awareness of which of its services and resources are available support to the specialty crops industry and help identify gaps in those services.

Senate and House Leaders Call for Farm Bill Extension
Senate and House Leaders Call for Farm Bill Extension

Rep. Thompson, chairman of the House Ag Committee, continues to express optimism about passing a new farm bill in December in the House of Representatives. But he says an extension of the current farm bill is needed.

FPAA inaugural expo hailed as a success
FPAA inaugural expo hailed as a success

More than 500 attendees, buyers and exhibitors attended the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas’ inaugural Southwest International Produce Expo.

3 innovations KeHE says will improve supplier, retailer experience
3 innovations KeHE says will improve supplier, retailer experience

KeHE Distributors, a distributor of natural, organic, specialty and fresh products, says it has “learned to navigate” the ever-evolving distribution landscape through a focus on pick rates, fill rates and flexibility.

Live Oak Farms to import bell peppers from Mexico
Live Oak Farms to import bell peppers from Mexico

Later this month, San Joaquin Valley, Calif.-based Live Oak Farms is poised to begin importing product from its farming operations in Mexico to help complete a 52-week cycle of availability on green and red bell peppers.

USDA restricts PACA violators in Michigan and Texas
USDA restricts PACA violators in Michigan and Texas

The USDA has imposed sanctions on two produce businesses for failing to meet contractual obligations to the sellers of produce they purchased and failing to pay reparation awards issued under PACA.

USDA, USTR seek trade advisory committee members for Southeast U.S. seasonal ag
USDA, USTR seek trade advisory committee members for Southeast U.S. seasonal ag

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and the USDA are taking nominations for members of a new trade advisory group known as the Seasonal and Perishable Agricultural Products Advisory Committee.

In the spotlight: Northland Potato Growers on how spud quality is in the soil
In the spotlight: Northland Potato Growers on how spud quality is in the soil

The Packer caught up with Northland Potato Growers Association on camera at IFPA’s recent Global Produce and Floral Show to learn more about what makes potatoes from the Red River Valley unique.

Ocean Mist Farms debuts new trade show booth
Ocean Mist Farms debuts new trade show booth

Ocean Mist Farms unveiled a 30-by-30-foot booth at the recent Global Produce and Floral Show, providing an opportunity to tell the story of the fourth-generation legacy company and its value-added products.

Greenberg Fruit Co. joins FreshEdge
Greenberg Fruit Co. joins FreshEdge

The Omaha, Neb.-based company has joined FreshEdge, a family of fresh food distribution companies backed by private-equity investment firm Wind Point Partners.

New report looks at global fresh produce industry challenges, trends
New report looks at global fresh produce industry challenges, trends

Weather, labor shortages and geopolitical challenges are complicating the global fresh produce trade, but technological innovations and new products signal ample opportunities ahead, a new report says.

How table grape growers can prepare for El Niño 2023 
How table grape growers can prepare for El Niño 2023 

Bloom Fresh, a premium fruit-breeding company specializing in table grapes, cherries and raisins, says it's taking proactive measures to safeguard table grape production as El Niño threatens vineyards across the globe.

In the spotlight: Fair Trade USA CEO Paul Rice shares vision for scaling produce certification 
In the spotlight: Fair Trade USA CEO Paul Rice shares vision for scaling produce certification 

The Packer caught up with Fair Trade USA founder and CEO Paul Rice at IFPA’s Global Produce and Floral Show to learn more about the organization’s newly launched Produce Program Innovation.

Foundation for Fresh Produce, IFPA engage retail dietitians at pair of events
Foundation for Fresh Produce, IFPA engage retail dietitians at pair of events

Produce advocates sought to connect and inspire retail dietitians at this year's Food and Nutrition Conference and the Retail Registered Dietitian Immersion Event at the IFPA's recent Global Produce and Floral Show.

In the spotlight: Red Sun Farms on seed-to-plate innovation
In the spotlight: Red Sun Farms on seed-to-plate innovation

The Packer caught up with Red Sun Farms' Carlos Visconti on camera at IFPA’s recent Global Produce and Floral Show to learn more about the company’s seed-to-plate innovation.

Fresh Del Monte Produce reports Q3 results
Fresh Del Monte Produce reports Q3 results

Noting a slight decline in net sales but improved profits in its banana trade, Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc.  has reported financial results for the third quarter.

Sponsored
How Mariani Nut Company is taking a lead in innovation
How Mariani Nut Company is taking a lead in innovation

Kristin Dinsmore chats with key executives about their family-oriented culture and commitment to sustainable operations.

Sponsored Content
Avocados From Mexico to be title sponsor of college football's Cure Bowl
Avocados From Mexico to be title sponsor of college football's Cure Bowl

Avocados From Mexico will be the title sponsor of the Avocados From Mexico Cure Bowl.

New York Apple Association sponsoring New York City Marathon
New York Apple Association sponsoring New York City Marathon

Among it's contributions to the event, the association will provide New York state-grown apples at the finish line, at several related events and to race volunteers.

In the spotlight: Gem-Pack Berries on staying 'nimble' and growing its berry business
In the spotlight: Gem-Pack Berries on staying 'nimble' and growing its berry business

The Packer caught up with Gem-Pack Berries on camera at IFPA’s Global Produce and Floral Show to learn more about the company’s strong growth and family-focused approach.

How will AI affect your job security?
How will AI affect your job security?

What tech skills do job seekers need to thrive in their search? Rex Lawrence of produce job search firm Joe Produce answers that question and more in this ZAG Tech-partnered "Tip of the Iceberg" podcast.

Sun World launches Autumncrisp campaign with first in-person experiential event 
Sun World launches Autumncrisp campaign with first in-person experiential event 

Sun World International recently took to New York City to officially debut its Autumncrisp brand grapes’ global consumer marketing campaign.

Oppy and Ocean Spray celebrate 20 years of cranberry collaboration in U.S. market
Oppy and Ocean Spray celebrate 20 years of cranberry collaboration in U.S. market

As the companies report seeing a healthy growing season throughout the Pacific Northwest and Wisconsin, a "fun-focused" retail campaign is set to embrace the emerging "Friendsgiving" trend.

USDA: More than $32 million in grant awards to strengthen local and regional food systems
USDA: More than $32 million in grant awards to strengthen local and regional food systems

The USDA has awarded more than $32 million for 98 grant projects to expand and strengthen local and regional food systems and increase the availability of locally grown agricultural products.

Syngenta Group listed as top agriculture employer in Science magazine survey
Syngenta Group listed as top agriculture employer in Science magazine survey

The Syngenta Group has been recognized as one of the globe’s top five leading employers in the 2023 Science Careers Top Employers Survey.

In the spotlight: Mastronardi Produce offers the sweet taste of summer year-round
In the spotlight: Mastronardi Produce offers the sweet taste of summer year-round

The Packer caught up with Mastronardi Produce on camera at IFPA’s Global Produce and Floral Show to learn more about what makes its new Sunset Summer Dream Raspberries unique.

NGA Foundation offers produce prescription resource
NGA Foundation offers produce prescription resource

The National Grocers Association Foundation has wrapped its Point of Sale Produce Prescription Workgroup, creating a core functionality document intended for efficient and accurate produce prescription POS solutions.

Mission Produce plans to add mangoes, double ripening capacity in U.K.
Mission Produce plans to add mangoes, double ripening capacity in U.K.

The avocado producer and distributor has mapped out a plan to double its avocado ripening capacity and add mango operations to its distribution center in Dartford, England, by next spring.

California Avocado Commission introduces revamped marketing approach
California Avocado Commission introduces revamped marketing approach

The commission says the new direction is "focused on the California brand with an emphasis on targeting and investment efficiencies,” which also included the hiring of an in-house marketing manager.

Seen and heard at IFPA show, part 5
Seen and heard at IFPA show, part 5

From new products and packaging to new marketing campaigns and recent acquisitions, many companies embraced IFPA's Global Produce and Floral Show as an opportunity to introduce the latest and greatest in the fresh space.

Prima Wawona files for bankruptcy
Prima Wawona files for bankruptcy

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.

The Ag Economy Is Healthy, And That's One Reason Economists Think It Could Be 2025 Before We See A New Farm Bill
The Ag Economy Is Healthy, And That's One Reason Economists Think It Could Be 2025 Before We See A New Farm Bill

Political unrest, a healthy ag economy and the start of an election year. These are all reasons economists in the October Ag Economists' Monthly Monitor think it could 2025 before Congress passes a new farm bill.

Watermelon board names 2023 Retail Merchandising Contest winners
Watermelon board names 2023 Retail Merchandising Contest winners

The produce industry’s mad merchandising skills are evidenced by the National Watermelon Promotion Board’s newly named winners in its annual Retail Merchandising Contest.

Canadian produce advocates celebrate latest passage of financial protections bill
Canadian produce advocates celebrate latest passage of financial protections bill

According to advocacy groups, the Financial Protection for Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Act seeks to provide needed financial protections that would help avoid bankruptcy, such as the recent case of Lakeside Produce.

Nutrition advocacy group calls for an increase in SNAP and WIC funding
Nutrition advocacy group calls for an increase in SNAP and WIC funding

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.

GrubMarket acquires Philadelphia wholesaler
GrubMarket acquires Philadelphia wholesaler

GrubMarket has acquired PA China Farm, a provider of specialty fruits and vegetables.