News
Take a look at the fresh produce industry stories and topics that topped The Packer’s coverage during the year.
In 2023, the produce industry faced several challenges, including a significant recall of fresh-cut and whole cantaloupes toward the end of the year. Yet, the industry remains optimistic of the strides made this 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.
A new bill seeks raise the bar for organic standards by upping accountability and establishing a period every five years for reviewing and revising regulations.
The retail giant’s partnership aims to provide food waste recycling at its 4,700 stores across the U.S., seeking to divert millions of pounds of food waste from landfills.
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.
Fresh produce purveyors chased big goals at this year’s IFPA Global Produce and Floral Show in Anaheim, Calif., seeking to deliver the freshest products and the most provocative ideas and innovations on the show floor.
What artificial intelligence is, what it represents, its opportunities, benefits and potential threats were on the mind of industry leaders spanning the fresh produce supply chain.
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.
Coalition of Immokalee Workers co-founder Lucas Benitez has been selected to receive the Wallenberg Medal, joining past recipients who include the Dalai Lama, John Lewis, Elie Wiesel and Desmond Tutu.
The fair-trade certifier has increased its Fairtrade Minimum Price across 16 banana-growing countries. These price updates were informed by stakeholder consultation and a cost of production study.
“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 Guatemalan fresh produce supply chain is experiencing logistics delays due to protests and road closures, says the Guatemala Produce Trade Association.
A 10-page economic study from Arizona State University says ending the U.S.-Mexico suspension minimum price agreement for tomatoes would raise consumer prices by as much as 50%.
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.
The Food Safety Modernization Act’s new traceability final rule, the Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement’s leafy greens assessment tool and the “Romaine Test and Learn” study seek to raise the bar and improve food safety.
A preliminary University of Florida report assessing agricultural damages and losses from Hurricane Idalia estimates that 3.3 million acres of ag land were affected, along with a $392 million loss in production value.
The Packer met with Frank Yiannas to discuss his recent pivot to the private sector, why fresh produce needs food safety leaders and the opportunities he sees to raise the bar for indoor-grown leafy greens.
A diversified sourcing strategy has helped brokers like Mission Produce sail through a soft Peruvian season for commodities such as avocados, onions and asparagus.
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.
An International Fresh Produce Association case study reveals how tropical fruit grower Kapi Kapi approaches sustainable banana production and bringing carbon-neutral bananas to market.