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World grape regions face challenges
World grape regions face challenges

The global grape market is experiencing shifts due to a series of unexpected weather events in key growing regions.

Sun World International expands global marketing and quality teams
Sun World International expands global marketing and quality teams

Joining the company are Elena Hernandez, as director of global marketing insights, and Pablo Gómez, as director of quality insights.

Kapi Kapi presenting new product at the IFPA show
Kapi Kapi presenting new product at the IFPA show

Miami-based banana supplier Kapi Kapi Growers is showcasing its new Kapi Baby Oro Pineapples at this year’s International Fresh Produce Association Global Produce & Floral Show in Anaheim, Calif.

Prophet hires chief operating officer
Prophet hires chief operating officer

Tony Zuccato has over 30 years of experience in information technology, software development and project management, the company says.

Bill introduced to promote mechanization in agriculture
Bill introduced to promote mechanization in agriculture

Among its priorities, the bill proposes creating a Specialty Crop Mechanization and Automation Research and Development Program within the USDA to support specialty crop mechanization and automation projects.

Giumarra Cos. to host ‘Giumarra Golf Club’ as part of IFPA
Giumarra Cos. to host ‘Giumarra Golf Club’ as part of IFPA

Los Angeles-based Giumarra Companies will host the “Giumarra Golf Club” as part of the company’s broad participation at IFPA’s Global Produce & Floral Show in Anaheim, Calif.

Bayer and Dollar General partner to increase access to fruit and veggies
Bayer and Dollar General partner to increase access to fruit and veggies

Through the partnership, students receive a coupon for fresh produce, redeemable at local Dollar General stores that now offer fresh fruit and vegetables.

Nogales produce pioneer Emilia Gotsis to be honored as Pillar of the FPAA
Nogales produce pioneer Emilia Gotsis to be honored as Pillar of the FPAA

The Fresh Produce Association of the Americas will honor the Omega Produce founder for her contributions to the association and industry during her lifetime.

Verdant Technologies unveils research lab
Verdant Technologies unveils research lab

The company says the Verdant Innovation Lab will help it develop solutions that extend the life and quality of perishable products.

Chelan Fresh shares first sustainability and social responsibility report
Chelan Fresh shares first sustainability and social responsibility report

The Chelan, Wash.-based fruit marketing company’s report contains 50 pages explaining what goes into growing, harvesting and packing the varieties under the Joyfully Grown brand.

DAT: Truck contract rates to decline
DAT: Truck contract rates to decline

DAT Freight & Analytics projects truck contract rates to decrease across all markets over the next 12 months.

Fresh Del Monte notes sustainability gains in new report
Fresh Del Monte notes sustainability gains in new report

The company is highlighting progress in reducing its carbon footprint and curbing food waste, as well as including regenerative agriculture and farming practices.

Fruit Attraction sees a 10% increase in exhibitors
Fruit Attraction sees a 10% increase in exhibitors

The 15th anniversary of Fruit Attraction ended Oct. 5 with the best participation figures in the history of the trade fair.

Early Idaho potato crop outlook signals more promotion opportunities
Early Idaho potato crop outlook signals more promotion opportunities

The early numbers speak to a larger potato crop in Idaho for the 2023-24 season, and that means more affordable potatoes and greater promotion opportunities for retailers.

EPC Leadership Class gains field experience in New Jersey
EPC Leadership Class gains field experience in New Jersey

The fifth Eastern Produce Council Leadership Class recently had a chance to visit Hionis Greenhouses and the Clifford E. and Melda C. Snyder Research and Extension Farm at Rutgers University.

Giorgio Fresh Co. to present its newest stuffed-mushroom flavor at IFPA show
Giorgio Fresh Co. to present its newest stuffed-mushroom flavor at IFPA show

Giorgio Fresh Co. will share the latest addition to its stuffed-mushroom line at the International Fresh Produce Association’s Global Produce & Floral Show.

USDA restricts PACA violators in Connecticut, New York and Texas
USDA restricts PACA violators in Connecticut, New York and Texas

The USDA's sanctions include suspending the businesses’ PACA licenses and barring their principal operators from engaging in PACA-licensed business or other activities without approval from USDA.

USDA lifts PACA reparation sanctions on produce business in Illinois
USDA lifts PACA reparation sanctions on produce business in Illinois

The USDA says the company satisfied a reparation order in the amount of nearly $28,000, issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act involving unpaid produce transactions.

Ever Tru Farms enters the U.S. market with Kentucky greenhouse collaboration
Ever Tru Farms enters the U.S. market with Kentucky greenhouse collaboration

Bosch Growers, based in the Netherlands, is partnering with Ever Tru Farms to distribute premium strawberries, which will carry the Ever Tru Farms label.

Conscious Greens to display enhanced leafy greens at IFPA show
Conscious Greens to display enhanced leafy greens at IFPA show

Conscious Greens will display its leafy greens developed with CRISPR technology at the International Fresh Produce Association’s Global Produce & Floral Show.

Calavo debuting ready-to-cook meal innovations
Calavo debuting ready-to-cook meal innovations

The three product lines come fully prepared to cook in 30 minutes or less, with prominent labeling that calls out the preferred cooking method, according to Calavo.

IFPA applauds organic legislation supported by coalition of industry partners
IFPA applauds organic legislation supported by coalition of industry partners

The bill would improve the National Organic Program by establishing a process by which the USDA solicits input every five years from organic stakeholders regarding changes to organic standards, IFPA says.

Majority of produce stakeholders report weather unpredictability, input costs weigh on business
Majority of produce stakeholders report weather unpredictability, input costs weigh on business

The results spotlight the many challenges that demonstrate an urgent need to improve predictability for a more efficient, resilient and sustainable produce supply chain, according to ProducePay.

Procurant signs Schnucks for perishables order management and produce inspections
Procurant signs Schnucks for perishables order management and produce inspections

Procurant says it has implemented the Procurant One technology platform for perishables purchasing, produce inspections and source-to-pay order management at Schnucks Markets Inc.

Organically Grown Company launches campaign touting ‘Organic is the Answer’
Organically Grown Company launches campaign touting ‘Organic is the Answer’

Portland, Ore.-based Organically Grown Company has launched a new consumer campaign called Organic is the Answer.

GrubMarket to unveil collaborative innovation at IFPA show
GrubMarket to unveil collaborative innovation at IFPA show

GrubMarket says its booth will allow attendees to explore fresh and tech-driven offerings, as its subsidiaries will display its unique contributions to the evolving global fresh produce ecosystem.

Tomra Food to reveal AI-powered fruit sorting and grading solutions at IFPA show
Tomra Food to reveal AI-powered fruit sorting and grading solutions at IFPA show

Tomra Food is launching two new sorting and grading solutions at the International Fresh Produce Association’s Global Produce & Floral Show in California.

Sterman Masser partners with Society of St. Andrew to give back to community
Sterman Masser partners with Society of St. Andrew to give back to community

The inaugural Potato Palooza aimed to glean and share farm-fresh food in local communities.

Tasteful Selections introducing Potatoes Your Way at IFPA show
Tasteful Selections introducing Potatoes Your Way at IFPA show

Potatoes Your Way is touted as offering a hassle-free cooking experience packaged in a sustainable fiber tray.

‘Ethically sourced produce is having its moment,' says Fair Trade USA's Paul Rice
‘Ethically sourced produce is having its moment,' says Fair Trade USA's Paul Rice

The founder and CEO shares highlights of the nonprofit’s Produce Program Innovation launch.

Sunrays packaging to offer consumer link to carbon footprint data
Sunrays packaging to offer consumer link to carbon footprint data

Starting this year, consumers will begin to see QR codes that link to the carbon footprint of every Sunrays mandarin package.

ag tech
3 finalists named to compete in AgSharks’ pitch competition

Climate Robotics, Cultiva and Privision have been selected to pitch their innovations to produce leaders for a chance to win at least $250,000 in funding during the sixth annual AgSharks Competition in November.

Backed by calls from producers, Fairtrade America ups its banana price minimums
Backed by calls from producers, Fairtrade America ups its banana price minimums

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.

NatureSweet says all branded tomato products now Fair Trade Certified
NatureSweet says all branded tomato products now Fair Trade Certified

NatureSweet says all its branded tomatoes — including Cherubs, Glorys, Constellation, Comets, Twilights and D’Vines — meet rigorous safety, environmental protection and sustainable livelihood standards.

Wholesum to showcase earth-friendly packaging
Wholesum to showcase earth-friendly packaging

Amado, Ariz.-based Wholesum will be showing off its Earth-Friendly Organic Tomatoes on the Vine at the International Fresh Produce Association’s Global Produce & Floral Show.

Strong Pazazz apple crop ready for release
Strong Pazazz apple crop ready for release

"We’re seeing robust crops across all our orchards, including those on both coasts and the Midwest," Don Roper, vice president at Honeybear Brands, said in a news release.

RedLine Solutions and RSM integrate solutions for produce inventory and accounting
RedLine Solutions and RSM integrate solutions for produce inventory and accounting

With integration, MyProduce Professional synchronizes and updates RSM in real time, providing a seamless software experience from field to warehouse dock, to sales and into back-end accounting, according to a release.

Mission Produce launches ‘Discover the Mission’ marketing campaign
Mission Produce launches ‘Discover the Mission’ marketing campaign

The company says the campaign will communicate the key differentiators that it offers to retail, wholesale, and foodservice customers throughout North America as a preferred supplier of avocados and mangoes.

Meet the New York Apple Association’s new spokespuppet
Meet the New York Apple Association’s new spokespuppet

Along with bright green skin and a quirky personality, Bob for Apples from New York is the anchor for NYAA News, a virtual news station for apple lovers everywhere.

National Mango Board to host IFPA reception at vintage-styled bowling alley
National Mango Board to host IFPA reception at vintage-styled bowling alley

Network and knock down pins with fellow produce industry members Oct. 20 at the 2023 Mango Industry Reception during the Global Produce & Floral Show at Splitsville Downtown Disney.

Pure Flavor receives taste award, introduces third greenhouse-grown melon
Pure Flavor receives taste award, introduces third greenhouse-grown melon

With an eye on the healthy snacking trend, greenhouse grower Pure Flavor has introduced two new products — Tiki Tomatoes and Oronai Sweet Charentais Melons.

North Shore Living to promote Counter Culture product at IFPA show
North Shore Living to promote Counter Culture product at IFPA show

Thermal, Calif.-based North Shore Living is promoting its new Counter Culture product at the International Fresh Produce Association’s Global Produce & Floral Show.

North Bay Produce preps for Chilean blueberry season
North Bay Produce preps for Chilean blueberry season

Based on the most recent field projections, executives with Traverse City, Mich.-based North Bay Produce anticipate the peak of Chilean arrivals to be in early-mid January.

Organics Unlimited sees rising consumer demand for organic, ethically sourced bananas
Organics Unlimited sees rising consumer demand for organic, ethically sourced bananas

San Diego-based Organics Unlimited believes that consumers are willing to pay a fair price for bananas that are ethically sourced and organically grown, says Daniella Velazquez de Leon, manager.

Mastronardi heralds the arrival of 4 new Queen of Greens salad kits
Mastronardi heralds the arrival of 4 new Queen of Greens salad kits

The salad kits feature the brand’s premium crafted lettuce blends and carefully selected toppings that create four SKUs of vibrant flavors and textures, according to a news release.

Sunkist unveils ‘Everywhere, Every Day’ strategy
Sunkist unveils ‘Everywhere, Every Day’ strategy

The California-based fresh citrus cooperative is kicking off its new sales strategy and streaming commercial at the upcoming International Fresh Produce Association Global Produce & Floral Show.

Co-op Partners adds Prophet system
Co-op Partners adds Prophet system

St. Paul, Minn.-based Co-op Partners Warehouse may specialize in selling fresh fruits and vegetables, but customers will soon find out that ordering from them is a piece of cake.

Frutura acquires Sun Belle and Giddings Fruits, advancing berry business
Frutura acquires Sun Belle and Giddings Fruits, advancing berry business

“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.

Monterey Mushrooms to promote its Sizzling Sautés Mushrooms Kits at IFPA show
Monterey Mushrooms to promote its Sizzling Sautés Mushrooms Kits at IFPA show

Sizzling Sautés Mushrooms Kits are 12 ounces of Sliced Baby Bella Mushrooms, high in vitamin D, with a 1.5-ounce sauce packet, the company said on the IFPA show website.

Stemilt to spotlight new varieties at IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show
Stemilt to spotlight new varieties at IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show

“We can’t wait to share with retailers the strategic growth that has come to light with this year’s crop of apples and pears, and Stemilt specifically,” said Stemilt’s Brianna Shales.