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Welcome to Season 4, Episode 1, which introduces a series on produce technology, co-hosted with ZAG Technical Services. It's the hidden side of produce, full of challenges and solutions from farm to shelf.

The USDA says it has imposed sanctions on four produce businesses for failing to meet contractual obligations to the sellers of produce.

Facing pressure from Peru in the U.S. market, Chilean grape exports to the U.S. market are projected to fall nearly 9% in the 2022-23 season.

Court Justice Samuel Alito said the EPA's interpretation of its powers went "too far."

The 2023 Down to Earth Women’s Luncheon, held at Driscoll’s Rancho Corralitos, celebrated Santa Cruz County and Pajaro Valley women in agriculture and raised $90,000 for programs and scholarships.

Rockit Apple has announced its inaugural partnership with the Special Olympics.

Over 50 cherry growers and retailers across four continents attended the May 16 event, which featured high-quality samples from eight of the Cheery Cherries varietals for tastings and viewings.

The Packer’s Sustainability Insights 2023 survey was designed to better understand growers’ involvement and market behaviors surrounding packaging, labeling, food waste, and sustainability.

Just ahead of Memorial Day weekend, Walmart has deepened its price cuts for summer grilling promotions, including fresh produce favorites.

Grandview, Wash.-based River Valley Fruit has introduced the Audra Rose cherry bag with its newly assigned PLU number, 3550.

Organic industry experts Joelle Mosso and Scott Rice have been hired to form a new technical and regulatory team at the Organic Trade Association.

The Watsonville, Calif.-based company predicts a bountiful summer of California strawberries ahead, as it forecasts promotable volumes of its cornerstone product.

Following the Sustainable Produce Summit and a day in the desert learning and recreating, the 2023 West Coast Produce Expo ended on a high note, delivering an inspirational keynote and a bustling trade show.

New York, California and Massachusetts are tops in per capita consumer interest in fruits and vegetables, according to new research.

The third annual Best of SPS Marketing Awards recognizes excellence in sustainability-focused marketing by the fresh produce industry.

Nearly 3 in 10 consumers who noticed higher food prices in 2023 said they made less healthy choices as a result, according to a new survey.

The Sonora, Mexico-based grower, packer and shipper of high-quality produce has launched a new marketing campaign designed to encourage consumers to try a variety of candy grapes.

Thousands of pounds of  Colombian sugar mangoes are now being distributed throughout the U.S. The mid-May entry of the mango variety, grown only in Colombia, is the first time the fruit has been marketed in the U.S.

Yakima, Wash.-based FirstFruits Farms, in conjunction with Opal Apple, has announced the recipients of the Opal Youth Make A Difference Grant.

To learn how the late start to this year’s domestic produce season might impact transportation costs and availability, The Packer recently spoke with Dean Croke, principal analyst for DAT Freight & Analytics.

Indianapolis-based FreshEdge, a family of fresh food distribution companies backed by Wind Point Partners, has acquired Chicago wholesaler Panama Banana.

The indoor ag grower has added 20 acres in Central Texas to its controlled environment agriculture footprint, which also includes operations in Minnesota, Georgia and California.

Nine inspections of stores in four states operated by Dollar General Corp. and Dolgencorp found unsafe conditions for employees, according to the Department of Labor.

At Austin’s Hot Luck Food and Music Festival, there will be a “Shroom House” experiential collaboration with Wicked Kitchen’s Chef Derek Sarno.

Reedley, Calif.-based Fruit World says it is shipping some of the ripest early California cherry varieties.

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.

The New Zealand government is giving the agri-tech sector an injection of 29.9 million New Zealand dollars through its Horticulture Technology Catalyst initiative.

The Packer's consumer survey sought responses on the motivations behind organic produce purchases, along with information on where consumers shop and how much of a premium buyers said they would be willing to pay.

Northeast and mid-Atlantic distributor Baldor Specialty Foods is expanding its leadership team by adding two specialty foods industry veterans in vice president roles.

The Soledad, Calif.-based home of Josie’s Organics is introducing two organic, vegan chopped salad kits to its family of products in time for National Salad Month.

Arkansas is known for its tasty field-grown tomatoes, and grower-shippers say this year’s crop should put a smile on the faces of produce buyers and consumers alike.

The sustainability consulting firm says it has launched five new services that empower fresh produce organizations to achieve and exceed sustainability goals.

The early signs point to a healthy crop of cherries in the Northwest, says Tim Kovis, director of communications and events for the Washington State Tree Fruit Association, Yakima, Wash.

Following its affordably priced Easter and spring meal promotions, The Kroger Co. is now promoting menus specially curated for Memorial Day backyard barbecues, featuring grilling favorites and plenty of fresh sides.

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 South Carolina-based fresh peach and vegetable grower says it has strengthened its leadership team by adding James Sparks as CFO and promoting Ross Williams and Jason Rodgers.

Weather challenges had an effect on some of the early spring/summer produce coming out of Georgia, but growers remain optimistic for a good season.

Last year’s Washington cherry crop was about 50% of a normal crop, and this year provides the potential to bounce back, says Brianna Shales, marketing director for Stemilt Growers.

Among other requirements, scholarships are awarded to applicants who meet the application criteria of having a parent or grandparent who is a corporate member in good standing with the SEPC.

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.

The signs of El Niño grew even stronger this month, and as the weather event looks to make its grand return, significant weather changes could be on deck for U.S. farmers this year. 

If price were no object, would consumers definitely eat more fresh organic produce? That's one of the questions addressed in The Packer’s Fresh Trends 2023, which surveyed shoppers about how they buy fresh produce.

The first crop estimate from Northwest Cherry Growers calls for a fresh crop of 19.9 million (20-pound) boxes.

In addition to supporting the May 28 event featuring over 200 student finalists, SugarBee Apple will also present the Scripps Educator of the Year award.

PALM DESERT, Calif. — A pivotal moment in Brody Slacer's life happened when he had to reject a third pallet of yellow squash within 48 hours at a meal kit company.