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Expert shares tips on unlocking the power of conscious leadership
Expert shares tips on unlocking the power of conscious leadership

Leadership development expert Vaishali Jadhav discussed the value that conscious leaders bring to their team and company during the Global Organic Produce Expo.

Circana lead discusses how to connect with the conscious consumer
Circana lead discusses how to connect with the conscious consumer

Alex Kalausich, produce lead for the fresh foods group at Circana, kicked off this year's Global Organic Produce Expo with a look at fresh produce trends and how those trends apply specifically to the organic market.

GOPEX panel breaks down the Strengthening Organic Enforcement rule
GOPEX panel breaks down the Strengthening Organic Enforcement rule

With the USDA's Strengthening Organic Enforcement rule going into effect March 19, Organic Trade Association co-CEO Matt Dillon led a panel discussion to help attendees understand actionable items ahead of enforcement.

How vendors can foster strong retailer relationships
How vendors can foster strong retailer relationships

What makes a good retail partnership? A panel of retailers discussed what they really want — and don't want — from vendors at GOPEX 2024.

Apple holdings in March up 35% over same time last year
Apple holdings in March up 35% over same time last year

A U.S. Apple Association report shows apple holdings for March are also 25% higher than the five-year average for the month.

GOPEX panel asks, 'Are you FSMA 204 ready?'
GOPEX panel asks, 'Are you FSMA 204 ready?'

Panelists at the Global Organic Produce Expo shared insight on becoming traceability compliant as part of the Food Safety Modernization Act.

Why Florida growers anticipate a productive spring produce season
Why Florida growers anticipate a productive spring produce season

An unusually wet fall/winter deal hasn't dampended the outlook for grower-shippers in the Sunshine State.

Seen and heard at SEPC's Southern Exposure 2024  — Part 4
Seen and heard at SEPC's Southern Exposure 2024 — Part 4

TAMPA, Fla. — Sustainability and sustainable packaging solutions were hot topics at the recent Southeast Produce Council's Southern Exposure event at the Tampa Convention Center, March 7-9.

GLC Cerritos hires sustainability director
GLC Cerritos hires sustainability director

The avocado grower-shipper says the newly created position will evaluate current sustainability initiatives within the company and define a strategy for future projects.

Sev-Rend appoints sales director for Texas and Southeastern U.S.
Sev-Rend appoints sales director for Texas and Southeastern U.S.

The Collinsville, Ill.-based packaging manufacturer says Nathan Wise has joined the company, having previously served as a sales manager for Tosca Ltd.

Inflation ticks higher in February
Inflation ticks higher in February

The all-items index rose 3.2% for the 12 months ending February, a greater rise than the 3.1% increase for the 12 months ending January, according to a Bureau of Labor Statistics report.

Mission Produce notes improved performance across all segments
Mission Produce notes improved performance across all segments

Mission Produce reported a 21% increase in revenue for its first quarter 2024 financial results, while also experiencing growth in mango and blueberry revenues.

Boosting consumption aim of Consumer Connection Conference
Boosting consumption aim of Consumer Connection Conference

The Consumer Connection Conference, a driver in efforts to boost fruit and vegetable consumption, will welcome leaders in produce, nutrition and lifestyle from April 29 to May 1 in Phoenix.

Seen and heard at SEPC's Southern Exposure 2024 — Part 3
Seen and heard at SEPC's Southern Exposure 2024 — Part 3

Highlights of the Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure included a keynote presentation by a Super Bowl-winning quarterback, booths touting the industry's "unseen heroes" and a lot of eye-catching produce.

New Zealand Jazz apple season begins
New Zealand Jazz apple season begins

T&G Global says the company and its independent growers will collectively pick over 4 million tray carton equivalents of apples this year, including its premium Jazz and Envy apple brands.

5 grocery retail trends to watch in 2024
5 grocery retail trends to watch in 2024

Kroger's retail data science arm says these five key trends are reshaping the grocery shopper experience: Holistic health, engaging experience, flexible shopping, personalization and simple efficiency.

Index Fresh expects consistent crop, size for California avocados
Index Fresh expects consistent crop, size for California avocados

The company says it will offer both Gem and hass avocados as the season kicks off in the Golden State.

Seen and heard at SEPC's Southern Exposure 2024 — Part 2
Seen and heard at SEPC's Southern Exposure 2024 — Part 2

TAMPA, Fla. — Flavorful and convenient snacking innovation was a key trend at the recent Southeast Produce Council's Southern Exposure event at the Tampa Convention Center, March 7-9.

Duda Farm Fresh Foods celebrating National Celery Month
Duda Farm Fresh Foods celebrating National Celery Month

The company says it plans to tout the health benefits of the vegetable through a marketing campaign that includes giveaways.

Fresh Del Monte launches personal-size pineapple
Fresh Del Monte launches personal-size pineapple

Fresh Del Monte has introduced Precious Honeyglow, a compact, extra sweet pineapple, aimed at reducing food waste and offering sustainability. It is available nationwide through Melissa’s Produce.

Organic banana imports rise
Organic banana imports rise

Ecuador is by far the leading supplier of organic bananas to the U.S., accounting for 50% of total U.S. organic banana value in 2023, according to trade numbers from the USDA.

Seen and heard at SEPC's Southern Exposure — Part 1
Seen and heard at SEPC's Southern Exposure — Part 1

Exhibitor booths echoed the Southeast Produce Council's Southern Exposure trade show and conference's theme of "Unseen Heroes."

Ciruli Bros. touts its Champagne mangoes for March promotion
Ciruli Bros. touts its Champagne mangoes for March promotion

March is a great month for the retail promotion of Champagne mangoes from Ciruli Bros. LLC.

Back to the Roots partners with Bolthouse Farms and Walmart for Seed to Sip campaign
Back to the Roots partners with Bolthouse Farms and Walmart for Seed to Sip campaign

The campaign aims to educate shoppers about healthier and sustainable ways to eat, live and shop. Those who buy Bolthouse Farms juice at select Walmart stores will receive a coupon for Back to the Roots garden seed.

How is fresh produce faring amid inflation?
How is fresh produce faring amid inflation?

Fresh produce had one of the strongest performances in 2023, said Anne-Marie Roerink of 210 Analytics during "The Power of Produce 2024” session at the Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure conference, March 8.

'The Hero Effect' author speaks to SEPC crowd about what sets heroes apart
'The Hero Effect' author speaks to SEPC crowd about what sets heroes apart

During SEPC's Southern Exposure event, author Kevin Brown mentioned the adage that heroes are ordinary people doing extraordinary things — and explained why that's not exactly right.

Morning Kiss Organic adds organic Vidalia onions
Morning Kiss Organic adds organic Vidalia onions

Morning Kiss Organic says it will have organic Eastern-grown red, yellow and white onions, along with hand-cultivated organic Vidalia onions, this spring. The onions will join its lineup of organic summer vegetables.

Brighter Bites, DoorDash team up to deliver fresh produce to families in need
Brighter Bites, DoorDash team up to deliver fresh produce to families in need

Brighter Bites, with DoorDash support, says it is expanding a Produce Rx program, delivering fresh produce to families for better health outcomes and tackling food insecurity.

USDA cites Texas company for PACA violations
USDA cites Texas company for PACA violations

The sanctions include barring the business and the principal operators of the business from engaging in Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act-licensed business or other activities without approval from USDA.

New blockchain technology hopes to alleviate traceability woes
New blockchain technology hopes to alleviate traceability woes

Brittany Hansen, impact officer with Viiision, a blockchain technology provider, spoke with The Packer about her company’s technology and how it can help those in the produce industry.

Syngenta Vegetables, Emerald Seed Co. partner on onion licensing
Syngenta Vegetables, Emerald Seed Co. partner on onion licensing

The agreement gives Syngenta access to Emerald Seed Co.’s germplasm of open-pollinated and hybrid onion germplasm and expands Syngenta's portfolio.

Soil genomics company catalogs more than 24M microorganisms
Soil genomics company catalogs more than 24M microorganisms

Biome Makers said it pairs artificial intelligence with its soil database to decode soil biology and provide growers with more actionable information.

Coalition of Immokalee Workers holding farmworker freedom festival
Coalition of Immokalee Workers holding farmworker freedom festival

Celebrations and creative arts will highlight the human rights progress achieved through the Fair Food Program, while emphasizing efforts to expand those gains to U.S. farmworkers beyond the program’s protections.

Bland Farms founder inducted into Vidalia Onion Hall of Fame
Bland Farms founder inducted into Vidalia Onion Hall of Fame

Vidalia Onion Committee says Delbert Bland was selected for this honor based on his commitment to promoting and protecting the Vidalia onion brand.

Potato industry leaders discuss giving growers a voice in D.C.
Potato industry leaders discuss giving growers a voice in D.C.

In this podcast episode, the National Potato Council's Kam Quarles and Bob Mattive and Kelly Turner of Potato Growers of Michigan discuss the importance of potatoes in dietary guidelines, economic impacts and more.

Kroger delivers Q4 results, eyes sustainable growth in 2024
Kroger delivers Q4 results, eyes sustainable growth in 2024

Kroger has reported $37.1 billion in fourth-quarter sales, while total company sales for 2023 were at $150 billion.

Aldi acquires Southeastern Grocers, plans to add 800 U.S. stores
Aldi acquires Southeastern Grocers, plans to add 800 U.S. stores

Aldi plans to add 800 U.S. stores by the end of 2028 through a combination of new openings and store conversions. The company says it will invest more than $9 billion over the next five years for its national expansion.

USDA publishes proposal to raise assessments on Florida tomatoes
USDA publishes proposal to raise assessments on Florida tomatoes

The proposed rule that would raise the assessment rate for tomatoes grown in Florida from 2.5 cents to 3.5 cents per 25-pound carton. Comments on the proposal can be submitted until April 8.

Banana imports rise in volume and value
Banana imports rise in volume and value

At $2.04 billion, the U.S. import value of bananas in 2023 was up 4% from 2022, according to USDA trade numbers.

GM Produce Sales celebrates milestone
GM Produce Sales celebrates milestone

Hidalgo, Texas-based GM Produce Sales LLC is celebrating its 40th anniversary as a mango importer.

Farm groups applaud scaled-back final climate disclosure ruling
Farm groups applaud scaled-back final climate disclosure ruling

The Securities and Exchange Commission has scrapped a plan to mandate tracking of greenhouse gas emissions that originate throughout supply chains, down to family farms.

USDA seeks to purchase apples
USDA seeks to purchase apples

The USDA is seeking offers to sell fresh fuji apples to the agency.

Mastronardi Produce joins Sekoya blueberry platform
Mastronardi Produce joins Sekoya blueberry platform

Sekoya is an in-demand variety platform that retailers ask for by name, having earned a reputation for excellence thanks to its consistently high-quality blueberries, says the family-owned greenhouse business.

Melon suppliers form alliance for year-round distribution
Melon suppliers form alliance for year-round distribution

The Ayco Farms and Fisher collaboration is aimed at supplying a year-round assortment of melons, including cantaloupe, honeydew and various mixed melons.

Groups invest more than $632K to advance organic farming
Groups invest more than $632K to advance organic farming

The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research and The Organic Center say the awards fund much-needed training, technical support and innovative climate research.

FMI reacts to bill aimed at addressing FDA Food Traceability Rule challenges
FMI reacts to bill aimed at addressing FDA Food Traceability Rule challenges

The proposed Food Traceability Enhancement Act seeks to make targeted improvements to the rule that are necessary for more feasible industry compliance while continuing to enhance food safety.

Harris Teeter and Consalo Family Farms partner to benefit food bank
Harris Teeter and Consalo Family Farms partner to benefit food bank

For every pound of Little Smoochies mandarins purchased at North Carolina Harris Teeter locations from March 6-12, Consalo Family Farms will donate a pound of mandarin oranges to a food bank.

New York Apple Association recognized for communications, marketing
New York Apple Association recognized for communications, marketing

Greater Rochester American Advertising Federation recognized NYAA's "The Big Flavor" campaign, and the New York Agricultural Society honored the association's communication efforts.

Produce exec shares how CPS research shapes food safety guidance
Produce exec shares how CPS research shapes food safety guidance

Little Bear Produce Executive Vice President Bret Erickson discusses how Center for Produce Safety research projects have informed the Edinburg, Texas-based company's food safety efforts.

Eastern Produce Council announces 2024 leadership class members
Eastern Produce Council announces 2024 leadership class members

The class comprises 17 professionals set to gain industry insights through diverse opportunities, blending field experiences with classroom seminars on topics like food safety and leadership development.