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After expected gaps, Gold Coast looks for ample supply in Santa Maria
After expected gaps, Gold Coast looks for ample supply in Santa Maria

There will be some harvest gaps for vegetable crops in the next few weeks but better supply is coming, says Crystal Chavez, marketing coordinator for Gold Coast Packing Inc., Santa Maria, Calif.

Honeybear Brands provides value-oriented Sweet Deal
Honeybear Brands provides value-oriented Sweet Deal

The Elgin, Minn.-based company says the program supplies apples that are custom packed in sizes and specifications that best meet retailers' needs.

AgroFresh adds to senior leadership
AgroFresh adds to senior leadership

The Philadelphia-based company says the appointments will strengthen its leadership and enhance its capabilities in global operations, manufacturing, information technology, digital solutions and human resources.

Organic survey seeks industry insight
Organic survey seeks industry insight

The Packer is seeking input from organic produce marketers for its special organic produce coverage planned for the April 24 issue.

Ohio produce firm awarded $343M supply contract
Ohio produce firm awarded $343M supply contract

Premier ProduceOne Inc., Dayton, Ohio, has been awarded a maximum $343.2 million contract to supply fresh fruits and vegetables to military and school customers.

Biden-⁠Harris Administration to invest up to $450M in new clean energy projects
Biden-⁠Harris Administration to invest up to $450M in new clean energy projects

The U.S. Department of Energy has announced up to $450 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to advance clean energy demonstration projects on current and former mine lands.

Oppy’s Dan Wickland retires
Oppy’s Dan Wickland retires

The Oppenheimer Group’s Senior Sales Representative Dan Wickland is the longest-tenured employee in the history of Oppy's Chicago office.

Vertical farmer Kalera files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy
Vertical farmer Kalera files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy

Kalera, a vertical farming company based in Orlando, Fla., filed April 4, for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, and the CEO stepped down. But leaders are making arrangements to continue regular operations throughout the process.

OPS session to focus on how plant-based diets are fueling professional athletes
OPS session to focus on how plant-based diets are fueling professional athletes

Organic Produce Summit 2023 has announced a new education session that looks at how world-class athletes are switching to plant-based diets to improve health and athletic performance. 

Kroger takes on Walmart in battle for lowest-priced Easter menu
Kroger takes on Walmart in battle for lowest-priced Easter menu

The Cincinnati-based grocer is offering a “zero-compromise” fresh Easter menu to serve a family of 10 — complete with candy — for less than $7.50 per person.

Mexican new crop limes may loosen market
Mexican new crop limes may loosen market

Tony Campos, owner of International Citrus & Produce, says a new crop of Mexican limes is expected in mid-April, mainly sizes 230s and 250s and trending smaller.

Wholesum launches Dolci Belles peppers
Wholesum launches Dolci Belles peppers

The organic Italian sweet peppers “will bring an elevated experience to the consumer and provide a great upgrade option from the traditional blocky pepper,” said Joanna Jaramillo, marketing manager.

California cherries saw volume dip, prices climb in 2022
California cherries saw volume dip, prices climb in 2022

The USDA reported total cherry shipments from California’s San Joaquin Valley in 2022 totaled 2,256 truckloads, down 59% from 4,442 truckloads in 2021.

Seen and heard at Viva Fresh 2023
Seen and heard at Viva Fresh 2023

The 2023 showcase of produce grown, shipped and sold in the Southwest U.S. boasted creative education sessions, networking events and a bustling expo.

Planters are Already Starting To Roll in These Areas
Planters are Already Starting To Roll in These Areas

With the impending snowstorm in the upper Midwest and Northern Plains, it may seem like the 2023 planting season will be off to a slow start. However, in states like Illinois and Missouri, planting has already started.

CMI Orchards readies for the cherry season with a new online guide
CMI Orchards readies for the cherry season with a new online guide

Wenatchee, Wash.-based CMI Orchards says retailers can look ahead to a profitable Northwest cherry season with the freshest selections of premium cherries, high-graphic displays and exciting promotional programs.

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Kroger: Earth Day, what? We’re doing Earth Month

The grocer gives back with a shopper-matching donation program, inviting consumers to join efforts to protect wildlife at the cash register with a topping-off strategy.

NatureSweet launches pilot program for ag workers to earn college degrees
NatureSweet launches pilot program for ag workers to earn college degrees

In its quest to transform the lives of agricultural workers, NatureSweet has kicked off an educational initiative that’s giving agricultural workers an opportunity to obtain a bachelor’s degree.

California Giant Berry Farms appoints director of sustainability   
California Giant Berry Farms appoints director of sustainability  

In a move that it says demonstrates its commitment to environmental sustainability, California Giant Berry Farms has appointed Justin Kosta as director of sustainability.

Record-breaking Viva Fresh touts healthy living with fresh produce
Record-breaking Viva Fresh touts healthy living with fresh produce

From an inspiring keynote to a Healthy Living Award presentation, Viva Fresh 2023 celebrated the connection between optimal health and fresh produce.

Seen at Eastern Produce Council's annual gala
Seen at Eastern Produce Council's annual gala

WOODLAND PARK, N.J. — Amid the white baby grand piano, dozens of chandeliers and a chocolate fountain, members of the Eastern Produce Council met at EPC's John J. Jay McAleavey Annual Gala.

Rice Fruit generates buzz with pollinator garden
Rice Fruit generates buzz with pollinator garden

By planting a diverse range of native plants and flowers, Rice Fruit Co. has created a thriving habitat for honeybees and butterflies, bats and other insects that feed on pests like the brown marmorated stink bug. 

Advance Customs Brokers marks 10-year anniversary
Advance Customs Brokers marks 10-year anniversary

Industry veterans Pat Compres and Maria Bermudez founded the company to provide additional levels of support and expertise to companies trading in fresh produce.

Industry leaders graduate from Hass Avocado Board professional development program
Industry leaders graduate from Hass Avocado Board professional development program

The Board Leadership Development (BOLD) program connected emerging leaders from across the supply chain with experts and resources essential to form a well-rounded understanding of the business.

USDA swears in 32 members to Potatoes USA's board of directors
USDA swears in 32 members to Potatoes USA's board of directors

The 16 new members and 16 reappointed members will guide the organization's efforts to promote and support the potato industry.

The retail data you need on hass avocados
The retail data you need on hass avocados

We know avocados are popular these days. But you need to know more details for your ordering needs, marketing plans and general strategy.

Dynapro Transport acquires Transport TEB
Dynapro Transport acquires Transport TEB

Dynapro Transport, a Courchesne Larose Group company specializing in the transport of fruits, vegetables and dry goods, has acquired Quebec-based Transport TEB.

Photos from Viva Fresh 2023
Photos from Viva Fresh 2023

This year’s Viva Fresh Conference was presented by the Texas International Produce Association March 30–April 1 at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas.

Wonderful Pistachios Sea Salt & Pepper flavor is coming out of its shell
Wonderful Pistachios Sea Salt & Pepper flavor is coming out of its shell

The brand is adding a flavor already popular with its in-shell variety to its No Shells lineup.

EarthBlend begins offering mini peppers
EarthBlend begins offering mini peppers

The program started in Sinaloa in January and will transition to central Mexico in June.

Celebrity chefs to livestream sustainable 'shroomy' recipes
Celebrity chefs to livestream sustainable 'shroomy' recipes

The Mushroom Council’s April promotion for Earth Month features award-winning, seen-on-TV chefs livestreaming on Kittch.com. The 2022 event reached consumers more than 4 million times.

Taylor Farms, Driscoll’s deploy $2M in disaster relief to flood-ravaged communities
Taylor Farms, Driscoll’s deploy $2M in disaster relief to flood-ravaged communities

While hoping to inspire others to give generously, the California-based companies have provided funds to local nonprofits that are working to meet thousands of affected residents’ needs.

Matthews Ridgeview Farms offers options for sweet potato buyers
Matthews Ridgeview Farms offers options for sweet potato buyers

Wayne, Ark.-based Matthews Ridgeview Farms offers both bulk and value-added packaging for its considerable sweet potato volume, says Autumn Campbell, sales manager for the company.

Stemilt Growers expects later start for California cherries
Stemilt Growers expects later start for California cherries

The state has had historic cool weather that delayed the onset of the state's cherry bloom.

How technology is tackling food waste and changing the fresh produce supply chain for the better
How technology is tackling food waste and changing the fresh produce supply chain for the better

Each year, a staggering 119 billion pounds of food — nearly 40% of all food — is wasted in the U.S., but companies across the fresh produce supply chain are using technology to stem the tidal wave of food waste.

ZAG Technical Services to discuss automation and more at packaging expo
ZAG Technical Services to discuss automation and more at packaging expo

The IT consulting firm, managed services and IT security provider specializing in the agriculture and food and beverage industries will be exhibiting and leading a session on robotic process automation.

Peak of the Market Ltd. hires director of operations
Peak of the Market Ltd. hires director of operations

Kierra Kissack will oversee the day-to-day operations of the Peak of the Market's Winnipeg distribution center, including receiving, shipping, packing and maintenance.

Church Brothers Farms buys storage and distribution facilities to enhance shipping
Church Brothers Farms buys storage and distribution facilities to enhance shipping

The company says it anticipates distribution activities will begin fall 2023 at the locations in central Salinas, Calif., with the long-term goal of accommodating all of its shipping needs.

Shuman Farms unveils renovated packing facility, big messaging to consumers
Shuman Farms unveils renovated packing facility, big messaging to consumers

Shuman Farms is wrapping up an extensive renovation of its packing facility in Cobbtown, Ga., says John Shuman, president and CEO of Shuman Farms.

Bako Sweet features redesigned packaging
Bako Sweet features redesigned packaging

Bakersfield, Calif.-based Country Sweet Produce’s Bako Sweet label has redesigned its conventional and organic mesh bags as well as its Single Sweet stickers. 

Stemilt highlights EFI team projects during Farmworker Awareness Week  
Stemilt highlights EFI team projects during Farmworker Awareness Week  

Wenatchee, Wash.-based Stemilt Growers is celebrating Farmworker Awareness Week by sharing the key role farmworkers play in its success.

Growers discuss why urban agriculture deserves more attention
Growers discuss why urban agriculture deserves more attention

While urban agriculture is sometimes written off as too niche, in a recent SXSW panel urban ag advocates shared why growing food in cities should have a seat at the table and a bigger share of the market.

The best time to eat bananas? ‘It’s Chiquita O’clock’ campaign offers all-day ideas
The best time to eat bananas? ‘It’s Chiquita O’clock’ campaign offers all-day ideas

The limited-edition Blue Sticker series is complete with scannable stickers that highlight ways the bananas can be consumed at all times of the day.

Albertsons Cos. redesigns O Organics brand packaging, launches Gen Z campaign
Albertsons Cos. redesigns O Organics brand packaging, launches Gen Z campaign

The O Organics brand of Boise, Idaho-based Albertsons is celebrating its growth and evolution with vibrant new packaging designed to stand out.

Proposed Kroger-Albertsons merger is topic of Arizona attorney general’s listening session
Proposed Kroger-Albertsons merger is topic of Arizona attorney general’s listening session

State Attorney General Kris Mayes has launched an antitrust investigation of the proposed merger, and listening sessions are scheduled for participants to hear directly from those who will be affected by this move.

Idaho potatoes are first vegetable to participate in American Diabetes Association Better Choices for Life program
Idaho potatoes are first vegetable to participate in American Diabetes Association Better Choices for Life program

The Idaho Potato Commission and the American Diabetes Association have agreed to a partnership intended to help educate tens of millions of Americans on how to add Idaho potatoes to their meal plan.

Ample citrus volume available at Bee Sweet Citrus
Ample citrus volume available at Bee Sweet Citrus

As California’s domestic citrus season reaches its peak, the Fowler, Calif.-based company reports that it will have a good supply of grapefruit, lemons and navel oranges.

Growers see traceability as essential to food safety
Growers see traceability as essential to food safety

“I think traceability should be a demand [for a shipper] as a member of the produce industry as we work to provide healthy and safe fruits and vegetables,” says Chelsea Consalo of Consalo Family Farms.

National Grocers Association ad calls out power retail buyers
National Grocers Association ad calls out power retail buyers

The National Grocers Association created a TV commercial saying the tactics of dominant food retailers are unfair and discriminatory, harming the ability of smaller, locally owned businesses to compete.