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Natural Delights continues growth, prepares for harvest
Natural Delights continues growth, prepares for harvest

August marks the beginning of Medjool date harvest season, and Yuma, Ariz, -based Bard Valley Natural Delights is primed for a successful harvest season this year.

Fruit imports continue to surge
Fruit imports continue to surge

Led by explosive growth in berry and avocado imports, the value of U.S. imports of fruit soared 17% for the 12-month period ending June 30, USDA trade numbers show.

GrubMarket expands network and grows technology platform
GrubMarket expands network and grows technology platform

MONTEREY, Calif. —  San Francisco-based GrubMarket was showcasing its growth and technology tools at IFPA's Foodservice Conference, says Bryan Barsness, vice president of sales and marketing.

Nabaco announces the promotion of Brenton Field
Nabaco announces the promotion of Brenton Field

San Marcos, Texas-based Nabaco Inc. has promoted Brenton Field to vice president of operations, according to a news release.

Trucking firms face higher costs, too
Trucking firms face higher costs, too

Produce suppliers in Michigan and throughout the industry are struggling to cope with ever-increasing freight costs. 

What the Idaho potato shortage means for retailers, consumers
What the Idaho potato shortage means for retailers, consumers

With the Idaho potato industry "facing extremely short supplies from August to September," Baldor Specialty Foods offers retailers tips for keeping shelves stocked.

What's Ag's Stake in the Senate-Passed Inflation Reduction Act?
What's Ag's Stake in the Senate-Passed Inflation Reduction Act?

The reconciliation bill is heading to the House on Friday with many provisions on ag. Here's what producers need to know about the Inflation Reduction Act.

Tops' $2.7M renovation features fresh-cut produce first
Tops' $2.7M renovation features fresh-cut produce first

Shoppers who walk into the newly renovated Tops location in Cheektowaga will notice fresh-cut produce right at the entrance.

U.S. fresh fruit exports wobble
U.S. fresh fruit exports wobble

The value of U.S. fresh fruit exports declined 7% for the year from July 2021 through June 2022, USDA statistics show.

Strong summer underway for Michigan fruits and vegetables
Strong summer underway for Michigan fruits and vegetables

Things may have gotten off to a slow start in some areas, but it appears business will be booming during late summer and fall for Michigan produce suppliers.

The non-traditional path to successful potato farming
The non-traditional path to successful potato farming

Reed Searle, an Eastern Idaho potato farmer located in Shelley, Idaho is featured in this edition of Eagle Eye Produce's Grower Spotlight. 

Western Growers mourns death of Hank Giclas
Western Growers mourns death of Hank Giclas

The Western Growers Family of Companies is mourning the death of Hank Giclas, says Dave Puglia, president and CEO.

Lipman Family Farms uses leased trucks to help deliver transportation needs
Lipman Family Farms uses leased trucks to help deliver transportation needs

As the largest open field producer of tomatoes, Lipman Family Farms has big-time transportation needs.

Research Shows 90% of Farmers Won’t join Carbon Markets Without Changes
Research Shows 90% of Farmers Won’t join Carbon Markets Without Changes

Despite the exponential growth in agricultural carbon market options, most producers aren’t biting.

Mushrooms gain attention as a budget booster
Mushrooms gain attention as a budget booster

The Mushroom Council is preparing for a late summer/fall campaign that spotlights how mushrooms are a nutritious, delicious and budget-friendly solution in the face of rising food prices.

Western Growers applauds $4B in drought-relief funding
Western Growers applauds $4B in drought-relief funding

Irvine, Calif.-based Western Growers praised the inclusion of $4 billion in drought-relief funding for the Colorado River Basin in the Senate’s Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.

Check out these UNFI produce displays for summer
Check out these UNFI produce displays for summer

Jonathan Charlton of UNFI sent us photos of some of his best summer produce displays for PMG's summer contest of the Produce Artist Award Series. What about you? Do it before the deadline!

senate
Biden's Environmental Plans Upended by the Senate's Latest Vote

The Congressional Review Act (CRA) was established in 1996 as a way for Congress to reverse rules created by federal agencies. Wiesemeyer says the Senate exercising the CRA will "claw back" Biden's climate plans.

2020 per-capita numbers show modest gains for fresh vegetables
2020 per-capita numbers show modest gains for fresh vegetables

Despite massive market disruptions and supply chain problems with the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. per capita availability of fresh vegetables rose 1.2% in 2020, new statistics from the USDA show.

Tanimura & Antle showcases greenhouse-grown lettuce at foodservice expo
Tanimura & Antle showcases greenhouse-grown lettuce at foodservice expo

MONTEREY, Calif. — Tanimura & Antle was highlighting its greenhouse-grown lettuce at the International Fresh Produce Association’s Foodservice Conference Expo on July 29.

U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council plans Blueberry Summit
U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council plans Blueberry Summit

The Folsom, Calif.-based U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council is planning its Blueberry Summit for Oct. 5-7 in Nashville, Tenn.

Naturipe touts Mighty Blues program
Naturipe touts Mighty Blues program

Salinas, Calif.-based Naturipe Farms will have its 9.8-ounce Mighty Blues jumbo blueberry pack available from all of its production regions this season, said Kasey Kelley, director of business development.

Pure Flavor touts Solara mini melons at IFPA foodservice show
Pure Flavor touts Solara mini melons at IFPA foodservice show

MONTEREY, Calif. —  Pure Flavor was touting its greenhouse-grown Solara Mini Melons at the International Fresh Produce Association’s Foodservice Conference Expo on July 29.

Avocados from Colombia: The newcomer to watch
Avocados from Colombia: The newcomer to watch

While comparatively new to the avocado party in the U.S. — Colombia continues to grow its Hass volumes and boasts year-round supply.

Consumers fall for avocados year-round
Consumers fall for avocados year-round

While fall traditionally isn’t prime time for avocado consumption, a year-round increase in consumer demand and availability is positioning the superfood for future growth in all seasons.

Frutura closes on Subsole acquisition 
Frutura closes on Subsole acquisition 

Reedley, Calif.-based Frutura has marked its first year of operation by finalizing the acquisition of the major Chilean fruit exporter, Subsole. 

T&G Global reports results, citing a volatile environment
T&G Global reports results, citing a volatile environment

Despite what the company called a volatile trading environment, New Zealand-based T&G Global reported near-stable revenue for the six months ending June 30.

Online-delivery grocer FreshDirect to launch its first loyalty program
Online-delivery grocer FreshDirect to launch its first loyalty program

FreshDirect is starting its first loyalty program. The Bronx, N.Y.-based company trucks deliver fresh produce and groceries directly to homes across metropolitan New York, Philadelphia and Washington D.C.

USDA: Emergency Relief Program delivers timely assistance to commodity and specialty crop producers
USDA: Emergency Relief Program delivers timely assistance to commodity and specialty crop producers

The USDA has processed more than 255,000 applications for its new Emergency Relief Program, according to a news release.

Wada Farms grows its specialty potato program, manages a tight russet supply
Wada Farms grows its specialty potato program, manages a tight russet supply

Wada Farms Marketing Group is growing its specialty potato program, including red potatoes, yellow potatoes and fingerling potatoes, says Kevin Stanger, president of the Idaho Falls, Idaho-based company.

Robertson Produce wins $45M federal contract
Robertson Produce wins $45M federal contract

Robertson Produce of Mississippi LLC, Clinton, Miss., has been awarded a maximum $44.8 million contract to supply fresh fruit and vegetables.

Organic fresh produce impacted by inflation in Q2, finds new report
Organic fresh produce impacted by inflation in Q2, finds new report

While higher retail prices of organic fresh produce during the second quarter of 2022 led to a 3.7% increase in total organic dollars, it also contributed to a decline in organic volume of 2.8%, finds a new report.

Sterman Masser Potato Farms forms Lykens Valley Grain
Sterman Masser Potato Farms forms Lykens Valley Grain

A member of Fresh Solutions Network, the company has formed the Lykens Valley Grain Company through its acquisition of the Upper Dauphin Grain Center from Perdue Agribusiness.

'Ozark' actress Laura Linney to address gender inequality at IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show
'Ozark' actress Laura Linney to address gender inequality at IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show

Laura Linney follows turn on "Ozark" with speaking to IFPA produce audience about gender inequality.

‘The consumer is clearly trading down,’ says Albertsons Cos. CEO
‘The consumer is clearly trading down,’ says Albertsons Cos. CEO

Albertsons Cos. earnings call reveals shoppers are opting for lower-cost versions of what they what, but they’re still willing to spend on certain categories: ready-made meals, organic and convenience.

New VitaFresh Botanicals Life Select extends the shelf-life of fresh produce, receives organic certification  
New VitaFresh Botanicals Life Select extends the shelf-life of fresh produce, receives organic certification  

Philadelphia-based AgroFresh Solutions, Inc. has announced the launch of VitaFresh Botanicals Life Select, an organic plant-based coating to keep produce fresh longer and reduce food loss and waste.

Michigan growers expect huge apple crop
Michigan growers expect huge apple crop

After a couple of challenging seasons, Michigan apple grower-shippers anticipate an exceptional crop this year — some say maybe a record one.

Mastronardi Produce highlights a diverse line of greenhouse products
Mastronardi Produce highlights a diverse line of greenhouse products

MONTEREY, Calif. — Mastronardi Produce was highlighting its large range of products at the International Fresh Produce Association’s Foodservice Conference on July 29.

Del Rey Avocados touts expanded capabilities
Del Rey Avocados touts expanded capabilities

MONTEREY, Calif. — Fallbrook, Calif.-based Del Rey Avocados was highlighting its expanded capabilities at the International Fresh Produce Association’s Foodservice Conference Expo on July 29.

Fresh Innovations highlights Apple Nachos
Fresh Innovations highlights Apple Nachos

MONTEREY, Calif. — Apple Nachos, a new product from Stockton, Calif.-based Fresh Innovations California LLC,  incorporates versions with caramel, pretzel bits, fresh apple slices, peanut butter and chocolate.

Brighter Bites raises more than $56,000 through Wine For a Cause virtual auction
Brighter Bites raises more than $56,000 through Wine For a Cause virtual auction

Houston-based Brighter Bites raised more than $56,000 in a fundraising event at the International Fresh Produce Association Foodservice Conference held in Monterey, Calif. 

John Phipps: Are Tariffs Part Of The Problem With Inflation?
John Phipps: Are Tariffs Part Of The Problem With Inflation?

Do tariffs fuel inflation? John Phipps's Customer Support segment explains why economists have struggled to come up with estimates of economic effects due to lingering COVID influence on world business.

Fresh Del Monte Produce reports strong quarterly results but extreme cost pressures
Fresh Del Monte Produce reports strong quarterly results but extreme cost pressures

Coral Gables, Fla.-based Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. has reported its fifth straight quarter of net sales growth.

Maglio highlights value-added mango and pineapple products
Maglio highlights value-added mango and pineapple products

MONTEREY, Calif. — Glendale, Wis.-based Maglio Companies was featuring its Mango Cheeks and Pineapple Spears at the International Fresh Produce Association Foodservice Conference Expo on July 29.

NEPC expo to feature new site, new schedule, hockey star
NEPC expo to feature new site, new schedule, hockey star

A new location and updated schedule, as well as an appearance by the “Jackie Robinson of women’s hockey,” are all on tap for NEPC's upcoming expo.

Bolthouse Farms closes deal to acquire Evolution Fresh from Starbucks
Bolthouse Farms closes deal to acquire Evolution Fresh from Starbucks

Listen to the "Tip of the Iceberg" podcast episode, watch the video interview and read the story: Consumers want functional beverages, so Bolthouse Farms finalized the purchase of a juice brand from Starbucks.

What avocados from Jalisco, Mexico could mean for U.S. market
What avocados from Jalisco, Mexico could mean for U.S. market

"This first export of avocados from Jalisco will only improve the already positive economic benefits of avocado imports from Mexico," says Ron Campbell of Mexican Hass Avocados Importers Association.

Produce packaging goes sustainable
Produce packaging goes sustainable

The produce industry is embracing sustainable packaging as a way to help protect the environment while meeting consumer demand for Earth-friendly products.        

Revol Greens spreads the message about its foodservice capabilities
Revol Greens spreads the message about its foodservice capabilities

MONTEREY, Calif. — Revol Greens was flexing its capabilities to serve the foodservice market at July 28-29 International Fresh Produce Association’s Foodservice Conference.

Lakeside Organic Gardens features its own brand for artichokes
Lakeside Organic Gardens features its own brand for artichokes

MONTEREY, Calif. — Watsonville, Calif.-based Lakeside Organic Gardens is now packing artichokes under its own label, says Marliese Myers, marketing director.