The Packer

Meet 2026 Farmworker of the Year Finalist Rogelio Nabor Martinez

Thu, 14 May 2026 00:11:18 GMT

Editor’s Note: On May 29 at this year’s West Coast Produce Expo in Palm Desert, Calif., The Packer and the Equitable Food Initiative will present the third annual Grow the Good Farmworker of the Year award. To recognize the critical role farmworkers have in the fresh produce industry, The Packer is spotlighting each of this year’s five finalists, who were selected from nominations submitted in February.

In the fast-paced world of California agriculture, leadership isn’t just about managing schedules; it’s about mastering the soil and the soul of the workforce. For Rogelio Nabor Martinez, foreman at Blue House Farm, this journey began 25 years ago as a field worker. Today, he stands as a finalist for the Farmworker of the Year, recognized by his peers and the industry as a model of professional growth and community advocacy.

Martinez’s story is a classic blueprint for success in the produce industry. Starting on a small team at Blue House Farm 16 years ago, he mastered the foundational rigors of harvesting, planting and weeding. As Blue House Farm expanded, so did his responsibilities. A natural leader, Martinez rose through the ranks to manage a fast-moving and complex workforce.

For the last five years, he has successfully overseen more than 30 employees across multiple properties, balancing the intricacies of personnel management with technical expertise in tractor operation, logistics, and infrastructure maintenance.
Beyond his technical proficiency, he is a powerful advocate for systemic change and the well-being of the agricultural community, say colleagues. He is deeply engaged in civic leadership, serving on advisory commissions that promote programs and policies to address the unmet needs of his peers.

His commitment to grassroots organizing and his willingness to serve on planning committees for regional conventions ensure that the voices of farmworkers are heard at every level of leadership, say colleagues.

Those who work with Martinez say he frequently challenges himself and his community leaders to push harder for improvements that benefit the lives of agricultural families, viewing systemic challenges not as barriers, but as motivations for greater involvement.

“Nominating Rogelio is an honor because he embodies the spirit of a true community role model,” says JoAnn Sandoval, community organizer for My Puente. “He leads by example, grounded in a philosophy of integrity, optimism and selfless service.

“His colleagues and supervisors recognize him as a pivotal force who not only ensures the operational success of the field but also inspires the next generation of leaders,” Sandoval continues.

Martinez is also part of the San Mateo County Farmworker Advisory Commission, which promotes programs and policies that address the unmet needs of farmworkers in San Mateo County.

“In 2024, when the first Farmworker Convention was being planned in the San Mateo County South Coast, he volunteered to serve on the committee to ensure the convention reflected the needs of his fellow farmworkers,” says Sandoval. “He is a pivotal part of the grassroots group Del Campo Al Cambio, often challenging himself, his colleagues and his community leaders to push harder to improve the lives of farmworkers and their families,” Sandoval adds.

Colleagues also say Martinez’s impact is “defined by a rare combination of hands-on agricultural expertise and a passionate commitment to uplifting his community, making him an exceptional representative of the resilience and vision found in the agricultural sector.”

Your next read: Honoring Excellence in the Fields: Finalists Announced for Farmworker of the Year

Women in Produce 2026: Dina Newman

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 15:11:12 GMT

Dina Newman, founder of KC Black Urban Growers, spent the first half of her life trying to outrun the very soil she now champions. Raised on a small plot of land in southeast Kansas near the Verdigris River, she had a childhood that was a masterclass in rural survival, involving everything from collecting eggs and slopping hogs to using an outhouse until her high school graduation.

At the time, she felt no romance in the labor, vowing the day she left for Connecticut that she would never set foot in a garden again. However, a return to the Midwest proved that her roots were deeper than she realized.

Reflecting on the irony of her journey, she says: “When I decided to come back to the Midwest, God had a sense of humor, and I was hired as a neighborhood organizer and advocate to work on food insecurity and health initiatives in a Community of Concern. One of the first things I did was begin a garden program, and here we are.”

This return to agriculture was the catalyst for a much larger movement. In 2013, Newman partnered with Katherine Kelly to bring together nine local growers, sparking a vital conversation about how to build a food system that was truly equitable and just. What began as a small affinity group for grassroots Black farmers has since blossomed into a robust nonprofit organization. Today, KCBUGs supports over 125 participants who are not just growing food but are also actively cultivating community and food sovereignty throughout Kansas City.

The Packer: What has been the most profound change you’ve seen in the Kansas City community since you started empowering growers of color?

Newman: The most profound change I’ve seen in the Kansas City community since I started empowering growers of color is the diversity of age, level of expertise and experience, and the range of interests. It is so exciting to see people in their late teens, early 20s, folks who have a professional 9-to-5 job but are avid growers in the in-between — and the level of interests [is] not only vegetable or plant growing, but they are interested in agrivoltaics, aquaponics, animal husbandry and beekeeping.

Have you had any female mentors or role models who helped shape your journey?

Those who mentored me are local female farmers and growers who were there in the beginning, Katherine Kelly (the co-founder of Cultivate KC) and women like Mother Bey, Sherri Harvel, Alicia Ellingsworth and Katie Nixon. My role model was and continues to be the incredible Karen Washington — co-founder of Rise and Roots Farm, the Black Farmer Fund and Black Urban Growers — though it would be years later before I finally got the chance to meet her.

How does urban agriculture provide a blueprint for the future of sustainable food systems in land-constrained environments?

We can look to places like Detroit, which is doing some really innovative work around food sovereignty — land access, food co-ops and policy issues. We are now at the table, conversing with local policymakers, farmers, residents and producers regarding KC Urban Ag Code. This code will dictate how we continue to make progress and provide affordable, nutrient-rich, locally grown food in a growing urban ag city.

Fun Question: What is the most surprising thing you’ve ever seen successfully grown in a small city plot?

The most surprising thing? Now, granted, it was in a high tunnel on a vacant lot, but I was surprised to see tree collards growing.

Learn more about The Packer’s 2026 Women in Produce honorees:

Papaya Industry Moves to Form National Research and Promotion Board to Fuel Category Growth

Wed, 13 May 2026 19:24:44 GMT

There’s been work to pull together a papaya marketing board for several years now, says consultant William Watson, president of Orlando, Fla.-based The Fresh Approach. This is the third year, he says, that papaya growers, both domestic and global, see the potential research and marketing could have on growing papaya consumption in the U.S.

“We’ve seen a lot of success from a lot of commodity boards — avocados, mangoes, blueberries — and the Papaya Board Working Group wants to replicate that success with papayas, and they feel the best way to do that is create research and promotion board that includes domestic producers and importers, which represent the whole market and convince consumers to buy more of the product,” he says.

It’s also a great opportunity for domestic growers and importers to work together to boost consumer awareness and consumption, Watson says.

“I think there’s a lot of market potential, and so do our producers and importers, and we want to work together to tap into that,” he says.

Why Domestic Input is Nonnegotiable

Watson says that while the board will include domestic papaya growers as well as those outside of the U.S., the Papaya Board Working Group seeks to connect with Hawaiian papaya growers to bring this research and promotion board to fruition.

“We can’t do this without the papaya producers in Hawaii,” he says. “We want to come to them. We want to let them understand what we want to try to do and help build a papaya market for everybody.”

On May 27 at 12 p.m. Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time, the Papaya Board Working Group will host an informational Zoom to discuss the motivation behind the creation of this board , discuss a framework for how a papaya board would assess growers, next steps and more. Watson says that whatever the growers and importers agree on, the assessment will be the same.

“We have a template that we want to put in front of them — let them help us tweak it and make any changes,” he says.

This is where Watson says it’s critical to have input from domestic papaya growers.

“We need them to help us understand where that [assessment] number works,” he says. “We have an idea where it can work with our importers. Our importers are going to fund the majority of the program significantly, but our domestic producers are key leaders and will be at the table to help guide that investment.”

The Roadmap to a USDA Referendum

Watson says once growers sign off on the proposal, it will be submitted to USDA to be published as a draft of a proposed rule in the Federal Register for comments. From there, if there is enough support, growers would vote on a referendum. He adds that it’s possible to have a referendum within the next 24 months.

The benefits of a true research and promotion board are endless, Watson says, all with the end goal of growing papaya consumption. Research can extend into proper handling to create a more consistent and uniform fruit at the grocery store, he notes.

“We could fund proper handling research for papayas, and we can take the findings that’ll be science-based, and we teach our friends through the distribution system how to properly handle the product,” he says. “If that happens, ... consumers are going to get a better product. Retailers are going to sell more. They’re going to buy for more from distributors, who will buy more from the producers.”

Watson says members of the Papaya Board Working Group also want to look into consumer trends and how papayas align with those. An example would be to communicate the health benefits of a diet rich in papayas.

“We believe there’s some nutritional powerhouse items in papayas that haven’t been identified yet, and we want to tell consumers about those,” he says. “We can’t do it unless we have science-based research.”

Fibermaxxing and Why Pears Are the Perfect Superfood for Modern Nutrition Trends

Wed, 13 May 2026 22:35:21 GMT

Fresh produce has a huge opportunity, says Barbara Ruhs, director of nutrition affairs and communications with USA Pears. Within the last year, the term “fibermaxxing” has exploded on social media, turning the latest viral trend into a shift in focus from protein to gut health.

Ruhs, who joined “The Packer Podcast” to highlight this trend, says the truth is most Americans don’t eat enough fiber.

“It’s estimated that for every 1,000 calories, people consume about 8 grams of fiber,” she says. “Daily recommendations are upwards of 25 per day. So, if you’re a general typical American consuming a 2,000-calorie-a-day diet, that means that you’re getting about 16 grams of fiber, which is about half.”

And fibermaxxing calls for consuming 30 grams or more of dietary fiber. While those interested in adding fiber can choose whole grains, beans, lentils, supplements and more, fresh produce is perfectly positioned to lead the fibermaxxing conversation.

“Fiber is just related to so many positive health benefits from obviously gut health,” she says. “Consuming fiber also feeds the microbiome, so these beneficial bacteria in the gut ... have all these beneficial properties for your health and well-being.”

Ruhs says the fresh produce industry can learn from the protein craze and apply that appeal to fiber.

“One of the key things with protein is that it’s cool and that it’s associated with performance and more energy,” she says. “Knowing that protein is associated with performance and energy, I think is something very appealing to consumers. It’s same thing for fiber. Fiber can also help you feel better and perform better and give you energy and all these other things that help manage your blood sugar.”

Naturally, Ruhs says, pears are a good option for those seeking to add more fiber into their diets, as a medium fruit contains about 6 grams of fiber, which she says is higher than other fresh fruit.

“It is really a natural way to consume more dietary fiber,” she says. “When I’m talking about eating more pears, of course, we do tell people to add them to meals and combine them with other foods like proteins — but to think of them as something that helps you to feel better and live better and perform better overall.”

With a viral trend like fibermaxxing, there’s a lot of information out there. So, how does Ruhs recommend breaking through the noise? She uses what she calls a “science sandwich” in her messaging: Lead with the attention-grabbing component, add scientific information in the middle and end with food messaging.

For example, she says a science sandwich tackling fibermaxxing might go something like this: “Fibermaxxing is a is a popular trend. Why should you care personally about it? It’s going to help you feel better, perform better with better digestion, manage your blood sugar, help with neurological health, help you reduce your risk for like chronic diseases. And then, wow, wouldn’t it be great to add some sliced pears on a grilled pizza with some gorgonzola cheese or putting pears on a charcuterie board with some really nice cheese?”

She says this makes the nutrition information approachable and doable and doesn’t overwhelm consumers, and it also helps to promote fresh produce as a way to achieve fiber goals.

Retailers also have a huge opportunity to capitalize on the fibermaxxing trend. Ruhs says it’s important for retailers to engage consumers all along the path to purchase, from digital outreach to circulars and then also at POS displays. She says retailers can help boost the health halo of fresh produce by communicating the real benefits of a fiber-rich diet while offering real-life solutions.

Ruhs says this could be touting fiber’s ability to offer sustained energy throughout the day, managr blood sugar and more.

“Communicating messages along the path to purchase and after purchase so that it’s easy for consumers to connect,” she says.

Retailers can also help consumers find fiber-rich produce in stores with shelf tags and color-coded icons and endcaps and recipe ideas, such as fiber-filled snacks and side dishes with a gut-health focus.

And Ruhs says as younger generations continue to see a spike in colon cancer, fresh produce can play a huge role, too. She says emerging research shows the benefit of eating more fiber in colon cancer prevention.

“If we can get people to actually consume the five recommended fruits and vegetables per day, which [with] 30 years as a dietitian, I’ve been saying the same message: Eat more fruits and vegetables,” she says. “The fact that less than 10% of Americans consume even close to that is sad, but look at what’s happened with protein. So, if we can put some of that same magic to fiber and fresh produce, I do think we’re going to see the needle move.”

Hannaford Hits Record 29M Pounds in Food Donations as Retailer Expands Northeast Safety Net

Wed, 13 May 2026 16:34:58 GMT

As food insecurity continues to challenge families across the Northeast, Hannaford Supermarkets says it has expanded its community support systems, headlined by a record-breaking 29 million pounds of food diverted from waste to local dinner tables this past year.

The retailer’s 2025 Community Impact Report shows a shift toward deeper, more strategic regional investments, moving beyond traditional charitable giving to provide $1.3 million for child wellness and $1.5 million for local education. By leveraging a network of 450 hunger-relief organizations and 1,000 local vendors, the Scarborough-based company says it is increasingly positioning its 188 stores as essential infrastructure for regional stability in Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, New York and Vermont.

The 2025 report showcases how Hannaford is moving beyond traditional retail to serve as a cornerstone of community health and sustainability.

“At Hannaford, we believe strongly in the power of doing good in the communities we serve,” says Ericka Dodge Katz, director of external communications and community impact for Hannaford Supermarkets. “This is especially felt in our approach to addressing food insecurity, which is grounded in robust local partnerships and shaped by associates who understand the needs of the communities they call home. Whether it’s supporting the work of local nonprofits or making daily donations to ensure families have access to healthy food, we’re proud to support initiatives that are making a meaningful impact every day.”

2025 Impact Highlights

Combating hunger: Through the Fresh Rescue program, Hannaford donated 29 million pounds of fresh, nutritious food — a 15% increase since 2022. This effort supported more than 450 local food pantries and hunger-relief organizations.
Direct financial investment: Hannaford provided $400,000 in direct support to regional food banks and saw the Hannaford Charitable Foundation invest $1.16 million into nine strategic organizations focusing on food access, health and education.
Empowering youth: The Eat Well, Be Well initiative contributed $1.3 million toward child health and wellness, while the Hannaford Helps Schools program donated $1.5 million to more than 1,700 schools across the Northeast.
Investing in local: Hannaford continues to champion regional economies, sourcing 8,000 store items from over 1,000 local vendors, including more than 125 local farmers.
Environmental leadership: The report reaffirms Hannaford’s status as a sustainability leader, maintaining zero food waste-to-landfill and progressing toward its goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2040.

A Culture of Care

Beyond external donations, the report underscores Hannaford’s commitment to its 28,000-plus associates. In 2025, the retailer focused on expanded development opportunities and community-centered initiatives, ensuring that the people who serve the community are equally supported.

This dedication to transparency and impact earned Hannaford the PRNews Platinum Award for CSR, ESG or DEI Report for its 2024 edition, setting a high bar for the 2025 release.

“Our approach to addressing food insecurity is grounded in robust local partnerships and shaped by associates who understand the needs of the communities they call home,” Dodge Katz says.

Meet 2026 Farmworker of the Year Finalist Isaias Lepes Arredondo

Tue, 12 May 2026 22:07:29 GMT

The agricultural industry is built on a foundation of reliability, and few individuals embody that trait more than Isaias Lepes Arredondo. As a finalist for the 2026 Grow the Good Farmworker of the Year award, Arredondo is being recognized for a remarkable 50-year career at Zirkle Fruit Co. that began in 1974.

His tenure has been defined by a nearly unbroken record of service and a versatile approach to the evolving needs of the Yakima Valley, Wash.-based fruit grower.

Arredondo entered the industry performing physically demanding manual labor, specifically thinning crops and moving irrigation lines by hand. However, his ability to adapt quickly became his trademark, allowing him to transition through various critical operational roles, including frost protection, irrigation management and pesticide application.

“As the industry has evolved, so has Isaias,” say Arredondo’s colleagues. “He has successfully adapted from traditional manual labor to mastering the newest, most sophisticated irrigation systems and technical machinery.”

This versatility eventually led him to his current leadership position, where he oversees both facility maintenance and equipment operations.

A key factor in Arredondo’s nomination was his reputation for meticulousness and personal accountability. According to his supervisor, he maintains a high standard of care for company assets, ensuring that both agricultural machinery and workforce housing are kept in pristine condition. This attention to detail has earned him the “absolute trust” of Zirkle Fruit’s leadership team, who view him as an indispensable asset to the company’s daily operations.

Beyond his technical proficiency, Arredondo is noted for his consistent professional demeanor and positive attitude. Colleagues describe him as the personification of humility and loyalty, highlighting his never missing a day of work despite the seasonal pressures of the fruit industry.

Additionally, his ability to master modern, sophisticated irrigation systems and complex machinery demonstrates a lifelong commitment to professional development and industry excellence.

Arredondo’s colleagues also describe him as a “pillar of mentorship who leads by example without ever seeking the spotlight.” He is always willing to step in for any job required and takes great pride in training the next generation, sharing the tips and tricks gathered from five decades of hands-on experience, they say.

“He is probably one of the best teachers,” says one colleague. “He is always willing to help us teach any job that’s on the farm because he knows them all.”

Notably, he was instrumental in training current supervisors, passing down the foundational knowledge that keeps the operation running smoothly.

Arredondo works out of a genuine love for his craft and a selfless commitment to his team, say colleagues. His 50-year legacy of kindness and hard work makes him an exceptional representative of the resilience and dedication found in the farmworker community.

Your next read: Honoring Excellence in the Fields: Finalists Announced for Farmworker of the Year

The $40 Taste of Home: Diaspora Demand Drives Indian Mango Surge

Tue, 12 May 2026 22:49:35 GMT

For the Indian diaspora in the U.S., a box of mangoes isn’t just a produce purchase; it’s a $40 plane ticket home. While Latin American varieties dominate the mainstream market, Kaushal Khakhar, CEO of India’s Kay Bee Exports, says the skyrocketing demand for Indian alphonso and kesar varieties proves that emotional heritage and superior flavor profiles can bypass rational pricing logic.

Earlier this month, the Wall Street Journal reported premium varieties of Indian mangoes, such as alphonso and kesar, are retailing in the U.S. for $50 to $60 per box of 10 to 12 mangoes — putting the stone fruit on a price point on par with lobster tails.

“There was a fair bit of exaggeration in those comments,” says Khakhar, who told The Packer that while the true price is closer to $40 per box of 10 to 12 mangoes, what isn’t an exaggeration is the U.S.-based Indian community’s appetite for a taste of home.

“I think the emotion of Indian consumers has been very well captured so that there is no denying the Indian diaspora feels that this is their way to connect to their homeland, and the flavor of the mango is way different and superior to other mangoes,” says Khakhar. “So, I think in that sense, there is a definite craving for Indian mangoes, and that’s why … they are happy to pay $40 a case [of 10 to 12] for the Indian mango.

“Does it mean the flavor is four times superior?” he continues. “No, so it’s not a rational purchase. It is more an emotional purchase. And the Indian diaspora is a very affluent community. They can spend more for good food. And this is one thing that they can proudly claim is their heritage.”

In India, a country that boasts over 1,000 mango varieties, the battle for the U.S. mango market has narrowed down to a tactical race between two titans: the delicate, high-demand alphonso and the sturdier, export-ready kesar, says Khakhar. What’s more, a preference for alphonso mangoes may have slowed market demand for Indian mango imports to the U.S.

“[Kesar and alphonso] are the No. 1 and No. 2 varieties in the U.S. Kesar is the most stable. The most demanded variety is alphonso, but because it is so delicate and it does not yield good commercial outcomes, kesar has overtaken alphonso,” Khakhar says.

The CEO says that inconsistent eating experience with alphonso has led to kesar’s takeover.

“People have actually graduated now to kesar because it’s a rational thing that when you buy kesar, you don’t go wrong. But with alphonso, it’s a hit and a miss in terms of internal issues,” he says. “That’s why the kesar has probably been 50% of all the varieties that India [exports]. It’s by far the most dominant variety that is coming to the U.S.”

Kay Bee Exports CEO Kaushal Khakhar sees major potential for Indian mangoes in the U.S. market.

(Photo courtesy of Kay Bee Exports)

India Dominates in Mangoes

Despite India’s status as a global powerhouse — accounting for roughly 40% to 45% of world production — the country has historically struggled to translate its massive domestic yield into export dominance, says Khakhar, who notes that this trend is shifting.

A key factor in the global mango trade is the complementary timing between regional rivals India and Pakistan. While both nations produce high-quality varieties, their harvest windows rarely overlap; the Indian season peaks in April, May and June, while Pakistani varieties typically arrive in June, July and August, says Khakhar. This sequential availability allows the Asian diaspora and broader consumer base to transition from Indian mangoes to Pakistani varieties as the summer progresses, effectively extending the window for South Asian produce in European and Western markets.

The U.S. market represents a particularly fertile ground for expansion. According to Khakhar, India currently exports approximately 4,000 tons of mangoes to the U.S. annually. Kay Bee Exports has secured a significant foothold in this specific corridor, handling between 1,000 and 1,200 tons, or roughly a quarter to a third of the total Indian market share in the U.S.

While these numbers are currently a small fraction of India’s overall production, they represent a high-growth sector that has been steadily building momentum since market access was first established in 2007.

“It took a very long time for India to really start picking up in mango export numbers,” says Khakhar. “I think the first 10 to 15 years were [defined by] complicated logistics, and people were not able to execute the delivery of good quality mangoes. I [also] think everyone was focusing on alphonso, and that was the reason why the market never really grew, because they were trying the wrong variety.”

While Kay Bee Exports has its own mango farms, to sustain its growth, the company is leveraging India’s network of millions of small-scale farmers to scale its operations to meet skyrocketing international demand.

“And now people realize that they should go slow on alphonso and focus on other things and that has really helped India as we establish consumer confidence, and hence the growth in the market,” he says. “I anticipate India will grow from 4,000 tons right now to touch 10,000 tons in the next five to seven years in the U.S. market.”

Overcoming the Irradiation Knowledge Gap

While Indian mango exporters are now backing the right horse with the switch from alphonso to kesar, the industry faces another hurdle with the U.S. irradiation requirement for all mangoes from India entering the U.S. market.

Irradiation is a necessary treatment for Indian mangoes because it is the only effective method to eliminate the mango stone weevil, says Khakhar. While hot water treatments can address fruit flies, they are ineffective against the stone weevil, a pest of significant concern for U.S. agricultural authorities. Consequently, irradiation is required by U.S. regulations to ensure that these pests are not introduced into the country, making it a critical gateway for Indian mango exports.

The CEO also emphasizes that irradiation is a superior alternative to other common treatments.

“Irradiation is a great process because it is very gentle on the fruit,” he says. “It is definitely not as toxic as methyl bromide fumigation. It is also not as intrusive on the fruit as hot water or any other treatments.”

Despite being FDA-approved and backed by global research confirming its safety, Khakhar expresses disappointment that consumer misconceptions and retailer hesitation — particularly among high-end and organic grocers — continue to hinder the market potential of irradiated fruits.

‘Manageable’ Mango Prices for Consumers

While recent headlines might suggest that Indian mango prices in the U.S. have reached epic heights, the reality on the ground is far more nuanced.

Khakhar says the actual cost increase has been roughly 10% compared to last year — a figure he describes as “manageable” and “normal food inflation.”

What’s currently driving up the cost of mango imports from India is air freight costs, which have jumped by 20% due to the conflict in the Middle East, says Khakhar, who adds the surge has been partially offset by a favorable exchange rate and the removal of import tariffs that previously plagued the trade.

Though Khakhar points out that even when tariffs were in place, they were often a minor factor in the final retail price of mangoes. Because air freight accounts for roughly 70% of a mango’s cost and is not subject to tariffs, a 10% tax only applied to the remaining 30% of the value — effectively a 3% impact.

Ultimately, the 2026 Indian mango season is defined by resilience, says Khakhar, with exporters like Kay Bee maintaining a steady supply of the in-demand fruit.

“If the Middle East conflict does normalize quickly — right now it is in a pause phase — but if everything normalizes and then takes a couple of weeks for air freight prices to come down, we may go even below last year’s prices,” says Khakhar. “But right now, we are higher than that with the current way things stand.

“But the market size is very large, and our aspiration is to take the flavor of Indian mangoes to a wider community,” he says.

Women in Produce 2026: Erin Mittelstaedt

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 15:09:30 GMT

Erin Mittelstaedt, CEO for The FruitGuys, developed a deep-rooted passion for the produce industry over two decades ago at Trader Joe’s, where she fell in love with the operational side of food and the meaningful conversations that happen over a crate of fresh fruit.

In 2007, she brought that expertise to The FruitGuys, a company founded by her brother nearly 30 years ago to replace office junk food with fresh, farm-grown alternatives. Having spent 19 years working across every financial and operational corner of the business before becoming CEO in 2023, Mittelstaedt has never lost the sense of wonder she felt during her very first farm visit.

She views her role not just as a corporate leader but rather as a bridge between the hardworking farmers who feed the country and the offices and schools striving for better wellness. For Mittelstaedt, the work remains as personal today as it was during her early days on the store floor.

“I still remember how excited I was the first time I visited one of the farms I was buying from,” she says. “It felt like becoming part of a secret club — getting to see firsthand how fresh produce travels from the field into people’s kitchens. I love being part of a business that supports the important work of growing food and brings joy to others.”

This commitment to transparency and joy continues to define her leadership as she guides The FruitGuys into its next chapter of growth and community impact.

The Packer: What do you think sets you apart from others in the field, and how do you continuously work to elevate your contributions to the produce industry?

Mittelstaedt: There are so many amazing women in the produce industry that I hesitate to say I stand apart from them personally. My approach is to stay focused on people and the impact our work has on them. Whether it’s our employees, farmers or clients, I want to make sure we are being a good partner while also executing well.

As a company, we continue to push ourselves to celebrate and support farms in tangible ways. Whether that means paying our farmers quickly or providing microgrants through The FruitGuys Community Fund, we never lose sight of the fact that we are nothing without the farmers who grow amazing produce and the people who enjoy it. Supporting family farms across U.S. is core to who we are, and I’m always looking for ways to strengthen that impact.

Have you had any female mentors or role models who helped shape your journey?
I’ve had the pleasure of meeting some amazing women in the industry over the years, and many of them have shaped my journey. Early on in my time at The FruitGuys, we worked with Strube Celery & Vegetable in Chicago, and I had the pleasure of meeting Jan Fleming. Jan started as a clerk in her family’s business, moved into sales and eventually became CEO. She was also a leader in the broader produce industry.

She was the first female executive I met in produce; almost everyone else I worked with at the time was a man. We also worked with Frieda’s, and although I only met Frieda Rapoport Caplan once or twice, I had the pleasure of working with her daughters, who were leading Frieda’s at the time. Seeing women like these, many of them balancing parenting, leadership and the demands of running a business while still being fully themselves, has been incredibly inspiring.

They showed me that strong leadership does not have to look one certain way.

As a leader of a mission-driven company, how do you ensure that the small-farm ethos remains intact as the company scales nationally?

For us, keeping the small-farm ethos intact is not just about sourcing strategy; it is about preserving relationships, honoring the people growing the food and making sure growth does not come at the expense of mission.

First and foremost, we track and regularly review where we are buying from. We look at the farms we are currently working with, how long we have worked with them — in many cases, more than 15 years — and the size of those operations. We ask ourselves whether we are being a good partner to them and where we can improve.

We also look for opportunities to bring smaller farms into our purchasing mix. A few years ago, we launched the Farm Fit Program, which connects farms that may be too small for our regular daily business with opportunities that are a better fit, particularly in foodservice. In addition, we deliver from 11 locations nationwide, which helps us stay connected to local produce when in season.

Fun Question: What is the one fruit that is an absolute must-have in your personal office snack bowl to get you through a long day?

I can’t possibly pick one, maybe one per season. This time of year, I’m enjoying all of the end-of-season citrus, especially Ojai Pixie tangerines. As we move into summer, I love berries, blueberries especially, as well as white nectarines and peaches — sometimes I don’t wait for the nectarines to ripen before I eat them. In the fall, Asian pears and d’anjous are my must-haves, and then early winter, I can’t wait for the kishus to appear.

Learn more about The Packer’s 2026 Women in Produce honorees:

Sunkist Growers Appoints CFO

Tue, 12 May 2026 19:32:11 GMT

Sunkist Growers Inc. has appointed Anuj Girdhar as chief financial officer.

Girdhar brings more than 20 years of financial leadership experience within the agriculture and beverage industries, with a strong background in strategic planning, operational finance and business growth. In his role at Sunkist, he will oversee the company’s finance, accounting, strategy and innovation and information technology teams, partnering closely with leadership across the organization to support continued operational and strategic growth.

Most recently, Girdhar served as CFO for O’Neill Vintners & Distillers, where he led financial planning, reporting and operational finance initiatives in a growth-focused environment. Prior to that, he held leadership roles at E. & J. Gallo Winery, including director of financial planning and analysis.

“Anuj brings extensive financial and operational leadership experience, along with a strong understanding of agriculture-focused businesses,” says Jim Phillips, president and CEO of Sunkist Growers. “His strategic mindset, collaborative approach and industry background make him a strong addition to our leadership team as we continue positioning the cooperative for long-term success.”

As CFO, Girdhar will oversee financial operations and strategic planning initiatives across Sunkist Growers and Fruit Growers Supply Co. organizations, supporting continued alignment, operational growth and long-term strategic objectives. The company says his appointment marks another step in the continued evolution of the shared management structure between Sunkist and FGS, supporting a long-term strategy centered on operational alignment, innovation and sustainable growth.

“I’m honored to join Sunkist and be part of such a respected and grower-focused organization,” Girdhar says. “Having grown up with the Sunkist brand, I’ve long admired the company’s heritage and reputation. I’m excited to work alongside the team to support the cooperative’s future growth and continued success.”

The 2026 Salad Curiosity Census: Mapping the Next Wave of Produce Retail

Tue, 12 May 2026 18:36:41 GMT

Editor’s Note: This story is part of an ongoing column , The 30 Different Plants Per Week Challenge, Retail Edition.

As consumers increasingly view the salad bowl as a vehicle for functional nutrition and culinary exploration, the retail landscape is shifting to meet them.

New research from Taylor Farms provides a roadmap for this advancement. A 2026 Salad Curiosity Census used search data analysis to quantify consumer appetite for emerging trends across U.S. By mapping state-by-state interest in five distinct flavor and functional profiles, the study offers a granular look at how regional preferences are dictating the next generation of salad kits and produce merchandising.

The census identified Hawaii as the most adventurous state in the nation, with a curiosity score of 27.48, well ahead of Washington (22.54) and Oregon (21.91), which round out the top three.

Understanding the Study: Search as a Proxy for Demand

By analyzing thousands of monthly searches for viral ingredients and specific dietary archetypes, Taylor Farms identified a national Curiosity Score.

The data reveals a country moving decisively away from the basic iceberg-and-vinaigrette model. Instead, the Curiosity Census identified five key profiles reshaping the bowl:

Powerhouse protein — Bowls anchored around hard-boiled eggs, grilled steak, quinoa, lentils and other high-protein ingredients designed to hit a 20-gram-per-meal target. Virginia, Illinois and Hawaii show the strongest curiosity.
Swicy and swangy — A bolder evolution of the swicy (sweet and spicy) movement, layering in tangy notes from hot honey, lime, sriracha-miso and chili. Hawaii leads with more than 6,000 monthly searches, followed by Oregon and Washington.
Crunch core — A texture-first trend that elevates toasted nuts, seeds, crispy shallots, jicama and snap peas over the traditional crouton. Oregon takes the top spot with nearly 5,500 monthly searches, with Washington and Hawaii close behind.
Gut glory — Functional eating focused on probiotic and high-fiber additions like kimchi, sauerkraut, chickpeas and kefir-based dressings. East Coast states dominate this category, with Maryland and New Jersey flanking Nevada in the top three.
Newstalgia — Modernized versions of childhood classics, such as the Waldorf or wedge, paired with clean-label dressings and premium ingredients like artisanal blue cheese or heirloom tomatoes. Hawaii, Washington and Oregon again lead the search.

This image shows the top salad flavor in each state, according to Taylor Farms’ 2026 Salad Curiosity Census.

(Image courtesy of Taylor Farms)

Retail Implications: A Regional Approach to the Perimeter

For retailers, the key takeaway from the 2026 data is that one-size-fits-all assortment is becoming a liability. As consumers strive for 30 unique plants a week, they are looking for specific, culturally relevant variety that differs by geography:

1. Localization of the salad wall — The Pacific region, specifically Hawaii, Washington and Oregon, is the nation’s innovation engine. Hawaii’s top ranking (Curiosity Score: 27.48) is driven by an appetite for experimentation. For retailers in these zones, the “30 plants” goal is best served by stocking swangy kits and bold, globally inspired textures.
2. The functional East Coast — In states like Maryland and New Jersey, the “gut glory” trend suggests that the produce aisle should be cross-merchandised with the functional beverage and fermented food categories. Shoppers here aren’t just buying greens; they are buying microbiome support. Retailers can win by positioning high-fiber legumes and probiotic dressings adjacent to their core salad offerings.
3. Texture as a value add — Across the board, the rise of “crunch core” signals a shift in what defines premium. Consumers are trading traditional wheat-based toppings for nutrient-dense, plant-based alternatives. From a retail perspective, this offers an opportunity for higher-margin topper add-ons like toasted seeds, freeze-dried vegetables and spicy legumes.

Moving Beyond the Bowl

The Taylor Farms data underscores a broader market shift: The packaged salad market is projected to reach over $15 billion in 2026; this growth is fueled by consumers who no longer treat salads as a side dish but rather as a constructed meal that hits specific macro- and micro-nutrient targets.

By aligning inventory with these regional search trends, retailers can help their shoppers hit that “30 plant” weekly milestone while driving deeper loyalty in the most profitable area of the store: the fresh perimeter.

Your Next Read:

Season Begins for Legend Produce’s Domestic Origami Cantaloupe

Tue, 12 May 2026 20:05:01 GMT

Legend Produce says its domestic Origami cantaloupe season has arrived and is off to an outstanding start.

Following several months of imports, Legend Produce says the arrival of this premium melon signals the return of fresh, U.S.-grown fruit. Fields are producing beautiful, high-quality melons with strong yields, vibrant appearance and exceptional flavor profile, according to the company.

Legend Produce says Origami continues to set itself apart as a unique variety, delivering both early-season durability and exceptional eating quality. It highlights that current harvests are measuring 15 to 16 Brix, offering high sugar levels that translate into bold sweetness. Origami consistently delivers a balanced profile of rich aroma, smooth texture and a clean, memorable finish that defines premium cantaloupe, the company says.

“There is no other variety on the market that performs like Origami this time of year,” says Barry Zwillinger, partner of Legend Produce. “We’ve seen other melons come in early with decent numbers, but they simply don’t match the flavor and aroma profile. Origami holds its integrity in the field and delivers the full eating experience customers expect. Year after year, retail data confirms it: Consumers choose Origami, and our customers are asking for it by name.”

Legend Produce says that with its production underway in Yuma, Ariz., and California, it is positioned to deliver a consistent, high-quality supply of Origami cantaloupes throughout the domestic season.

Ahold Delhaize USA Appoints Vipin Gopal to Lead Data and AI

Tue, 12 May 2026 17:41:11 GMT

Vipin Gopal has joined Ahold Delhaize USA as senior vice president, a role in which he will serve as the chief data and artificial intelligence officer for U.S. businesses.

Reporting to Chief Information Officer Ann Dozier, Gopal will lead data, analytics and AI strategy and advance Ahold Delhaize USA’s efforts to further embed data-driven decision-making and AI capabilities into its business. He will play a critical role in transforming enterprise data foundations, accelerating responsible AI adoption and enabling greater value creation in support of the company’s Growing Together strategy, the company says.

“Vipin brings deep expertise in data, analytics and AI, along with a strong track record of transforming organizations at scale,” Dozier says. “As we continue to modernize our digital, data and technology capabilities, his leadership will be instrumental in helping us build a strong data center of excellence and unlock differentiated value for our customers, brands and associates.”

With more than 25 years of experience leading large-scale digital, data and AI transformations for Fortune 100 companies, Gopal most recently served as chief data and analytics officer for Eli Lilly and Company and Walgreens Boots Alliance. In those roles, he was responsible for enterprisewide data and AI strategy, the development and deployment of advanced analytics and AI solutions and the modernization of data platforms.

Previously, Gopal held senior leadership roles at Humana, Cigna, United Technologies Corp. and Honeywell. He currently serves on the board of directors of Concentra, the largest occupational health services company in the U.S.

An award-winning leader in the data and analytics field, Gopal was named the inaugural Global Executive of the Year by Chief Data Officer Magazine in 2022 and was ranked second globally among chief data and analytics officers by Technology Magazine in 2024. His thought leadership has appeared in publications including Harvard Business Review, MIT Sloan Management Review, Scientific American, Nature and Forbes.

Gopal holds a doctorate from Carnegie Mellon University, an MBA from New York University Stern School of Business and a bachelor’s degree in technology from Indian Institute of Technology Bombay.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to support Ahold Delhaize USA’s trusted omnichannel brands unlock new value through data, analytics and AI by enabling smarter decisions, greater efficiency and better experiences for customers and associates,” Gopal says.

In 2026 Ahold Delhaize USA was named a Top Employer in U.S. by the Top Employers Institute for the second year in a row. The company also holds many prestigious designations, such as Progressive Grocer’s Top 100 Food Retailers in North America and Built In’s Best Places to Work in the technology sector. In addition, Ahold Delhaize USA says its associates are regularly recognized on lists for being top women in grocery and industry-leading emerging talent.

Is Global Trade Volatility Putting the U.S. Fresh Produce Industry at Risk?

Mon, 11 May 2026 22:06:26 GMT

Editor’s Note: This is the latest report in a series that explores the shifting economic landscape of the specialty crop industry.

When asked to describe the current state of the global fresh produce industry and trade, some people have used words like “uncertainty,” “volatility” and “complex.”

Whether it’s navigating reciprocal tariffs or rising fuel charges during the unrest in the Middle East, produce industry insiders say those issues put the global fresh produce industry in the hot seat.

Jonathan Coppess, Gardner associate professor of agricultural policy at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, says regardless of the commodity, the current state of growing “is a level of chaos and uncertainty that ... you’re trying to manage in an operation that itself is full of risk.”

“This has been a tough climate to operate your business in,” says Anthony Serafino, president of the Exp Group, a multinational company specializing in the production, importation and distribution of tropical fruits and vegetables from Central and South America. “Geopolitical issues are the biggest headwind you can face in running a business. A lot of things are out of your control.”

Why Export Markets Dictate Domestic Produce Prices

Exports are a critical part of the fresh produce industry. U.S. Apple Association President and CEO Jim Bair says if export markets tighten, more fruit stays in the domestic market; that puts downward pressure on prices, which hurts growers.

“There’s really nothing hidden about the threat of trade volatility for apple growers,” he says. “When markets become unstable, the consequences are immediate and visible: lost sales, lower prices, disrupted customer relationships and even more pressure on already razor-thin margins.”

Washington Apple Commission President Michael Schadler also points out that one state’s exports can impact the country’s other growers who don’t export.

“An economic study from years ago found that if 5 million boxes of fresh apples destined for the export market were instead added to the domestic market, the income loss to growers would be about $55 million,” he says.

Long Road to Market Recovery

Bair says the U.S. apple industry continues to navigate the fallout from 2018 retaliatory tariffs from India, where the country pushed the total duty on U.S. apples to 70%. Before 2018, India was the No. 2 export market for U.S. apples — and growing fast. USApple worked with the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative to lift these retaliatory tariffs, which reopened the market in 2023.

“By 2025, India had climbed back to the No. 5 export destination for U.S. apples, buying roughly 2.2 million bushels worth nearly $40 million in 2024-25,” he says. “That is a meaningful rebound, but it remains well below the predisruption peak, underscoring how difficult it is to regain market share once competitors establish themselves.”

Schadler highlights just how deep that disruption went for Pacific Northwest growers, as the tariff effectively slashed exports from 8 million boxes to virtually zero overnight.

“The global apple market is very competitive, and once you lose market share, it can be very hard to get it back,” he says.

Riley Bushue, vice president of the Northwest Horticultural Council, estimates a $900 million loss since 2018 due to restricted access to China. The industry now looks to unlock expanded access to other markets to fill that gap.

“You’re trying to offset what has been lost and continues to be lost over and over in China every year,” he says.

Navigating High Tariffs and the Race for Global Market Access

Bushue estimates the U.S. exports its apples, pears and cherries to nearly 50 countries around the world, and he says it’s important for the industry to remove trade barriers and expand access.

“We’re looking at places where, as an industry, we can compete and maintain that competitiveness in the face of trade barriers, removing those trade barriers,” he says. “Because at the end of the day, we’re a high-cost-of-production product. We’re not going to be the low-cost supplier in these markets. So, remaining competitive is the important focus point.”

Bushue says the U.S. often has no tariffs on imported produce, but countries such as Thailand put a 40% tariff on imported cherries without a domestic production and a 40-year struggle to get access to South Korea.

He says growers will ask him, “Why is it that the United States can find a way to sell a nuclear attack submarine to Australia, but we can’t sell them an apple? And why is it China has access to Australia, but we don’t?” And they often express frustration at how long it takes to realize trade deals.

“There is a real concern bordering on frustration with, you know, the need for expanding these markets — just the pace of how things have been for a long time,” he says, noting there has been positive momentum with some of the newly announced trade deals. “It’s a robust trade policy from the U.S. to go after these long-standing and unfair trade barriers.”

Schadler points to promising deals with Taiwan, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia and Cambodia. For example, the U.S.-Taiwan Agreement on Reciprocal Trade would eliminate a 20% tariff on U.S. apples.

Bushue agrees, noting, “It’s a direct result of the U.S. trying to increase leverage on these to get these things resolved.”

Protecting the North American Supply Chain

Mexico and Canada remain the U.S. fresh produce industry’s most vital partners. Mexico accounts for approximately 40% of all U.S. apple exports; combined with Canada, it represents more than 50% of the export market. And as Mexico, Canada and the U.S. come together to renegotiate the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement, any disruption to that tariff-free framework could harm U.S. exports.

“The biggest risk is any disruption to the stable, tariff-free framework that has allowed Mexico and Canada to become our top two export markets,” Bushue says. “Even the introduction of uncertainty creates a risk. Once buyers begin to question whether the North American market will remain stable and tariff-free, purchasing patterns can shift quickly.”

It was a tough year for the watermelon industry last year, says George Szczepanski, executive director of the National Watermelon Association. Cold weather leading into Memorial Day 2025 meant people weren’t necessarily thinking watermelons. And, he says, the industry also faced pressure from Canadian tariffs.

“If we are pushing Canada to the point where they are saying every watermelon costs 25% more, it’s hurting this domestic industry,” he says.

Watermelon exports to Canada are an important part of trade for U.S. watermelon growers, some of whom import melons from Mexico and Central America. This global watermelon industry means trade dynamics can be high stakes when it comes to fresh produce.

But Szczepanski says he sees the reasoning behind this volatility.

“We all think that what we’re doing now is just really counterintuitive and does not make sense the way that traditional trade economics have been taught and delivered and structured,” Szczepanski says. “This more aggressive setup — really trying to protect the domestic industry — there’s a logic behind it.”

And the aggressive trade strategy might have a different impact on manufacturing or other items traded on the global stage, but the volatility might be a valuable tool in negotiation; it’s not always the best for fresh produce, which has such a short life cycle.

“When changes in trade dynamics happen, and things are already planted and it is harvested and cut, and you have a ticking time bomb — in terms of what revenue you can or you cannot capture from the minute that it’s cut from the vine or plucked from the bush or the tree — the uncertainty is, it’s just one more problem for produce that we just don’t have the bandwidth for,” Szczepanski says.

Rising Costs and the Threat of Imports

Beyond trade policy, growers and importers are facing higher costs. Serafino of Exp Group says fuel expenses are increasing month over month, adding that bunker fuel prices are up, and that also hits imported produce, and large multinational companies are all increasing fuel surcharges.

Serafino says as diesel prices increase, his company now has to calculate weekly freight charges, which it has never had to do. He says fuel expenses have increased month over month by thousands of dollars, and that’s just not something his company can absorb.

“For the first time in our company’s history, we’re adjusting logistics costs weekly — not monthly, not quarterly, weekly — and that’s how we’re operating,” he says. “Our delivery costs are switching on a weekly basis.”

On top of rising fuel charges, the unrest in the Middle East also affects fertilizer prices, plastic packaging and more.

“I guess if there’s any silver lining in this situation, [it] is that if you can operate a business in this type of environment, you’re Teflon,” he says.

Coppess says those rising costs of fuel charges come at a cost.

“You got all the diesel you need to ship,” he says. “You got all the fossil fuels that go into fertilizer and chemical production. Everything is wrapped in plastic, which is made from oil.”

Coppess says he’s also concerned that as the industry struggles to break tough inflationary pressures, chaos will become quid pro quo.

“I also worry that we’ll normalize it,” he says. “We only outrun the pain of that for so long, yeah — and it’s usually not very long.

Balancing Year-Round Availability With Domestic Survival

Coppess notes that even if the U.S. successfully negotiates better trade deals, the domestic grower might still end up as the casualty. He warns that focusing solely on the “balance of trade” can be a deceptive metric if it ignores who is actually growing the food.

“While the balance of trade might improve, it might have more dire consequences for growers and the domestic fresh produce industry,” Coppess says. “If the balance of trade overall is better ... but we’re importing more food, that may not be an ideal situation.”

Schadler says that as production costs continue to rise, it puts the U.S. apple industry in a vulnerable position.

“It’s not that hard to imagine a scenario in the future when the high cost of U.S. production creates an opportunity for imported apples, which could eventually pose a meaningful threat to domestic apple production,” he says. “I’m not forecasting that, but there are certainly other fruit and vegetable crops in the U.S. that have experienced that dynamic over the last few decades.”

And it’s happening in other commodities. Bret Erickson, senior vice president of Business Affairs for Little Bear Produce, points to USDA Economic Research Service data that reveals that domestic specialty crop production has declined from 193 billion pounds in 2012 to 155 billion pounds just 10 years later. He says the data also shows that fruit and vegetable exports from Mexico to the U.S. have increased from $4 billion to $20 billion over roughly the same period.

“That growth has fundamentally reshaped the U.S. produce market,” he says. “That’s not a coincidence; it reflects a policy environment where domestic production is becoming less competitive, and imports are replacing domestically grown.”

Little Bear Produce imports greens, onions and melons from Mexico to complement its domestic programs in Texas and New Jersey. Erickson says these imports help the company serve as a year-round supplier to retailers.

“Having reliable suppliers who deliver on quality, strong food safety and consistency is efficient and good business sense,” he says. “Buyers want a trusted source for their product.”

Erickson says while consumers have high expectations of produce availability year-round, regardless of the crop, this fuels the need for imports to balance out domestic production. But, he says, the cost of production and the regulatory burdens growers face have made it a challenge to profitably grow produce in the U.S. (Future stories in this series will look at both the cost of production and regulatory burdens on growers.)

“I think we should all be worried that we are more reliant than ever on other countries to supply our food, particularly healthy, whole foods like fruits and vegetables,” he says. “Nutritional security and food security is national security. That phrase has almost become something of a cliché, but clichés exist for a reason; there is typically a lot of truth to them.”

Nick Oomen’s family business grows organic cabbage, zucchini, yellow squash and bell peppers, as well as conventional asparagus, butternut and acorn squash, broccoli, green beans, carrots, potatoes and jack-o’-lantern pumpkins.

Oomen, a fourth-generation specialty crop grower with West MI Produce in Hart, Mich., says his family has struggled to compete with Mexican and Peruvian asparagus imports.

“My family owns an IQF freezer for frozen vegetables,” he says. “We just can’t compete with them on the price, because they can deliver it cheaper than we can. … They can pay their labor force 10% of what I have to pay mine. They’re just at a competitive advantage with their cost of labor compared to what we’re doing.

“All we can do is try to put a product in the store as cheaply as we possibly can, and hope that we can hang on,” he adds.

Oomen says he’s not advocating for the banning of imports but rather to have a level playing field for domestic commodities.

“It does get to a point where there’s certain advantages other countries have that we don’t have here,” he says.

Marc Arnusch, a third-generation seed wheat, barley, craft grains, silage corn, alfalfa and former onion grower in Prospect Valley, Colo., says he used to see imported onions at his local grocery store right down the road.

“That was a tough, tough pill to swallow,” he says. “The overwhelming majority of our onions were shipped outside of the state. There were very few that actually stayed in the state. So, to have these low-cost and, in some cases, different kinds of offerings coming from out of the country is tough to compete with.”

Sixth-generation grower Lisa Tate, managing owner of Rancho Filoso, says the market has changed rapidly for lemons, with Argentinian lemons flooding the market and putting extreme pressure on U.S. growers.

Tate, who grows citrus, avocados and pomegranates in Ventura County, Calif., says when the U.S. opened lemon imports from Argentina in early 2018, the market deteriorated rapidly. However, 2019 was when the volume really impacted U.S. growers.

“If the lemons get here and they don’t have a good price for it, they’re not going to turn around and ship them back,” she says. “They’re just going to dump them here in the market. That’s going to lower the price for everybody.”

Tate says it’s time for consumers to understand where their fresh produce truly comes from and decide to support domestic production.

“If the United States is the biggest consumer and everybody wants to import their stuff, then there’s got to be some way that we can help support locally grown stuff,” she says. “We have to look out for our farmers if we as a nation decide that this is valuable.”

Tate says this might mean consumers have to pay more for domestic produce, with the understanding that it benefits U.S. growers. She says something as simple as a few more cents per lemon is all it would take.

“I really do believe people would be willing to pay that amount,” she says. “I think we can do it as a country. It’s a solvable problem.”

New Great Lakes Tech Event Targets Specialty Crop Survival

Mon, 11 May 2026 21:29:53 GMT

Great Lakes Tek Flex seeks to connect growers in the Great Lakes region with in-field tech demos. The new tech event is set for Sept. 10-11 at the Michigan State University Southwest Michigan Research and Extension Center in Benton Harbor, Mich.

Great Lakes Tek Flex plans to feature the latest in weed mitigation and crop management solutions using robotics, drones and precision agriculture technology. The event seeks to improve the sustainability and resiliency of Great Lakes specialty crop growers by removing barriers to technology adoption.

Mark Ledebuhr, principal with Application Insight, says the event is much needed for the region with growers struggling to find labor, whose needs are different than their Western counterparts. It will also bring together ag tech companies with growers in need of innovation.

“If we don’t get [innovation], we may not be growing a lot of specialty crops that we grow in Michigan in 10 years here,” he says.

Ledebuhr says he understands some of the challenges to marketing to growers in this region, which spans about eight states as well as the Canadian province of Ontario. The Southwest Michigan Research and Extension Center is located within a day of 80% of the fruit and vegetables grown in the region, he notes.

“That’s the reason for the site choice,” he says.

Ledebuhr says it’s important to get the technology in front of growers in similar conditions to what’s grown in the region, adding that Great Lakes Tek Flex is designed to bring together entities to work together to solve some of the challenges today’s growers face.

“If you take smart people who are invested in the problem, and you get them together in a room, and you create the space to solve problems, problems get solved,” he says.

But this is more than just a tire-kicking event, he says.

The first day will connect growers with companies that have commercialized technologies with demonstrations to allow for interactions with company representatives so that growers can better understand the benefits of these technologies. These include see-and-spray technology, autonomous vehicles, artificial intelligence perception tools, orchard management, planting, vegetation management, harvesting, drone spray and AI decision support.

“We see technology transforming fields, making planting, monitoring, weed management and harvesting more precise and efficient,” says Randy Stratton, director of Great Lakes Tek Flex Expo and Field Days. “With these innovations, growers are building a smarter, more sustainable future for farming.”

The second day will feature targeted discussions with government officials, industry groups and supporting industries to better identify and align resources and activity to streamline the process of tech adoption.

“I’ve watched more technologies leave this market not because they didn’t have significant benefits, but because we couldn’t figure out how to make space for them to actually help farmers improve,” Stratton says. “So it was organizational and regulatory disincentive that kept these things out of the market.”

Ledebuhr says more companies will be added, but a list of the participating companies can be found at GLTekFlex.org .

Event partners and sponsors include Michigan State University Extension; Michigan Department of Agriculture; Michigan Vegetable Council; Michigan Grape Growers; Michigan Horticultural Society,; Ohio State University; Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness; Cornell University; The Ontario Ag Robotics Working Group; and Meshcomm Engineering.

“This event is the first of its kind in North America, right here in the Great Lakes region,” says Mike Reinke, Michigan State University viticulture Extension specialist and Great Lakes Tek Flex board member. “Growers and agronomists are going to find new and proven agri-tech manufacturers demonstrating their technology and connecting with potential end users of these amazing tools.”

Women in Produce 2026: Bianca Kaprielian

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 15:00:19 GMT

A fourth-generation farmer raised in the Sierra foothills, Bianca Kaprielian, co-CEO of Creekside Organics, is a leader in the organic produce industry with a career built on deep roots and expert sourcing. After honing her expertise at Veritable Vegetable and Whole Foods Market, she co-founded Fruit World in 2017 to bridge the gap between family farms and the modern market.

Following a landmark merger with Creekside Organics in early 2025, Kaprielian now co-leads one of California’s premier organic shipping operations. Her work — recognized by Produce Business’ 40 Under 40 and the International Fresh Produce Association Leadership Program — is driven by a singular vision: ensuring organic produce becomes a daily staple on every table while securing the long-term viability of independent family farms.

The Packer: Have you had any female mentors or role models who helped shape your journey?

Kaprielian: I’ve been really fortunate to have strong women shape my path from an early age and throughout my career. I’m incredibly grateful for their support and for the work and legacy that came before me.

My grandmother, Beverly Kaprielian, had a huge influence on me. She was small in stature but incredibly strong and one of my biggest supporters. She stood alongside my grandfather as they built our family farming business, but what she really gave me was something deeper: She made me believe I belonged at the table where decisions were being made. She made it clear that my voice mattered just as much as anyone else’s, and that’s stayed with me.

Jackie Caplan Wiggins has also been an especially meaningful mentor to me, as she has been to so many in our industry. Through her leadership at Frieda’s Inc., she’s carried forward a legacy of innovation and storytelling in produce that has had a lasting impact on the industry and on me personally. I admire how she leads with both conviction and curiosity while staying deeply grounded in relationships. She’s been incredibly generous with her time and perspective, and her encouragement has meant a lot to me.

Regarding the co-CEO dynamic: How do your individual strengths complement each other when navigating the complexities of the organic market?

The merger itself was a natural fit. We were very aligned in our values and shared the same North Star: making organic fruits and vegetables the norm on every table, every day. The co-CEO structure is something we’ve had to be intentional about building, and it’s still evolving.

We’ve done a lot of honest work to really understand our individual strengths and be intentional about how we show up day to day. That self-awareness allows each of us to focus where we’re most effective and support each other where needed. At the end of the day, it’s not about dividing responsibilities evenly; it’s about making decisions that support the overall health of the company.

At a high level, we tend to come at the business from different but complementary angles. I spend more time focused on the long term — where we’re going, how we build programs that last and how we continue to grow in a way that’s aligned with our values. Brenda [Haught] is deeply connected to our growers and customers and stays very close to the day-to-day realities of the business. That balance helps us stay both forward-looking and rooted in what’s actually happening on the ground.

There’s a strong respect for each other’s perspectives and a shared commitment to growing as leaders. We don’t approach challenges the same way, and that’s a strength. It allows us to look at decisions from multiple angles as we navigate the complexities of the organic market.

As women at the helm of a major organic brokerage, what advice do you have for young women looking to break into the boots-on-the-ground side of produce?

Get as close to the product and the people growing it as you can, as early as you can. Spend time in the field, in the packinghouses and coolers, on the loading docks. The boots-on-the-ground side of produce is where everything starts, and that experience gives you a level of understanding and credibility you can’t get any other way.

Don’t wait until you feel fully ready. This industry rewards people who show up, ask questions and follow through. There’s a lot to learn, and it might feel intimidating at first, but most people are willing to teach you if you’re genuinely interested and willing to do the work.

Also, pay attention to the relationships. Produce is a relationship business at its core; it runs on trust and consistency. As AI and other technologies continue to advance, lean into them — let those tools handle what they’re good at so you can protect your time and energy for the parts of the work that are irreducibly human.

And don’t be afraid to seek out community early. Organizations like International Fresh Produce Association can be a great way to build connections and find mentors who are willing to invest in you.

Finally, trust your instincts and take care of yourself along the way. This work can be all-consuming, especially on the ground. If you stay curious, stay close to the work and keep your word, you’ll find your footing.

Learn more about The Packer’s 2026 Women in Produce honorees:

Meet 2026 Farmworker of the Year Finalist Jesús Gutiérrez Manuel

Mon, 11 May 2026 21:06:52 GMT

Jesús Gutiérrez Manuel is a distinguished agricultural professional with over 15 years of industry experience and a reputation so profound that 12 individuals across multiple organizations nominated him for this year’s Farmworker of the Year award. Since 2019, he has been a pillar of high-performance teams, rising through the ranks from harvester and fruit checker to crew leader for Stemilt Growers.

Gutiérrez Manuel’s leadership is defined by a rare ability to harmonize team dynamics, where he is equally admired by his peers for his motivational guidance and respected by management for his consistent, high-quality results. He operates with a holistic view of the industry, treating his work not just as a job but as an essential service where communication and cooperation are the keys to success.

What sets Gutiérrez Manuel apart is his relentless pursuit of innovation and professional excellence. In 2024, he received an honorable mention in a prestigious industry innovation challenge for creating a “Decalogue for the Field Professional,” a strategic framework designed to improve efficiency and resilience throughout the supply chain. His expertise has made him a sought-after voice in the sector, leading to invitations as a guest panelist at major agricultural anniversaries, where he speaks on the intersection of technology, knowledge and sustainable transformation.

Currently, he is furthering his impact by pursuing certification as an agricultural consultant, ensuring he remains at the forefront of high-value project development and sustainable practices.

“I have been working here for five years, and I have known Jesús since then,” says Francisco Perez Felix, an H-2A worker for Stemilt. “He is always available to help you with work or anything else. He works very hard and motivates people at work. He is very responsible in his work and the tasks assigned to him.”

Beyond his technical and strategic contributions, Gutiérrez Manuel brings a unique safety-first perspective to the field through his background as a licensed nurse. He has combined this medical expertise with multiple certifications in industrial and food safety to champion the well-being of his fellow workers.

He is a dedicated advocate for the “integral development” of the workforce, constantly seeking to empower his colleagues and their families through education and prehospital health training. By serving as a bridge between operational productivity and human welfare, he embodies the modern agricultural professional: innovative, compassionate and deeply committed to the advancement of the entire farming community.

“Since 2019, Jesús has collaborated closely with Semillero de Ideas, where he has continued to grow as a leader and innovator,” says Eric Nicholson. “He is currently completing an EFI Agricultural Consultant Certification through Semillero de Ideas, expanding his capacity to support sustainable, high-value agricultural projects. His career reflects consistent growth, cross-border experience and a commitment to excellence in agriculture.”

Sometimes, Inspiration for Produce Ad Merchandising Just Needs a Little Push

Mon, 11 May 2026 12:37:23 GMT

I walked around a store as a specialist early one morning, going through the open back dock doors. It was a couple of hours before the store opened.

This wasn’t uncommon. As I visited store locations as a specialist, I had to get an early start, hit as many stores as I could, checking in with produce managers along the way. My job was multifaceted, sometimes hard to explain.

However, mine was indeed a support role: help the produce managers be successful, be it with merchandising, inventory control, managing their crews, training and more.

I walked through the back room; the load was still there from the overnight delivery. A familiar produce veteran was busy pulling pallets into the cooler, rotating and putting the load away. All well here, I thought.

Then I ran into an odd sight.

I found Milt, the produce manage out on the dimly lit sales floor. While the rack setup man was making good progress for store opening, Milt was sitting on a half-pallet of mixed apple varieties, staring at the empty, freshly matted display table in front of him.

Milt hadn’t noticed me when I interrupted his train of thought. “Good morning,” I said. “What’s the matter?”

“Oh, hey, Armand,” Milt replied, smiling behind his thick eyeglasses. “I was, um, just uh — you know, waiting. Waiting for inspiration.”

I patted him on the shoulder. “Be right back,” I said.

In many cases when a store was discovered “on fire” — or in terrible stock condition — specialists such as myself weren’t above shedding the sport coat for an apron, rolling up our sleeves to help a crew catch up. In this case, the produce department was in good shape; Milt was just faced with building his lead ad display for the week. He was stuck for ideas, which typically come from experience or from seeing other displays. After a quick detour to the deli, I bought some coffee for the crew.

“Here’s a cup of inspiration for you,” I said. I leaned up against the pallet with Milt as he continued to ponder his course of action. I could relate. I’d been there once or a thousand times myself over the years. After a few sips, I broke the silence. “Tell me what you’ve got so far.”

Milt stroked his chin thoughtfully. “I want a fall look. I have these nice bushel baskets for props. I’m thinking something simple. I’ll line up the shipper cartons to build a spillover in front of the display, then line the bushel baskets on the top layer, dummy those up to limit the amount of product. The two baskets on either side will be bulk red delicious, with the center basket being golds. That’s what I’ve got so far.”

“I like it,” I said. “Basic. Bushels always a nice farm touch. How about the back of the display? Got anything there to add some height to draw the eyes up there?”

“Huh? Oh yeah. The half-bushel stack is right there,” Milt said, pointing to the side of the table. “I can place those behind the table so it looks like the apples are pouring out. Maybe use this checkerboard tablecloth beneath to line the box tops, maybe some totes in front.”

“Nice touches,” I said. A good display draws upon the senses. Height, depth, color, color breaks, freshness, abundance — or at least the illusion of abundance. “Is that it?”

“Getting all the signing wrapped up, and just getting it all done,” Milt said.

I peeled off my sport coat. “I have a little time. Let’s do it.” In about 30 minutes, the display came together as we chatted about the latest company happenings, about what was coming up, about our families, our favorite sports teams.

Sometimes, inspiration just needs a nudge — and some coffee.

Armand Lobato’s more than 50 years of experience in the produce business span a range of foodservice and retail positions. He has written a weekly retail column for two decades.

Sun World Launches Late-Season Mango Variety

Fri, 08 May 2026 23:32:16 GMT

Sun World International says its global mango program offers late-season availability with its Blyde Late variety. Imported from South Africa, Blyde Late remains in the market in May, while other varieties traditionally taper off, Sun World says.

“Blyde Late is a powerful example of what this program is built to do,” says Bernardo Calvo, president and CEO of Sun World International. “It allows our partners to stay in the market longer, even when others are already out. That’s a meaningful shift — and it reflects our broader goal of creating a more consistent, reliable mango category through innovation.”

Sun World hosted three field days attended by South African growers, as well as international marketers and distributors, to give partners firsthand access to commercial mango offerings and the opportunity to engage with the company’s technical, commercial and quality teams. Sun World says its Berlin Mango Symposium provided a platform to share insights into its breeding focus, commercialization model and long-term vision for a premium, year-round mango supply.

The company says this approach to its mango program will address market opportunities and address flavor, appearance, shelf life, long seasonality and high productivity with its breeding program — and Blyde Late exemplifies that approach. The variety offers strong yield potential, excellent fruit size and high sugar content, according to Sun World, which adds that at full maturity, Blyde Late extends the mango season well beyond traditional windows.

“It’s not just about having great fruit but having great quality for an extended period of time,” says Gerardo Lugo, chief commercial officer at Sun World. “With Blyde Late, we’re helping our partners capture value in a part of the season that historically has been underserved. That’s where real commercial advantage starts to take shape.”

Sun World has recently collaborated with Mission Produce to tackle the category’s long-standing consistency issues through a major new variety development collaboration.

“We’re building a program that connects breeding, commercialization and global partnerships in a way that hasn’t been done before in mangoes,” Calvo says. “And we’re doing it with a clear focus — delivering better fruit, more consistently, across the entire season.”

North Carolina Growers Embrace Resilience Amid Extreme Drought, Spring Heat

Mon, 11 May 2026 00:22:06 GMT

Farmers in North Carolina are facing an uphill battle this spring as a severe drought combined with unseasonable heat has stunted early-season specialty crops from brassicas to berries.

As of early May, North Carolina was experiencing severe agricultural distress, with approximately 67 counties under extreme drought conditions and record-breaking dryness impacting 96% of the Southeast.

“These conditions are becoming quite apparent on our farms, with retention ponds getting extremely low, cracks in the soil, difficulty preparing land for summer production and reduced yields on many spring crops,” says Taylor Holenbeck, grower services coordinator for the Durham, N.C.-based Happy Dirt, a farmer-owned distributor of organic produce, specializing in connecting Southeast regional farmers with retailers and food hubs.

Spring greens have been hit particularly hard, says Holenbeck.

“One farm is seeing half the average yield on their broccolini crop, while others are seeing extremely slow growth on kales, collards, cabbage and other brassicas,” he says.

In the eastern part of the state, drought conditions and unseasonably hot temperatures that repeatedly reached the 90s during April have increased pest pressures in the area.

“Without the rain to help wash pest eggs off the crops, this has led to large hatchings of diamondback moths, compromising many of the tender spring greens,” he says.

Holenbeck says a number of Happy Dirt farms are behind on their spring plantings, with some delayed by at least two weeks due to dry conditions.

And it’s not only what’s already in the ground that struggles in drought conditions, says Holenbeck, who notes that preparing new beds when soil is extremely dry is also a challenge.

“Some farms are having to overhead water their land just to be able to prep beds, which is not how you want to be using your precious water resources in a drought,” he says.

Severe drought conditions in parts of North Carolina, like here at Randy Massey’s M&M Plant Farms, have led to retention ponds getting extremely low, cracks in the soil, difficulty preparing land for summer production, and reduced yields on many spring crops, says Taylor Holenbeck, grower services coordinator for the Durham, N.C.-based Happy Dirt.

(Photo courtesy of Happy Dirt)

‘Fast and Furious’ Strawberries

Weather conditions have also impacted the state’s strawberry production.

“Our strawberry season has been stunted as well, although this is due to not only drought, but [rather] the large swings in temperature this spring, causing the plants to be more vegetative rather than producing a lot of fruit consistently,” says Holenbeck.

Austin Hirsch, a strawberry farmer in Catawba, N.C., told AgDay’s Haley Bickelhaupt that while ripening usually takes a few weeks, in this year’s drought, it’s been “fast and furious.”

“The biggest challenge is trying to keep up with harvest,” says Hirsch of Bumble Berry Farms. The first-generation farmer says a hard winter followed by a warm week in early April accelerated picking of the farm’s early-season variety, which began April 8.

“We went out there maybe five or six days later, and the whole field was red … I’ve never seen anything like it,” says Hirsch.

Bumble Berry Farms grows five varieties of strawberries, all of which have been impacted by drought, he says.

But one silver lining for Hirsch has been sweeter berries.

“The conditions raise the sugar levels,” he says.

Bumble Berry Farms estimates it strawberry crop yields were about 50% of normal this season and is now turning its attention to its blackberry crop.

But Happy Dirt’s Holenbeck remains optimistic that there’s still time for some North Carolina strawberries.

“We still have the month of May to have a great strawberry season,” he says. “And so far, the sweet corn and summer squash crops are doing OK but will need rain soon.”

Altar Cross Farms’ Morgan Sykes and father Roy Sykes survey their North Carolina blueberry crop.

(Photo courtesy of Happy Dirt)

Blueberries in the Balance

Altar Cross Farms, a family-run organic blueberry farm in Ivanhoe, N.C., which tends more than 100 acres of certified organic blueberries between its own 40 acres and a lease on an additional 65 acres, says it’s managing the unusually dry conditions through strategic irrigation and a watchful eye on the weather.

“This has been a particularly dry start to the season, which is a change from what we typically see this time of year,” says Morgan Sykes, sales and packing manager for Altar Cross Farms and daughter of the farm’s owners, Roy and Donna Sykes. “We have been having to use our irrigation a lot more this year starting with the spring freezes to now this extreme dry weather.

“We are very blessed to have the irrigation system that we do, but nothing is as good as the natural rain,” she adds.

On the family’s 40 acres, they conserve as much water as possible using a ditching system connected to catch basins at the end of each row to flow the water back into its pond.

“Even with that, our pond is about 4 feet lower than what it should be,” she says.

On the farm’s leased acres, the pond system requires they pump water from a well into the pond, which costs more because it has to be hooked up to a generator, she says.

But a dryer blueberry growing season does have some benefits, says Sykes.

“The quality of blueberries on a dryish year are a little better because you really don’t have to worry as much about soft fruit,” she says. “It will impact the size of the berry; they will maybe not be as big. That is where we will be utilizing our irrigation to try and plump them up.”

Overall, Sykes says things are shaping up to be a “really good year.”

“We packed the highest number of berries we ever had last year,” she says. “This year we are hoping to do even more, [as] we have a few more fields that are just coming into production now.”

Sykes says this time of year usually presents the opposite weather problem — too much precipitation. To address this, Altar Cross Farms has planted varieties that can tolerate more water and still remain firm.

“We have some O’Neals that are drought tolerant, but if they get a little rain, they are bad about splitting,” she says.

While the family had been planning to move away from the variety as a result, this year, it looks as though they’ll be able to pack more of them.

“All of our other berries we are just having to keep an eye on and irrigate them to help the berries grow and size up,” she says. “We are praying for rain. We just don’t want it all at one time.”

Rising Input Costs vs. Market Realities

In North Carolina, the dust is rising just as fast as the overhead. While drought conditions have forced farmers to rely heavily on irrigation, global conflicts have driven diesel prices up by nearly 50%, making the cost of watering particularly steep.

Holenbeck says while irrigation methods vary widely from farm to farm in North Carolina, those that use diesel “are definitely feeling the effects of high prices.”

Soaring prices, not only for farms to run their irrigation pumps but also to operate tractors and on shipping costs for fertilizers and packaging, are putting a squeeze on the season.

“Higher fuel costs impact everything, down to the cost of the petroleum-based plastic used for mulch and clamshells that we pack small fruit into,” he says. “Unfortunately, our farmers are beholden to market pricing, so we are looking at the high end of pricing on each crop but have to balance being too high, otherwise sales slow, and that’s worse for the farms.

“Just because there is a drought here, doesn’t mean that the market isn’t low in other regions, so it’s a tricky balance,” he continues.

Farming for North Carolina’s Future

In the face of these soaring operational costs and a volatile climate, North Carolina’s specialty crop growers are no longer just reacting to the weather — they’re striving to outsmart it. By shifting toward heat-tolerant varieties they aim to transform drought from a seasonal crisis into a catalyst for long-term agricultural innovation.

“[The development of drought-resistant varieties] should be top of mind for both farmers and consumers, and there are some great initiatives in our region working toward more drought-resistant crops,” says Holenbeck, who says he’s never had more farmers ask him if they could grow okra for Happy Dirt than this year.

“Okra is a great example of a drought-tolerant crop, but unfortunately the market demand doesn’t match its utility for the farmers — yet,” he says. “Happy Dirt sees it as part of our work to help educate customers on what crops thrive in our increasingly warm climate in the South and why it’s important for consumers to learn how to integrate those fruits and vegetables into their diets.”

Holenbeck says Happy Dirt is looking to seed breeders to help Southeastern growers with more heat-tolerant varieties of vegetables.

“From lettuce to tomatoes, there are more and more heat-tolerant varieties available, which is giving our farmers the ability to stretch seasons and grow more of what eaters want locally,” he says. “This year we are implementing broccoli trials on two of our farms to observe which varieties do best in our quickly warming springs, and so far, despite the drought, we have seen some great results and plan to scale broccoli production if the varieties continue to perform.”

Happy Dirt says it has also conducted some smaller trials with regionally adapted varieties of butternut squash from Common Wealth Seed Growers and okra from Utopian Seed Project. This year it is also trialing and saving seeds from a specific okra variety grown by the Freed Seed Federation.

“All this seed work is important for farmers to be able to adapt over time and focus on what grows well here,” says Holenbeck. “We also see increased customer demand for the organic small fruit category, many of which are grown perennially, such as Asian persimmons, blackberries, figs, muscadines and blueberries to name a few. Due to the perennial nature of these crops, they can provide more resiliency to extreme weather and are a category that we plan to grow more of with our farmers.”

And when it comes to preventive measures, Holenbeck says one of the best things farmers can do is keep their soil consistently covered with cash crops and cover crops to help retain moisture and reduce erosion when there’s heavy rain.

“This effort pays off slowly, but as we face more erratic weather patterns, these types of practices become increasingly important,” he says. “We can’t fight nature, but we can try to learn from it and mimic it.”

Meet 2026 Farmworker of the Year Finalist Magaly Alfaro Avalos

Mon, 11 May 2026 00:59:42 GMT

On May 29 at this year’s West Coast Produce Expo in Palm Desert, Calif., The Packer and the Equitable Food Initiative will present the third annual Grow the Good Farmworker of the Year award. To recognize the critical role farmworkers have in the fresh produce industry, The Packer is spotlighting each of this year’s five finalists, who were selected from nominations submitted in February.

For Magaly Alfaro Avalos, a career in agriculture has never been just about the harvest; it has been about a relentless pursuit of growth, leadership and the empowerment of those around her. Over the past 18 years at NatureSweet, she has transformed from an entry-level associate into a cornerstone of the company’s operations.

In the greenhouse, she is known as a top performer who consistently shatters benchmark expectations, but her colleagues know her best as a mentor.

As her nominator, colleague Jenny Halpin, puts it: “Magaly embodies the core values of the Farmworker of the Year program: teamwork, continuous learning, pride in her craft, leadership and service. She leads by example, uplifts her coworkers, invests in her education and gives back to her community. Her impact extends far beyond the greenhouse; she is a role model whose dedication strengthens her team, her company and the agricultural community.”

Alfaro Avalos’ journey is defined by an extraordinary commitment to education that she balances alongside the physical demands of her work and her responsibilities as a mother of three. After earning her high school diploma through an adult education program, she set her sights even higher and is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in agronomy engineering with an expected graduation in 2027.

Her ambition is to bridge the gap between field experience and technical expertise, moving into a supervisory role where she can mentor on a larger scale. This drive has not gone unnoticed by her peers.

“I would like to highlight Magaly’s career, as she is an exemplary associate,” says Oscar Contreras. “She is currently pursuing a degree in engineering, which reflects her commitment to her personal and professional growth.”

Beyond the glass walls of the greenhouse, Alfaro Avalos serves as a powerful advocate for her community and her industry. Whether she is acting as a delegate for fair trade initiatives, serving on labor committees or speaking on panels about the vital role of women in agriculture, she leads with integrity.

Her belief that agricultural work is fundamentally about people is reflected in her local volunteer work, where she supports youth academic programs and organizes charitable distributions.

Her friend and colleague Marisol Zuñiga notes: “I know how hard Magaly has worked to get where she is today. ... Not only is she a great colleague, but she’s also an excellent friend.”

Women in Produce 2026: Danelle Huber

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 15:05:53 GMT

As senior marketing manager for CMI Orchards*, Danelle Huber sits at the intersection of storied orchards in Wenatchee, Wash., and the complex algorithms of modern retail. For Huber, data is more than just a sales spreadsheet; it is the key to uncovering the why behind every buy.

And in a year defined by logistical headwinds and market shifts, Huber is proving that understanding the story behind the fruit — and the data behind the person purchasing it — is the ultimate strategy for supply chain resilience and grower survival.

The Packer: CMI Orchards is widely recognized for its data-driven marketing. How has data influenced your approach, and how do consumer insights inform the way CMI communicates the value of premium branded fruit to retailers and consumers?

Huber: Data is the center of pretty much everything we do. We’re constantly looking at point-of-sale data, shopper insights, category trends. It’s not just to understand what’s selling but [also] why things are selling. It allows us to do more than just promote fruit as a commodity, but position it as a branded, value-added experience. We use those insights, especially decision trees, to understand what customers are putting in their baskets. Are they looking for things like convenience and consistency or the story behind the piece of fruit that they’re buying? We then shape and communicate that with both our customers and their customers — the consumer.

Whether it’s on packaging or digital content in-store programs, we’re always asking, “What matters most to today’s shopper, and how can we make that value clear at the shelf level?”

The apple and cherry categories have faced significant climate and logistical headwinds recently. From your seat at the table, what is the most critical pivot CMI has made to maintain supply chain resilience while still hitting those high-quality specs your brand is known for?

I live in the middle of four orchards. There’s a cherry orchard, two apple orchards and a peach orchard. The cherry grower just took out his orchard because he wasn’t making money, and we’re seeing that more and more with smaller growers. It’s been very sad. I was born and raised here in Wenatchee, and the number of orchards that are going out of business because growers aren’t making it financially is astounding.

We’re always focused on the return to the grower, so we do our best to sell high-quality fruit at the highest price. But it’s a competitive market, so we’re also kind of at the mercy of what everybody else is doing and where the market is. Really, the biggest pivot has been around flexibility and diversification. With Mother Nature, labor and logistics, there’s always a constant uncertainty. We’ve really had to become more proactive in making sure that our growers are surviving.

Branded varieties have changed the apple game but also made the category highly competitive. How can retailers balance the excitement of the new with the need to maintain consumer loyalty for core varieties in this increasingly competitive retail environment?

It’s definitely a balancing act, but it’s also a really big opportunity. New and high-flavor varieties bring excitement. They can drive engagement from consumers, especially with the younger, more adventurous shopper. At the same time, the core varieties are what bring people into the store, and they’re a significant part of the total crop volume. Someone might go into the store for a, dare I say, red delicious apple, and maybe come out with a Cosmic Crisp or an Envy. The key is to look at the category holistically, using those new varieties to drive excitement or trade-up opportunities, and then maintaining the strong, consistent support of those core varieties too.

Telling the stories behind the newer apples and getting that information out to shoppers is also important to elevating the entire apple category.

Where is the apple category headed, particularly the premium apple category?

We’re fully expecting to see a reduction in SKU availability and what retailers are offering. Price sensitivity is a big thing. Inflation, and the cost of grocery shopping in general, is astronomically high — higher than it’s ever been. Having volume of those certain branded or high-flavor varieties will really bring that price down to where consumers can afford them. That’s why Cosmic is so great. There’s lots of volume. Everybody carries it, and it’s just a great apple. And volume is growing with Envy. But there are some apples that are just not going to make it. And then we have new, exciting apples, including a couple of yellow varieties, coming to market. I think it’s going to continue to get more and more competitive, and the apples with quality and taste will be the ones that will last.

*Since the time of this interview, Huber has moved on from her role at CMI Orchards.

Learn more about The Packer’s 2026 Women in Produce honorees:

Women in Produce 2026: Gwen Jackimek

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 15:08:07 GMT

Gwen Jackimek has spent two decades navigating the produce industry, but her latest role finds her exactly where she belongs: at the helm. As the first female chair of the Hass Avocado Board and a veteran executive at Fresh Del Monte, Jackimek’s career has been defined by a laser focus on understanding every stage of the fresh produce supply chain, building strong relationships and championing ambitious goals that have the power to transform the produce industry.

You’ve talked about the importance of “owning the room” and believing in your own expertise. As the first female chair of HAB and senior director of sales for Fresh Del Monte, how do you balance the need for assertive leadership with the collaborative style you advocate for, and what advice do you have for women finding their voice in traditionally male-dominated boardrooms?

Jackimek: Over more than 20 years in the produce industry, I’ve seen a meaningful shift from simply accepting women in leadership roles to truly expecting and valuing their voices. While more doors are open today, preparation is what allows you to step through them with confidence.

Owning the room at the board level comes from preparation and perspective. Assertive leadership isn’t about dominating the conversation; it’s about offering well-informed insights that strengthen collective decision-making. As chair, I’ve learned that effective collaboration comes from understanding the business across multiple channels and the importance of genuinely listening to the diverse viewpoints board members bring.

My advice to women is to do the work to deeply understand the business and governance responsibilities, build strong networks, ask informed questions and speak with confidence, because boards are strongest when diverse perspectives actively shape the conversation.

You encourage emerging leaders to learn the business from the soil to the shelf. Looking back at your career — from sales roles at Dole and Mission Produce to your current role at Fresh Del Monte — what was the most eye-opening lesson you learned early on that still informs your high-level strategic decisions today?

Early in my career, I quickly learned how critical it is to understand every stage of the supply chain — from the field to the consumer — and the relationships that connect it all. My first boss in produce was an exceptional mentor who shared information openly and remained optimistic even in challenging situations. It became clear early on that strong relationships not only made the work more rewarding but also led to better business partnerships and opportunities.

That perspective continues to guide my strategic approach today, reinforcing my belief that effective leadership is grounded in a deep understanding of both the industry’s full supply chain and where the avocado industry is headed next. Our goals are ambitious: to make hass avocados America’s preferred healthy food at every meal, driving growth in per capita consumption while delivering value to consumers and stakeholders. The upcoming Avocado Conference in San Diego this November will provide an important opportunity for continued learning, collaboration and mentoring as we work together toward these goals.

As a graduate of Class 2 of the Hass Avocado Board’s BOLD (Board Leadership Development) program, you are a success story for the initiative. How do you plan to use your platform as chair to evolve this program, and what specific gaps in industry knowledge are you most focused on filling for the next generation of diverse leaders?

The BOLD program has been a clear success, with many graduates going on to serve on boards across the industry. As a Class 2 graduate, I’m a strong advocate for encouraging qualified candidates to apply and for maintaining job-function diversity as a core strength of the program.

As chair, my focus is on building on BOLD’s collaborative foundation by strengthening cross-functional and strategic education — so future board members gain a deeper understanding of governance, financial oversight and how different sectors of the industry connect. Closing these knowledge gaps will better prepare the next generation of diverse leaders to contribute with confidence and perspective at the board level.

Beyond the produce industry, what’s one passion you pursue in life, and why is it important to you?

These days, my passion centers on maintaining a healthy, balanced lifestyle. As the mother of two boys, our home is constantly in motion — filled with sports, music, pets and plenty of family adventures. I value staying active and engaged, whether that means participating in our school’s annual 5K or simply slowing down to enjoy meaningful, quiet time together as a family. That balance is what keeps me grounded and energized, both personally and professionally.

Learn more about The Packer’s 2026 Women in Produce honorees:

House Ag Committee Chairman says farm bill pesticide provisions could cause concern in the Senate

Fri, 08 May 2026 18:55:32 GMT

After a flurry of debate, votes and finally movement, the Farm Food and National Security Act of 2026 passed the U.S. House with a 224-200 vote. House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson calls the legislation “transformational,” adding that 96% of GOP members in the House, the most in history, and 14 Democrats supported the bill.

“That’s the most members of the minority party who voted for a House farm bill since 2008. So, [that’s] a strong endorsement in a bipartisan way as this bill winds up in the Senate for consideration,” he says.

Despite his optimism, Thompson expressed concern over a key amendment introduced by Rep. Anna Paulina Luna. The addition stripped the farm bill of pesticide liability provisions. Before the amendment, the bill’s original language reaffirmed EPA as the sole agency capable of determining the information listed on a pesticide label. Critics, including Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) advocates, worry the language would shield pesticide manufacturers from liability claims.

“I have some concerns with the pesticide provision that was added,” Thompson says. “I think it may put farmers’ health at risk and certainly drive up affordability and open the door for foreign-manufactured pesticides to flood into our country.

“I have significant concerns that the amendment that was put forward is going to create chaos [in the Senate],” he later added.

Thompson says he’s supportive of year-round E15, but because it falls under the jurisdiction of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, it will likely be taken up for a vote mid-May.

Moving Forward

Thompson says, overall, he thinks farm bill conversations in the Senate are positive. The chairman says he’s kept Sen. John Boozman, chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, well informed about the bill over the last year.

“I kind of pictured my good friend, John Boozma, with a catcher’s mitt, ready to receive the Farm Food and National Security Act,” Thompson says. “He’ll have to make some modifications, and I think he’s hoping to do that mid- to late May. He knows how ... our farmers need this bill today, not tomorrow or not next year.”

New Legislation Impacting H-2A Reform

Thompson says in three to four weeks, he will likely release draft language for public discussion that would make reforms to the H-2A program. After the draft, he’ll be introducing a bill with bipartisan support, he says.

“We’ve already had some very positive discussions with our [House] Judiciary [Committee] Chairman Jim Jordan — so, [I’m] looking forward to breaking that 45-, almost 50-year gridlock of really not doing anything in this space. I think we have a great opportunity to provide certainty to agriculture workforce, which quite frankly is necessary for both food security and ultimately national security.”

Italy’s Ripening Market Enters New Phase as Catalytic Generators Targets Expansion

Fri, 08 May 2026 19:36:25 GMT

As Italy’s fresh produce sector evolves, driven by strong banana imports, growing avocado demand and a well-established persimmon market, the need for simple, safe and controlled ripening solutions is increasing. Still at an early stage in the country, Catalytic Generators used its first participation at the Macfrut 2026 show to increase visibility, engage with Italian operators and lay the foundations for future growth.

Italy stands out as one of Europe’s key fresh produce markets, particularly in fruit categories where controlled ripening plays a central role. According to FAOSTAT, the Food and Agriculture Organization’s corporate statistical database, the country imports over 600,000 metric tons of bananas annually, making it one of the largest banana markets in Europe and underlining the importance of efficient and reliable ripening operations across the supply chain.

Catalytic Generators is targeting expansion in Italy’s evolving fresh produce market.

(Photo courtesy of Catalytic Generators)

At the same time, consumption patterns are evolving. As indicated by the Netherlands CBI agency, avocado demand across Europe has grown significantly in recent years and is expected to continue expanding.

Avocados are projected to become the second-most traded tropical fruit globally by 2030, while already ranking as the second-most valuable imported fruit in Europe. In 2024 alone, European avocado imports reached a value of 3.5 billion euros, of which 2.8 billion euros came from developing countries. This sustained growth, driven by increasing consumer demand and ongoing investment in production, is reinforcing the need for precise and controlled ripening processes across emerging markets such as Italy.

In parallel, Italy remains one of the leading European producers of persimmons, a category where ethylene application is already well understood and widely used in postharvest operations. This combination of mature and fast-growing fruit categories is increasing pressure on operators to deliver consistent, repeatable results at scale. As a result, ensuring fruit quality while maintaining operational efficiency and compliance with strict European regulations is becoming a growing priority.

As supply chains become more complex and demand for uniform ripeness increases, the application of ethylene is emerging as a critical control point.

Supply Stability: A Growing Concern

In addition to these structural trends, supply stability is becoming an increasingly relevant concern for ripening operations as a result of recent geopolitical developments.

“Ethylene is a high-demand commodity used across multiple industrial sectors, with overall demand extending far beyond fruit ripening. As a result, recent geopolitical conflict is creating increasing pressure on availability and pricing stability in some regions, making supply reliability a growing concern for ripening operations,” says Greg Akins, president and CEO of Catalytic Generators. “To address these risks, our systems enable on-site ethylene generation, helping operators reduce dependency on external supply chains, gain greater control over supply and limit exposure to volatility.”

Honoring Excellence in the Fields: Finalists Announced for Farmworker of the Year

Fri, 08 May 2026 19:40:03 GMT

The Farmworker of the Year Award was created to elevate the voices of those who form the backbone of the global food system. Now in its third year, the program celebrates individuals whose contributions are essential to the success, safety and sustainability of agriculture.

This prestigious honor recognizes farmworkers whose leadership, technical skills and dedication strengthen both the fresh produce industry and the agricultural communities in which they live and work. The award is a collaborative effort between the Equitable Food Initiative — a workforce development and certification organization — and The Packer. This partnership highlights the vital relationship between growers, retailers and the workforce.

By supporting these workers, the industry acknowledges that a sustainable food system is built on a foundation of skilled labor and mutual respect. Recognizing farmworker excellence reinforces the value of professional mentorship and community impact within the supply chain.

Candidates for the award are evaluated by a panel of industry leaders based on their commitment to workplace safety, their positive influence on their teams and their ability to provide solutions-oriented leadership. From equipment operators to crew foremen, these nominees represent the deep knowledge and pride that farmworkers bring to their essential roles every day.

The Packer will highlight the stories and achievements of each nominee in the coming week, starting with Magaly Alfaro Avalos on Monday, May 11.

The 2026 Farmworker of the Year nominees include:

Magaly Alfaro Avalos, harvest associate for NatureSweet
Jesús Gutiérrez Manuel, harvester for Stemilt Growers
Isaias Lepes Arredondo, equipment operator for Zirkle Fruit Co. for Rainier Fruit
Rogelio Nabor Martinez, foreman for Blue House Farm
Maria Barbara Resendiz Martinez, crew foreman for GoodFarms

New Jersey Voters Signal Strong Support for Ban on Surveillance Pricing, Digital Tags

Fri, 08 May 2026 15:44:02 GMT

New Jersey is becoming the latest battleground in the national debate over digital pricing in grocery stores. A new poll released by a coalition of labor unions, including the United Food and Commercial Workers Locals and the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union, reveals that a bipartisan majority of Garden State voters favor a ban on electronic shelf labels and so-called surveillance pricing.

“This predatory technology breaches personal privacy, drives up prices for families and threatens good union jobs,” says UFCW International Vice President Ademola Oyefeso. “As large corporations, such as Walmart, rush to roll out ESLs across their stores, New Jersey lawmakers have the opportunity to ban this technology before it’s too late. This poll proves that New Jerseyans understand the dangers of surveillance pricing and expect their lawmakers to act.”

The survey, conducted by GBAO Strategies, indicates that 65% of New Jerseyans support proposed legislation to prohibit the technology. The data suggests deep-seated consumer anxiety regarding corporate transparency, as 67% of respondents stated they do not trust grocery stores to use ESL technology responsibly, while 61% think the transition to digital tags will lead to higher grocery prices.

A Growing Legislative Movement

The push for a ban is gaining momentum in the New Jersey State House, led by Sen. Joseph Cryan and Assemblyman Chigozie Onyema. Supporters of the legislation argue that ESLs enable surveillance pricing — a practice where retailers use shoppers’ personal data to set individualized prices that can fluctuate instantaneously.

“Electronic shelf labels enable large corporations to use shoppers’ personal data to squeeze them for every last dollar,” Oyefeso says. “Amid persistent high inflation, the last thing families need is for grocery prices to rise even higher.

“New Jersey has a chance to get ahead of this predatory practice before it becomes common practice,” he adds. “UFCW applauds the lawmakers who are standing up for consumers and workers against this corporate exploitation and urges them to pass this legislation before the session’s end.”

The labor coalition also highlights the impact on the workforce, noting that these systems threaten to replace the roles of grocery clerks and force front-line workers to manage consumer frustration over volatile pricing.

Additional findings from the poll show:

61% of New Jersey voters think ESLs, and 67% think surveillance pricing, will cause grocery prices to increase.
Support for proposed legislation in the state cuts across party lines, with 65% in favor of banning this technology in grocery stores.
Retailers cannot be trusted to do the right thing, with 67% of respondents saying they don’t trust grocery stores to use the technology responsibly.
More than 75% of New Jerseyans have a negative view of U.S. economy, with 73% worried about the cost of groceries for their household and 70% expecting the amount they spend on groceries to increase in the next year.
ESLs enable retailers to change prices instantaneously, and corporations are racing to deploy them. Walmart, for example, plans to replace traditional paper price tags with digital ones across all of its stores by the end of 2026. The corporation also recently secured patents to use shoppers’ personal data to update prices at scale.
ESLs also threaten the livelihoods of grocery workers. These systems could replace the skilled work of grocery clerks or, at the very least, leave them to explain a company’s actions to rightfully angry shoppers. UFCW represents more than 800,000 grocery workers across North America.

National Context

New Jersey’s legislative push is part of UFCW’s broader “Affordable Groceries and Good Jobs Campaign,” which has seen 12 states take aim at artificial intelligence-driven technology in the retail sector. The movement comes as major retailers accelerate their digital transitions; notably, Walmart recently announced plans to replace paper tags with digital versions across all locations by 2026.

With 70% of New Jerseyans expecting their grocery bills to increase over the next year, the debate over who controls the price on the shelf — and how often it can change — is set to remain a focal point for lawmakers through the end of the session.

This latest update follows previous coverage of the escalating tension between retail modernization and consumer protection:

Walmart and Unions Clash Over Future Digital Price Tags — A look at the labor concerns and corporate motivations behind the nationwide rollout of ESLs.
Poll: New Yorkers Want Full Ban on Digital Tags; Maryland Passes Landmark Privacy Law — An exploration of similar consumer sentiment in New York and the first successful legislative restrictions in Maryland.
Maryland Says No to Surveillance Pricing — Deep dive into the poll results that fueled Maryland’s landmark stance against data-driven grocery pricing.

How Potatoes Can Benefit From Air Fryer Popularity

Fri, 08 May 2026 15:09:16 GMT

Air fryer adoption is creating new momentum for fresh potatoes, says Fresh Solutions Network. The Newport Beach, Calif.-based company adds that its Side Delights portfolio offers retailers a path to take advantage of the trend.

“Air fryers are changing how consumers cook, and Side Delights potatoes deliver exactly what shoppers want — speed, flavor and versatility,” says Kathleen Triou, president and CEO of Fresh Solutions Network. “Retailers can drive incremental sales by positioning Side Delights as the go-to air fryer solution.”

As shoppers seek fast, crispy, restaurant-quality results at home, potatoes are emerging as a top-performing air fryer staple, says Triou.

“Air fryers are elevating everyday potato usage — from baked russets to crispy fries,” she says. “By merchandising Side Delights across formats, retailers can turn that demand into larger baskets and repeat purchases.”

Triou says Side Delights makes it easy to merchandise a complete set built for today’s cooking habits:

Flavorables with Spiceology seasonings offer bold, on-trend flavor options.
Side DelightsPetites offer quick, even crisping.
Steamables offer triple-washed, ready-to-cook air fryer convenience.

From weeknight meals to entertaining, air fryers are expanding the range of potato occasions, says Fresh Solutions Network . Retailers can win with secondary displays, cross-merchandising and bundled sets that emphasize the speed and crisp texture made possible with air fryers.