The Packer
A panel at the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture’s 2026 Winter Policy Conference highlights the vital role of women in agriculture and calling for stronger leadership, visibility and supportive policy initiatives.
The Packer sat down with the International Fresh Produce Association team to learn how the organization supports its members locally and connects them globally — all with the aim of increasing fresh produce consumption.
Fresh Del Monte recently showed retailers how an AI-powered robot can help inspire produce gift-giving for the holiday as well as every day, based on trials at three Chicago-area Jewel stores.
Recognized as a Top Retail Expert for 2026, Marc Oshima shares how differentiation, trust and smarter retail alignment can help produce departments drive relevance and consumption.
U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján introduces the Stop Price Gouging in Grocery Stores Act. State lawmakers across the country are working to protect family grocery bills and ban electronic shelf labels.
The removal of categorical exclusions sets a dangerous precedent that will force interstate shippers to navigate a maze of new fees and safety hurdles.
At Fruit Logistica 2026, fruit breeding companies brought next-level innovation, including Bloom Fresh, which showcased its new Boombites Red Berry Grapes, the result of natural breeding that combines characteristics of the world’s best table grapes with traditional red-flesh winegrapes.
With the boxing legend declaring “processed food kills” and federal leaders pledging to redirect billions in nutrition dollars, the rollout delivered a forceful message in favor of fresh produce and whole proteins.
Consumer definitions of what sustainability means are wide-ranging and challenging, but companies today are trying to meet those demands while also looking forward to the future.
Mariana Solorio, director of food safety and quality assurance for Bonipak Produce, will support the adaptation of GlobalG.A.P. standards in the U.S.
Industry experts gathered in a recent Florida Blueberry Growers Association webinar to detail record losses and a looming disease crisis following a generational freeze.
Last year, tariffs threatened to disrupt a growth trajectory for fair trade produce, but 2025 was still a win, says Rob Desson, senior business partnerships manager for fresh produce at Fairtrade America.
Senior attorney Francine Miller outlines how resolving heirs’ property disputes and increasing access to capital are essential steps in building a stable, commercial urban agriculture sector.
The rollout includes nearly 200 stores in California and Nevada, while Upside says its national platform reaches more than 35 million consumers.
New Farm Journal research explores six keys highlighting consolidation risk, regional divides and expansion sweet spots in a shifting landscape that prioritizes integrity and a tech mindset.
This Wisconsin farm has turned vertical integration into a blueprint for growth by controlling every stage of production, from growing to packing and national distribution, for millions of pounds of potatoes, pumpkins and produce annually.
While inflation remains above the Federal Reserve’s target of 2%, the outgoing president and CEO favors a pause on interest-rate reductions while noting AI’s potential to shift labor needs
Known for his messages of resilience and adaptability, Pinke will serve as the 2026 keynote speaker at the Viva Fresh Expo.
Rodale Institute has tapped former Goldman Sachs executive Matthew Grand as its chief strategy officer to help farmers scale high-integrity regenerative organic standards globally.
Stemilt Growers Research and Development Director Rob Blakey explains why modern apple, cherry and pear varieties must be as efficient in the pack shed as they are flavorful for the consumer.
Competition was fierce at Fruit Logistica 2026 last week, where 10 companies competed for the coveted Innovation Awards in the fresh produce and technology categories.
In Week 2 of “The 30 Different Plants Per Week Challenge, Retail Edition,” simple meal-prep habits and Hy-Vee’s usage-focused produce guidance show how plant variety becomes sustainable when it’s built into foods shoppers already know and love.
Most new store openings get fouled up with wasted, neglected product and labor when overzealous orders block coolers, hallways and prep areas. Here are tips for better orders and plan execution.
Greg Foran brings four decades of global operational expertise to sharpen Kroger’s digital edge and store-level execution.
At last week’s Fruit Logistica, The Packer sat down with Ron Lemaire to discuss the current state of negotiations, reasons for optimism and what the industry needs to do now ahead of the July 1, 2026, USMCA six-year joint review.
Relationships between produce businesses remain steady despite trade and tariff friction between the two governments.
Using the French term of endearment that translates to “my cabbage,” the nonprofit invites donors to fund produce freight and celebrate the 2026 Year of the Cabbage.
Census of Agriculture data and the experience of farmer and advocate Kate Mendenhall show how organic production has become a welcoming space for women producers as they expand their influence in ag.
Melissa’s Produce says it is providing retailers with customizable product mixes and marketing tools to engage both core Asian shoppers and curious mainstream consumers.
Backed by double-digit growth and a feature on MarthaStewart.com, Frieda’s Branded Produce says its winter citrus program helps retailers convert health-conscious shoppers into loyal category buyers.