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The Los Angeles-based grower-packer-shipper’s potato season is ramping up following weather-related delays for organic and conventional potatoes.

Supplies of produce from the Santa Maria region should be fairly steady this spring despite heavy rains earlier this year, says Matt Hiltner, marketing coordinator for Babé Farms, Inc., Santa Maria, Calif.

“The star ruby variety is especially sweet in the late winter and early spring,” said Bee Sweet’s Keith Watson, adding that consumers can distinguish them by their blushed rind and dark red internal color.

The market research firm surveyed grocery shoppers on factors affecting their choice of store, ranking the stores with the most favorable outcomes. Hint: Trader Joe’s found the top of several lists.

The Packer’s Tom Karst recently spoke with Elliott Grant, CEO of Mineral, about the agtech company’s vision for serving the agriculture community.

In 2022, U.S. potato exports reached a record $2.1 billion in sales, according to Denver-based Potatoes USA, citing Trade Data Monitor.

Indoor vertical grower AeroFarms is transferring its Newark, N.J., commercial operations to its commercial farm in Danville, Va., so that the New Jersey location can handle R&D operations.

The greenhouse industry veteran will lead technical operations for the Canadian fruit and vegetable grower.