Latest News From Marketing Profiles

California Walnut Board touts benefits during American Heart Month
California Walnut Board touts benefits during American Heart Month

The organization’s new marketing effort aims to draw awareness to the health benefits of walnuts.

Natural Delights prepares for Ramadan demand for medjool dates
Natural Delights prepares for Ramadan demand for medjool dates

Natural Delights says it is offering 2- and 5-pound window boxes. High demand is expected, as medjool date sales surged during last Ramadan.

Wonderful Pistachios receives snack award
Wonderful Pistachios receives snack award

Delicious Living magazine has awarded Wonderful Pistachios In-Shell Seasoned Salt with Bronze for 'Best Savory Snack' in the publication’s 2024 Best Bite Awards.

Wonderful Pistachios launches new ad campaign
Wonderful Pistachios launches new ad campaign

The “Remember, They’re Wonderful” campaign's TV spots put an emphasis on the word "Wonderful" on the bag — and what consumers should expect inside.

Date producer draws influencers to Bard Valley for harvest tour
Date producer draws influencers to Bard Valley for harvest tour

California-based Natural Delights hosted 30 fresh-produce leaders and influencers from across the globe in an annual harvest tour that included hands-on learning, networking and food.

Date harvest underway for co-op
Date harvest underway for co-op

Growers with the Yuma, Ariz.-based Bard Valley Natural Delights Medjool Dates co-op started harvesting dates the first week of September and are expected to continue through the month.

Promising year anticipated for tree nuts
Promising year anticipated for tree nuts

It looks like a good year ahead for California’s pistachio, almond and walnut crops, despite a slightly delayed harvest because of winter and spring rainfall and some cooler-than-usual temperatures.

California walnut industry crop estimate up 5% from a year ago
California walnut industry crop estimate up 5% from a year ago

While official final shipment, inventory and closeout figures for the 2022 crop year will be released within the month, preliminary figures indicate last year’s crop is virtually sold out, according to a news release.

Ocean Spray introduces dried fruit mix snack medley line
Ocean Spray introduces dried fruit mix snack medley line

A dried fruit snack medley line has launched in Walmart stores across the U.S. and includes three single-serving snack pack varieties that combine whole dried cranberries with dried blueberries, pineapple and mango.

California Avocado Commission director shares leadership insights at conference
California Avocado Commission director shares leadership insights at conference

The California Avocado Commission shared guidance to the next generation of women leaders in fresh produce at the IFPA Women’s Fresh Perspective Conference in Orlando, Fla.

2023 Women in Produce: Raina Nelson
2023 Women in Produce: Raina Nelson

We bet you'll learn something about Raina Nelson, the president and CEO of Westfalia Fruit USA, that you didn't know before and be inspired in the process.

2023 Women in Produce: Tamara Muruetagoiena
2023 Women in Produce: Tamara Muruetagoiena

Tamara Muruetagoiena shares what brought her to fresh produce, initiatives on her plate and what’s exciting her most when it comes to fresh produce and sustainability right now.

2023 Women in Produce: Martha Montoya
2023 Women in Produce: Martha Montoya

Martha Montoya is the CEO of Agtools Inc. in Orange, Calif.

2023 Women in Produce: Natalia Merienne
2023 Women in Produce: Natalia Merienne

Natalia Merienne is the president, CEO and sales director for Avocado Queen – Anye Produce. Learn what she did to change her career completely and start her produce business. Be inspired.

2023 Women in Produce: Pallavi Joyappa
2023 Women in Produce: Pallavi Joyappa

Pallavi Joyappa can’t sleep. While she was appointed president of the Union City, Calif.-based Emerald Packaging in late February of this year, it’s not her executive post that’s keeping her up at night.

2023 Women in Produce: Melinda Goodman
2023 Women in Produce: Melinda Goodman

"I joke that potatoes were my gateway drug to the fresh produce industry," says the president and owner of FullTilt Marketing in Minot, N.D.

2023 Women in Produce: Lilly Garcia
2023 Women in Produce: Lilly Garcia

"Do what you love. If you don’t love the job or the industry, then change." — Lilly Garcia, 2023 Women in Produce honoree.

2023 Women in Produce: Cecilia Flores Paez
2023 Women in Produce: Cecilia Flores Paez

As head of marketing, North America, for T&G Global Ltd., Cecilia Flores Paez spearheads consumer marketing for Jazz and Envy apples with an energy and enthusiasm that sparks produce consumption.

Welcome to walnut meat 
Welcome to walnut meat 

Move over, mushrooms: Meatballs, tacos and Bolognese can all be plant-based using walnut protein. And some social media influencers, as well as fruit and cheese brands, are chipping in to promote these nuts.

Baking influencer helps Natural Delights reinvigorate Canadian marketing
Baking influencer helps Natural Delights reinvigorate Canadian marketing

The medjool date grower has focused on consumer education in recent months to amplify its presence in Canadian markets.

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

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

How retailers position nuts, dates for success in fresh
How retailers position nuts, dates for success in fresh

Nuts, dates and dried fruit are getting a spot in more produce sections, where consumers already have a healthy mindset.

Shopper interest fuels early excitement for strong medjool date sales
Shopper interest fuels early excitement for strong medjool date sales

Yuma, Ariz.-based medjool date producer Natural Delights is primed for category growth, citing 2023 trends reports and consumer market research that favor dates.

Southeast Produce Council reveals keynote speakers for Southern Exposure conference
Southeast Produce Council reveals keynote speakers for Southern Exposure conference

Actress Kimberly Williams-Paisley, ag-tech executive Sonia Lo and fighter pilot Heather “Lucky” Penney are scheduled for the March 2023 event in Orlando, Fla.

Vastly improved fresh cranberry supply expected for Naturipe
Vastly improved fresh cranberry supply expected for Naturipe

With expectations of a bigger crop than a year ago, Naturipe Farms is bringing fresh cranberries to the market again this year, says Brian Vertrees, director of business development for Naturipe. 

Ocean Spray looks for ample fresh cranberries this fall
Ocean Spray looks for ample fresh cranberries this fall

Ocean Spray will have ample fresh cranberries this fall, says Jeff LaFleur, vice president of cooperative development and grower relations at the cooperative.

Ocean Spray looks for ample fresh cranberries this fall
Ocean Spray looks for ample fresh cranberries this fall

Ocean Spray will have ample fresh cranberries this fall, says Jeff LaFleur, vice president of cooperative development and grower relations at the cooperative.

Bigger U.S. cranberry crop expected, with Wisconsin leading the way
Bigger U.S. cranberry crop expected, with Wisconsin leading the way

The U.S. Cranberry Marketing Committee in August estimated 2022 U.S. cranberry production at 8.3 million (100-pound) barrels, up 4% from a year ago.

Taylor Farms invests in marketing to grow the fresh category
Taylor Farms invests in marketing to grow the fresh category

The campaign name, Taylor to Your Tastes, introduces more shoppers to Taylor Farms Chopped Salad Kits and invites consumers to tailor meals to whatever their families’ tastes may be. 

Smooth transition expected for Mississippi sweet potatoes
Smooth transition expected for Mississippi sweet potatoes

Mississippi’s biggest sweet potato grower expects a smooth transition between old crop and new crop supplies this year.

BelleHarvest grows PAW Patrol promotion
BelleHarvest grows PAW Patrol promotion

BelleHarvest Sales Inc., Belding, Mich., plans to grow its partnership with the PAW Patrol animated kids TV series, said president Nick Mascari.

Family farms backbone of Michigan industry
Family farms backbone of Michigan industry

The 775 family farms that cover 34,500 acres play a vital role in the Michigan apple industry, the largest and most valuable of the state’s fruit crops.

Nature Fresh Farms launches Snack Supplies line
Nature Fresh Farms launches Snack Supplies line

As the fall school season approaches, Nature Fresh Farms launched a themed snacking line to encourage children to eat more fresh produce at school, on-the-go and at home.

Produce industry reaches young families online
Produce industry reaches young families online

In the hands-on world of fresh produce, the importance of digital marketing is arguably gaining the upper hand — especially with younger consumers, such as parents and their school-aged children.

What children (and parents) need for fall
What children (and parents) need for fall

It won't be long before many shoppers are sending their children off to school and have similar lunch-packing and snacking needs. How will your company meet those needs?

Naturipe sees foodservice rebound
Naturipe sees foodservice rebound

Naturipe is seeing foodservice demand rebound this year, says Jerry Moran, vice president of sales for Naturipe Farms.

Misionero to highlight its deli leaf lettuce
Misionero to highlight its deli leaf lettuce

Gonzales, Calif.-based Misionero will showcase its deli leaf lettuce at the International Fresh Produce Association’s Foodservice Conference in late July. 

California Avocado Commission pivots foodservice support to focus on digital space
California Avocado Commission pivots foodservice support to focus on digital space

The California Avocado Commission has changed its foodservice menu promotions during the COVID-19 pandemic, says Jan DeLyser, vice president of marketing for the California Avocado Commission.

Bobalu Berries adds private label option for foodservice packs
Bobalu Berries adds private label option for foodservice packs

Oxnard, Calif.-based Bobalu Berries has added private label packaging to its mix for one of the firm’s foodservice customers, said Cindy Jewell, marketing representative for the company.

Crystal Valley Foods debuts new packs at IFPA Foodservice Conference
Crystal Valley Foods debuts new packs at IFPA Foodservice Conference

Miami, Fla.-based Crystal Valley Foods is introducing new foodservice vegetable packs at the International Fresh Produce Association’s July 28-29 Foodservice Conference.

Foodservice spending is setting records, USDA reports
Foodservice spending is setting records, USDA reports

Fueled by a strong economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. consumers are spending record sums on food eaten away from home, the USDA reports.

Babé Farms’ Ro-Minis to grab spotlight at Foodservice Conference 
Babé Farms’ Ro-Minis to grab spotlight at Foodservice Conference 

Babé Farms is featuring a new lettuce item called “Ro-Minis” at the International Fresh Produce Association’s Foodservice Conference, said Matt Hiltner, marketing coordinator.

Natural Delights Mini Medjool dates win Good Housekeeping award
Natural Delights Mini Medjool dates win Good Housekeeping award

The Yuma, Ariz., based date broker, grower and wholesaler's Sweet and Salty Almond Mini Medjools won Good Housekeeping Healthy Snack Award for "Best Dates".

Garlic demand increasing, agility  required in a fluctuating market
Garlic demand increasing, agility required in a fluctuating market

It’s a good time for garlic. Christopher Ranch and I Love Produce say they are garnering successful returns on their marketing efforts.

Consumers see a role in promoting sustainability 
Consumers see a role in promoting sustainability 

Consumers believe that either the government or consumers should lead and promote sustainability efforts.

Growers feel shortchanged with sustainability efforts
Growers feel shortchanged with sustainability efforts

Growers say they didn’t undertake sustainability efforts for the money, and it’s a good thing.

Southern Specialties expands line
Southern Specialties expands line

Southern Specialties Inc., Pompano Beach, Fla., has expanded its product line in response to customer demand, said Charlie Eagle, vice president, business development.

Melissa’s Produce adds specialty items
Melissa’s Produce adds specialty items

Los Angeles-based Melissa’s World Variety Produce Inc. has added a number of new items, said Robert Schueller, director of public relations.

Dragon fruit stars at Frieda’s Specialty Produce
Dragon fruit stars at Frieda’s Specialty Produce

Los Alamitos, Calif.-based Frieda’s Inc. has an exciting lineup of dragon fruit, including its Honey Dragons, Fire Dragons and Snow Dragons, said Alex Jackson, director of sales.

Foodservice specialty sales remain strong
Foodservice specialty sales remain strong

Foodservice operators turn to specialty produce to create a unique dining experience for customers.