Latest News From PRODUCE

Circana thought leaders to present new research at upcoming events
Circana thought leaders to present new research at upcoming events

Circana representatives will be speaking on driving fresh produce consumption at The Retail Conference, as well as webinars planned for May.

Continental Fresh spotlights Water For All program
Continental Fresh spotlights Water For All program

Continental Fresh LLC, a grower, shipper and importer of fresh fruits and vegetables from Latin America is celebrating its Water For All program.

The impact of postharvest research on produce quality and flavor
The impact of postharvest research on produce quality and flavor

Elizabeth Mitcham, director emeritus of the Postharvest Technology Center, talks about innovations in postharvest technology, challenges to delivering fresh fruits and vegetables and the future of postharvest research.

Retailers discuss contending with changing consumers, supply chain issues
Retailers discuss contending with changing consumers, supply chain issues

Representatives with three U.S.-based retailers addressed challenges and opportunities the produce industry faces during a panel at the recent Canadian Produce Marketing Association Conference and Trade Show.

Sunkist holding California Star Ruby grapefruit display contest
Sunkist holding California Star Ruby grapefruit display contest

Sunkist’s National Display Contest for its California Star Ruby grapefruit will award prizes to the produce managers of the top three winning stores.

Industry alliance: European packaging rules raise trade and food safety concerns
Industry alliance: European packaging rules raise trade and food safety concerns

New packaging rules adopted by the European Parliament raise serious trade and food safety concerns, says the Alliance for Sustainable Packaging for Foods.

CPMA president touts industry resiliency, global solutions to challenges
CPMA president touts industry resiliency, global solutions to challenges

In his State of the Fresh Produce Industry address, Ron Lemaire talked about the current political climate, the need for global sustainability goals and the need to focus on the consumer.

ShopRite and supermarkets to hold walk-up job fairs
ShopRite and supermarkets to hold walk-up job fairs

Wakefern Food Corp.'s supermarket banners, including ShopRite, Price Rite Marketplace, The Fresh Grocer, Gourmet Garage and Fairway Market, are hosting hiring fairs on April 27 across several states.

Mushroom Council applauds WIC enhancements, offers recipe tips
Mushroom Council applauds WIC enhancements, offers recipe tips

The Mushroom Council is highlighting multiple ways families can incorporate fresh mushrooms and other WIC foods into daily meal plans.

Harris Teeter and Consalo Family Farms donate 48,000 pounds of mandarins
Harris Teeter and Consalo Family Farms donate 48,000 pounds of mandarins

More than 16,000 bags of Little Smoochies mandarins were donated through the "Mandarins Making a Difference" campaign, aiding local hunger relief efforts.

Fresh Produce & Floral Council names new president
Fresh Produce & Floral Council names new president

Bob Lanter, who officially assumes the role May 5, has more than 30 years of experience with a background in the public sector and nonprofit management.

Chiquita showcases tropical experience at CPMA, highlights growth and sustainability
Chiquita showcases tropical experience at CPMA, highlights growth and sustainability

With the Canadian Produce Marketing Association Convention and Trade Show underway, Chiquita says it is spotlighting the "Chiquita Difference" through its vibrant presence within the Canadian market.

Bill would give industry more say in Specialty Crop Block Grant funds
Bill would give industry more say in Specialty Crop Block Grant funds

Sens. Laphonza Butler, D-Calif., and Susan Collins, R-Maine, have introduced the Specialty Crops Security Act, which would give industry stakeholders more opportunity for input on specialty crop block grants.

RaboResearch looks for delay in rate cuts
RaboResearch looks for delay in rate cuts

Concerns about inflation have shifted Rabobank’s forecast of the first Federal Reserve rate cut this year from June to September, with the number of cuts projected to decrease.

Vallarta Supermarkets to reopen renovated California store
Vallarta Supermarkets to reopen renovated California store

After months of restoration, the Delano, Calif., store is set for a grand reopening May 1, featuring festivities to go along with a fresh look and enhanced shopping experience.

Roamer Transport improves efficiency with Lynx Fleet telematics solution
Roamer Transport improves efficiency with Lynx Fleet telematics solution

The company, which hauls fresh and frozen food, has adopted Carrier Transicold’s Lynx Fleet telematics solution across its 39-trailer fleet.

Proposed rule would increase assessment rate for South Texas onions
Proposed rule would increase assessment rate for South Texas onions

A proposed rule from the USDA would implement a recommendation from the South Texas Onion Committee to increase the assessment rate by 3 cents.

A look at regenerative ag in the specialty crop industry
A look at regenerative ag in the specialty crop industry

Ali Cox, CEO and founder of Noble West, an agriculture marketing consultancy, shares how specialty crop growers are currently using regenerative ag, its benefits and its potential for the future.

Wakefern Food Corp. partners with DoorDash
Wakefern Food Corp. partners with DoorDash

The development will offer grocery delivery from ShopRite, Price Rite Marketplace and more, with exclusive discounts and DashPass benefits.

Brighter Bites launches first program season at 12th location in New Mexico
Brighter Bites launches first program season at 12th location in New Mexico

The program in Las Cruces, N.M., is providing fresh produce to 600 families, aiming to improve health outcomes and combat food insecurity.

FMI reveals 2024 Store Manager Award finalists
FMI reveals 2024 Store Manager Award finalists

The awards highlight exceptional sales, leadership and community service. FMI also will hold a People's Pick competition, opening April 29, and an award ceremony May 9.

Oppy partners with company to build geothermal-powered greenhouse
Oppy partners with company to build geothermal-powered greenhouse

Deep Earth Energy Production Corp. is set to develop Canada's first-ever geothermal power facility at the province of Saskatchewan’s U.S. border.

U.S. cold storage market expected to grow at a double-digit clip through 2031
U.S. cold storage market expected to grow at a double-digit clip through 2031

A research report from Skyquest released this year forecasts the U.S. cold storage market will grow from $43.2 billion in 2023 to $118.8 billion by 2031.

Ocean Mist Farms hires new CFO
Ocean Mist Farms hires new CFO

Tim Wolfli has over two decades of experience in fresh produce, including agriculture, aquaculture and foodservice, the company says.

IFPA recognizes the best in foodservice
IFPA recognizes the best in foodservice

The International Fresh Produce Association's Produce Excellence in Foodservice Awards honor chefs and foodservice operations for their innovation and excellence in using fresh produce.

Conference to explore 6 key shifts shaping floral's future
Conference to explore 6 key shifts shaping floral's future

The International Fresh Produce Association says The Floral Conference in Miami will offer an interactive experience into the future of floral and how participants can leverage research to drive change and prosperity.

Naturipe Farms highlights sustainability efforts
Naturipe Farms highlights sustainability efforts

The Salinas, Calif.-based berry grower recently touted its initiatives with using renewable energy, supporting recycling, using regenerative growing techniques and more.

Potato supplier RPE makes CPMA show debut
Potato supplier RPE makes CPMA show debut

The year-round supplier of russet, red and yellow commodity and baby potatoes will showcase its offerings at the April 23-25 event in Vancouver, British Columbia.

ProMach’s ID Technology acquires Etiflex
ProMach’s ID Technology acquires Etiflex

Cincinnati-based packaging machine supplier ProMach says it has acquired Etiflex, a producer of pressure-sensitive and RFID labels.

Why the industry remains optimistic about organic
Why the industry remains optimistic about organic

Grower-shippers of organic produce appear to be surviving, if not thriving, despite such challenges as inflationary pressures, supply shortages and skyrocketing labor costs.

Oppy to celebrate Vancouver roots during CPMA show   
Oppy to celebrate Vancouver roots during CPMA show  

The grower, marketer and distributor of fresh produce is poised to welcome the industry on its home turf of Vancouver, British Columbia, at the CPMA Convention and Trade Show, April 23-25.

Mastronardi to showcase new tomato-on-the-vine at CPMA
Mastronardi to showcase new tomato-on-the-vine at CPMA

The Kingsville, Ontario-based greenhouse grower says Bahama Bombs are a bright orange grape tomato on-the-vine that boasts a sweet flavor and vibrant tropical hue.

Kroger, Albertsons to sell 166 more stores
Kroger, Albertsons to sell 166 more stores

Kroger and Albertsons have modified a divestiture agreement with C&S Wholesale Grocers to address antitrust concerns.

Fox Packaging recalls founder as 'true pioneer' of the industry
Fox Packaging recalls founder as 'true pioneer' of the industry

Kenneth Fox died April 17 at age 91, the McAllen,Texas-based flexible packaging company announced.

Hortgro plans to offer U.S. stone fruit during winter
Hortgro plans to offer U.S. stone fruit during winter

The organization, which supports the South African stone fruit industry, is offering product info, consumer insights and expansion plans into nectarine market, aiming to elevate demand in the U.S. during winter months.

Albertsons reports strong fiscal 2023 results amid industry challenges
Albertsons reports strong fiscal 2023 results amid industry challenges

Albertsons Cos. revealed fiscal year 2023 results showcasing sales growth, increased digital sales and a rise in net income, with its CEO emphasizing the company's focus on its omnichannel strategy.

Krystal Produce implements AI for streamlined order processing
Krystal Produce implements AI for streamlined order processing

The company says the move is reducing errors, saving time and boosting productivity.

Where will artificial intelligence take the produce industry?
Where will artificial intelligence take the produce industry?

From yield forecasting to plant and weed identification, experts say the future is endless for the integration of artificial intelligence.

What lies ahead for U.S.-Mexico tomato agreement?
What lies ahead for U.S.-Mexico tomato agreement?

It’s no surprise that the education session on the tomato suspension agreement at this year's Viva Fresh Expo was a packed house, given the extensive discussion recently over its future.

Clean Works disinfects produce with waterless food safety technology
Clean Works disinfects produce with waterless food safety technology

The company says its process uses vaporized hydrogen peroxide, ozone and ultraviolet light to eliminate up to 99.99% of pathogens, addressing global food safety challenges across industries.

Grubhub expands marketplace with Mercato partnership
Grubhub expands marketplace with Mercato partnership

The move will expand the Grubhub Marketplace to include over 950 independent grocery stores nationwide.

Sev-Rend adds Wolarmann Enterprises
Sev-Rend adds Wolarmann Enterprises

The Canada-based Wolarmann Enterprises specializes in labels for netted products in the produce industry and clipping wires.

Banana supplier Reybanpac recognized for work in market diversification, gender equality
Banana supplier Reybanpac recognized for work in market diversification, gender equality

Ecuador banana supplier Reybanpac was recognized at the Banana Awards, organized by the Association of Banana Exporters of Ecuador.

Avocados From Mexico readies for Cinco de Mayo promotions
Avocados From Mexico readies for Cinco de Mayo promotions

Vivid displays, discounts and recipe inspiration are part of the marketing effort to include avocados in the lead-up to Cinco de Mayo.

Groups urge U.S. to ban imports of Mexican avocados tied to deforestation
Groups urge U.S. to ban imports of Mexican avocados tied to deforestation

A letter from more than 25 environmental organizations said many Mexican growers have created legal, longstanding avocado farms that could continue to supply the U.S. if avocados from deforested lands are banned.

Rural index in negative territory, survey says
Rural index in negative territory, survey says

The mood is subdued down on the farm, according to a survey of rural bankers.

Taylor Farms San Juan Bautista earns TRUE Certification for Zero Waste
Taylor Farms San Juan Bautista earns TRUE Certification for Zero Waste

Salinas, Calif.-based Taylor Farms is celebrating its fifth facility to receive TRUE certification, which is used by facilities to define, pursue and achieve their zero-waste goals.

Stemilt says latest Nielsen data shows opportunity for fuji apples
Stemilt says latest Nielsen data shows opportunity for fuji apples

The packer, grower and distributor of pears, apples and stone fruit says promotions and geo-targeting sales of fuji apples are keys to success this spring and summer.

Armand Lobato
It’s time to clean up and clear out

Want to send a message to customers that your store is the place to shop for fresh produce? Columnist Armand Lobato offers some "neat" advice.

Misfits Market, Gopuff partner for rapid delivery of over 300 fresh grocery items
Misfits Market, Gopuff partner for rapid delivery of over 300 fresh grocery items

Misfits Market's latest expansion brings fresh fruit and vegetables, dairy, meat, seafood, poultry, bread and more to customers in as fast as 15 minutes on Gopuff.