Latest Fresh Produce News & Insights

From left, Chuck Sinks, president of sales and marketing at Sage Fruit Co. Yakima, Wash.; Tim Colln, vice president of sales and marketing; and Kevin Steiner, director of business development

Sage Fruit sees retail interest in 5-pound bags of Cosmic Crisp apples

Despite a smaller than typical U.S. apple crop, there are still promotion opportunities for the rising star Cosmic Crisp apple, says Chuck Sinks, president of sales and marketing at Sage Fruit Co., Yakima, Wash. .. Read More

Tom Karst

Mar 23, 2023
Apples , Kansas

The networking events were helpful at the 2022 IFPA Retail Conference.

Grocery transformation first topic for IFPA Retail Conference

International Fresh Produce Association’s June 7-8 Retail Conference will be in Oak Brook, Ill., in the Chicago area... Read More

Amy Sowder

Mar 23, 2023
Produce Education , Produce Retail , International Fresh Produce Association

Temecula, Calif.-based grower Eco Farms works in partnership with Vancouver, Canada-based The Oppenheimer Group (Oppy) to bring California avocados to market — mainly the hass variety.

California avocado growers expecting a slightly smaller yield, with larger fruit sizing

Although the industry faces serious challenges such as drought conditions and water restrictions, the Golden State's avocado growers are reporting good quality, increased sizing and healthy yields for the 2022-23 season... Read More

Tina Caputo

Mar 23, 2023
Avocados , California

The Giant Co. releases its spring lineup of virtual cooking classes led by its retail dietitians.

The Giant Co. dietitians provide realistic cooking classes for spring

Beautiful, produce-filled dishes are inspiring to look at on TikTok, Instagram, magazines and cookbooks, but when it comes down to it, the reality is based on time, money and family... Read More

Amy Sowder

Mar 22, 2023
PMG Retailer Insight , Produce Retail

Fresh fruit and vegetables were everywhere at this year’s SXSW, if you knew where to look for them. Artist Emily Mente shares her passion for produce at local favorite smoothie shop, Juicelan

Goals that go beyond 'greenwishing'

On March 12, at the 2023 SXSW Conference in Austin, Texas, food and tech leaders discussed how they make good on their promises to customers and make headway on big plans... Read More

Kristin Leigh Lore

Mar 22, 2023
Texas , PMG Industry Perspective , PMG Retailer Insight , Sustainability , Marketing-Communications , Carbon

The "Tip of the Iceberg" podcast is produced by PMG and The Packer, part of Farm Journal.

'Tip of the Iceberg' podcast: The 'best of' episode to satisfy that itch

Learn the major takeaways from several produce leaders in this final "Tip of the Iceberg" podcast episode of a 12-part series with Equitable Food Initiative... Read More

Amy Sowder

Mar 22, 2023
Podcast , Produce Podcasts , Equitable Food Initiative , Social Responsibility

Eric Stover is the Cardenas Markets CEO.

The new CEO of Cardenas Markets is Eric Stover

Heritage Grocers Group has promoted Eric Stover to division CEO of Cardenas Markets, based in Ontario, Calif. He was formerly the chief merchandising officer... Read More

Amy Sowder

Mar 22, 2023
PMG Retailer Insight , People , Produce Retail

Columnist Armand Lobato discusses how a produce department leader can demonstrate a commitment to succeed by working closely with their team and understanding needs.

Ideal leadership means being ‘one’ with your produce team

A leader who gives what is needed to succeed often sees a return in worker moral — and optimal sales, says columnist Armand Lobato... Read More

Armand Lobato

Mar 22, 2023
PMG Industry Perspective , Produce Retail

Careit is a new app grocery retailers can use to connect with food banks and nonprofits to donate surplus food.

Careit app to help grocers with surplus food rescue

The app provides a free online marketplace for grocery stores, restaurants, caterers, food distributors and corporations to donate surplus food directly to local nonprofits... Read More

Amy Sowder

Mar 21, 2023
PMG Produce Market Trends , Produce Retail , Sustainability , Social Responsibility

To help consumers celebrate the goodness of avocados, Avocados From Mexico’s registered dietitian, Barbara Ruhs, is sharing a new recipe that is certified by the American Heart Association: H

Avocados From Mexico celebrates Healthy Fats Day

What consumers don't know about the health benefits of avocados may be a lot. In honor of National Nutrition Month and Healthy Fats Day, Avocados From Mexico is sharing reasons to eat the super fruit... Read More

Jennifer Strailey

Mar 21, 2023
Avocados

IFPA to launch women’s mentoring program

The International Fresh Produce Association is set to kick off a women’s mentoring program at its Women’s Fresh Perspectives Conference, April 16-18, Orlando, Fla. .. Read More

The Packer Staff

Mar 21, 2023
Produce - General

Key limes have a roaring '20s history in Florida.

Why limes are key

I have been writing about food for more than a dozen years and lived within a three-hour drive from the Florida Keys for more than 30 years. How could I have never done this?.. Read More

Amy Sowder

Mar 20, 2023
Limes , PMG Produce Products , Produce Research , Produce Retail

FreshDirect expanded its partnership with the New York Yankees and will start using this truck when the 2023 baseball season starts March 30.

FreshDirect will partner with New York Yankees — big time

The multiyear partnership will include a returning sponsorship of Old-Timers’ Day, collective community outreach and special FreshDirect promotions for Yankees fans across the tri-state area... Read More

Amy Sowder

Mar 20, 2023
PMG Retailer Insight , Produce Retail

Store signs that highlight local produce can differentiate a retailer.

IGA CEO John Ross: How indie grocers should combat global issues

The threats to independent retailers and the produce industry are relentless. John Ross, CEO of the Independent Grocers Association, or IGA, tackled some of these issues... Read More

Amy Sowder

Mar 20, 2023
PMG Retailer Insight , Produce Retail

Vidalia onion season begins April 17, 2023.

Vidalia onion 2023 pack date released: It’s April 17

Vidalia onions are available for a limited time each year, between April through early September. The pack date is determined by soil and weather conditions during the growing season... Read More

Amy Sowder

Mar 17, 2023
PMG Supplier Spotlight , Produce Marketing , Onions

Shown is a citrus entry by Brian Dey of Four Seasons Produce for PMG's Produce Artist Award Series contest. Dey is a multiple-time winner.

PMG's Produce Artist Award Series winter contest entry deadline — extended!

Can you do better than Brian's citrus display — or Kasalya's potato display? Take pics of your produce displays and enter the contest to inspire others, and for bragging rights, of course... Read More

Amy Sowder

Mar 17, 2023
PMG Retail Merchandising , Merchandising , Produce Retail

Walmart says shoppers will find green beans, pie, ham and all the "fixings" for an Easter celebration at last year's price.

Walmart to offer an Easter meal and basket at last year’s price

With food inflation woes weighing on the minds of many heading into spring, Walmart says it wants its customers to focus on celebrating rather than skimping this Easter. .. Read More

Jennifer Strailey

Mar 17, 2023
Produce Retail

Fresh From Florida offers display bins so retailers can feature a rotating selection of Florida produce, says Susie McKinley, director of marketing and development.

FDACS offers display bins to help retailers' spring produce promotions

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services provides the Fresh From Florida-branded bins to retail partners, and they can be used as endcaps or stand-alone floor displays... Read More

Tom Burfield