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Articles by Asher Campbell
Market Minute: Maintain California strawberry displays to satisfy shoppers
Market Minute: Maintain California strawberry displays to satisfy shoppers By Ron Pelger October 5, 2026 The recent California heat wave has simmered with cooler temperatures having increased the strawberry volume. The southern growing region of California has improved supplies with good quality while the harvesting in Watsonville and Salinas is still under way but continues to wind down.
Trucco to shine a light on kiwifruit, new booth at IFPA Global
Trucco to shine a light on kiwifruit, new booth at IFPA Global By Kris Mulheren October 5, 2026 Kiwifruit, specifically Green, SunGold and Red Zespri, will take center stage for Trucco at the upcoming International Fresh Produce Association’s Global Produce & Floral Show — and it will new stage at that. “This year, we’re unveiling an entirely new design: a larger, more welcoming booth with an open layout and access from all sides,” said Yasmin Pacia, chief marketing officer for Trucco.
Beachside Produce brings Asian vegetable strength to IFPA Global
Beachside Produce brings Asian vegetable strength to IFPA Global By Kris Mulheren October 5, 2026 Beachside Produce will bring a broad selection of its core products to International Fresh Produce Association’s Global Produce & Floral Show, including its Asian vegetable lineup of Napa cabbage, Bok Choy and Shanghai Baby Bok Choy, as well as broccoli, romaine hearts and Brussels sprouts.
Wholesum lessons take center stage at GPFS
Wholesum lessons take center stage at GPFS October 5, 2026 After decades of growing organic produce, Wholesum has learned that meaningful innovation rarely happens in isolation. It comes from listening, solving problems, and continuously improving the experience for retailers, consumers, and farming communities. Many of those lessons will be on display at this year's Global Produce & Floral Show.
Vanguard putting blueberries in the spotlight
Vanguard putting blueberries in the spotlight October 5, 2026 Big blueberry energy is headed to IFPA. Vanguard Group International is bringing a taste of Peru’s blueberry fields straight to the show floor, putting its blueberry program front and center and spotlighting its premium Jumbo varieties — a stellar program with big ambitions behind it. Grown with snacking in mind, the Jumbo varieties will be packed under both the ICALOV and Vanguard Fresh labels.
Avocado Queen celebrates 10 years
Avocado Queen celebrates 10 years By Keith Loria August 6, 2026 Avocado Queen is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2026, marking a decade of growth from a one-person entrepreneurial venture into a year-round fresh produce company serving customers throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. The company began with a car full of avocados and a vision centered on quality, integrity, personal service and long-term relationships.
Wonderful honored for Halos campaign
Wonderful honored for Halos campaign August 6, 2026 The Wonderful Co. and its popular Halos brand received a Public Relations Society of America Anvil Award for excellence in social media, recognizing the success of its innovative TikTok strategy that brings its beloved mascot, Hal the Halo, to life.
Albertsons Cos. expands AI-powered grocery shopping with new Safeway plugin in ChatGPT
Albertsons Cos. expands AI-powered grocery shopping with new Safeway plugin in ChatGPT August 6, 2026 Albertsons Cos. announced a new Safeway plugin in ChatGPT, making grocery shopping faster, easier and more intuitive. Available now, the plugin helps consumers discover products, evaluate options and complete their shopping journey in ChatGPT while remaining in control of their purchasing decisions.
Edible Garden reports increase in retailer product demand as CEA industry consolidates
Edible Garden reports increase in retailer product demand as CEA industry consolidates August 6, 2026 Edible Garden AG Inc., a leader in controlled environment agriculture, organic and sustainable produce, reported a sharp increase in product demand from national and regional retailers seeking new and additional sources of supply for fresh herbs and organic produce.
Northwest pear growers prepare for another season of quality fruit
Northwest pear growers prepare for another season of quality fruit By Asher Campbell August 6, 2026 Northwest pear growers are looking at excellent promotable supply for the 2026 pear season, even with a slight decline in production compared with last year. CMI, Stemilt and Superfresh Growers have all reported a similar decrease in output but are also picking larger fruit.
Honeybear Brands kicks off apple season early with the best First Kiss ever
Honeybear Brands kicks off apple season early with the best First Kiss ever August 6, 2026 Fall apple season officially kicks off with the first apple shipment slated for Aug. 27, and First Kiss is the early variety primer. Shipping from Honeybear Brands' Midwest facilities, this Minnesota-grown, bright and sassy variety will help boost fresh produce sales. Shoppers are ready to fall in love.
Eastern apple industry anticipates varied crop and strong retail opportunities
Eastern apple industry anticipates varied crop and strong retail opportunities By Keith Loria August 5, 2026 Eastern apple growers and marketers are approaching the 2026 harvest with optimism, although spring frost, rainfall and regional microclimates have produced a varied crop outlook across New York and neighboring states. Western New York is positioned for an average to slightly above-average crop after growers came through the spring in generally favorable condition.
EFI demonstrates the business value of investing in farmworker families
EFI demonstrates the business value of investing in farmworker families August 5, 2026 Equitable Food Initiative, the workforce development and certification organization that partners with growers, farmworkers, retailers and consumer groups, is highlighting how back-to-school programs that support farmworker families strengthen morale, improve retention and help create workplaces where people are proud to build long-term careers.
Stemilt maximizes quality and size for 2026 pear season
Stemilt maximizes quality and size for 2026 pear season By Asher Campbell August 5, 2026 Stemilt Growers’ early predictions for the 2026 pear season have them at a slightly smaller output than last year’s large crop, but not as dramatically as would typically be expected following such a high-yield year.
IFPA urges broader approach to Cyclospora investigations, submits recommendations to CDC
IFPA urges broader approach to Cyclospora investigations, submits recommendations to CDC August 5, 2026 The International Fresh Produce Association has submitted formal comments to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommending enhancements to the federal government's Cyclospora outbreak investigation process, including a more comprehensive consideration of exposure pathways alongside foodborne exposures.
Weis Markets launches seventh annual Weis 4 School program
Weis Markets launches seventh annual Weis 4 School program August 5, 2026 Weis Markets announced that registration is now open for its seventh annual Weis 4 School program. Pre-kindergarten through eighth-grade schools in Weis Markets' seven-state market area can register now through Oct. 31, 2026, for the program, which is expected to generate $500,000 in donations from the Weis Markets Charitable Foundation. Weis 4 School will run through May 31, 2027.
Virginia agriculture takes center stage for America's 250th birthday
Virginia agriculture takes center stage for America's 250th birthday August 5, 2026 National, state and community leaders gathered July 8 at Dublin Farms in Horntown, VA, to commemorate America's 250th birthday through a celebration of Virginia agriculture, community partnerships and service. The event also recognized Dublin Farms' 150 years of agricultural excellence, providing a fitting backdrop for honoring one of the Eastern Shore's longest-standing farming operations.
North Bay Produce’s apple program focuses on quality and customer service
North Bay Produce’s apple program focuses on quality and customer service By Kris Mulheren July 31, 2026 Much like the rest of the country, the Honeycrisp and Gala varieties remain the cornerstone of North Bay Produce’s Michigan apple program.
In the Trenches: Are labor cuts and understaffing squeezing customer service?
In the Trenches: Are labor cuts and understaffing squeezing customer service? By Ron Pelger July 31, 2026 A truck backed up to the produce dock of a supermarket distribution center. As the strawberries were being unloaded, the inspector spots trouble with misshapen fruit, pale color and early decay. He stops the unloading and alerts the buyer, who immediately calls the shipper to protest the load and requests an inspection.
CMI prepares for marketable pears and quality variety
CMI prepares for marketable pears and quality variety By Asher Campbell July 31, 2026 CMI Orchards is anticipating an excellent pear crop in terms of quality for the 2026 season, with favorable sizing across key varieties and volume down compared with last season. William Gant, pear manager and international sales for CMI, said that while looking at the 2026 pear numbers in isolation, the year-over-year decline – 23.7 percent for conventional and 53 percent for organic – might suggest a downturn.
AFM launches Avo.AI on National Avocado Day
AFM launches Avo.AI on National Avocado Day July 31, 2026 This National Avocado Day, Avocados From Mexico has launched AVO.AI, a custom AI-powered answer engine designed to transform how consumers find reliable answers to avocado-related kitchen, storage, nutrition and recipe questions.
Naturipe, Hortifrut strike landmark collaboration agreement with MBO
Naturipe, Hortifrut strike landmark collaboration agreement with MBO July 31, 2026 Naturipe Farms and Hortifrut expanded of one of the world’s most comprehensive berry genetics platforms through a new strategic collaboration with MBO. The agreement builds on the companies’ proprietary breeding program, broadens access to elite blueberry genetics and reinforces a long-term innovation strategy spanning blueberries, raspberries and blackberries.
Crunch Time Apple Growers builds momentum behind SnapDragon and RubyFrost
Crunch Time Apple Growers builds momentum behind SnapDragon and RubyFrost By Keith Loria July 31, 2026 Crunch Time Apple Growers sees good things ahead with the 2026 harvest, as favorable growing conditions, strong fruit development and rising consumer demand position SnapDragon and RubyFrost apples for another promising season. The New York grower cooperative expects a full crop with strong sizing and quality, along with solid availability of both branded varieties.
Warm weather, early bloom mean bigger pears for Superfresh Growers
Superfresh Growers expects an optimal 2026 pear season, with clean, high-quality fruit available all season. The orchards started with an early spring bloom, followed by warm growing conditions and minimal weather disruptions, which led to accelerated crop development throughout the Northwest. Julieta Castillo, marketing coordinator for Superfresh Growers, said harvest is projected to begin seven to 10 days earlier than last year across most varieties and growing regions.
Dave Masser named chairman of Potatoes USA
Dave Masser named chairman of Potatoes USA June 4, 2026 Dave Masser, president and CEO of Masser Family of Cos. and former Fresh Solutions Network chairman, has been elected by Potatoes USA as chairman. Potatoes USA serves as the national marketing and research organization representing U.S. potato growers and importers, supporting demand-building initiatives, consumer education, nutrition research and industry development.
Superfresh blueberry volume projected up 65 percent
Superfresh blueberry volume projected up 65 percent By Asher Campbell June 4, 2026 Superfresh Growers is preparing for a larger Northwest blueberry crop in 2026, with the season expected to begin earlier than usual and volumes significantly above last year. The company anticipates the first shipments from its Norris Farms program around June 8, roughly seven to 10 days ahead of the historical average.
Solid but smaller Peruvian avocado crop expected
Solid but smaller Peruvian avocado crop expected By Tim Linden June 4, 2026 In late May, ocean liners loaded with Peruvian avocados were steaming toward the United States with significant supplies expected by the end of the month as production moves toward its peak summer shipping months. Double-digit supplies between 10 million and 16 million pounds are anticipated in the marketplace for about a 12-week period stretching from June through August.
Trendspotting: National brands vs. private label in fresh departments
Trendspotting: National brands vs. private label in fresh departments By Craig Levitt June 4, 2026 It is no breaking news that the biggest differentiator a supermarket has is its fresh departments — especially produce. However, the way customers shop these categories, specifically how it relates to national brand and private label purchases, may be changing.
USDA cites Florida company for PACA violations
USDA cites Florida company for PACA violations June 4, 2026 The U.S. Department of Agriculture has imposed sanctions on National Produce & Farm Products LLC. The company, operating from Florida, failed to make prompt payment to two produce sellers in the amount of $152,035 for produce that it purchased, received and accepted in interstate and foreign commerce from January 2024 to April 2024, in violation of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act.
CMI kicks off cherry season with optimism, fresh branding
CMI kicks off cherry season with optimism, fresh branding June 4, 2026 Cherry season is shaping up to be one to celebrate, and CMI Orchards is heading into the season with a lineup of programs designed to make summer shine. While the spring brought cooler temperatures during bloom that trimmed production across parts of the Northwest, CMI remains optimistic about the season ahead.
Avocados from Peru celebrates America’s 250th anniversary with sports partnerships, retail programs
With more than 200 million pounds of Peruvian avocados expected to arrive in the United States this summer, Avocados from Peru is launching its most comprehensive marketing campaign ever, combining support for many of the nation's leading retailers with major sports partnerships, consumer sweepstakes, media activations, community outreach programs and patriotic celebrations designed to drive consumer demand throughout the season.
Pure Flavor Rocco Reds tomato earns Chef’s Choice title
Pure Flavor Rocco Reds tomato earns Chef’s Choice title May 25, 2026 Pure Flavor's Rocco Reds were awarded Chef’s Choice recognition at the Annual Greenhouse Competition held at the Leamington Fair on Friday, May 22, further cementing its title as “The Chef’s Tomato.” Greenhouse growers from across the region gathered to showcase the quality, consistency and innovation behind locally grown produce.
In the Trenches: Source-packed cut produce offers significant savings in time, labor and waste
In the Trenches: Source-packed cut produce offers significant savings in time, labor and waste By Ron Pelger May 25, 2026 In today’s fast-paced world, shoppers want to get in and out of stores quickly. With changing lifestyles and eating habits, customers now look for food options that are not only healthier, but also more convenient, making their shopping experience faster and more efficient.
Keeping Jersey Fresh and its benefits top of mind
Keeping Jersey Fresh and its benefits top of mind By Ed Wengryn, New Jersey secretary of agriculture. May 25, 2026 It’s great to be back addressing the state of New Jersey’s produce industry for readers of The Produce News and to take this look-ahead to our upcoming produce seasons.
CMI expects earlier cherry harvest, strong momentum
CMI expects earlier cherry harvest, strong momentum By Asher Campbell May 25, 2026 CMI Orchards is optimistic about this season’s crop size, despite some challenging spring weather. Cold temperatures during bloom impacted some growing regions, reducing Northwest crop projections to the range of 18.4 to 19.2 million boxes, approximately 20 percent lighter than last season. However, Kaci Komstadius, marketing manager at CMI pointed out that from a timing standpoint, the season is shaping up well.
Consalo Family Farms expands value-added focus in New Jersey
Consalo Family Farms expands value-added focus in New Jersey By Keith Loria May 25, 2026 As the New Jersey growing season gets underway, Consalo Family Farms and The Freshwave Fruit & Produce are seeing strong early crop development while continuing to expand organic production and value-added offerings to meet evolving customer demand.
Publix, Healthy Family Project unite 20 produce partners
Publix, Healthy Family Project unite 20 produce partners May 25, 2026 Healthy Family Project’s 24th annual Publix Produce for Kids campaign is under way through June 24 with a record 20 produce companies participating, making it the largest campaign in the cause marketing program’s history. Together, participating brands are helping provide more than 1.05 million meals to 40 Feeding America partner food banks throughout Publix’s market area.
JJB Family Farms focuses on consistency
JJB Family Farms focuses on consistency By Keith Loria May 25, 2026 With strong movement across multiple onion categories and favorable crop conditions so far, JJB Family Farms is moving through the 2026 season with optimism while continuing to navigate the rising costs and logistical challenges facing the produce industry. “We’ve got good volume across white, red, yellow, organic and conventional onions,” said Derrell Kelso, onion manager of the Stockton, CA-based company.
Bobalu Berry Farms welcomes Don Hobson as VP of sales and business development
Bobalu Berry Farms welcomes Don Hobson as VP of sales and business development May 25, 2026 Bobalu Berry Farms has named Don Hobson its vice president of sales and business development. Bringing more than 30 years of produce industry experience, Hobson joins the Bobalu leadership team with an exceptional track record of driving strategic growth, strengthening customer partnerships, and expanding market opportunities across retail programs and foodservice channels.
Dümmen Orange and Syngenta Flowers to combine global horticultural businesses
Dümmen Orange and Syngenta Flowers to combine global horticultural businesses May 25, 2026 Dümmen Orange and Syngenta Flowers, two global players in ornamental breeding and propagation, have signed an agreement to establish a strategic joint venture. This partnership represents an important step forward for both organizations as they work together to better serve growers around the world.
H-E-B to invest $700M to expand supply chain operations
H-E-B to invest $700M to expand supply chain operations May 22, 2026 Reinforcing its commitment to being a powerful economic driver for Texas, H-E-B plans to invest $700 million to expand its supply chain operations, a project that is expected to create 720 jobs by 2028 and more than 1,200 new full-time jobs over the next decade. While not yet finalized, the retailer has identified its Foster Road campus on San Antonio’s East Side as a potential location for the expansion.
Promotable volume on tap for Northwest cherry season
Promotable volume on tap for Northwest cherry season By Asher Campbell May 22, 2026 The 2026 Northwest cherry season is coming off a winter that brought its share of challenges, from warm temperatures to periods of spring frost, but growers across the region have been navigating and adjusting accordingly. The latest 5-state cherry estimate projects the crop at approximately 18.4 million 20-pound equivalent boxes, slightly below the initial April estimate of 19.5 to 21.5 million boxes.
Vick Family Farms sees strong demand as North Carolina planting season arrives
Vick Family Farms sees strong demand as North Carolina planting season arrives By Chris Koger May 22, 2026 Extremely dry conditions in North Carolina continue to concern sweet potato growers, who were preparing to move transplants to fields in mid-May.
AFM launches World Soccer Championship campaign
AFM launches World Soccer Championship campaign May 22, 2026 Avocados From Mexico is giving soccer fans a new reason to cheer with its Kickoff a Guacamolé Summer campaign. Since the 2026 World Soccer Championship is being hosted right here in North America, this tournament is a "home game" for the brand.
Less prep, more fresh with Ocean Mist Farms Roastables and Heartichokes
Less prep, more fresh with Ocean Mist Farms Roastables and Heartichokes May 22, 2026 Backed by more than a century of family farming, Ocean Mist Farms knows that great meals start with great vegetables. Now the company is applying that same expertise to developing products that help make those vegetables as easy to cook as they are good to eat.
Industry icon Nickey Gregory mourned
Industry icon Nickey Gregory mourned May 21, 2026 Nickey Gregory, founder of Nickey Gregory Co., dedicated more than four decades of his life to the wholesale produce business. He was a mentor, leader, friend and a steady hand to many across the Southeast and throughout the industry. Mr. Gregory’s influence can be felt at every level of the supply chain, in the customers he served, the growers he stood beside, the partners who came to rely on him and the team he built and inspired every day.
GrapeCo Farms sees early momentum building for California grape season
GrapeCo Farms sees early momentum building for California grape season By Keith Loria May 21, 2026 After a successful import season and an unusually early start in Mexico, GrapeCo Farms is ready for what could be one of the earliest California grape seasons the company has seen in years. “The import season performed better than expected overall,” said Jared Lane, co-owner of GrapeCo Farms.
Oppy eyes strong retail movement for Northwest cherry season
Oppy eyes strong retail movement for Northwest cherry season By Asher Campbell May 21, 2026 Oppy is heading into the 2026 Northwest cherry season with a sense of optimism, even as the industry navigates a lighter crop estimate and some early frost impacts. Jon Bailey, who leads Oppy’s cherry category, said the company feels good about the season overall.
FirstFruits Farms brings premium cherries and mission driven approach to season
FirstFruits Farms brings premium cherries and mission driven approach to season By Asher Campbell May 21, 2026 FirstFruits Farms is excited to begin the 2026 cherry season, and strong returns the past few years have positioned it well within its buyer network. The company is entering the season with a sharp focus on fruit quality, and with minimal overlap during the California season, Washington cherries are set to enter the market in an advantageous position.
Sprouts Farmers Market appoints Andrew Jhawar to its board of directors
Sprouts Farmers Market appoints Andrew Jhawar to its board of directors May 21, 2026 Sprouts Farmers Market Inc. announced the addition of Andrew Jhawar to its board of directors. “We are excited to welcome Andy Jhawar to our board of directors,” said Joseph Fortunato, chairman of the board of Sprouts.
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