Craig Levitt
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Articles by Craig Levitt
IFPA Global kicks off with packed opening reception
IFPA Global kicks off with packed opening reception By Marilena Osso, Craig Levitt, Adam Campbell and John Groh October 15, 2026 Following IFPA CEO Cathy Burns' rousing state of the industry address in the morning, the produce industry gathered Oct. 14 at the Hilton in Orlando, FL, under a flawless sky to open the 2026 International Fresh Produce Association's Global Produce & Floral Show.
In the Trenches: Planning produce advertising can be stressful and unpredictable
In the Trenches: Planning produce advertising can be stressful and unpredictable By Ron Pelger September 11, 2026 Want to know why produce directors and buyers become exhausted and burned out? Much of it is because they manage volatile produce items, which can become very stressful due to supply shortages, high costs and unexpected environmental weather conditions on the crops.
The Big Idaho Potato Truck kicks off Boise State-Oregon showdown
The Big Idaho Potato Truck kicks off Boise State-Oregon showdown September 11, 2026 The Big Idaho Potato Truck rolled into Eugene, OR, over Labor Day weekend as the Idaho Potato Commission sponsored the season-opening matchup between Boise State and Oregon, kicking off National Potato Month on one of college football’s biggest stages.
Vick Family Farms: Early sweet potato harvest quality high, but drought, heat cause delays
Vick Family Farms: Early sweet potato harvest quality high, but drought, heat cause delays By Chris Koger September 11, 2026 Drought and heat have caused issues at the start of the North Carolina sweetpotato harvest in the eastern part of the state, but a much-needed rain allowed work to continue Memorial Day weekend.
Barnwood Valley increasing potato program in Massachusetts
Barnwood Valley increasing potato program in Massachusetts September 11, 2026 Barnwood Valley Farms, part of the ADS Produce family of companies, is expanding its local potato program in Massachusetts’ Pioneer Valley, tripling its acreage over the past two years while strengthening partnerships with area growers. Based in Hadley, MA, Barnwood Valley Farms has partnered with local farmers throughout the Pioneer Valley to increase production of locally grown potatoes.
Pennsylvania company cited for $296K PACA violation
Pennsylvania company cited for $296K PACA violation September 11, 2026 The U.S. Department of Agriculture has imposed sanctions on Hurst Produce and Flowers Corp. The company, operating from Pennsylvania, failed to make prompt payment to nine produce sellers in the amount of $296,668 for produce that it purchased, received and accepted in interstate and foreign commerce from September 2022 to November 2023, in violation of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act.
Trendspotting: Fresh produce keeps shoppers coming back to the grocery store
Trendspotting: Fresh produce keeps shoppers coming back to the grocery store By Craig Levitt September 11, 2026 Online grocery continues to gain traction, but fresh produce is one of the categories keeping consumers connected to the physical grocery store. According to FMI’s U.S. Grocery Shopper Trends 2026, 59 percent of shoppers say it would be easy to shop for groceries exclusively online for an entire month.
Strong attendance and new features at 2026 NEPC expo
BOSTON — The New England Produce Council drew a large crowd to its 2026 Produce, Floral & Food Service Expo, as attendees enjoyed all of the activities, including a new women’s program, along with celebrating America’s 250th birthday. The event drew “approximately 1,200 people, a little more than last year,” according to Laura Sullivan, the council’s executive director. This year’s event took place Aug. 17-18, at the Encore Boston Harbor Resort, the same very popular venue as the last two years.
Field Fresh Farms adds four new hires
Field Fresh Farms adds four new hires August 21, 2026 Field Fresh Farms has hired four new team members: Lisa Fuentes as director of food safety, Carmen Cardenas as national sales and account manager, Moses Jimenez as director of logistics and Andrea Lopez-Zavala as sales ops analyst. Fuentes joins Field Fresh Farms with over two decades of extensive experience in food safety, quality assurance and food-safety audits.
Crunch Pak, Alpine Fresh bring Bluey-branded blueberries to the produce aisle
Crunch Pak, Alpine Fresh bring Bluey-branded blueberries to the produce aisle August 21, 2026 Crunch Pak and Alpine Fresh have partnered to launch a first-to-market Bluey-branded blueberry program. Launching at the end of August, shoppers will find fresh blueberries featuring Bluey, one of the world's most beloved entertainment properties, on specially designed pint packaging created to bring added fun and familiarity to the produce department.
Trendspotting: Fresh produce proves resilient as shoppers tighten grocery budgets
Trendspotting: Fresh produce proves resilient as shoppers tighten grocery budgets By Craig Levitt August 21, 2026 Consumers are feeling the pressure of higher household costs, but fresh fruits and vegetables remain remarkably resilient in the grocery basket, this according to a recent survey conducted by the International Fresh Produce Association.
New York company cited for $1.9M PACA violation
New York company cited for $1.9M PACA violation August 21, 2026 The U.S. Department of Agriculture has imposed sanctions on IE AAA LLC, d/b/a Citrus World. The company, operating from New York, failed to make prompt payment to 17 produce sellers in the amount of $1.96 million for produce that it purchased, received and accepted in interstate and foreign commerce from March 2024 to March 2025, in violation of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act.
Trendspotting: Produce remains defining differentiator among highest-performing independent grocers
Yesterday, the National Grocers Association and FMS Solutions released the 2026 U.S. Independent Grocers Financial Study, a comprehensive look at the operational and financial performance of independent grocery operators for fiscal year 2025, ending March 31, 2026. The annual study found that operators remained financially resilient in fiscal year 2025 despite a challenging operating environment marked by cautious consumer spending, elevated household debt levels and ongoing economic uncertainty.
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.
Michigan asparagus wraps successful season with strong volumes, consumer demand
Michigan asparagus wraps successful season with strong volumes, consumer demand July 10, 2026 The Michigan asparagus season wrapped up on a high note, delivering exceptional quality, strong volumes and increased consumer awareness across key markets.
Courchesne Larose acquires Star Group
Courchesne Larose acquires Star Group July 10, 2026 Courchesne Larose Group has completed its acquisition of The Star Group. Star Group is a respected Western Canadian fresh produce distributor with more than 35 years of history and a strong national reputation. This transaction brings together two highly complementary organizations with shared values, deep industry experience and a long-term commitment to the Canadian produce sector.
Trendspotting: Retailers prioritizing affordability, health and well-being options for consumers
Trendspotting: Retailers prioritizing affordability, health and well-being options for consumers By Craig Levitt July 10, 2026 Despite macroeconomic challenges, the food industry is leading in new technology implementation, offering more consumer-friendly in-store experiences and providing more options to help Americans reach their health goals, according to The Food Retailing Industry Speaks 2026 report released by FMI – The Food Industry Association.
SanLucar acquires strategic stake in Twin River Berries
SanLucar acquires strategic stake in Twin River Berries July 10, 2026 SanLucar has acquired a controlling ownership stake in Twin River Berries. The partnership brings together two leaders in fruit and vegetables with a shared ambition: to become the definitive source of premium fruit for customers across North America and Asia.
Wakefern celebrates America’s 250th with special promotions
Wakefern celebrates America’s 250th with special promotions July 2, 2026 Wakefern Food Corp. supermarket banners launched their Star-Spangled Own Brands initiative, introducing limited-edition patriotic packaging across a selection of Bowl & Basket products. Featuring vibrant red, white and blue fireworks-themed designs inspired by this year’s nationwide celebration of America’s 250th birthday, the special-edition packaging appears on 30 top-selling favorites just in time for the summer season.
Walmart dropping fresh food prices
Walmart dropping fresh food prices July 2, 2026 Walmart Wellness Day will take place July 25, and the nationwide event will offer customers free health screenings and assessments, low-cost immunizations, pharmacist counseling, vision screenings and giveaways at all Walmart U.S. stores.
Manfredi Cold Storage expands capacity
Manfredi Cold Storage expands capacity By Keith Loria July 2, 2026 As imported produce continues flowing through East Coast ports, Manfredi Cold Storage is expanding its facilities and investing in new technology to support growing customer programs while maintaining the cold chain that fresh produce depends on.
Produce industry reacts to USMCA trade agreement decision
Produce industry reacts to USMCA trade agreement decision By Craig Levitt July 2, 2026 Since Donald Trump took office for his second term, trade relations with the United States’ closest allies have been… tumultuous. It started with on-again, off-again tariffs, then yesterday the Trump administration said the United States would not extend the trade agreement (USMCA) with Canda and Mexico. So, what does this mean for the produce industry?
PhilaPort investing for future growth as nation's leading perishables gateway
PhilaPort investing for future growth as nation's leading perishables gateway By John Groh July 2, 2026 As global supply chains continue to evolve and fresh produce imports increase, PhilaPort is moving forward with an ambitious series of infrastructure, technology and sustainability investments designed to reinforce its position as the nation's premier gateway for perishable cargo.
Sunrise Produce expands with Family Tree acquisition
Sunrise Produce expands with Family Tree acquisition July 2, 2026 Sunrise Produce, a leading wholesale produce distribution company based in Southern California, has acquired Family Tree Produce. This strategic acquisition allows further expansion of Sunrise’s local footprint in Anaheim, CA, to become one of the leading produce distributors in Southern California.
Sakata Seed unveils new logo, new varieties, Eastern Broccoli Bulletin
Sakata Seed unveils new logo, new varieties, Eastern Broccoli Bulletin July 2, 2026 Sakata Seed launched a new broccoli product logo, marking a bold step forward in the company’s visual identity while reinforcing its long-standing reputation for quality, performance and trust. The company said the new logo reflects its forward-looking approach to innovation while honoring its rich history as a preferred partner for growers around the world.
Dependability drives D’Arrigo New York’s continued success
Dependability drives D’Arrigo New York’s continued success By Keith Loria June 18, 2026 For a company that has spent generations serving New York’s produce industry, consistency remains the foundation of success at D’Arrigo New York. Based at the Hunts Point Terminal Market in the Bronx, D’Arrigo New York has long been a key supplier to independent retailers, neighborhood grocers and produce operators throughout the metropolitan area.
Trendspotting: Shopper trust starts in the produce aisle
Cheerios are Cheerios. Oreos are Oreos. No matter where you buy them, they are going to taste the same. We all know winning shoppers and shopper loyalty is cultivated in stores’ fresh sections — especially the produce aisle. Just how important are these sections? Pretty darn important, according Logile Inc., a global leader in AI-powered Connected Workforce solutions.
IFPA welcomes Christina Ferreira as VP of food safety and quality
IFPA welcomes Christina Ferreira as VP of food safety and quality June 18, 2026 The International Fresh Produce Association announced that Christina Ferreira has joined the organization as vice president, food safety and quality.
Skylar Rae cherry season returns
Skylar Rae cherry season returns June 18, 2026 The wait is over for Skylar Rae cherries, which officially returned with nothing short of an exceptional crop. With outstanding quality and flavor, Skylar Rae delivers a firm, crisp bite paired with unmatched sweetness to produce a remarkable cherry eating experience. Known for their signature golden-red blush, Skylar Rae cherries stand apart on sight alone.
Coalition supports Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act
Coalition supports Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act June 18, 2026 The Ag Wage Reform Coalition announced its support for the introduction of the Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act (SAWA), legislation introduced by House Agriculture Committee Chairman G.T. Thompson to modernize and strengthen the nation’s agricultural workforce system.
Redner’s Markets, Giorgio and Modern Soils launch circularity-centered partnership
Redner’s Markets, Giorgio and Modern Soils launch circularity-centered partnership June 18, 2026 Redner’s Markets, Giorgio Fresh Co. and Modern Soils have joined forces to create a pioneering closed-loop partnership that demonstrates how agriculture, manufacturing and retail can work together to deliver environmentally responsible products while creating meaningful connections between food production and home gardening.
IFPA highlights need for stable, rules-based trade ahead of USMCA Review
IFPA highlights need for stable, rules-based trade ahead of USMCA Review June 18, 2026 Building on the momentum of The Washington Conference, which saw fresh produce and floral industry advocate on key policy issues ranging from nutrition to food safety to global trade, the International Fresh Produce Association has released its position on the U.S. - Mexico - Canada Agreement (USMCA), which is slated for its first mandatory review on July 1.
Ahold Delhaize USA names new CEO
Ahold Delhaize USA names new CEO June 18, 2026 Claire Peters, an experienced retail leader with three decades of expertise in grocery, consumer and retail businesses across international markets, will join Ahold Delhaize USA Sept. 8 as CEO. Her additional appointment as member of the management board is subject to shareholder approval at an Extraordinary General Meeting of shareholders to be held later this year, as well as customary regulatory approval.
New York produce industry builds on relationships, resilience and regional strength
New York produce industry builds on relationships, resilience and regional strength By Keith Loria June 18, 2026 New York's produce industry enters the second half of 2026 facing many of the same challenges affecting the rest of the country - weather volatility, inflationary pressures and rising transportation costs.
Creative ways to build community around sustainability
Creative ways to build community around sustainability June 15, 2026 Sustainability in the floral industry can be about more than conserving resources and reducing waste — and that is certainly important — but it is also a powerful way to build meaningful community connections and deepen customer loyalty.
Ben B. Schwartz & Sons sees great opportunity to distribute Michigan produce to other regions
Ben B. Schwartz & Sons sees great opportunity to distribute Michigan produce to other regions By Keith Loria June 12, 2026 Ben B. Schwartz & Sons is having a great 2026 so far, building on its distribution growth last year, adding to the sales team and expanding its presence to the west side of Michigan. “We’re lucky to be based in Michigan and have access to high-quality produce right from our backyard,” said Jordan Grainger, vice president of sales and business development for Ben B.
NuBerry Farms strengthens position in blueberry category
NuBerry Farms strengthens position in blueberry category By Keith Loria June 12, 2026 NuBerry Farms is a fully vertically integrated blueberry supplier with owned farming operations across domestic and international growing regions, providing retail partners with consistent quality, supply security, and year-round program support.
Westfalia Fruit appoints avocado industry expert Tommy Padilla as president, North America
Westfalia Fruit appoints avocado industry expert Tommy Padilla as president, North America June 12, 2026 Westfalia Fruit, a global leader in the avocado industry, announced the appointment of Tommy Padilla as president, North America.
EPC Leadership Class tours farm and Philadelphia port
EPC Leadership Class tours farm and Philadelphia port June 12, 2026 The eighth Eastern Produce Council Leadership Class gained firsthand knowledge of production practices and logistics while touring farms and facilities in southern New Jersey and Philadelphia. The trip was held June 2, and began at the farm of Frank Donio Inc. in Hammonton, NJ. Annie Pape, special projects and brand manager and fourth generation at Donio, welcomed the group and provided a brief history of the company.
Trendspotting: Getting produce from here to there
Trendspotting: Getting produce from here to there By Craig Levitt June 12, 2026 Getting produce from here to there is vital. Freight may not be the most glamorous part of the supply chain, but it is every bit important as the other aspects. According to C.H. Robinson and its latest Edge Report, North American freight markets face rising structural pressure. The report stated that the produce season is placing continued pressure on refrigerated transportation networks across North America.
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.
AFE invests in research for the future of Northeast horticulture
AFE invests in research for the future of Northeast horticulture June 4, 2026 Supporting meaningful horticulture research and education has long been a priority for growers throughout New Hampshire and the Northeast.
Titan Farms ready with strong supply of peaches
Titan Farms ready with strong supply of peaches May 1, 2026 As the 2026 peach season gets under way, Titan Farms is well-positioned with strong volume availability and is actively engaging with retail partners to support summer programs and meet growing demand for consistent, high-quality supply. Titan Farms is working closely with retailers to address evolving program needs and ensure supply needs are covered during peak demand.
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