The Packer

Discover how retailers can reverse declining produce sales among high-value Hispanic shoppers by tuning into The Packer’s new on-demand webinar, “Billions in the Basket,” featuring actionable, year-round engagement strategies from industry experts. • August 31, 2026 03:53 PM The Packer’s new webinar, “Billions in the Basket: Engaging the Hispanic Shopper With Fresh,“ features Jonna Parker, vice president of fresh foods for Circana, and Ruth Villalonga, CEO and founder of Villa Communications.

The company has named Amanda Holland to lead its foodservice category as director of foodservice. • August 31, 2026 04:50 PM Since joining Gem-Pack Berries last year with over five years of industry experience, Holland has played an essential role in developing the company’s foodservice program and customer relationships. (Photo courtesy of Gem-Pack Berries) Gem-Pack Berries has promoted Amanda Holland to director of foodservice.

Fresh produce industry veteran and IFPA executive Joe Watson, widely remembered as a steadying, compassionate leader and longtime industry advocate, has died at age 62 following a battle with cancer. • August 30, 2026 04:22 PM For decades, the fresh produce industry relied on Joe Watson, not just as a veteran retail mind, but as a steadying compass and dynamic presence.

The grades and standards for U.S. mushrooms will take effect on Sept. 24. • August 28, 2026 12:14 PM (Photo: Picture Partners, Adobe Stock) The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) recently published a final notice in the Federal Register revising the U.S. Standards for Grades of Mushrooms. This is the first substantive update to the federal grading standards since being established on July 15, 1966. The revised Standards take effect Sep. 24, 2026.

Specialty produce drives late-summer sales while transitioning retail displays seamlessly into autumn. • August 28, 2026 02:08 PM Waterloupes offer a unique late-summer melon experience, combining the crisp, juicy texture of watermelon with the sweet, aromatic flavor of cantaloupe.

Despite rising operational costs and potential acreage cuts in Peru, major U.S. importers report steady volume, high quality and refreshed marketing programs as the Peruvian sweet onion season kicks off to bridge the Vidalia gap. • August 28, 2026 04:29 PM Jon Dorminey, right, vice president of operations for G&R Farms, and grower Yovanni Miranda check the status of Peruvian onions marketed by G&R Farms.

Industry leaders are urging immediate action on ag labor reform following a major legal setback for Department of Labor wage rules. • August 27, 2026 03:52 PM A federal judge in California declared the Department of Labor’s H-2A Interim Final Rule unlawful, requiring a new Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) calculation methodology and exposing fresh produce growers to potential backpay liability.

Following a strong early harvest, the brand is leveraging new-crop momentum and a targeted PR to push medjool dates beyond seasonal holiday peaks into everyday snacking routines. • August 27, 2026 01:35 PM “This year’s crop gives us greater confidence to be aggressive with promotions earlier in the season and work with retailers to drive incremental demand,” says Natural Delights CEO David Baxter.

The International Food Information Council’s Kris Sollid breaks down survey data on dropping consumer trust and how repeated, transparent messaging can win back produce buyers in the aftermath of the cyclospora outbreak. • August 27, 2026 12:53 PM The International Food Information Council conducts its Food and Health Survey annually to help the industry better understand what information consumers seek to help them make more informed choices.

A new report from Intouch Insight shows that the produce department acts as a direct indicator of overall store health, with 71% of consumers agreeing that a grocer’s produce reputation dictates where they shop. • August 27, 2026 10:27 AM Because bananas are highly visible, fast-moving and notoriously quick to bruise or overripe, they expose operational shortcuts faster than almost any other item in the store.