Tom Karst
- Owner, Fresh Produce Industry Discussion Group
Editor Emeritus of The Packer
Founder of LinkedIn Fresh Produce Industry Discussion Group tomkarst.substack.com/
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Articles by Tom Karst
Star fruit ripe for retail holiday promotions, says Tierra Suelta
Retailers looking to boost holiday produce sales can capitalize on the seasonal allure of star fruit, with strong volumes of Florida-grown star fruit are now available, says Miami-based tropical fruit grower and importer Tierra Suelta. “Festive stars shapes are everywhere during the holidays, and star fruit is a fun way to jazz up holiday meals and brighten winter tables,” Steve Stutz, principal and sales lead for Tierra Suelta, said in a news release.
USDA restricts PACA violators in California, Georgia, New Jersey and Texas
The USDA has imposed sanctions on five produce businesses for failing to meet contractual obligations to the sellers of produce they purchased and failing to pay reparation awards issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act. These sanctions include suspending the businesses’ PACA licenses and barring the principal operators of the businesses from engaging in PACA-licensed business or other activities without approval from USDA, according to a news release.
Inflation ticks slightly higher in November
Year-over-year overall U.S. inflation checked in at 2.7% in November, slightly higher than the 2.6% pace reported in October, according to the Dec. 11 consumer prices report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The grocery food index rose 1.6% over the last 12 months, while the BLS said the restaurant food index rose 3.6% over the last year.
USDA places restrictions on PACA violators in four states
The USDA has imposed sanctions on five produce businesses in four states for failing to meet contractual obligations to the sellers of produce they purchased and failing to pay reparation awards issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act. These sanctions include suspending the businesses’ PACA licenses and barring the principal operators of the businesses from engaging in PACA-licensed business or other activities without approval from USDA, according to a news release.
Albertsons sues Kroger for breach of merger agreement
Albertsons Cos. Inc. has filed a lawsuit against The Kroger Co., bringing claims for willful breach of contract and breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing. The legal action, filed in the Delaware Court of Chancery, follows a U.S. district court ruling Dec. 11 blocking a proposed merger deal between the two companies.
Potato production down 5% in 2024, USDA forecasts
The USDA forecasts U.S. production for 2024 at 417.8 million cwt, down 5% from 440.1 million cwt in 2023. The November USDA crop production report reported that the potato area harvested in 2024 was 923,100 acres, down 4% from 2023. The USDA reported that the U.S. potato 2024 yield per acre was 453 cwt, down 1% from 458 cwt in 2023. The following shows forecast 2024 production by state, with percent change compared with 2023 production: California — 8.98 million cwt, down 9%.
Fresh apple holdings down 2%
U.S. holdings of fresh apples on Dec. 1 were 121.5 million cartons, down 2% from the same time a year ago. The U.S. apple storage report said Dec. 1 fresh apple holdings were 13% more than the five-year average. On Dec. 1, Washington state accounted for 104.5 million cartons of fresh apples, down 1% from last year and 13% higher than the five-year average. Washington’s fresh apples accounted for 86% of total U.S. fresh apple supplies on Dec. 1. Dec.
U.S. court blocks Kroger's $25B acquisition of Albertsons
By Jody Godoy A U.S. judge blocked the pending $25 billion merger of U.S. grocery chains Kroger and Albertsons on Tuesday, a win for the Federal Trade Commission that Kroger has said would likely scuttle the deal. The FTC argued at a three-week trial in Portland, Ore., that the merger would eliminate head-to-head competition between the top two traditional grocery chains, leading to higher prices for shoppers and reduced bargaining leverage for unionized workers.
Growers overwhelmingly support expansion of Zespri's global supply
New Zealand kiwifruit growers have voted to support the expansion of Zespri Global Supply, approving the allocation of up to 1,037 additional acres of Zespri SunGold kiwifruit per year over six years. The acreage will be added across Italy, France, Japan, South Korea and Greece, according to a news release.
November U.S. e-grocery total up 18% over year ago
The U.S. online grocery market ended November 2024 with $9.6 billion in monthly sales, a 17.8% increase over last year as all three fulfillment methods posted year-over-year sales gains, according to the Brick Meets Click/Mercatus Grocery Shopper Survey fielded Nov. 29-30.
USDA announces availability of $1.13B for local food programs
The USDA has announced a $1.13 billion investment to support local and regional food systems. The department said the money builds on its previous investments in the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement and Local Food for Schools programs. This round of funding, announced on Oct.
Ahold Delhaize, The Campbell’s Co. launch regenerative ag pilot
Ahold Delhaize says it has launched another Scope 3 pilot program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with potato farming. In a news release, the company said it will work with The Campbell’s Co. over the next three years to support partner farms in implementing regenerative farming techniques, reducing emissions through soil health practices and more.
Report shows regenerative ag to reach $16.8B by 2027
A report from management consulting firm MarketsandMarkets projects the global regenerative ag market will reach $16.8 billion by 2027 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate of 14%. The market valuation in 2022 was $8.7 billion, according to the firm. MarketsandMarkets said the growth is due to increasing awareness and interest in regenerative agriculture practices.
Western Growers supports California lawmaker for ranking member of House ag committee
Western Growers has endorsed Rep. Jim Costa’s, D-Calif., in his campaign to be ranking member of the House Agriculture Committee. “We urge Rep. Jim Costa’s colleagues to select him as ranking member of the House Agriculture Committee for the 119th Congress,” Western Growers President and CEO Dave Puglia said in a news release. “ A third-generation San Joaquin Valley farmer, Rep.
Microgreens market poised for rapid growth, report says
Microgreens — immature vegetable greens harvested at 1-3 inches tall — are gaining popularity for their vibrant flavors, textures and nutritional benefits. Widely used in culinary dishes such as salads, pizzas and omelets, these “vegetable confetti” offer a range of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
Game day guac: Suppliers and retailers gear up for Super Bowl avocado demand
No matter the players on the field, guacamole remains the MVP of game day snacks with a reported 54 million avocados consumed on Super Bowl Sunday. As the Big Game approaches, suppliers and retailers work to ensure avocados are in plentiful supply for the event. Suppliers like Avocados from Mexico and Yo Quiero, alongside retailers like Harps Food Store, ensure avocados and guacamole are on hand and ready for game day gatherings.
Report reveals a disconnect between consumer priorities and behavior regarding ESG
Brand-building company Caliber has released its “Food & Beverage Global Reputation Report 2024,” which reveals a disconnect between consumer priorities and behavior, especially as it relates to environmental, social and governance topics, according to a news release.
Retiring lawmaker praised for contributions to specialty crop industry
Produce industry leaders are praising the contributions of retiring U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow to the specialty crop industry. After serving 24 years, Stabenow, D-Mich., is leaving the Senate at the end of December. “It’s hard to put into words the positive impact Chairwoman Stabenow has made on the fresh produce community throughout her Congressional career,” said Cathy Burns, CEO of the International Fresh Produce Association.
The future of plastics in the fresh produce industry
Earlier this year, Western Growers and the Canadian Produce Marketing Association formed a working group to tackle the evolving landscape of packaging requirements in North America. In this “Tip of the Iceberg” podcast episode, Jeana Cadby, director of environment and climate for Western Growers, talks about the collaboration and what the future holds for plastics in the fresh produce industry.
More companies recall products, packs with cucumbers
The Food and Drug Administration said Dairyland Produce LLC, dba Hardie’s Fresh Foods of Houston and Dallas, recalled its Cucumber Select 6 Count because the cucumbers in the pack were supplied by SunFed Produce, which recalled its cucumbers due to possible salmonella contamination. Hardie’s Fresh Foods distributed the cucumbers to Costco stores in Houston and Dallas, according to the announcement.
BrightFarms expands greenhouse operations to Texas
Part of its “ambitious and rapid” expansion, indoor grower BrightFarms has opened its first greenhouse in Texas, bringing its fresh, locally grown leafy greens to the South Central and Southwest for the first time, according to a news release. Building on the recent unveiling of its Illinois greenhouse, the Lorena, Texas site is the second of three regional hubs the Irvington, New York-based BrightFarms is poised to open in 2024, the company said.
USDA $2B specialty crop application window opens
The application window for a recently announced $2 billion specialty crop program has opened. The application window closes on Jan. 8, 2025. The program, which includes marketing assistance for specialty crops, is designed to help growers manage higher costs and expand markets for fresh produce. The USDA said this will assist growers of crops requiring specialized handling, temperature and humidity control and quick transport as well as those facing higher labor costs.
Meijer expands delivery to 4M more households
Grand Rapids, Mich.-based Meijer has significantly expanded its home delivery service area, tripling its range from an approximate 20-minute radius from its stores to 60 minutes. This extended delivery zone makes the popular service available to nearly 4 million additional households in rural and urban areas across the Midwest, with items delivered in as little as three hours, according to a news release.
Mexican grower-exporter unveils 2025 expansion, investment
Mexican fresh vegetable grower-exporter SL Produce has revealed expansion plans that it says build on the successful launch of the company’s Tenderland quality seal in the U.S. market and coincide with a bumper crop of products heading into 2025. Located in Guasave, on Mexico’s northwest coast — and with U.S. import and distribution facilities in Nogales, Ariz.
Duda Farm Fresh Foods reprises annual ‘Dip It 2 Win It’ sweepstakes
For its 9th year, Duda Farm Fresh Foods announced the return of its largest annual promotion, ‘Dip It 2 Win It’. Currently running through Feb. 7, the sweepstakes will highlight healthy gameday snacking designed to drive celery sales during peak football season while offering Dandy celery consumers a chance to win $1,000 grand prize along with weekly winnings, according to a news release.
ZAG CEO, CTO to retire
San Jose, Calif.-based IT consulting firm ZAG Technical Services (ZAG), said its CEO Greg Gatzke and CTO Jim Hunton will retire. The company said its current president, Eric Reigner, will become its new CEO. The company’s current vice president, Thuan Ngo, will become its chief operating officer. The company said Gatzke, who founded the company, will remain with the company and will continue to drive industry conversations and ZAG clients.
Lakeside Organic Gardens founder honored
Lakeside Organic Gardens founder Dick (Dickie) Peixoto was recognized as the Grower of the Year at the 2024 Organic Grower Summit in Monterey, Calif. “I am extremely humbled and honored by this award, but this tribute should really go to all my employees who make us who we are,” Peixoto said in a news release. The company said this award recognized Peixoto’s commitment to organic farming and pioneering efforts to transform the agricultural industry.
Peru forecasts ample asparagus supply
As Peru nears the end of its peak asparagus season, the Peruvian Asparagus Importers Association is forecasting ample asparagus supply for the holiday period with a strong finish to the season. “Our importers are expecting the remainder of our season to be steady into January 2025,” Priscilla Lleras, executive director of PAIA, said in a release.
Grower to highlight carrots at New York Produce Show
Fresh and sweet carrot grower BDA/Dorot Farm says it will kick off the start of its new season and crop in the North American region at the New York Produce Show. The company said the crop is shaping up well. “The new crop from Dorot Farm looks good, and I’m very happy with the field’s conditions,” Ami Ben-Dror, CEO of BDA/Dorot Farm, said in a release.
These 2 port districts dominate Mexican tomato imports
U.S. port data show that trade flows of Mexican tomatoes into the U.S. are heavily weighted toward Laredo, Texas, district first and then Nogales, Ariz. USDA reports that total U.S. tomato imports of Mexican tomatoes totaled $2.7 billion in 2023, up from $2.47 billion in 2022 and 2.39 billion in 2021.
Examining the psychology of produce sales
In today’s competitive retail grocery environment, understanding consumer behavior is key to driving sales — especially when it comes to the produce section. What exactly is consumer psychology? The University of Southern California describes consumer psychology as a model for understanding how and when consumers buy the products and services that they do.
Food Lion president to retire in 2025
Ahold Delhaize USA says Food Lion President Meg Ham plans to retire in May 2025 after more than 35 years with the organization. Ham has been at the helm of Food Lion for more than a decade and has been part of the brand’s growth, according to a news release. The company said a successor for Ham will be announced before year-end.
Fresho secures $17M to enhance fresh food wholesale ordering platform
Fresho, an order management platform for fresh food wholesalers, says it closed a $17 million Series B funding round, bringing total investment to $50 million to date. The new funding is intended to accelerate Fresho’s investment in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, while driving further growth in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand, according to a news release.
USDA lifts PACA sanctions on Texas produce business
The USDA said that Jack Humphreys, doing business as Zia Onion Sales, satisfied a reparation order in the amount of $8,457 issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act involving unpaid produce transactions. The Desoto, Texas, company can continue operating in the produce industry upon applying for and being issued a PACA license, according to a news release.
DMA Solutions launches 2025 social media and marketing events calendars
DMA Solutions has released free 2025 social media and marketing events calendars designed to assist professionals who work in fresh food, beverage or floral. These annual calendars offer important dates to help marketers strategically plan for 2025 activations, according to a news release.
NatureSweet offering festive Constellation tomato blend for the holidays
NatureSweet says it will offer a limited-time Constellation blend of red and green snacking tomatoes this holiday season. Adding a festive pop of color and flavor to festive appetizers, charcuterie boards, salads and seasonal dishes, the 10-ounce holiday medley offers a balance of sweet red Cherubs and floral green grape tomatoes, enhanced by subtle hints of aromatic herbs, according to a news release.
Costa Rica orange output projected to rise 11% in 2024-25
Costa Rica 2024-25 marketing year orange production is forecast to rise by 11% to 250,000 metric tons, according to a new report from the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service. However, the increasing impact of citrus greening is clouding the long-term outlook, the report said. The USDA said Costa Rica’s 2023-24 orange production, at 225,000 metric tons, was lower than previously expected because of erratic rainfall patterns associated with the El Niño weather phenomenon.
Agrovision acquires Chilean cherry grower, exporter
Agrovision, a vertically integrated global superfruit platform, has entered the premium cherry market with the launch of Agrovision Chile. Driven by the acquisition of Chilean grower and exporter ZurGroup, the move allows Agrovision to leverage Chile’s optimal growing conditions and introduce proprietary premium cherry varieties developed for flavor, freshness and crunch across the planned 500 new hectares of cherry orchards, according to a news release.
Produce Distributors Association annual meeting set for New York
The Produce Distributors Association will hold its annual meeting at 2 p.m. Dec. 10 at the Sheraton Times Square, a hotel for the the New York Produce Show and Conference. The annual meeting, set for the Liberty 5 room on the third floor of the Sheraton, is intended to be a moment for stakeholders in the produce distribution sector to convene, collaborate and strategize for the future, according to a news release.
Walmart pulls sliced cucumbers involved in recall
The Food and Drug Administration says Walmart voluntarily recalled its Marketside Fresh Cut Cucumber Slices from select stores in Texas due to a possible contamination with salmonella. The cucumbers involved in the recall were supplied by SunFed Produce, which recalled cucumbers from a grower associated with reported salmonellosis illnesses between Oct. 12 and Nov. 15. The product has a UPC/PLU of 62969 and involves all date codes to Dec. 1.
NoKota Packers celebrating 45th anniversary
NoKota Packers, established in 1979, is celebrating 45 years of operation, said Carissa Olsen, president and CEO. The Buxton, N.D.-based company, part of the Fresh Solutions Network and supplier of Side Delights potato products, is planning an open house in early 2025 to celebrate the achievement, Olsen said.
Center for Produce Safety publishes key research insights, offers online resources
The Center for Produce Safety has published its key insights from 2024 research. This year’s CPS Research Symposium showcased 15 projects addressing key food safety priorities; the two-page highlight report and the full report are available on the group’s website, according to a news release. CPS said research results that deserve immediate action from food safety professionals include: Understanding the biology of birds can lead to improved risk management strategies.
Taylor Farms recalls salad kit in Canada
The government of Canada said in an update that Taylor Farms recalled its Sweet Kale Chopped Salad Kit sold in New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island and Quebec due to possible contamination with salmonella. The product features a best-before date of Dec. 6 with the lot codes TFRC327BP06 or TFRC327BP04, according to the announcement. The government said the recall was triggered by by Canadian Food Inspection Agency test results.
Agencies seek input on food date labeling
The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service and the Food and Drug Administration are seeking public input on food date labeling and related food waste issues. Comments are due Feb. 3, according to a notice. The agencies are looking for information on industry practices and preferences for date labeling, research results on consumer perceptions of date labeling and any impact date labeling may have on food waste, the notice said.
USDA announces National Mango Board appointments
The USDA has announced the appointment of six members to serve on the National Mango Board, with each set to serve three-year terms beginning Jan. 1, 2025, and ending Dec. 31, 2027. The newly appointed members are: District I Importer — Albert Perez, Miami. District I Importer — Luis Orrantia, Doral, Fla. Domestic Producer — Umi Martin, Waimea, Hawaii. First Handler — Luis Gabriel Cintron, Miami. Foreign Producer — Helena Medeiros, João Pessoa Petrolina, Brazil.
Gracie’s Kitchens recalls ready-to-eat fruit and vegetable products
The Food and Drug Administration said in an update that Gracie’s Kitchens Inc. of New Haven, Conn., has recalled all of its ready-to-eat fruit and vegetable products manufactured at its facility from Nov. 4-13. The agency said the recall is because the products have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The FDA said the recalled products were distributed to grocery stores in Connecticut and New York. The products have a sell-by date from Nov. 9 to Nov. 24.
Farmer sentiment rises following U.S. election
Farmer sentiment jumped following the November election of President-elect Donald Trump, according to a new Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer. However, the survey found concern about new potential trade wars under Trump’s administration. The farm economy index, based on a survey conducted Nov. 11-15, climbed 30 points to 145, according to the November report.
Bolthouse Fresh Foods social campaign features kids' activities for the family
Bolthouse Fresh Foods says it is launching a festive “Are You Reindeer Ready?” social campaign this holiday season, exclusively on its Facebook and Instagram pages. Crafted to help kids feel connected to Santa’s reindeer, the campaign runs throughout December and encourages families to make Bolthouse Fresh carrots a part of their holiday traditions, preparing everyone for Santa’s big night, according to a news release.
10 produce trends for 2025
As consumers’ tastes evolve and environmental concerns grow, the produce industry is preparing for another year of transformation in 2025. Industry insiders and data experts are already forecasting the trends that will shape shopping baskets, from increased interest in sustainability to social media’s influence on consumers. The Packer and Produce Market Guide spoke with data survey companies, grocers and produce suppliers, each identifying the trends they think will define the upcoming year.
FDA closes investigation into recalled yellow onions
The Food and Drug Administration said in an update that it closed the investigation into the multistate outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 linked to recalled yellow onions distributed by Taylor Farms and served at McDonald’s restaurants in certain states. Taylor Farms voluntarily recalled yellow onions in October and notified foodservice customers that were impacted.
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