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Premier grower, producer, sales, marketing and distribution company has announces the launch of its new Florida strawberry program, marking the company’s inaugural offering under the Dole label since its integration with Dole Diversified North America (DDNA) in October.
Production is underway, with promotable volumes expected from late January through early February.
Grown on more than 300 acres in Frostproof, Zolfo Springs, Dover and Plant City, Florida, the program features a strong lineup of premium conventional varieties in 1-lb and 2-lb packs. Favorable weather conditions to date have supported excellent fruit development and quality.
“This Florida production completes Oppy’s year-round supply of strawberries, which also includes central and Baja, Mexico and production up and down the California coast,” said Tony Colonna, senior berry category manager. “It allows us to diversify our supply with multiple regions simultaneously and keep customers’ shelves filled regardless of any weather interruptions in one of the major growing regions.”
With availability through March, Florida strawberry production provides an important strategic advantage through winter, providing reliable supply during a critical demand period and ensuring retailers can maintain strong category performance. Oppy’s business development representatives are actively setting up ads and providing promotional tools to drive sales at retail.
“The new volume expands the strength of our year-round berry portfolio under the widely recognized Dole brand,” Colonna said, citing a recent IPSOS survey that revealed a 54% unaided recognition of the popular fresh fruit label. “It’s exciting to bring this first large-scale Dole branded strawberry offering to the marketplace through Oppy.”
In addition to its strawberry program, Oppy delivers depth and breadth across the entire berry category, with year-round volumes of high-quality fruit in all key items.
About Oppy
Growing, marketing and distributing fresh produce from around the globe for over 165 years, Vancouver, BC-based Oppy discovers and delivers the best of the world’s harvest. With over 50 million boxes of fresh fruits and vegetables grown on every continent moving through its supply chain annually, Oppy offers popular favorites from avocados and berries to apples and oranges year-round, alongside innovative seasonal specialties. Over the years, Oppy has introduced North Americans to a number of items across its diverse produce range, including Granny Smith, JAZZ and Envy apples, as well as green and gold kiwifruit. Go to oppy.com to learn more.
About Dole
Dole Diversified Fresh Produce is part of Dole plc, a global leader in fresh produce. Dole plc grows, markets, and distributes an extensive variety of fresh fruits and vegetables sourced locally and from around the world. Dedicated and passionate in exceeding our customers’ requirements in over 85 countries, our goal is to make the world a healthier and more sustainable place. For more information, please visit www.dole.com or www.doleplc.com.
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With the release of new dietary guidelines, The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Agriculture recommend three servings of vegetables and two servings of fruit per day for a 2,000-calorie diet and clearly distinguish naturally occurring sugars in whole fruits from added sugars.
The overall emphasis is a diet centered on “real, whole foods.”
Mollie Van Lieu, Vice President of Nutrition and Health, International Fresh Fruit Association, said fruits and vegetables were a big part of the previous guidelines in MyPlate, and IFPA expected produce to have a prominent place in the new guidelines.
She said IFPA also supports the focus on reducing added sugars and highly processed foods that Americans often eat instead of fruits and vegetables.
“We’ve been vocal about added sugars and highly processed foods in the past, and we are now,” Van Lieu said.
She said children and their developing diets are receptive to foods high in sugar, and that can be a challenge for forging habits to consume fruits and vegetables.
She also said the government has not defined highly processed foods.
“We have to be cautiously optimistic because Americans haven’t followed the guidelines closely in the past,” she said.
Van Lieu said there is a strong emphasis on protein in the new guidelines, which IFPA isn’t opposed to, but it would have liked to see more emphasis on dietary fiber, which fruits and vegetables provide in abundance.
“Like fruits and vegetables, only about 10 percent of Americans get enough fiber in their diets,” she said.
By lgssale.com
LGS Specialty Sales of New Rochelle, NY, a leading importer of citrus, avocados, grapes, and persimmons, enters its Spanish persimmons season with strong supply driven by improved growing conditions and increased volumes compared to the 2024 season.
This year’s persimmons crop has benefited greatly from remarkably better weather during the growing season, including the absence of freezes which is historically common this time of year. Without the disruption of freezing weather, LGS has been able to position its crop for higher overall yields and strong, consistent supply.
“We are pleased not only with the favorable weather condition that we’ve experienced but also a year of increased supply compared to 2024,” said Lucio Rainelli, Director of Sales at LGS Specialty Sales.
The company anticipates its Spanish persimmons program to run through at least late January, providing an extended sales window for retailers. With volumes expected to exceed the previous season, LGS is positioned to not only support existing customers but open doors for new retail opportunities where persimmons can serve as a seasonal specialty item for shoppers.
LGS’ persimmons are of the Kaki variety with a flavor profile resembling Fuyu offering rich, sweet and creamy vanilla notes.
“Their uniquely sweet characteristics along with exclusive seasonality not only meets shoppers demand for specialty items but also offers customers a way to differentiate and expand their seasonal programs,” added Rainelli.
About LGS Specialty Sales, Ltd.
Born out of love of fresh produce and a desire to bring the world’s best-tasting fruit to U.S. shoppers, LGS Specialty Sales, Ltd. has been importing fruit from select growers around the world for more than 30 years. Today, LGS is a leading importer of clementines, oranges, avocados, grapes, lemons, Minneola’s, Cara Cara oranges and persimmons, with an industry-wide reputation for innovation and excellence in produce quality, service, packaging and food safety.
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The United States Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA NIFA) and the California Prune Board are leading large clinical trials at Penn State and San Diego State universities to evaluate the impact of prune consumption on bone density and strength in women during the mid-life hormonal transition.
New research is putting prunes under scientific scrutiny to determine whether eating as little as one to two ounces daily can slow osteoporosis development during menopause.
“This is the time when women are losing bone most rapidly,” says Mary Jane De Souza, main investigator at Penn State. “If we can show that a simple food like prunes can help slow that loss, it could change how we prevent osteoporosis.”
The research is funded through USDA NIFA’s Commodity Board Co-funding Topics program, part of the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative’s Foundational and Applied Sciences grants. Created under the 2014 Farm Bill, the program allows commodity boards to co-invest in federally supported research.
De Souza’s research centers on a three-year window around a woman’s final menstrual period. Bone loss at the hip and spine can reach six to seven percent during this period. Her team will study how a daily intake of about 1.8 ounces of prunes affects bone density, strength, inflammation, and gut health over 18 months.
At San Diego State University, Shirin Hooshmand is leading a separate long-term trial focused on women in late perimenopause. That study will also test whether a smaller, more practical daily intake of about 1.1 ounces provides comparable bone health benefits.
Earlier research led by Hooshmand beginning in the mid-2000s found that a daily intake of about 3.5 ounces of prunes preserved bone in postmenopausal women. Subsequent studies showed similar effects on bone density in men aged 50 and older, and that about 1.8 ounces per day prevented bone loss in postmenopausal women while improving bone density in younger women using hormonal contraceptives.
“Prunes are nutrient-rich, shelf-stable, affordable, and safe to eat every day,” Hooshmand explains. “We believe they could be a powerful tool to help women maintain strong bones through midlife.”
Osteoporosis affects about 10 million Americans, with an additional 44 million estimated to have low bone density, according to the Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation. The condition contributes to more than two million fractures annually, particularly among women over age 50.
The foundation estimates that one in two women and up to one in four men will experience an osteoporosis-related fracture during their lifetime. Osteoporosis-related fractures cost the US healthcare system about $19 billion each year, with costs projected to rise to $25.3 billion by 2025.
“Preventing just one hip fracture can save tens of thousands of dollars in medical costs,” De Souza says. “If prunes prove effective, the return on investment for public health will be massive.”
The Penn State study will run through 2029, while the San Diego State trial is scheduled to conclude in 2030. Both studies will track changes in bone density, inflammation, and gut health, with Hooshmand’s research also evaluating calcium metabolism.
“Women want non-medication options for osteoporosis prevention,” Hooshmand stressed. “We’re excited to continue to test one that’s as simple as eating a few prunes a day.”
The California Prune Board submitted prune consumption and bone health as a research topic for the fiscal year 2024 AFRI funding cycle. Following peer review, both university proposals received funding.
“We’ve long believed in the potential of prunes to support healthy aging, and we’re proud to partner on research that puts real science behind that promise,” said Donn Zea, executive director of the California Prune Board. “These studies could be game-changers, not just for our growers, but for millions of women seeking simple ways to protect their health.”
The US prune crop is valued at roughly $173 million annually and is grown on more than 40,000 acres. California accounts for virtually all domestic production and remains the world’s leading supplier of premium prunes.
Strawberry shipments from the Sunshine state have seasonally started and good quality fruit is being reported by The Florida Strawberry Growers Association of Plant City, FL.
Wish Farms, Plant City, FL started its season in late November and typically ships strawberries until April.
The company is growing four varieties, Brilliance, Medallion, Ember and Encore. The Ember and Encore are contributing to higher yields and productivity.
Wish Farms focuses on the eastern United States, although it ships all over the U.S. and Canada. However, its Florida strawberries tend to stay east, as there is a heavier supply of Mexican berries in other regions during this time.
“We ship all over the U.S. and Canada, but Florida strawberries tend to stay east, as there is a heavier supply of Mexican berries in other regions during this time,
Naturipe Farms, Salinas, CA, sees good prospects for its central Florida strawberry operations, which started harvesting in November.
Its peak supplies will occur in early 2026. Compared to last year, Naturipe did not have any major weather challenges and expects to have a great season. Naturipe Farms distributes its Florida strawberries primarily on the East Coast.
Grimes Produce Co., Plant City, FL, says Florida strawberries are in demand and Grimes does significant business within the state, but its strawberries find their fruit is shipped across the United States and Canada. A good portion of its product goes to Canada.
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Tallahassee, FL, reports Florida has over 15,000 acres of fresh strawberries in production, an increase of about 2,000 acres compared to last year.
Astin Strawberry Exchange has a new 100,000-square-foot facility and farms about 800 acres. This is the third cooler, which can hold 150,000 flats.
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Overseas market supply of onions has been strong and steady, which helps the U.S. provide a year around supply of the product.
According to Volza’s Onion Import data of United States, from November 2023 to October 2024, there were 3,789 onion importers in the U.S., importing from 4,071 suppliers globally.
Peruvian onion production has climbed to 591,000 tons by 2025, enabling a reliable, year-round U.S. supply.
A&J Produce Corp., Bronx, NY reports Peru and Mexico are the primary sources of onion imports, with less supplies from Chile.
Fewer countries are attempting exports to the U.S. and Canada because of strong domestic production and strict import standards. Also, growing demand for sweet onions has spurred more domestic production of these varieties.
G&R Farms Produce, Glennville, GA notes Peruvian sweet onions are available from Labor Day right through to Vidalia season. This allows a seamless year-round supply of sweet onions, bridging the gap until the Vidalia crop comes back into season in Georgia. The company is projecting an increase of about 3% to 5% more onions from Peru over last year.
JJB Family Farms, Escondido, CA, points out Mexican white onions are prevalent from February to May, while organic whites from Mexico are big from March through June. Peruvian yellow sweets typically hit the states at the end of October or early November.
Potandon Produce, Idaho Falls, ID, works primarily with U.S. growers to offer yellow, red, white and sweet onion varieties, while also supplementing with select imports from Peru and Mexico.
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Church Brothers Farms of Salinas, CA has announced completion of its acquisition of key assets and operations of Mann Packing from Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. solidifying the company’s leadership position in value-added vegetables and accelerating its long-term retail growth strategy.
The acquisition immediately expands Church Brothers’ annual volume with capacity to grow through the newly integrated Gonzales, CA facility: a 200,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art fresh-cut plant that includes 160,000 square feet of production and cold storage space, 40,000 square feet of offices, and
7.5 acres designated for future expansion.
With the acquisition now complete, Church Brothers becomes one of the only suppliers with the scale and capability to deliver a full retail fresh-vegetable offering – from value-added cut vegetables and packaged salads to specialty items and a broad assortment of field-packed products.
“This is a pivotal moment in our company’s growth,” said Brian Church, Chief Executive Officer at Church Brothers Farms. “By bringing Mann Packing into the Church Brothers family, we are significantly expanding our retail capabilities while sharpening our operational focus. We’re moving with urgency,
discipline, and ambition because our goal isn’t just to participate in the retail category; it’s to be a significant player.”
The acquisition allows Church Brothers to support both sides of its business more effectively. All retail processing will move to the Gonzales plant, providing year-round dedicated retail production while freeing up its San Juan Bautista, Yuma and Northern Mexico facilities for continued foodservice growth.
“This deal creates immediate advantages across our business,” said Jeff Church, Chief Operating Officer. “Retail customers gain a simplified, stable, single-location supply chain, while our foodservice customers benefit from expanded capacity and focus at our other facilities. It’s a meaningful win for our customers, our employees, and our long-term growth strategy.”
Founded in Salinas in 1937, Mann Packing is known for category-defining products such as Broccolini, Stringless Sugar Snap Peas, Broccoli Cole Slaw, and its leadership in cut vegetables and specialty items. Church Brothers will continue to nurture iconic trademarks like Broccolini while conducting a full evaluation of Mann’s branded products as part of the integration process.
“Mann’s has been an innovator in our valley for nearly nine decades,” said Brian Church. “We’re proud to steward that legacy forward—with the same commitment to quality and creativity, but now with the scale, farming network, and operational capabilities that only Church Brothers can provide.”
With full operational integration targeted for April 1, 2026, the combined organization will be focused on executing a strong launch year, expanding retail salad production, and leveraging its vertically integrated farming model to deliver consistent quality and supply across all channels.
For more information about the company and its products, visit ChurchBrothers.com.
About Church Brothers Farms
Church Brothers Farms is a vertically integrated family-owned and operated company that produces a full line of fresh vegetables year-round. Church Brothers has an in-house farming/harvest program and state of the art processing plants in the U.S. and Mexico. The Church family has a legacy of service and innovation in the Salinas Valley that spans multiple generations.
Broccoli and lettuce items from the Arizona/California desert growing regions have shown much improvement after a tumultuous start to the winter growing season, but weather-related quality challenges persist, according to Markon Cooperative of Salinas, CA.
Size, weights, and overall plant maturity have improved following a warm spell in mid-December, which is helping harvesting crews to manage some of the outer leaf defects in lettuce items.
Below are some of the defects being observed in key commodity items:
Broccoli
- Mildew pressure in some lots (variety and region-specific)
- Occasional pin rot
- Uneven sizing
Iceberg/Leaf Lettuce
- Bottom rot
- Mildew pressure
- Premature pinking
- Rib blight
- Shortened shelf-life
- Weak tip
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Global almond production is expected to rise next season, primarily thanks to increased output in the United States, the European Union, and Australia, according to the US Department of Agriculture.
The agency’s latest biannual report, Tree Nuts: World Markets and Trade, projects global almond production will increase by nearly 10 percent to 1.8 million metric tons (shelled), the highest since 2020-21.
The United States, the world’s leading almond producer, is forecast to harvest around 1.4 million tons, up 122,000 tons.
According to the agency, the US benefited from favorable spring temperatures and rainfall that supported crop development, leading to a 13 percent increase in output.
The European Union and Australia are also two major contributors to the global pot.
Global almond exports are forecast to reach 1.1 million tons, supported by a modest increase in trade from the United States and Australia.
EU imports are projected to rise by 10,000 tons to 275,000, while India’s imports are expected to increase slightly to 180,000.
The report notes that market gains will be partially offset by a nearly 25 percent decline in China’s imports to 100,000 tons, due to reduced shipments from the United States.
Tropical fruit grower and importer Tierra Suelta of Miami, FL reports plentiful volumes of premium Dragon Fruit are now available for shipping.
“We’ve entered peak Dragon Fruit season with 40,000 boxes arriving weekly,” said Steve Stutz, VP of
Sales. “For the next two months, our state-of-the-art packing facility in Ecuador will operate at capacity
to support promotable volumes of our highest quality Dragon Fruit. Tierra Suelta has the production,
logistics and infrastructure to meet the needs of major retailers throughout the holiday season and
beyond.”
Earlier this year, Tierra Suelta invested significantly in developing and building a state-of-the-art packing
facility dedicated to Dragon Fruit. The new facility is Global GAP and Primus certified. Through a
combination of automated processing and hand packing, Dragon Fruit shipments maintain cold chain
integrity and arrive to customers in North America in pristine condition.
Once considered an exotic novelty, Dragon Fruit continues to be a consumer favorite. According to
industry research, the US Dragon Fruit market is projected to reach $160 million by 2034. Tierra Suelta
is fully committed to helping retailers succeed with this popular fruit by providing an abundant supply of
fresh, sweet Dragon Fruit, along with in-store and online support to generate additional consumer
demand.
“In the winter months, the fruit’s vibrant color and festive appearance naturally enhances fruit platters
and decorative tablescapes,” said Adrian Abreu, CEO. “We have four varieties of Dragon Fruit—white,
red, yellow, and golden—all of which boast antioxidant-rich nutritional profiles. The fruit’s immunity boosting qualities also make it an ideal snack choice during cold-and-flu season.”
Dragon Fruit’s peak season will continue into February, with more limited quantities available for the
remainder of the year. In addition to Dragon Fruit, Tierra Suelta offers a wide variety of tropicals yearround. Other key items favored by consumers include Star Fruit, Thai Guava, Mamey, Tropical
Avocados, Malangas and more. Tierra Suelta’s customized packaging, merchandising support, shopper
information, and private label programs help retailers succeed in these verticals as well.
Tierra Suelta, which translates to “loose soil,” is a woman- and minority-owned, vertically-integrated
farming business that grows and ships tropical fruits, roots and specialty produce from its headquarters
in Miami.
About Tierra Suelta
Tierra Suelta, Inc. is a third-generation, Primus-certified, woman- and minority-owned grower, packer, shipper of tropical fruits. With a state-of-the-art packing and cooling facility located on their South Florida farm, and full-time agronomist on staff, Tierra Suelta provides premium fruit with exceptional flavor and quality. Tierra Suelta ships throughout North America and has a consistent, reliable year-round dragon fruit program.
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Premier grower, producer, sales, marketing and distribution company has announces the launch of its new Florida strawberry program, marking the company’s inaugural offering under the Dole label since its integration with Dole Diversified North America (DDNA) in October.
Production is underway, with promotable volumes expected from late January through early February.
Grown on more than 300 acres in Frostproof, Zolfo Springs, Dover and Plant City, Florida, the program features a strong lineup of premium conventional varieties in 1-lb and 2-lb packs. Favorable weather conditions to date have supported excellent fruit development and quality.
“This Florida production completes Oppy’s year-round supply of strawberries, which also includes central and Baja, Mexico and production up and down the California coast,” said Tony Colonna, senior berry category manager. “It allows us to diversify our supply with multiple regions simultaneously and keep customers’ shelves filled regardless of any weather interruptions in one of the major growing regions.”
With availability through March, Florida strawberry production provides an important strategic advantage through winter, providing reliable supply during a critical demand period and ensuring retailers can maintain strong category performance. Oppy’s business development representatives are actively setting up ads and providing promotional tools to drive sales at retail.
“The new volume expands the strength of our year-round berry portfolio under the widely recognized Dole brand,” Colonna said, citing a recent IPSOS survey that revealed a 54% unaided recognition of the popular fresh fruit label. “It’s exciting to bring this first large-scale Dole branded strawberry offering to the marketplace through Oppy.”
In addition to its strawberry program, Oppy delivers depth and breadth across the entire berry category, with year-round volumes of high-quality fruit in all key items.
About Oppy
Growing, marketing and distributing fresh produce from around the globe for over 165 years, Vancouver, BC-based Oppy discovers and delivers the best of the world’s harvest. With over 50 million boxes of fresh fruits and vegetables grown on every continent moving through its supply chain annually, Oppy offers popular favorites from avocados and berries to apples and oranges year-round, alongside innovative seasonal specialties. Over the years, Oppy has introduced North Americans to a number of items across its diverse produce range, including Granny Smith, JAZZ and Envy apples, as well as green and gold kiwifruit. Go to oppy.com to learn more.
About Dole
Dole Diversified Fresh Produce is part of Dole plc, a global leader in fresh produce. Dole plc grows, markets, and distributes an extensive variety of fresh fruits and vegetables sourced locally and from around the world. Dedicated and passionate in exceeding our customers’ requirements in over 85 countries, our goal is to make the world a healthier and more sustainable place. For more information, please visit www.dole.com or www.doleplc.com.
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With the release of new dietary guidelines, The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Agriculture recommend three servings of vegetables and two servings of fruit per day for a 2,000-calorie diet and clearly distinguish naturally occurring sugars in whole fruits from added sugars.
The overall emphasis is a diet centered on “real, whole foods.”
Mollie Van Lieu, Vice President of Nutrition and Health, International Fresh Fruit Association, said fruits and vegetables were a big part of the previous guidelines in MyPlate, and IFPA expected produce to have a prominent place in the new guidelines.
She said IFPA also supports the focus on reducing added sugars and highly processed foods that Americans often eat instead of fruits and vegetables.
“We’ve been vocal about added sugars and highly processed foods in the past, and we are now,” Van Lieu said.
She said children and their developing diets are receptive to foods high in sugar, and that can be a challenge for forging habits to consume fruits and vegetables.
She also said the government has not defined highly processed foods.
“We have to be cautiously optimistic because Americans haven’t followed the guidelines closely in the past,” she said.
Van Lieu said there is a strong emphasis on protein in the new guidelines, which IFPA isn’t opposed to, but it would have liked to see more emphasis on dietary fiber, which fruits and vegetables provide in abundance.
“Like fruits and vegetables, only about 10 percent of Americans get enough fiber in their diets,” she said.
By lgssale.com
LGS Specialty Sales of New Rochelle, NY, a leading importer of citrus, avocados, grapes, and persimmons, enters its Spanish persimmons season with strong supply driven by improved growing conditions and increased volumes compared to the 2024 season.
This year’s persimmons crop has benefited greatly from remarkably better weather during the growing season, including the absence of freezes which is historically common this time of year. Without the disruption of freezing weather, LGS has been able to position its crop for higher overall yields and strong, consistent supply.
“We are pleased not only with the favorable weather condition that we’ve experienced but also a year of increased supply compared to 2024,” said Lucio Rainelli, Director of Sales at LGS Specialty Sales.
The company anticipates its Spanish persimmons program to run through at least late January, providing an extended sales window for retailers. With volumes expected to exceed the previous season, LGS is positioned to not only support existing customers but open doors for new retail opportunities where persimmons can serve as a seasonal specialty item for shoppers.
LGS’ persimmons are of the Kaki variety with a flavor profile resembling Fuyu offering rich, sweet and creamy vanilla notes.
“Their uniquely sweet characteristics along with exclusive seasonality not only meets shoppers demand for specialty items but also offers customers a way to differentiate and expand their seasonal programs,” added Rainelli.
About LGS Specialty Sales, Ltd.
Born out of love of fresh produce and a desire to bring the world’s best-tasting fruit to U.S. shoppers, LGS Specialty Sales, Ltd. has been importing fruit from select growers around the world for more than 30 years. Today, LGS is a leading importer of clementines, oranges, avocados, grapes, lemons, Minneola’s, Cara Cara oranges and persimmons, with an industry-wide reputation for innovation and excellence in produce quality, service, packaging and food safety.
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The United States Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA NIFA) and the California Prune Board are leading large clinical trials at Penn State and San Diego State universities to evaluate the impact of prune consumption on bone density and strength in women during the mid-life hormonal transition.
New research is putting prunes under scientific scrutiny to determine whether eating as little as one to two ounces daily can slow osteoporosis development during menopause.
“This is the time when women are losing bone most rapidly,” says Mary Jane De Souza, main investigator at Penn State. “If we can show that a simple food like prunes can help slow that loss, it could change how we prevent osteoporosis.”
The research is funded through USDA NIFA’s Commodity Board Co-funding Topics program, part of the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative’s Foundational and Applied Sciences grants. Created under the 2014 Farm Bill, the program allows commodity boards to co-invest in federally supported research.
De Souza’s research centers on a three-year window around a woman’s final menstrual period. Bone loss at the hip and spine can reach six to seven percent during this period. Her team will study how a daily intake of about 1.8 ounces of prunes affects bone density, strength, inflammation, and gut health over 18 months.
At San Diego State University, Shirin Hooshmand is leading a separate long-term trial focused on women in late perimenopause. That study will also test whether a smaller, more practical daily intake of about 1.1 ounces provides comparable bone health benefits.
Earlier research led by Hooshmand beginning in the mid-2000s found that a daily intake of about 3.5 ounces of prunes preserved bone in postmenopausal women. Subsequent studies showed similar effects on bone density in men aged 50 and older, and that about 1.8 ounces per day prevented bone loss in postmenopausal women while improving bone density in younger women using hormonal contraceptives.
“Prunes are nutrient-rich, shelf-stable, affordable, and safe to eat every day,” Hooshmand explains. “We believe they could be a powerful tool to help women maintain strong bones through midlife.”
Osteoporosis affects about 10 million Americans, with an additional 44 million estimated to have low bone density, according to the Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation. The condition contributes to more than two million fractures annually, particularly among women over age 50.
The foundation estimates that one in two women and up to one in four men will experience an osteoporosis-related fracture during their lifetime. Osteoporosis-related fractures cost the US healthcare system about $19 billion each year, with costs projected to rise to $25.3 billion by 2025.
“Preventing just one hip fracture can save tens of thousands of dollars in medical costs,” De Souza says. “If prunes prove effective, the return on investment for public health will be massive.”
The Penn State study will run through 2029, while the San Diego State trial is scheduled to conclude in 2030. Both studies will track changes in bone density, inflammation, and gut health, with Hooshmand’s research also evaluating calcium metabolism.
“Women want non-medication options for osteoporosis prevention,” Hooshmand stressed. “We’re excited to continue to test one that’s as simple as eating a few prunes a day.”
The California Prune Board submitted prune consumption and bone health as a research topic for the fiscal year 2024 AFRI funding cycle. Following peer review, both university proposals received funding.
“We’ve long believed in the potential of prunes to support healthy aging, and we’re proud to partner on research that puts real science behind that promise,” said Donn Zea, executive director of the California Prune Board. “These studies could be game-changers, not just for our growers, but for millions of women seeking simple ways to protect their health.”
The US prune crop is valued at roughly $173 million annually and is grown on more than 40,000 acres. California accounts for virtually all domestic production and remains the world’s leading supplier of premium prunes.
Strawberry shipments from the Sunshine state have seasonally started and good quality fruit is being reported by The Florida Strawberry Growers Association of Plant City, FL.
Wish Farms, Plant City, FL started its season in late November and typically ships strawberries until April.
The company is growing four varieties, Brilliance, Medallion, Ember and Encore. The Ember and Encore are contributing to higher yields and productivity.
Wish Farms focuses on the eastern United States, although it ships all over the U.S. and Canada. However, its Florida strawberries tend to stay east, as there is a heavier supply of Mexican berries in other regions during this time.
“We ship all over the U.S. and Canada, but Florida strawberries tend to stay east, as there is a heavier supply of Mexican berries in other regions during this time,
Naturipe Farms, Salinas, CA, sees good prospects for its central Florida strawberry operations, which started harvesting in November.
Its peak supplies will occur in early 2026. Compared to last year, Naturipe did not have any major weather challenges and expects to have a great season. Naturipe Farms distributes its Florida strawberries primarily on the East Coast.
Grimes Produce Co., Plant City, FL, says Florida strawberries are in demand and Grimes does significant business within the state, but its strawberries find their fruit is shipped across the United States and Canada. A good portion of its product goes to Canada.
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Tallahassee, FL, reports Florida has over 15,000 acres of fresh strawberries in production, an increase of about 2,000 acres compared to last year.
Astin Strawberry Exchange has a new 100,000-square-foot facility and farms about 800 acres. This is the third cooler, which can hold 150,000 flats.
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Overseas market supply of onions has been strong and steady, which helps the U.S. provide a year around supply of the product.
According to Volza’s Onion Import data of United States, from November 2023 to October 2024, there were 3,789 onion importers in the U.S., importing from 4,071 suppliers globally.
Peruvian onion production has climbed to 591,000 tons by 2025, enabling a reliable, year-round U.S. supply.
A&J Produce Corp., Bronx, NY reports Peru and Mexico are the primary sources of onion imports, with less supplies from Chile.
Fewer countries are attempting exports to the U.S. and Canada because of strong domestic production and strict import standards. Also, growing demand for sweet onions has spurred more domestic production of these varieties.
G&R Farms Produce, Glennville, GA notes Peruvian sweet onions are available from Labor Day right through to Vidalia season. This allows a seamless year-round supply of sweet onions, bridging the gap until the Vidalia crop comes back into season in Georgia. The company is projecting an increase of about 3% to 5% more onions from Peru over last year.
JJB Family Farms, Escondido, CA, points out Mexican white onions are prevalent from February to May, while organic whites from Mexico are big from March through June. Peruvian yellow sweets typically hit the states at the end of October or early November.
Potandon Produce, Idaho Falls, ID, works primarily with U.S. growers to offer yellow, red, white and sweet onion varieties, while also supplementing with select imports from Peru and Mexico.
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Church Brothers Farms of Salinas, CA has announced completion of its acquisition of key assets and operations of Mann Packing from Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. solidifying the company’s leadership position in value-added vegetables and accelerating its long-term retail growth strategy.
The acquisition immediately expands Church Brothers’ annual volume with capacity to grow through the newly integrated Gonzales, CA facility: a 200,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art fresh-cut plant that includes 160,000 square feet of production and cold storage space, 40,000 square feet of offices, and
7.5 acres designated for future expansion.
With the acquisition now complete, Church Brothers becomes one of the only suppliers with the scale and capability to deliver a full retail fresh-vegetable offering – from value-added cut vegetables and packaged salads to specialty items and a broad assortment of field-packed products.
“This is a pivotal moment in our company’s growth,” said Brian Church, Chief Executive Officer at Church Brothers Farms. “By bringing Mann Packing into the Church Brothers family, we are significantly expanding our retail capabilities while sharpening our operational focus. We’re moving with urgency,
discipline, and ambition because our goal isn’t just to participate in the retail category; it’s to be a significant player.”
The acquisition allows Church Brothers to support both sides of its business more effectively. All retail processing will move to the Gonzales plant, providing year-round dedicated retail production while freeing up its San Juan Bautista, Yuma and Northern Mexico facilities for continued foodservice growth.
“This deal creates immediate advantages across our business,” said Jeff Church, Chief Operating Officer. “Retail customers gain a simplified, stable, single-location supply chain, while our foodservice customers benefit from expanded capacity and focus at our other facilities. It’s a meaningful win for our customers, our employees, and our long-term growth strategy.”
Founded in Salinas in 1937, Mann Packing is known for category-defining products such as Broccolini, Stringless Sugar Snap Peas, Broccoli Cole Slaw, and its leadership in cut vegetables and specialty items. Church Brothers will continue to nurture iconic trademarks like Broccolini while conducting a full evaluation of Mann’s branded products as part of the integration process.
“Mann’s has been an innovator in our valley for nearly nine decades,” said Brian Church. “We’re proud to steward that legacy forward—with the same commitment to quality and creativity, but now with the scale, farming network, and operational capabilities that only Church Brothers can provide.”
With full operational integration targeted for April 1, 2026, the combined organization will be focused on executing a strong launch year, expanding retail salad production, and leveraging its vertically integrated farming model to deliver consistent quality and supply across all channels.
For more information about the company and its products, visit ChurchBrothers.com.
About Church Brothers Farms
Church Brothers Farms is a vertically integrated family-owned and operated company that produces a full line of fresh vegetables year-round. Church Brothers has an in-house farming/harvest program and state of the art processing plants in the U.S. and Mexico. The Church family has a legacy of service and innovation in the Salinas Valley that spans multiple generations.
Broccoli and lettuce items from the Arizona/California desert growing regions have shown much improvement after a tumultuous start to the winter growing season, but weather-related quality challenges persist, according to Markon Cooperative of Salinas, CA.
Size, weights, and overall plant maturity have improved following a warm spell in mid-December, which is helping harvesting crews to manage some of the outer leaf defects in lettuce items.
Below are some of the defects being observed in key commodity items:
Broccoli
- Mildew pressure in some lots (variety and region-specific)
- Occasional pin rot
- Uneven sizing
Iceberg/Leaf Lettuce
- Bottom rot
- Mildew pressure
- Premature pinking
- Rib blight
- Shortened shelf-life
- Weak tip
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Global almond production is expected to rise next season, primarily thanks to increased output in the United States, the European Union, and Australia, according to the US Department of Agriculture.
The agency’s latest biannual report, Tree Nuts: World Markets and Trade, projects global almond production will increase by nearly 10 percent to 1.8 million metric tons (shelled), the highest since 2020-21.
The United States, the world’s leading almond producer, is forecast to harvest around 1.4 million tons, up 122,000 tons.
According to the agency, the US benefited from favorable spring temperatures and rainfall that supported crop development, leading to a 13 percent increase in output.
The European Union and Australia are also two major contributors to the global pot.
Global almond exports are forecast to reach 1.1 million tons, supported by a modest increase in trade from the United States and Australia.
EU imports are projected to rise by 10,000 tons to 275,000, while India’s imports are expected to increase slightly to 180,000.
The report notes that market gains will be partially offset by a nearly 25 percent decline in China’s imports to 100,000 tons, due to reduced shipments from the United States.
Tropical fruit grower and importer Tierra Suelta of Miami, FL reports plentiful volumes of premium Dragon Fruit are now available for shipping.
“We’ve entered peak Dragon Fruit season with 40,000 boxes arriving weekly,” said Steve Stutz, VP of
Sales. “For the next two months, our state-of-the-art packing facility in Ecuador will operate at capacity
to support promotable volumes of our highest quality Dragon Fruit. Tierra Suelta has the production,
logistics and infrastructure to meet the needs of major retailers throughout the holiday season and
beyond.”
Earlier this year, Tierra Suelta invested significantly in developing and building a state-of-the-art packing
facility dedicated to Dragon Fruit. The new facility is Global GAP and Primus certified. Through a
combination of automated processing and hand packing, Dragon Fruit shipments maintain cold chain
integrity and arrive to customers in North America in pristine condition.
Once considered an exotic novelty, Dragon Fruit continues to be a consumer favorite. According to
industry research, the US Dragon Fruit market is projected to reach $160 million by 2034. Tierra Suelta
is fully committed to helping retailers succeed with this popular fruit by providing an abundant supply of
fresh, sweet Dragon Fruit, along with in-store and online support to generate additional consumer
demand.
“In the winter months, the fruit’s vibrant color and festive appearance naturally enhances fruit platters
and decorative tablescapes,” said Adrian Abreu, CEO. “We have four varieties of Dragon Fruit—white,
red, yellow, and golden—all of which boast antioxidant-rich nutritional profiles. The fruit’s immunity boosting qualities also make it an ideal snack choice during cold-and-flu season.”
Dragon Fruit’s peak season will continue into February, with more limited quantities available for the
remainder of the year. In addition to Dragon Fruit, Tierra Suelta offers a wide variety of tropicals yearround. Other key items favored by consumers include Star Fruit, Thai Guava, Mamey, Tropical
Avocados, Malangas and more. Tierra Suelta’s customized packaging, merchandising support, shopper
information, and private label programs help retailers succeed in these verticals as well.
Tierra Suelta, which translates to “loose soil,” is a woman- and minority-owned, vertically-integrated
farming business that grows and ships tropical fruits, roots and specialty produce from its headquarters
in Miami.
About Tierra Suelta
Tierra Suelta, Inc. is a third-generation, Primus-certified, woman- and minority-owned grower, packer, shipper of tropical fruits. With a state-of-the-art packing and cooling facility located on their South Florida farm, and full-time agronomist on staff, Tierra Suelta provides premium fruit with exceptional flavor and quality. Tierra Suelta ships throughout North America and has a consistent, reliable year-round dragon fruit program.
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