Posts Tagged “feature”
Sunrise Kiwi of Gridley, CA is one of the first kiwifruit growers in California, which was introduced to the state in the 1960s. The company reports 98 percent of the kiwifruit consumed in the US comes from California growers.
Although the fruit’s quality benefited from the great weather, the company notes California’s northern and central growers project a harvest decrease of about 10 percent this season compared with last year.
The reason for the projected decline isn’t known for sure, but it could be related to the excessive heat last year during growing season. That might have had an impact on bud development.
Kiwi is available to north American consumers not only because of California production, but imports coming from New Zealand and Chile.
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Pacific Produce of Miami, FL has been importing asparagus for over 20 years, beginning with its own production from Peru in 2002.
First grown by its closely affiliated grower Agrokasa, the company has expanded its imported asparagus program, working with additional growers in both Peru and Mexico.
Pacific Produce notes this has allowed the company to become a year-round supplier continuously for the past 23 years. In a recent announcement the company revealed its Peruvian grower, Agrokasa, is making a return with a new investment of 600 hectares of asparagus in Pisco, Peru.”
The new planting are scheduled to begin in 2026. Agrokasa’s Pisco project encompasses 5,930 acres where the company is already cultivating avocados, blueberries and grapes.
Imported asparagus is a popular commodity in the United States, and Agrokasa’s project will help reverse the declining trend. Agrokasa began producing, exporting and marketing asparagus in 1997. In 2007, it set a record, exporting 2.4 million boxes from 3,682 acres, which represented 13 percent of Peru’s asparagus industry that year.
When its new acreage is in full production, it will once again rival those numbers and maintain its position as one of Peru’s top asparagus producers. For its part, Pacific Produce also remains committed to the commodity and is continually looking for opportunities to increase its asparagus program with its many growers.
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The acquisition of SpartanNash Co. has been completed by C&S Wholesale Grocers LLC.
The combined company employs more than 30,000 team members and operates almost 60 complementary distribution centers covering the U.S. It serves close to 10,000 independent retail locations, as well as military commissaries and exchanges, with more than 200 corporate-run grocery stores, according to a news release.
“The combination of these two great companies creates a platform for future success. As ONE, we bring the best team in the industry to provide advanced solutions to ensure braggingly happy customers and feed our communities for generations to come,” says Eric Winn, CEO of C&S Wholesale Grocers.
The industry continues to evolve at a rapid pace, the company says in the release, “and both our customers and our own businesses must evolve at or ahead of that pace, to compete effectively and win. The integration of two industry-leading companies will drive an even better service experience for chain, independent and military customers across the nation, with the right products at the right prices to support tailored assortments.”
SpartanNash President and CEO Tony Sarsam, who will now serve as an adviser for a transitionary period with the combined company, says, “We are grateful to our associates, customers and partners who have supported us throughout this process. Our combined capabilities will create meaningful new opportunities for our people, customers and shoppers as we continue to deliver the ingredients for a better life.”
“Our goal is to build a company that will redefine our industry and drive future growth for the next phase of our collective legacy as the best food solutions company in the industry,” says Rick Cohen, executive chairman.
Creekside Organics of Bakersfield, CA, a grower-shipper representing family farms across California, is celebrating the arrival of citrus season with earlier start dates and expanded programs.
The company is also proud to announce the debut of the first certified organic Dulce mandarins in the U.S, sold under their Fruit World label.
The season has already begun with organic California lemons out of the D3 growing region, harvested about four weeks earlier than last year. Organic grapefruit and sweet limes are kicking off this week, with mandarins following.
Organic navels are on track for early November, and Cara Caras will start in December, expanded by three locks that obtained organic certification this year.
Operational improvements supported Creekside’s growth this season. The Reedley packing facility, previously operated by Eastside Packing, is now leased by Cobblestone Fruit, whose leadership and investment are positioning the site for continued growth. This transition strengthens Creekside’s relationship with the operation and supports the consistency and capacity of its citrus programs. Importantly, customers will not see any changes to Fruit World packs.
One highlight of this season is the introduction of Fruit World’s organic Dulce mandarins. Developed by co-CEO Bianca Kaprielian’s father and harvested just before clementines, Dulce mandarins completed their three-year organic transition this year, allowing Creekside to bring them to market as certified organic for the first time.
“This variety is really special to us—sweet, tangy, and the first organic mandarin of the season,” said Kaprielian. “It’s a true celebration of what makes citrus season so exciting.”
Kaprielian also highlighted another family favorite: organic clementines from Sky Ranch, grown in an area known for its mineral-rich soils and unique hillside microclimate. “These mandarins are hands down the best you’ll eat all season,” she said. The mandarins from Sky Ranch will be ready in mid to late November and are not to be missed.
Creekside is building consistency across its organic lemon program with expanded acreage, ensuring a year-round supply for retailers. “Shoppers rely on lemons, so they are a great way to drive repeat sales,” said co-CEO Brenda Haught.
On the specialty side, Cara Cara production is also ramping up thanks to young blocks coming into maturity. This gives retailers more opportunities to promote this consumer favorite, which is known for its bright color and sweet-tangy flavor. Creekside also increased volume on kumquats, Minneolas, and blood oranges. Sweet limes are poised to stand out this season thanks to their unique flavor and versatility in cooking and juicing.
About Creekside Organics, Inc.
Creekside Organics, Inc. is a leading certified organic grower-shipper based in California, sourcing from organic farms across California and Mexico. Offering year-round organic fruit and vegetable programs, Creekside is dedicated to expanding market reach for its growers, preserving family farms, and upholding the highest standards of environmental sustainability. Through a growing family of brands—including Fruit World and Capay Organics—Creekside continues to build a stronger, more resilient future for organic agriculture.
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Bolthouse Fresh Foods of Bakersfield, CA, North America’s carrot leader, is proud to announce its operational expansion into the Southeast region of the United States with an additional growing and packing facility in Sparks, Georgia, near Valdosta.
The Sparks facility represents a key milestone in Bolthouse Fresh Foods strategic growth, significantly expanding its agricultural and operational footprint and strengthening its distribution network in the Southeast.
This investment ensures a more efficient supply chain and improves service for customers across the region. Planting is already underway, with the first harvest expected in January—ensuring fresh, high-quality carrots are ready for consumers to enjoy at the start of the year.
“Establishing operations in Sparks, Georgia, marks an exciting chapter for Bolthouse Fresh Foods,” said Timothy Escamilla, Chief Executive Officer. “This investment expands our capacity, strengthens our supply, and elevates how we serve our customers—ensuring we can capture growth, meet rising demand, and drive category growth.”
Escamilla added, “Equally important, we’re excited to support the Sparks community with new job opportunities and local partnerships, creating long-term value for the region while advancing our mission to nourish people with fresh, nutritious food.”
This expansion builds on Bolthouse Fresh Foods’ legacy of delivering fresh, nutritious, and great-tasting carrots. With over 100 years of expertise in distribution efficiency and supply chain excellence, it underscores the company’s commitment to long-term growth and continued leadership in the industry.
About Bolthouse Fresh Foods
Headquartered in the heart of California’s Central Valley, Bolthouse Fresh Foods has been a trusted name in produce since 1915. As one of North America’s largest growers, packers, and distributors of fresh carrots, we serve a full range of eating occasions—from healthy snacking to meal prep staples. With a dedicated team of 1,600 employees across our growing, harvesting, and processing operations, we cultivate and distribute fresh carrots year-round through an integrated network that includes efficient rail shipping to our distribution center in Hodgkins, Illinois. You’ll find Bolthouse Fresh products in major retailers across the U.S. and in foodservice and manufacturing channels nationwide. In 2025, Bolthouse Fresh Foods was recognized by Fast Company as one of North America’s Most Innovative Companies, a testament to our commitment to bringing fresh thinking to the produce aisle.
Sun Belle of Schiller Park, IL is proud to announce the expansion of its strawberry program through new grower partnerships in Central Florida.
This strategic addition will round out Sun Belle’s robust year-round supply of fresh berries.
Central Florida is renowned for its thriving winter strawberry crop, producing fruit with exceptional flavor from late November to early April. In partnership with veteran Plant City, Florida growers, Sun Belle will offer top-performing Florida strawberry varieties, including the Florida Brilliance, Florida Ember, Florida Encore and Sweet Sensation, throughout the upcoming winter season.
This Florida crop will complement Sun Belle’s existing production in Baja California and Central Mexico, creating a seamless supply calendar for retail partners.
“This expansion truly aligns with where Sun Belle is as a whole – we are growing rapidly and making strategic, forward-thinking moves that strengthen our supply chain and ensure our retail partners can meet their consumer demand every week of the year,” said JC Clinard, CEO of Frutura’s Berry Division. “It also hits close to home for me. With Plant City being my home base, I’ve come to personally know and trust this passionate community of growers.”
Taylor Hazelwood, Vice President of Sales at Sun Belle, added, “Our experienced team has built a truly notable berry program over the years. The addition of Florida’s winter crop allows us to continue to provide our retail customers with berries that meet our high-quality standards and satisfy the continued consumer demand for flavorful strawberries every month of the year. It’s an exciting growth opportunity for our retail relationships and for our brand.”
Sun Belle’s Director of Marketing, Hailey Clark, emphasized the program’s alignment with the company’s brand promise and shares that the excitement doesn’t stop here.
“This Florida program is one of many steps Sun Belle is taking to deliver on our brand promise of quality, reliability, and innovation. Our team has been strategically developing new offerings like unique on-the-go blueberry packaging and premium berry programs – initiatives designed to excite loyal berry consumers while also attracting new ones. We’re eager to share these innovations with our family of retail partners.”
About Sun Belle
Founded in 1986 and a member of the Frutura company, Sun Belle LLC. markets and distributes the finest berries, including blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, and golden berries. Known for exceptional quality, innovative programs, and dependable supply, Sun Belle serves leading retailers, wholesalers, and foodservice providers year-round.
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An increase of 15 percent in Peruvian citrus exports is reported of this time last year, according to Producers Association (ProCitrus). The increase reveals a recovery from last year’s inclement weather releated season.
Volumes are up across nearly all citrus categories, except for grapefruit and W. Murcott mandarins, which declined 18 percent. The decline grapefruit was due to weather-related issues while the decrease in W. Murcott volumes is probably due to a strong 2024 season.
Despite the decline for W. Murcott, total mandarin exports have grown 10 percent in volume this year.
The US remains the top export market for Peruvian citrus, though volumes shipped there have decreased five percent as exporters diversify to other markets. ProCitrus is pursuing expanded market access for mandarins in Asia, including Japan, Thailand, the Philippines, and Korea.
The mandarin season was completed in September, while lemon and grapefruit shipments got underway in October.
Peruvian Minneola tangelo exports reached 21.17 million pounds (9,604 metric tons) through late August, a 28.76 percent increase over the same period in 2024.
Europe remains the primary destination for Peruvian Minneola tangelos, with smaller volumes going to the United States.
Registered dietitian Lauren Manaker decided to test the old saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” So she did just that—she ate one Honeycrisp apple every day for a week and wrote about her experience for health site Prevention.
By the end of the week, the dietician says she had a more regular digestion and improved energy levels.
We know that fruits and vegetables are essential for a healthy diet. Apples, in particular, are packed with many nutrients our bodies need to function smoothly, such as vitamin C and antioxidants. The pome fruit also includes a good amount of fiber, essential for gut health.
The Dietary Reference Intake for fiber for adult women and men in the US is 25 and 38 grams, respectively. However, most Americans consume only about half of the recommended daily amount.
Most common-sized, 140-gram apples have over two grams of fiber. So next time you want to increase your fiber intake and support more regular bowel movements, consider adding a Pink Lady or Fuji to your diet.
In her recount, Manaker clarified that she would only eat Honeycrisps, as she preferred them to other varieties because of their crunch and taste.
It’s rare not to find an apple that suits most palates. But if you’re not the biggest fan of this fruit and are looking for a fiber-rich alternative, the beloved pear is a great choice.
These pome fruits have an even higher fiber content than their cousin. It’s not a contest, but a 140-gram pear has over four grams of fiber and, just like apples, pears are also a good source of vitamins K and C and copper.
Both are great sources of antioxidants as well as soluble and insoluble fiber. If you enjoy both fruits and want a high-fiber diet, you should alternate between the two.
If you are looking to load produce out of the West this week, it may be slim pickings, unless you’re hauling something out of storage.
Persistent storms across California and Mexico are trimming yields and muddying harvest schedules, sending prices higher across the board, which will be reflected at your local supermarket.
From strawberries to lettuce, it’s shaping up to be a damp October for produce haulers.
With strawberry prices at a 10-year high, this reflects the plunge in volume and available loads.
Rain is affecting the shipments of strawberries grown in Mexico and in Southern and Central California. Reports show supplies in all Western growing regions are at 50 percent or less than what they were this time last year.
Growers in Central Mexico should start harvesting in two weeks, and growers in Western Mexico in six weeks. Unfortunately, there are few signs of strawberry loadings improving significantly.
Meanwhile, a similar situation exists with watermelons shipments. Rain in Mexico is curbing supply and causing prices soar. Cooler fall weather is phasing out domestic production.
Lettuce loading opportunities also have bee adversely affected by the wet weather in the west. Shipments will be limited as the transition continues from the Huron district in the San Joaquin Valley to growing areas in the deserts of California and Arizona.
Finally, the last piece of bad news in regards to tomatoes.
Average tomato prices are up +41 percent over the previous week. Local tomato supplies are coming to an end with the cooler fall weather. In the East, Virginia, Tennessee, and North Carolina are done, and growers in South Georgia and Florida are ramping up production. In addition, rainfall in Baja has significantly reduced crossings.
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Blazer Wilkinson Gee (BWG) of Salinas, CA has announced that its Foxy brand blueberries have begun arriving on the East Coast.
With an expanded offering of high-quality fruit from South America, BWG will now be able to supply its customers with premium blueberries on a nearly year-round basis. BWG’s retail partners can expect the same level of service and high-quality product that has established BWG as one of the leading suppliers of fresh strawberries throughout the United States.
“We’re taking our proven track record of strawberry best practices and developing partnerships with growers across the globe who share our values and attention to detail. This allows our retail partners to keep their blueberry category consistently performing throughout the year,” said Jack Wilkinson, head of sales at BWG.
For over half a century, the Foxy brand has been one of the most trusted names in produce. BWG remains committed to bringing retailers high-quality fruit from a brand that shoppers know and trust. The company is poised to work with retailers on year-round programs designed to build the berry category and satisfy the growing demand for healthy, delicious produce that fits the lifestyle needs of their shoppers 365 days a year
“While we’ve grown significantly, we’re still a family-run organization based out of Salinas, California, and our partners can expect us to treat them like family,” Wilkinson continued. “Our team of multigenerational experts is passionate about delivering berry excellence with everything we ship, and our partners can trust us to deliver on schedule and on spec.”
About Blazer Wilkinson Gee
Based in Salinas, California with farms across North and South America, Blazer Wilkinson Gee (BWG) is a year-round grower and shipper of strawberries and blueberries and marketer of grapes, citrus and cherries. The company’s berries are available nationwide in the Foxy label, as well as in a variety of different packaging configurations to fit any market format. BWG’s vertically integrated growing, packing and shipping network is managed by its multigenerational team of like-minded professionals who are passionate about delivering ultra-high-quality berries to markets throughout North America.