The fresh produce industry is mourning the loss of longtime industry leader Larry Brown, who passed away April 30 in Orlando, FL, surrounded by family. Known throughout the business as a mentor, relationship-builder and passionate advocate for the produce industry, Brown spent decades helping shape the foodservice and fresh produce distribution sectors.   Most recently, […]

Are you aware of your produce shrink percentage? Do you know how much revenue you’re losing because of it?   Surprisingly, some produce department managers have little to no understanding of the shrink they experience. Others lack any system to track or address it. Left unchecked, shrink can lead to significant financial losses.   We’ve […]

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is moving to purchase up to $118 million in agricultural commodities from American farmers and producers, with a significant share directed toward fruit, in an effort to support markets while supplying food banks and nutrition assistance programs nationwide.    The buying effort, led by the Agricultural Marketing Service, includes $55 […]

As the summer gets underway, retailers and suppliers are sharpening their focus on one key theme when it comes to produce: value. With inflation still shaping consumer behavior, recent industry messaging and updates from retailers and produce organizations point to a coordinated push to position fresh fruits and vegetables as both affordable and versatile options […]

With May’s arrival, California stone fruit is officially in season and available for retail promotion. Early harvest apricots are coming in first, boasting exceptional quality, though a smaller crop may lead to an earlier finish. Cherries are also being shipped out but are priced higher due to a shortened season caused by late rainfall, which […]