The Save Mart Cos. announced that Kingswood Capital Management LP has acquired the company. Kingswood is an operationally focused private equity firm based in Los Angeles, with significant experience in the retail sector. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Mission Produce Inc. is a leader in distributing fresh Hass avocados. The company said increased volume is expected by the industry for this year’s California season. Stephen Fink, vice president of North American Sales said, “the season is off to a strong start, with peak harvest expected between May and July. Industry volume is anticipated to be higher than last year at around 306 million pounds, with sizing currently on the smaller side.”

Added volume and smaller overall sizing has been a general refrain among California growers.

As the industry celebrates National Farmworker Awareness Week, Homegrown Organic Farms announced its Northwest organic blueberry farms in Oregon have earned Equitable Food Initiative certification. The farms join Homegrown Organic Farms’ stone fruit program, which became EFI certified in 2020, further demonstrating the company’s dedication to its employees and associates. As a newly formed ESOP, Homegrown has partnered with its sister company to achieve and roll out this new certification. 

This year, the Louisiana Sweet Potato Commission is celebrating its 70th anniversary representing sweet potato growers, shippers and processors.

Taylor Farms was recognized as Walmart’s 2022 Supplier of the Year within the Food category, announced at the 2022 Walmart Supplier Growth Forum. This recognition shines a light on Taylor Farms’ role as a consistent top performer and supplier within Walmart’s produce and deli sectors.

Ask the average U.S. citizen about the significance of Cinco de Mayo, and the vast majority will shrug their shoulders and incorrectly guess Independence Day in Mexico.