The apple and pear season started three weeks ago with early Bon Chretien pears and so far, the crop is looking very good.

Vanguard is seeing growth in the apple and pear industry that can be attributed to the replanting of orchards that followed the drought the region had years previously. This along with the second great winter season replenishing all water reserves leaves South African growers with a very positive outlook for the 2022 season.

The Canadian Produce Marketing Association, in collaboration with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and other business leaders and organizations across Canada, signed an open letter calling on elected officials at all levels of government to end the ongoing blockades.

The fresh produce industry has experienced several challenges over the past two years including, labor shortages, supply chain disruptions, weather-related disasters, and more.

As avocado prices reached near record highs leading up to one of the biggest avocado consumption days, yesterday’s Super Bowl, the United States has temporarily suspended Mexican avocado imports. The suspension was put into place Saturday night after a U.S. plant safety inspector received a threatening phone call.

Peapod Digital Labs, the digital, commercial and e-commerce arm of the Ahold Delhaize USA brands, announced that Ian Prisuta joined the company as senior vice president, private brands. Prisuta will lead the team responsible for delivering a full suite of private brands services from new product development to innovation, product packaging and design, quality, product integrity and sustainability to the local brands of Ahold Delhaize USA.

As DiMare begins its 94th year, Paul DiMare, chief executive officer and president of DiMare Fresh, announced that Tony and Scott DiMare will assume expanded leadership roles in the family business. Prior to the announcement, both Scott and Tony had served as vice presidents of DiMare Homestead & DiMare Ruskin and Tony served as an executive vice president for DiMare Fresh. Tony will continue his responsibilities with the Florida locations and expand his role in DiMare Fresh to serve as the president.

South Mill Champs, one of the largest high-quality mushroom growers in North America, announced it has expanded its Atlanta distribution center.  In addition, the company acquired substantially all of the operating assets and name of Seven Stars, Inc., a potato and onion distributor which services the U.S. Southeast.