Vanguard Food LP, a privately held produce industry joint venture between Kennedy Lewis Investment Management, Sweat Equities and Village Farms International, closed a transaction that created a new, emerging leader in the North American produce industry.

With a 22 percent boost in entries this year, the 2025 Idaho Potato Lovers Display Contest put the spotlight on even more retail produce departments around the country — including nearly 140 winners of $150,000-plus in cash and prizes.

California stone fruit is rolling in with robust volume — and the fruit quality is outstanding as usual. Peaches, nectarines, apricots are readily available with plums starting up soon. The California cherry supply is 50 percent lighter this year due to weather-related complications during bloom, but from all indications Washington should have a very good cherry crop.

As economic pressure continues to shape consumer choices, a clear trend is emerging: people are finding small, health-forward ways to treat themselves, and blueberries are leading the way. Demand is growing for high-quality, premium blueberries that deliver flavor and freshness, particularly among two distinct groups of shoppers.

The International Fresh Produce Association is set to host The Washington Conference June 9-11, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers and advocates to champion and safeguard the future of fresh produce. This pivotal event unites attendees from the fresh produce and floral industries to engage directly with policymakers on key issues that impact the sector.

For officials at Sunny Valley International, it is all about their partnerships with growers and retailers that ultimately will impact consumer shopping behavior.

The 39-year-old company, based in Collingswood, NJ, has developed a well-earned reputation for working closely with all parts of the produce industry to ensure that quality products get to store shelves in a timely manner and, more importantly, consumers keep coming back for more because of their great quality.