Bozzuto's Inc. will be handling Tasmanian cherries for the first time in its 75-history, according to Greg Veneziano, the wholesale grocer's vice president of perishables.

The first air shipment of cherries is expected to arrive in the United States the week of Jan. 8, he told The Produce News Wednesday, Jan. 3. He expects to have Tasmanian cherries for about two months, from early January to early March.

For the first time ever, the Idaho Potato Lovers retail display contest will award three grand prizes in 2024: Each lucky random sweepstake winner will take home a high-end Traeger meat smoker and complete smoking kit, perfect for backyard get-togethers featuring Idaho spuds.

The Arizona/California desert region experienced light lettuce ice this morning as temperatures dropped into the mid-30s to low 40s. According to Markon officials, harvesting delays of up to two hours are expected and will likely lead to loading delays for desert row crop items.

More light-moderate ice is expected tomorrow, Jan. 6, before a strong low-pressure system drops on Sunday, bringing gusty winds and a small chance for light rain.

Honeybear Brands, a leading grower, packer, shipper and developer of premium apples, is delighting retailers and shoppers with its growing supply of the late-season EverCrisp variety.  With a robust fall apple season in the rear-view mirror, EverCrisp provides key differentiators in the late-season apple market that appeals to year-round fruit enthusiasts.

For up-to-the-minute produce category news and analysis, there’s no better resource than an agricultural commission with boots on the ground.

BJ's Wholesale Club will open its club in North Jacksonville, FL, store  on Friday, Jan. 12 — the retailer's 37th club in Florida. Once the club is open, BJ’s will donate unsold produce, meat and dairy to the Feeding Northeast Florida food bank every week to support families in need.

In addition to saving on fresh foods, produce, full-service deli items, fresh bakery goods and household essentials, customers will have access to a BJ's Gas location on-site.