As Mexican grape season approaches, Grapeco Farms is positioning itself for another strong year, backed by expanded plantings, new varieties and a continued focus on quality. Founded by industry veterans Jared Lane and Robert Cadena, the Shafter, CA -based company has built a year-round grape program through strategic partnerships in Mexico, California and South America, with Mexican production serving as a cornerstone of its business.

We’re in the transition window. Product is shifting, crews are adjusting and markets are starting to climb. The first full week of April marks a key shift across the industry, as processors make their move back to Salinas and the spring transition gets under way. As expected, the move doesn’t come without some friction. 

As America gears up for its 250th anniversary, CMI Orchards is bringing the celebration to retail with a special edition American Dream program featuring eye-catching, limited-edition packaging and point-of sale materials designed to capture the spirit and pride of the season while inspiring shoppers.  

Blue Banner Co.’s sales arm, Goody, has expanded its sales team with the addition of several seasoned professionals, positioning the innovative brand to better serve growers and navigate logistics with enhanced efficiency.

With the start of this year’s grapefruit season, Goody welcomed Jennifer Burgess, Lorena Harun, Katharine Lopez, Tom Mosely, Joey Mazzetti, Fernando Guzman and Juan Medina.

Ippolito International hired Neftaly Vargas, account manager, to its sales team. Vargas joins the company recently from Braga Fresh, where she focused on value-added programs and supported customer relations and account growth. Prior to that, Vargas’ work experience includes tenure at Tanimura & Antle, initially in the finance area then moving into foodservice and retail sales roles.

Stemilt Growers, Licenses for Fruits and Plants and Brandt’s Fruit Trees have signed a commercial agreement to grow the KIR series of cherries, a premium selection of late and ultra-late, dark-sweet and blush cherries bred in Germany. This partnership brings together three multigeneration, family-owned-and-operated organizations with a shared passion for innovation in tree fruit and a commitment to delivering exceptional fruit to consumers.