Now in its seventh year, Nogales, AZ-based iDeal HarBest experienced a record year in 2022 and is poised for further growth with plans to add to its product line.

“We had a record year last year, and we started with a bang this year, so that has been very exciting for us,” said Manny Fajardo, a partner in the business, who leads the company’s sales and marketing efforts. “In fact, our sales in January 2023 alone exceeded our entire first year in business in 2017.”

PepsiCo announced a $216 million multi-year investment in long-term, strategic partnership agreements with three farmer-facing organizations — Practical Farmers of Iowa, Soil and Water Outcomes Fund and the IL Corn Growers Association — to drive adoption of regenerative agriculture practices across the United States.

Salix Fruits, a global import-export produce company based in Atlanta, but with offices in Philadelphia, Chicago, South Africa and Argentina, has more than 15 years of experience in the fresh fruit business and recently added a processed foods unit.

The company, which works with more than 80 loyal growers in 18 countries, and has 400 customers in 57 countries, has a wide portfolio of more than 25 produce items, focusing on apples, lemons, oranges, tangerines, pears and grapes.  

Constant increasing operating costs, lower revenue, staffing shortages, high inflation prices, consumer resistance and negative economic news have created a pessimistic attitude — for everybody.

Many business operators are becoming plagued with fear as to what lies ahead. That same feeling looms over the consumers as well. Families are feeling the pressure of escalating costs — specifically around food.

TUBAC, AZ – The Sonoran table grape crop for 2023 is projected to be 21.7 million boxes, an increase of 1.32 percent over 2022’s 21.4 million-box crop.

The estimate was presented by Marco Antonio Camou, president of the Mexican table grape importers association known as AALPUM, at the Mexico Table Grapes Spring Summit March 22, held at the Tubac Golf Resort, here.

Camou said the numbers are based on a survey sent to growers requesting information on varieties per area.

United Natural Foods Inc. promoted two senior leaders to better align leadership teams and resources to drive its customer-centric strategy and transformation agenda. This agenda is aimed at enhancing shareholder value creation by improving the company’s customer and supplier experience and increasing operating efficiency. Erin Horvath has been appointed to the position of chief operating officer and Louis Martin has been named president of wholesale.