Applewood Fresh Growers LLC is a fourth-generation grower, packer, shipper and marketer whose roots go back to 1935. The company is owned by the Swindeman family, who also own Applewood orchards—a grower and packer of apples located in southeast Michigan.

“Apples are the main produce item we sell, accounting for 95 percent of what we do, but we also sell some Michigan asparagus,” said Brian J Coates, vice president of sales and business development for the Sparta, MI-based company.

The New England Produce Council kicked off its annual Produce, Floral & Foodservice Expo Wednesday evening, Aug. 24, with two opening cocktail receptions, held at The Sporting Club at the Omni at the Seaport Hotel, in Boston. Coast to Coast Produce and North Bay Produce co-sponsored the VIP Reception, and 4M Fruit Distributors sponsored the Cocktail Reception, according to NEPC Executive Director Laura Sullivan.

Chicago-based FOODWORKS, a restaurant incubator that specializes in unique dining solutions throughout the country, has launched GREEN Powered by FOODWORKS in partnership with Produce For Better Health Foundation, the nonprofit organization powering the Have A Plant Movement to advance fruit and vegetable consumption in America. GREEN’s launch this September 2022 coincides with National Fruits & Veggies Month – an annual, month-long celebration to inspire greater consumption of fruits and vegetables and elevate consumption as a national priority.

A recent study by the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Science found the shelf-life of grape tomatoes can be dramatically improved using an innovative postharvest solution by Verdant Technologies. The research team, led by Dr. Steven A. Sargent, conducted a variety of tests on grape tomatoes, examining the firmness, color, weight retention and decay of tomatoes treated with Verdant’s HarvestHold Fresh.

Ahold Delhaize USA announced Nicholas Bertram, president of The GIANT Company, will leave the organization on Aug. 31 to pursue new opportunities. Upon Nick’s transition, John Ruane has been appointed interim president.

Taking that next career step is something to be proud of – let’s celebrate some of our industry’s next generation and their AFE internship awards!

This year, eight outstanding students will pursue a freshly awarded internship opportunity through AFE’s Vic & Margaret Ball Intern Scholarship Program and Mosmiller Intern Scholarship Program.