California shipped its first load of mature green tomatoes on Tuesday, June 2, marking the start of the season, according to the U.S. Market News Service.

Several more loads were shipped during the June 1-5 week, which puts the crop about a week ahead of schedule. If all goes as expected, California will have mature greens through about mid-November. The mature green is a great foodservice tomato and also used by repackers across the country.

United Fresh 2015 has kicked off in Chicago, featuring more than 1,000 exhibitors and over 100 hours of education programming. Co-located with FMI Connect and the International Floriculture Expo, United Fresh is bringing together retail, fresh produce and floral leaders.

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Stemilt Growers is introducing a new cherry, and a third SKU to the cherry category, with the launch of Skylar Rae brand Tip Top cultivar cherries in select markets beginning this week.

Our Mary Blackmon caught up with United President Tom Stenzel and incoming Chairman of the Board Brian Kocher of the Castellini Group for an exclusive interview about the show and the state of the industry on day one of United Fresh 2015 in Chicago.

James Chapman Caldwell, a longtime produce veteran, died June 8. He was 73.

CHICAGO — Across South Blue Island Avenue from the gates of the Chicago International Produce Market is a cheerfully painted business front. The colorful art presenting Blue Island Wholesale Produce Inc. stands out along a drab and dusty industrial street.