It is a big investment for a crop that has only a seven-week season, but the electronic sorter that King Fresh Produce LLC installed this season on its cherry packingline is worth its seven-figure price tag, according to Keith Wilson, president of the company.

After several years of bad markets, California stone fruit growers began pulling out trees in the mid-2000s, which has created a new normal of lighter supplies and better markets.

A retail display contest and media campaign are lead-ins for British Columbia's second annual BC Veggie Day, a May 23 celebration of greenhouse-grown product that traditionally begins to arrive in Canada's westernmost province stores around that time.

More than 150 members of the fresh produce and floral supply chain gathered in Philadelphia in April for Produce Marketing Association Fresh Connections: Retail. The event gave industry members a platform to network and discuss industry trends and opportunities.

The Kroger Co. has acquired certain assets of dunnhumby Ltd, a leading customer science company, to create substantial opportunities for innovation and growth. A new business called 84.51° will operate with those assets as its foundation. Financial terms of the new arrangements were not disclosed. The new businesses was set to commence operations April 27.

Peach blossoms are now at their peak throughout New Jersey. Blossoms are quite heavy this year, as weather has been cool but not cold.