Jack Hyman, a beloved industry leader and pioneer in the potato sector, died Sunday, May 4 at the age of 91, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy spanning more than six decades.

Exp. Group supplies a full line of mainstream fresh produce items — such as potatoes, onions, tomatoes, bananas and watermelons — but Anthony Serafino, president of the North Bergen, NJ-based company, said the foundation is an A-to-Z offering of specialties.

“We started our organization on tropicals, and it’s something that is principled in our business,” Serafino said. “When we think of specialties, we think of tropical merchandise.”

Warmer days are on the horizon, and shoppers are looking for fresh flavors that feel like an escape. Melissa’s Produce is helping retailers deliver just that with its refreshed Taste of Vacation tropical program.

At The Retail Conference and Golf Tournament last week, the International Fresh Produce Association announced the 20 recipients of the 2025 Retail Produce Manager Awards, recognizing their outstanding dedication to fresh produce, inventive merchandising, community engagement and exceptional customer service.

The roller coaster of temperatures, typical of spring, looks likely to continue across the coastal California fields as we move through May. 

As low pressure systems pass mainly to the north, they bring cooler temperatures along with a heavy marine layer and drizzle to the fields. Intermittent high pressure then brings warm temperatures and a shallow marine layer for a short period followed by another round of cooler temperatures, fog and drizzle.

Progressive Produce released its first Sustainability Report, a major milestone for its Rooted initiative. Built on the pillars of People and Planet, the report highlights progress in key areas, including employee engagement and sustainable packaging, while outlining goals for 2025 and beyond.