PRO*ACT Crop Update: Hearts tight, melons light, lemons in sight
The lettuce market remains one of the most challenging supply situations the industry has seen in years. Iceberg, Romaine and Romaine hearts have all been under pressure for an extended stretch, with historically elevated markets lasting longer than normal.Harvestable yields across the Salinas Valley continue to be impacted by soil-borne disease, INSV pressure and weather-related stress, which has reduced field productivity and kept carton availability below normal.
¡Yo Quiero! earns Good Housekeeping’s Best Snack award for Black Bean Dip
¡Yo Quiero! announced that its Black Bean Dip has been named a winner in the 2026 Good Housekeeping Best Snack Awards under the Dips & Spreads category.The annual awards from Good Housekeeping recognize standout snacks that deliver on taste, nutrition, convenience and innovation. This year, the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab reviewed hundreds of snack options, evaluating ingredient lists, nutrition labels, packaging claims and flavor profiles. Real-life testers also weighed in on taste and overall snacking appeal, helping determine the final list of winners.
Church Bros. promotes Chuck Clunn to VP of harvesting
Church Bros. Farms has promoted Chuck Clunn to vice president of harvesting, recognizing his decades of leadership and contributions to the company’s harvesting operations across the western United States.
Key statistics and consumer trends for fresh asparagus
The Peruvian Asparagus Importers Association has released its Fresh Asparagus Consumer Trends & Statistics Report 2026-27.“This annual report is a powerful resource for the fresh asparagus industry, providing the insights needed to drive stronger sales and marketing efforts. From key statistics and consumer trends to purchasing behavior, the report gives retailers and foodservice operators the tools to build more effective fresh asparagus promotions and programs,” said Priscilla Lleras, executive director of PAIA.
Applewood Fresh Growers expands Michigan apple programs
Michigan continues to play a critical role in the success of Applewood Fresh Growers, as the company prepares for another strong apple season supported by expanded grower partnerships, new packing investments and growing consumer demand for premium varieties.
Wakefern seeking suppliers for Local Supplier Summit
Wakefern Food Corp. is calling on local and regional suppliers across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic to apply for its 2027 Local Supplier Summit, offering growing brands the chance to showcase their products to key decision-makers and buyers from across Wakefern’s family of supermarket banners.
SEPC's Next Generation Leadership Academy kicks off
The Southeast Produce Council launched its 2026 Next Generation Leadership Academy with an immersive retreat at Clemson University in Clemson, SC, June 8–12. This retreat marked the official kickoff of the learning year, uniting a talented and diverse cohort of rising leaders from across the fresh produce industry.
Dahlia Dalina Maxi Noir Velvet Crush wins FleuroStar 2026-27
Fleuroselect, the international organization for the ornamental plants industry, has awarded the FleuroStar Award 2026-27 to Dahlia coccinea Dalina Maxi Noir Velvet Crush, bred by PanAmerican Seed and commercialized in partnership with Florensis.European sales managers Jeroen Star from PanAmerican Seed and Hagen Kalläne from Florensis accepted the prize from Fleuroselect President Marc Driessen and Secretary General Ann Jennen. The evening was moderated by Michael Perry.
SCSA helps retailers maintain citrus supply through summer
Summer Citrus from South Africa's 2026 season is under way, with the first arrivals expected at U.S. ports this month. Approximately 170 containers, primarily easy peelers and some navel oranges, are scheduled to arrive during the early part of the season. The MSC Carmen will be the first direct vessel into Philadelphia, followed by weekly arrivals through both containerized shipments and dedicated conventional vessels.
Rocky Produce sees strong demand as Michigan season approaches
As the produce industry transitions into the Michigan growing season, Rocky Produce is seeing strong sales momentum, while preparing for another busy summer filled with local fruits and vegetables.“We’ve seen sales stronger than previous years, which is great,” said Dominic Russo of Rocky Produce. “The cost of produce in a lot of categories has been extremely high through the winter, and some of those prices are still elevated as we move into spring crops.”