Wholesum advances organic innovation and sustainability in 2025 Conscientious Company Report
Wholesum, a third-generation leader in organic and Fair Trade Certified produce, has released its 2025 Conscientious Company Report, showcasing a year of record growth, innovation and measurable progress across its sustainability and values-driven initiatives.As the company approaches its 100-year milestone, the report — now in its 10th year — reflects a defining belief: that growth in organic agriculture can go hand in hand with environmental stewardship, social responsibility and long-term resilience.
Ben B. Schwartz & Sons sees great opportunity to distribute Michigan produce to other regions
Ben B. Schwartz & Sons is having a great 2026 so far, building on its distribution growth last year, adding to the sales team and expanding its presence to the west side of Michigan.
Trendspotting: Getting produce from here to there
Getting produce from here to there is vital. Freight may not be the most glamorous part of the supply chain, but it is every bit important as the other aspects. According to C.H. Robinson and its latest Edge Report, North American freight markets face rising structural pressure.The report stated that the produce season is placing continued pressure on refrigerated transportation networks across North America. While trucks remain available produce shippers are facing less flexibility in key regions.
NuBerry Farms strengthens position in blueberry category
NuBerry Farms is a fully vertically integrated blueberry supplier with owned farming operations across domestic and international growing regions, providing retail partners with consistent quality, supply security, and year-round program support.NuBerry Farms oversees approximately 2,600 acres of blueberry production across Florida, Georgia, New Jersey, North Carolina and Michigan, supported by packing facilities in Georgia, New Jersey and Michigan to provide customers with consistent supply and quality throughout the year.
EPC Leadership Class tours farm and Philadelphia port
The eighth Eastern Produce Council Leadership Class gained firsthand knowledge of production practices and logistics while touring farms and facilities in southern New Jersey and Philadelphia. The trip was held June 2, and began at the farm of Frank Donio Inc. in Hammonton, NJ.
Westfalia Fruit appoints avocado industry expert Tommy Padilla as president, North America
Westfalia Fruit, a global leader in the avocado industry, announced the appointment of Tommy Padilla as president, North America. One of the most respected figures in the global avocado trade, Padilla brings more than 20 years in the global food industry, the majority of it dedicated to avocados, along with a track record of building international sales, shaping export strategy and developing high-performing commercial teams. He arrives at a pivotal moment for Westfalia Fruit as the company accelerates its growth across North America.
Fall Creek expands into raspberries and blackberries with acquisition
Fall Creek Farm & Nursery Inc., a world-leading blueberry genetics and nursery company, has acquired Berryplant, an Italy-based leader in raspberry and blackberry nursery production, and Berrytech, its dedicated breeding and intellectual property company.The acquisition strengthens Fall Creek's genetics platform with the addition of raspberries and blackberries while maintaining its global leadership in blueberries and extending the company's ability to serve growers who operate across multiple berry categories.
Michael Lopez named Foster's VP of operations
Foster, a leading mid-Atlantic refrigerated supply chain company, announced the appointment of Michael Lopez as vice president of operations, effective May 25.
Grocery Outlet updates leadership
Grocery Outlet Holding Corp. named Paul Miller its executive vice president, chief purchasing and merchandising officer, and Ian Ferry its executive vice president and chief financial officer. These executive appointments support the company’s continued efforts to restore long-term profitable growth and strengthen its operational foundation. Miller, a former key executive in the company’s purchasing organization, returns to lead the company’s integrated purchasing and merchandising organization, succeeding Matt Delly, who will depart the Grocery Outlet.
Cambridge Farms’ Eastern Shore potato deal looks better than average
As the East Coast potato harvest works its way north from Florida, Cambridge Farms anticipates the Camden-Elizabeth City, NC, potato harvest to start on time, around June 15.Soon after, Eastern Shore harvest will begin, and Easton, MA-based Cambridge Farms is forecasting a steady crop. Despite a lack of rain, the growers Cambridge Farms partners with have their crops under irrigation, although natural precipitation provides better ground saturation.