WORLDWIDE - Businesses across the globe have reported challenges and disruptions caused by a worldwide tech outage. According to recent reports, the Microsoft Windows outage was attributed to a software update issued by cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike, which is used by a wide range of industries.

The disruptions were not sparked by a security incident or cyberattack; instead, a software update issued by CrowdStrike ultimately resulted in crashes of machines running the Microsoft Windows operations.

The disruption reached what some experts called “historic” proportions, according to the New York Times, impacting businesses like airlines, banks, hospitals, package delivery, courthouses, and various other sectors around the globe. The outage reportedly led to canceled and delayed flights, disruptions at the United Parcel Service and FedEx, crippled healthcare systems worldwide, and more.

Despite the widespread challenges caused by the software update and the following global outage, the source noted that some basic services—including major grocery store chains—remained largely unaffected by the outages.

However, our industry was not untouched by the impact, as some produce tech companies also reported applications down due to the Crowdstrike problem. As of this morning, many had since been resolved.

ANUK will continue to monitor the situation and its impact on the fresh produce and retail industries. Stay tuned for more updates.

OXNARD & SANTA MARIA, CA - The spring strawberry crop is still going strong as Bobalu works to meet seasonal demand. In the supplier’s most recent update, we learn how volumes are looking out of the main California strawberry growing regions.

“We are still in the heat of summer but volume is tight and demand is taking its usual summer vacation,” the grower said in its update. “Each year about this time demand does drop off a little as consumers step away from their normal grocery shopping routines in favor of vacation. We are seeing a slight decrease in strawberry volume throughout the state as each region has moved beyond the peak.”

With the end of July already on the horizon, Bobalu and its customers are looking toward the fall 2024 crop as well. However, spring volumes out of Santa Maria continue to supply the berry patch. Though volume is currently tight out of that region, Bobalu expects to maintain its supply until its fall transition.

According to Bobalu’s update, the fall crop will begin harvesting in Santa Maria in mid-August. Volume will strengthen just in time for a boost in demand surrounding Labor Day.

“The plants look very healthy and are on schedule here on the west side. As the volume ramps up, it will help offset the slowing numbers from the Spring crop and keep volume consistent until we add more fruit from the fall Oxnard crop which comes on later,” Bobalu’s update stated. “We look forward to a great fall season ahead.”

For more crop updates like this, stick with ANUK.

NEW YORK - A new Chairman of the Board has taken the helm at the New York Apple Association, overseeing the organization for 2024–2025. Christopher Oakes, President of Medina, New York-based LynOaken Farms, has officially taken over the role.

“It is my pleasure to take the gavel and lead the organization and industry,” said Oakes. “This year, we are expecting our production to be around 32,500 million bushels and maybe upward toward 32,700 million bushels. Sizing is coming along, and we expect a good range of sizes for retailers and foodservice markets like schools.”

LynOaken Farms provides apples for retailers and schools and is also actively involved in the hard cider industry.

Oakes takes on the Chairman role at a critical time, as the New York apple harvest is set to begin in the Hudson Valley in just a few weeks. Harvest is expected to begin around the third week of August, followed by central and western New York and then northeastern New York a couple of weeks later.

As a press release shared, the NYAA Team is actively working on our upcoming fall media and retail promotional plans to help move the crop. NYAA President and CEO Cynthia Haskins shared that this year’s campaign will be an expansion of The Big Flavor theme, which was soft-launched in 2023 with bigger plans for the upcoming fall harvest.

The NYAA board has 15 members, four of which recently joined the team: Kenneth Bowman, Kristen DeMarree, Carrie Wafler, and Kent Schwab.

The organization also honored its previous Chairman, Doug Grout, Owner of Golden Harvest Farms, during its annual meeting, thanking him for his dedication to the industry. Grout served on the NYAA Board of Directors for the last six years and has been the Chairman of the Board for the previous two, the release stated.

“I am honored the NYAA Board of Directors selected me to lead the organization and look forward to staying active in the apple industry,” said Grout.

Representing over 500 commercial apple growers in New York State, the nonprofit trade association has big plans for this New York apple season! For more updates, keep reading ANUK.

GREENSBORO, NC - Retail news is on the rise! The Fresh Market recently announced exciting expansion plans for the Washington, DC, metro area. Two new locations are planned and set to open their doors.

“We’re very excited about expanding our presence in the Washington DC market and opening new stores in these beautiful, upscale mix-used developments of Reston Station and West Falls,” said Jason Potter, Chief Executive Officer.

According to a release, the Reston Fresh Market store will span 27,000 square feet.

The upcoming store in Falls Church will be slightly larger, standing at approximately 29,000 square feet. It is scheduled to open in mid-2026, per the announcement.

“We are confident that both locations will appeal to current and new guests of The Fresh Market. We pride ourselves in becoming part of the community and believe that people will embrace all that Reston Station and West Falls offer—residential and professional, restaurants, shopping, and entertainment,” added Potter.

We’ll keep our eyes peeled for retail updates like this, so stay tuned.