ANAHEIM, CA - Chileheads are in for a special treat this year as unique weather conditions have these peppers packing an extra punch. As Hatch chile peppers are back in season, Frieda’s will begin shipping in July through October. Hatch chiles are grown exclusively in Hatch Valley, New Mexico, and are cherished for their unique flavor, versatility, and spicy kick.

"At Frieda’s, we play no games when it comes to real, authentic products. Our green Hatch chiles come straight from this legendary stretch of land to bring you that distinct flavor and experience," shared Vice President of Sales and Procurement Alex Jackson.

The Hatch Valley, which stretches across the Rio Grande, has the specific terroir that enhances the flavor of these chiles, thanks to the Hatch Valley’s fertile soil and unique growing conditions. Hatch chiles are highly sought after due to their limited availability, and these seasonal peppers are a favorite of chefs, home chefs, foodies, and chile enthusiasts.

"After visiting Hatch, New Mexico, this week, I am excited for another summer of authentic Hatch chiles. The 2023 season was challenging, with an unprecedented heat wave cutting the season short and forcing producers to allocate most of their fresh hatch to their processing operations, allowing consumers to enjoy Hatch Chiles year-round," Jackson continued. "This year, with the weather cooperating the entire month of June and rain coming in as expected, we expect a 'normal' Hatch season of great volumes of all heat levels."

According to a press release, Frieda’s offers Hatch chiles in a branded 25 lb case, which can be used for side-stack displays. Mild, medium, hot, and extra-hot will come in 1 lb and 2 lb retail pouches.

"We are excited to host roasting events throughout Southern California and create excitement in produce departments with our retail partners around the United States. Our Hatch Chile bins are the most eye-catching in the industry and truly inspire shoppers to incorporate Hatch in new, delicious ways season after season," added Jackson.

Retailers can start making room on produce shelves for this seasonal favorite, as shoppers are sure to take advantage of this special treat during the short season.

Hatch chile ice cream, anyone?

DALLAS, TX - Every business needs a little support, especially as our digital landscape keeps expanding. DMA Solutions was one of the companies to notice this two decades ago and this year is celebrating 20 years of supporting the fresh produce industry with innovative and creative marketing strategies.

"After selling fresh produce for ten years, I realized that there was an opportunity to elevate marketing as a solution to increase sales and raise awareness to shoppers about fresh produce; the people who grow it, the stories, and the passion. As a result, I founded DMA Solutions," said Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Dan’l Mackey Almy. "Today, our business is dialed in. We know who we are, what we stand for, and who we serve. We’re so grateful to our clients, partners, and team members throughout the years who have made our journey extraordinarily joyful, often challenging, and ultimately successful."

As DMA looks to expand its portfolio with new industries, its aim will continue to provide business digital marketing expertise while addressing the concerns of each business it serves, particularly those with time management and budget constraints, which leaders say are their biggest challenges.

"We recognize that prices are up, and marketing budgets are tight," said Megan Zweig, President. "We have listened to the industry and are available to guide marketers to be more efficient with their time and set their businesses up for sales success."

Since DMA Solutions started in 2004, it has guided over 200 businesses through the digital marketing space. DMA was one of the first companies in the fresh produce industry to lead brands through the adoption of social media, email marketing, and consumer-friendly, mobile-optimized website development, a release stated.

"Helpful first and better every day; these are our core values and the perspective we need to propel our business forward,” said Mackey Almy. "With my network expanding in New York, I’m excited for DMA to support organizations and business, including food, the arts, and culturally based organizations. The future is bright, and we’re ready for it!"

The company continues to offer free and helpful resources for leaders and marketers, including educational webinars, launching a podcast, and a blog with over 2,000 weekly subscribers.

Cheers to DMA Solutions, and here’s to another 20 years!

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - The network of companies optimizing ReposiTrak’s established inventory management and out-of-stock reduction SaaS platform seems to grow each week. The company recently welcomed 25 new produce suppliers to the ReposiTrak Traceability Network® (RTN), allowing them to efficiently exchange FDA-required Key Data Elements (KDEs) for each Critical Tracking Event (CTE) in their supply chains. Through their alliance with ReposiTrak, the companies are ensuring proactive compliance well before the January 2026 deadline.

“Our solution stands out as the easiest in the market for meeting FSMA 204 food traceability requirements, requiring no additional hardware or software,” stated Randy Fields, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ReposiTrak. "It seamlessly adapts to any existing systems, ensuring our members address regulatory demands effortlessly and are prepared for future challenges."

The ReposiTrak Traceability Network requires no additional hardware or software and the ReposiTrak team assists in making the connections needed under the new regulation, a press release detailed. Suppliers can connect to an unlimited number of trading partners and share data for a low, flat fee.

Among the 25 new suppliers on the platform, three are distinguished growers. Together, these producers span the citrus and juice categories, in addition to carrots and various dressings.

As the ReposiTrak network continues to grow, ANUK will relay the latest updates.

REEDLEY, CA - The arrival of July means an influx of California table grapes is coming to the produce department, and Mountain View Fruit Sales’ high-quality Estate Vineyards® label is bringing a top-quality collection of black, red, and green grape varieties. The supplier has officially announced its anticipated harvest season, set to take place midway through this month.

"We are incredibly excited about this year's grape harvest. Even though the weather this year has been favorable, we are expecting some high temperatures in the coming weeks. To combat this, we have increased our vine nutrition program and have reduced the crop load a second time to keep the grapes in a balanced state during this potential weather event. Executing these meticulous growing practices is slated to produce some of the best grapes we've seen in years," said George Matoian, Grower and Sales Representative at Mountain View Fruit Sales. "Our Estate Vineyards grapes are a true reflection of our commitment to quality, and we can't wait for our customers to enjoy them."

As a press release emphasized, this year's harvest promises to deliver exceptional quality grapes, with maximum berry size on the first varieties to be harvested.

The line consists of grapes grown with the utmost care and attention, nurtured to perfection to ensure each cluster meets the company’s high standard for taste, texture, and appearance.

As the highly anticipated harvest approaches, Mountain View Fruit Sales is gearing up to distribute its premium table grapes to a wide variety of retail markets for both domestic and overseas consumers.

Introduce your shoppers to the quality and flavor of Estate Vineyards table grapes and watch them keep coming back for more!

For more category opportunities, leave a tab open to ANUK.

BAKERSFIELD, CA - Keep an eye out for Bako Sweet® as you are walking the Organic Produce Summit (OPS) show floor next week! I recently got in touch with Susan Noritake, Director of Sales, who gave me a sneak peek at the supplier’s showcase.

“We will be showcasing our full line of products, with a special emphasis on our packaged offerings. The tray pack has been very popular and works perfectly for our summer grilling recipes. The 3 lb bags are becoming a weekly staple for shoppers, while microwaveable singles are great for a quick snack or office lunch,” Susan began.

At the show, Bako Sweet will include planning for the back-to-school season, Labor Day grilling, and the holiday season. The company’s team is excited to discuss these upcoming events with customers.

“We are most looking forward to connecting with customers, potential customers, and industry colleagues,” Susan continued. “Monterey in the summer brings a special energy, with its wonderful weather, beautiful scenery, and top-notch dining, making it a fantastic destination. I hope attendees become as excited as we are about the growth possibilities and take advantage of our promotion and merchandising solutions throughout the year.”

The Bako Sweet team is looking forward to strategizing with customers about programs that work well for their needs.

“We have some fun, camp-inspired recipes releasing this summer that we hope will inspire both young people and the young at heart,” Susan concluded.

Keep reading ANUK as we bring you more show coverage.