RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA - If there's one thing I've learned from walking the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) Global Produce & Floral Show floor, it's that resisting the temptation to snack is no easy feat. As a general rule, I try to pace myself. But sitting down with Michael Beacham, President of California Pizza Kitchen (CPK), and Tal Shoshan, Founder and CEO of FiveStar Gourmet Foods, made that rule particularly difficult to follow.

"When people come into our restaurants, the number one thing we sell is salads," Michael told me. Now, that's not exactly what I expected to hear from the president of a company with pizza in its name!

But sitting amid the live pizza kitchens and an impressive assortment of packaged salads at the booth, I could see exactly why the combination was generating so much excitement. And with samples practically calling my name, sticking to my usual show-floor restraint was becoming increasingly difficult.

As I learned during our conversation, the partnership between CPK and FiveStar's Simply Fresh brand is about much more than bringing another salad to grocery shelves. It's about translating a beloved restaurant experience into a premium retail offering.

Bringing a Restaurant Favorite to the Grocery Aisle

"CPK, it's a 41-year-old brand," Michael explained. "And it was built on innovation and that California, better-for-you ethos."

California Pizza Kitchen has maintained a presence in the frozen pizza aisle for approximately 25 years. However, despite the popularity of its restaurant salads, the company had never introduced a comparable retail offering.

According to Michael, the reason was simple: CPK hadn't found the right partner.

"For all that time, we did not have the right partner that we knew was going to take our brand and everything that's important to us with it and execute it in a way we'd be proud of," he explained. That changed with FiveStar Gourmet Foods and Simply Fresh.

For Tal, the partnership was equally compelling. "I'm a huge fan of the restaurant, the brand, the food," he shared.

Beyond his personal appreciation for CPK, Tal saw an opportunity to bring the restaurant's quality and flavors to consumers nationwide.

"We have the capabilities, we have the know-how," he explained. "So, I have the confidence that if they show us the product exactly the way that they do it in the restaurant, we know how to make it on a large scale."

The goal is to deliver an experience that feels familiar to CPK restaurant guests while introducing the brand's salads to shoppers in the grocery aisle. And for someone sitting between pizza kitchens and packaged salads, the concept certainly made sense.

Premium Quality Takes Center Stage

Throughout our conversation, one word kept coming up: quality. Michael emphasized that California Pizza Kitchen's reputation is built on offering distinctive, globally inspired flavors rather than conventional menu options. That commitment, he explained, was central to choosing the right retail partner.

"We wanted a premium offering that made our consumers know that when they bought this, it's going to be the same as what comes to the table on a plate in a restaurant," Michael told me.

For CPK, that means maintaining the ingredients, freshness, quality, and portions consumers associate with its restaurants. The company wasn't interested in simply putting its logo on another packaged salad. Instead, the partnership was designed to create a premium retail offering that reflects the brand's identity.

As Michael explained, consumers already recognize CPK for its salads, giving the company an established connection to the category. FiveStar's production capabilities, meanwhile, provide the foundation to bring that restaurant-inspired experience to a broader audience.

And while the flavors certainly caught my attention, the bigger story is what this collaboration could mean for the retail salad category.

Keep a tab on AndNowUKnow for more industry insights.

PLANT CITY, FL - Between the bustling aisles, back-to-back conversations, and excitement surrounding the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) Global Produce & Floral Show, there's something especially enjoyable about finding a moment to sit down and talk about the future of fresh produce. That's exactly how my conversation with Wish Farms Chief Executive Officer James Peterson began.

The team welcomed me with coffee and berry samples, giving me a firsthand reminder of just how delicious great fruit can be. It was a fitting introduction to a conversation that would soon center on one of the company's biggest priorities: flavor.

"The big trend you can't miss in produce is to get the flavor right," James told me.

And after sampling the berries myself, I could certainly appreciate his point. Our conversation covered his unexpected path into the produce industry, the company's investments in genetics, and why James believes the next chapter of berry growth will be defined by a better eating experience.

But before getting into the future, I wanted to learn a little more about the man now leading Wish Farms.

From Professional Sports to Produce

As it turns out, James didn't begin his career in agriculture. His professional background was in sports, including time working with the Dallas Cowboys, before family connections eventually brought him into the berry business.

James joined Wish Farms in 2011 and has spent the past 15 years building his career within the company.

He started on the sales side, eventually managing the sales team before transitioning into the Chief Operating Officer role. His move into the CEO position was carefully planned, with much of the company's strategic direction already taking shape under his leadership.

"In the COO role, I had a lot of CEO responsibilities. So really my day-to-day hasn't changed at all since we transitioned over," James explained.

James told me that the company had spent the previous several years developing strategic priorities designed to guide both its immediate operations and long-term growth. That preparation has allowed him to enter the role with a clear sense of direction.

When I asked what excited him most about the future, our conversation quickly returned to the berries sitting in front of us.

Great Flavor Is Driving Growth

One of the most interesting takeaways from my conversation with James was his perspective on how the berry category is evolving. For years, the industry focused heavily on building consistent, year-round availability. But as James explained, the next major opportunity isn't necessarily about supplying more fruit. It's about supplying better fruit.

"I think we've really figured out a fifty-two-week supply, but the genetics are getting better. Companies are finally getting rewarded for flavor," he shared.

James believes improvements in berry genetics are encouraging consumers to purchase fruit more frequently while helping the category reach new demographics. He explained that replacing underperforming varieties with better-tasting alternatives is creating a stronger eating experience and supporting repeat purchases.

Having just enjoyed samples from the Wish Farms team, I understood why he was so enthusiastic about the opportunity. Of course, delivering that experience consistently requires significant work behind the scenes.

Wish Farms has made investments in its genetics program, including bringing on Carlos Fear, whom James identified as a former lead breeder. According to James, the company now has raspberry and blackberry varieties progressing through Stage 3 and Stage 4 commercial trials, with encouraging feedback from major U.S. retailers.

"We really feel like we're at an inflection point of growth," he told me.

Wish Farms sees those advancements as an opportunity to expand its cane berry programs over the next three to five years, building on its existing business while introducing new varieties that prioritize flavor.

For retailers, that could translate into stronger berry programs and additional opportunities to keep consumers coming back. As my conversation with James continued, it became clear that flavor is only one part of a much larger vision for the category.

From consumer wellness to opportunities beyond the United States, Wish Farms is exploring how its investments today could shape the berry business for years to come.

Keep a tab on AndNowUKnow for more industry insights and conversations from the IFPA show floor.

SOUTH AFRICA - After a busy week of networking and events in Orlando, Summer Citrus from South Africa is celebrating the partners who keep the business moving. Here is the full report from CEO Suhanra Conradie on the 2026 season and post-show takeaways:

The Global Produce & Floral Show in Orlando was vibrant as usual and is always an excellent opportunity to have face time with key players throughout the supply chain, as well as presenting unique opportunities to network with new connections.

Summer Citrus from South Africa has been a sponsor of IFPA’s Women’s Fresh Perspectives Breakfast for almost a decade, and all our partners recognize our participation. The guest speaker at this event, Jade Simmons, was indeed refreshing and had a unique story of thinking creatively and pushing through boundaries to keep on innovating! This is so relevant to the fresh produce industry, because if you do not continue to think outside of the box and innovate, you will fall behind in this fast-paced and challenging industry.

It was good to connect with all our importers to discuss the 2026 season and look ahead to next year’s crop.

It is no secret that our program started off well with demand at the expected volumes until early August and into September, when these 2 months showed slower movement than we’ve seen in past seasons. October has picked back up, and we are now the at pace that we want to be. In terms of supply, we have the last Midknights and Star Ruby still available.

Thank you to the IFPA team for hosting another excellent Global Show, where key voices were able to address our industry’s challenges and work through possible solutions. The networking events, of course, set the stage for additional business opportunities as well.

We are still a traditional industry, where relationships go a very long way!

ORLANDO, FL - There are milestones worth celebrating, and then there are milestones worth throwing a party for. At the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) Global Produce & Floral Show, Zespri made it clear which category its latest achievement belonged to.

"We've reached 10 million trays of SunGold sold this season, so a big milestone for us," Laura Wood, Trade Marketing Director for Zespri Kiwifruit North America, told me as we caught up amid the festivities. "We've never hit this volume in North America."

And what a celebration it was.

Party hats were out, champagne was flowing, and cake was being cut as industry partners gathered to celebrate the milestone. With everyone smiling for photos and congratulating one another, it felt less like a trade show and more like a midday party. I couldn't help but get swept up in the excitement myself.

Laura was every bit as friendly and cheerful as the rest of the Zespri team, and her enthusiasm made it clear that this milestone meant something special. Having surpassed the 10-million-tray mark in September, Zespri saw IFPA as the perfect opportunity to recognize the industry partners who helped make it happen.

"It's not only the Zespri team that has got us here to this point, but it's also all of our industry partners, our retailers, our distributors, everyone who touches and helps get our fruit into the hands of consumers," Laura shared.

With so many of those partners gathered in one place, the occasion offered a fitting opportunity to celebrate their collective success.

A Golden Moment for Kiwifruit

While the celebration was certainly a highlight, the growth and industry momentum behind the milestone told an even more exciting story. 

"Kiwifruit is on trend right now, and it's really having a moment," Laura explained.

According to Circana, kiwifruit is currently the fastest-growing fruit in the fruit bowl, outpacing total fruit growth by 31 percentage points.

Zespri SunGold is helping drive that momentum, with consumers responding to its sweet, juicy flavor and nutritional benefits. "We've had another banner year in the kiwifruit category, and what's really driving that growth is Zespri SunGold kiwifruit," Laura told me.

As wellness trends continue influencing purchasing decisions, Laura noted that shoppers are increasingly recognizing kiwifruit's vitamin and mineral content, creating opportunities for retailers to capitalize on the category's growing appeal. And the excitement extends beyond SunGold.

Following the nationwide launch of Zespri RubyRed Kiwifruit this year, the company is preparing to bring additional volume to market, along with shipper units designed to help retailers promote the variety during its limited seasonal window. Available for approximately six weeks from April into early May, RubyRed offers retailers an opportunity to kick off their kiwifruit programs earlier and generate excitement around a limited-time offering.

Bigger Goals on the Horizon

With the 10-million-tray milestone now achieved, Zespri is focused on what comes next: continuing to grow the kiwifruit category, making kiwifruit a more frequent part of consumers' diets, and creating value across the supply chain.

"We see tremendous opportunity ahead," Laura said. "Strong consumer demand signals indicate we can grow even faster than we originally anticipated.”

That confidence was evident throughout our conversation. Laura and the team were genuinely excited about what they had accomplished, but just as enthusiastic about the opportunities ahead. Of course, as Laura emphasized, reaching the next milestone will require the same collaboration that made the current one possible.

From retailers and distributors to the broader network of industry partners, Zespri is counting on those relationships to support its continued growth.

As I made my way back into the bustling convention center, the energy of the celebration stayed with me. Between Laura's enthusiasm, the team's genuine excitement, and the smiles surrounding the champagne toast, it was hard not to share in their joy.

For a moment, surrounded by cake, party hats, and industry friends, the show floor had become something else entirely: a celebration of just how far the category has come and how much opportunity still lies ahead.

Keep a tab on AndNowUKnow for more industry insights and updates from the IFPA show floor.

ALACHUA, FL - Winn-Dixie opened a new store in Alachua Saturday, Oct. 3, at 15560 NW U.S. Highway 441, Suite 200. A ribbon-cutting ceremony began at 7:30 a.m., with grand opening festivities continuing throughout the day. The ceremony also included $500 check presentations to both Santa Fe High School and Deeper Purpose Community Church & Outreach Ministries, reinforcing Winn-Dixie's commitment to supporting the local community.

The first 100 customers in line when the doors opened at 8 a.m. received a Winn-Dixie mystery gift card valued between $10 and $100.

Customers were invited to explore the new store while enjoying DJ entertainment, product sampling, giveaways and kids' activities. Prizes were raffled each hour, including three $500 Winn-Dixie gift cards, a YETI cooler, a Masterbuilt 710 Wi-Fi Digital Electric Smoker and a Blackstone grill.

The opening reflects Winn-Dixie's continued investment in its home state of Florida and will bring a fresh, modern shopping experience, convenient meal solutions and everyday value to Alachua and surrounding communities.

The new Alachua Winn-Dixie store offers:

• Fresh, modern design with a vibrant exterior façade and contemporary interior signage inspired by Winn-Dixie's century-long heritage.
• Extensive produce department featuring a wide selection of fresh fruits and vegetables, including organic and Hispanic varieties.
• Dedicated seafood department featuring fresh seafood on ice and the popular Seafood Made Easy program with ready-to-cook seafood, vegetables and seasonings.
• Full-service deli with freshly sliced meats and cheeses, self-serve hot foods, prepared sandwiches and salads, fresh sushi made daily, Hispanic favorites such as ropa vieja, sweet plantains and cold cuts, plus Winn-Dixie's iconic Lip Lickin' Chicken offerings, including rotisserie chicken, popcorn chicken and wings.
• Full bakery featuring fresh breads, pastries, cakes and desserts, including Cuban and Puerto Rican rolls and tres leches cakes.
• Complete meat department offering a wide assortment of fresh meats, including USDA Choice selections and Hispanic staples like flap meat, skirt steak and picanha.
• Assortment of authentic Hispanic products across every department, including culturally relevant grocery staples, fresh foods and prepared favorites that reflect the diverse tastes and preferences of local customers.
• Award-winning Own Brand products, including Essentials, SE Grocers, Prestige and Know & Love, helping customers save an average of 20% compared to national brands.
• Floral department offering grab-and-go bouquets and arrangements.
• Self-checkout lanes for added convenience and quicker shopping trips.

The new Alachua Winn-Dixie store will be open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

CHINO HILLS, CA - Eco Farms is entering a new chapter of leadership, naming Jim Leach as its next president, effective November 16, 2026. The transition follows founder and President Steve Taft's announcement that he will retire on June 1, 2027.

Taft, who co-founded Eco Farms in 1972, helped guide Eco Farms from a small California operation to a leading year-round supplier with grower partnerships spanning California, Mexico, Chile, Colombia and Peru. Since partnering with Oppy in 2020, the company has significantly expanded its reach, capabilities, and customer base across North America. In 2022, Oppy and Eco Farms teamed up with Avoworks to further provide consistent, reliable supply.

"As I look ahead to retirement, I do so with mixed emotions," said Taft in the recent release. "Eco Farms has been an enormous part of my life for more than 50 years. While stepping away won't be easy, I have tremendous confidence in the future of the company. Jim understands both the grower and customer sides of the business, is energetic, talented, positive, and a great cultural fit for this organization. I look forward to working closely with him over the coming months to ensure a smooth transition."

Leach currently serves as director of foodservice and Southwest sales at Oppy. Since joining Oppy in 2016, he has earned a reputation for building strong customer relationships, developing strategic growth opportunities, and fostering high-performing teams.

"I am incredibly humbled to be chosen for this role by the senior leadership within Dole plc, El Parque, and Oppy. To be selected to succeed an industry icon like Steve is an incredible opportunity. Steve is someone I have looked up to and have been fortunate to learn from over the past several years. Our company is exceptionally well positioned for continued growth, and I look forward to continuing to learn from Steve throughout the transition and building on the strong foundation that he and the Eco Farms team have created,” shared Leach.

Raised in California's Salinas Valley, Leach began his career in Oppy’s Chino Hills office before relocating to Houston in 2021 to lead the company's Southwest sales region. Earning recognition both internally at Oppy and across the produce industry, he now returns to his home state to guide Eco Farms through its next phase of growth.

"Steve's impact on the avocado industry cannot be overstated," said President and Chief Operating Officer David Smith. "He has built a remarkable company, pioneered new opportunities in the avocado category, and developed lasting relationships with growers, customers, and industry partners around the world. At the same time, we're excited about the future under Jim's leadership. He combines strong commercial expertise with a deep appreciation for grower relationships, making him exceptionally well suited to guide Eco Farms through its new era."

Since its founding, Eco Farms has established itself as a category pioneer, becoming the first company to grow and market organic avocados in the United States. Today, through its partnership with Oppy and a vertically integrated supply network, the company offers year-round avocado programs supported by over 700 acres of California groves, global sourcing capabilities, and strategically located ripening facilities.

Chairman, CEO, and Managing Partner John Anderson shared, "One of the most rewarding parts of leadership is seeing exceptional people grow into opportunities like this. We are grateful for Steve's extraordinary contributions and excited for what lies ahead with Jim at the helm.”