ST. PETERSBURG, IL - Fresh Solutions Network® (FSN) will showcase its Side Delights® portfolio of fresh and value-added potatoes and onions at the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) Global Produce & Floral Show, October 15–16, 2026, in Orlando, Florida, at Booth #2163.

Representing major potato-growing regions across the country, FSN exhibiting partners Basin Gold Cooperative (WA & OR), NoKota Packers (ND), Michael Family Farms (OH), and Masser Family of Companies (PA) will meet with retail buyers to discuss category opportunities, regional supply, and innovative products designed around evolving consumer needs.

Fresh potatoes continue to demonstrate strong consumer demand, with U.S. retail volume reaching a five-year high of 4.79 billion pounds during the 12 months ending June 2026. According to Circana data reported by Potatoes USA, petite potato volume increased 6.8%, while sales volume of 1–2 lb. packages grew 6.2%, highlighting opportunities for retailers to capitalize on growing shopper interest in specialty potatoes and smaller package formats.¹

“Retailers are looking for more than supply—they need products and programs that give shoppers new reasons to buy potatoes,” said Kathleen Triou, President and CEO of Fresh Solutions Network. “Our approach starts with consumer and category insights and turns them into retail-ready solutions that can drive incremental purchases, differentiate the potato set and strengthen category performance.”

Among the innovations featured at the show will be Side Delights® Flavorables®, the newest addition to the brand’s convenience portfolio. Flavorables pair 1-lb. trays of petite potatoes with chef-crafted Spiceology® seasonings in four varieties—Greek Freak, Butter-licious, Cheese Pizza, and Garlic Parmesan. Ready in five minutes in the microwave or approximately 15 minutes in an air fryer, Flavorables give retailers an elevated solution for shoppers seeking new, exciting flavors and convenient meal and side-dish options.

Flavorables join Side Delights® Steamables™ and Bakeables™ to create a strong convenience offering spanning multiple potato varieties, formats, and meal occasions. FSN will also showcase the broader Side Delights portfolio, including Russet, Red, Yellow, White and petite potatoes; organic potatoes and onions; fresh-cut offerings; and SPUDS® less-than-perfect potatoes, which help support sustainable food management practices by creating a retail opportunity for potatoes that might otherwise go to waste.

Through its network of independent, family-owned farms, Fresh Solutions Network provides retailers with regional relevance and national reach, supplying fresh potatoes and onions across major growing regions, seasons, and varieties throughout the United States.

“IFPA gives us the opportunity to sit down with retail partners and talk about what comes next for the category,” Triou added in the recent release. “Whether the opportunity is convenience, premiumization, sustainability, assortment or surety of supply, our goal is to help retailers build a potato program that responds to how consumers want to shop, cook and eat today.”

Retail buyers attending the IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show are invited to visit Fresh Solutions Network at Booth #2163, October 15–16 in Orlando, to explore the Side Delights portfolio and discuss opportunities to grow potato category performance.

For more information about Fresh Solutions Network, Side Delights, and its network of family farms, visit FreshSolutionsNet.com, SideDelights.com, and GrownWhereItMatters.com.

^{¹ Source: Circana Integrated Fresh retail sales data, July 2025–June 2026, as reported by Potatoes USA, August 18, 2026.}

CHICAGO, IL - Lipman Family Farms, a leading fresh produce provider spanning five generations, today announced a new brand concept, “We Grow Trust,” that reflects the company’s expanded solutions, services, offerings, and reach, while celebrating its longstanding commitment to goodness through every stage – from seed to customer.

Beginning with the company’s participation at International Fresh Produce Association’s (IFPA) The Global Produce and Floral Show, Oct. 14-16, the new brand identity extends across all marketing efforts. “We Grow Trust” will be conveyed through video, sales support materials and an advertising campaign.

“Over the years, we’ve built our brand to deliver the quality, consistency and service our customers depend on,” said Morgan Stuckert, director of staff at Lipman Family Farms. “Our new branding reflects the breadth of what we do and the confidence we’ve built with customers across the entire food industry.”

Anchoring the campaign is the new "We Grow Trust” anthem video, which tells the company’s story, its values, and its end-to-end approach – from farming and sourcing to packaging and distribution. By managing every step of the journey, Lipman Family Farms delivers the consistency and reliability customers count on.

The storytelling brings together Lipman Family Farm’s growing, packing, repacking, fresh-cut, fresh-cooked, and logistics capabilities in a meaningful way that connects customers to the company's mission.

“What makes ‘We Grow Trust’ so powerful is it’s not a slogan – it's a reflection of what Lipman Family Farms has built over five generations of family leadership. We're proud to tell that story to our partners,” said Elyse Lipman, CEO of Lipman Family Farms.

Lipman Family Farms is the nation's largest integrated network of local growers, processors and distributors. For more information on Lipman Family Farms, visit LipmanFamilyFarms.com.

SALINAS, CA - A company that pivots quickly, adapts to customer needs, backs its decisions with years of industry experience, and has a product mix that serves vegetable lovers everywhere is always on my list. Ippolito International hits these high marks and more, with an emphasis on the unique advantages it offers retail and foodservice customers as we head into the IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show.

“Our core message for GPFS 2026 is that we offer more products than ever,” Lara Grossman, Director of Marketing, shares with me. “Not only does Ippolito have a full offering of wet vegetable commodities, but our value-added product line includes expanded cut vegetable selections as well as salad classics and blends.”

The vertically integrated, family-owned produce destination has been hard at work this year, speaking with customers across the country, who continue to identify Ippolito’s ability to scale and service a diverse customer group.

“We’re able to make decisions quickly because we are family-owned, with boots on the ground that manage the production and processing at a very intimate level, thus putting a keen eye on quality at all times. Our customers tell us that they appreciate this commitment to quality and service,” Lara explains.

Ippolito’s programs include consolidation, which speaks to the ongoing challenges with logistics and fuel costs. Pair that with a product line covering customers’ wet vegetable needs alongside a full value-added offering, and the one-stop appeal comes into focus.

“We truly are a full-service supplier,” Lara reflects. “Come meet our talented and experienced sales team at the show. We are ready to meet customers, share products, and discuss how we can grow your business together.”

To add a little (or rather, a lot) of flavor to the company’s blueprint, Ippolito will have Executive Chef Travis Peters showcase two of its most popular items.

Visit booth #2171 at the IFPA GPFS October 14–16! We will see you all there!

WASHINGTON, DC - Brighter Bites is excited to have been selected as a featured nonprofit organization in Giant Food’s Community Bag Program this October, giving Giant Food shoppers an easy way to support healthier families while making a more sustainable choice.

During the month of October, $1 from every $2.99 reusable Community Bag purchased at any Giant Food location will be donated to Brighter Bites. Proceeds will support Brighter Bites’ Greater DC Metro Area program, which brings fresh fruits and vegetables and nutrition education directly to families through local schools and community partners.

“We are excited to partner with Brighter Bites through the Giant Food Community Bag Program this October,” says Melissa Hansen, Giant Food Community Bag Program Manager, in the recent release. “Brighter Bites does incredible work providing fresh produce and nutrition education to children and families in under-resourced communities, and we’re proud to feature their organization through this program. It’s a wonderful way for Giant Food shoppers and the community to come together, turning an everyday purchase into an opportunity to give back and make a meaningful difference.”

 

 

 

 

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Brighter Bites launched programming in the Greater DC Metro Area in 2018 and continues to expand its reach across the region. During the 2026–27 school year, Brighter Bites will partner with 30 schools serving more than 13,600 students and their families and expects to distribute nearly 1.3 million pounds of fresh produce across the area.

“We’re grateful to Giant Food for giving shoppers such a simple way to support healthier families in their own communities,” said Dana Rizer, Director of Advancement at Brighter Bites. “With thousands of families participating in Brighter Bites across the Greater DC Metro Area this year, every Community Bag purchased helps us continue bringing fresh produce and nutrition resources directly to families.”

ORLANDO, FL - I love this concept. Most people know what outcome they want for their businesses, but the map that guides many of them to those solutions is, at best, conceptual, if not a distant aspiration. When a company goes out of its way to guide you, I find the legwork that follows to be that much more enjoyable and rewarding.

As RSM's Kevin Head, Director of Food and Beverage, tells me, it is all about knowing the questions to put to the task. And even more, finding the right company to answer them.

Join Kevin as he gives us the technology questions worth asking at the 2026 IFPA Global Produce & Floral Summit...

Every technology provider has an answer.

The harder part is knowing which questions to ask.

That challenge is becoming increasingly important across the produce industry. As organizations navigate margin pressures, labor shortages, evolving compliance requirements, and rising customer expectations, technology decisions can have a lasting impact on future growth and performance. As leaders prepare for IFPA 2026, they should look beyond product demonstrations and software features. The most valuable conversations often explore business outcomes, operational priorities, and long-term strategy.

Here are several technology questions produce leaders should consider asking at IFPA 2026.

Is Your ERP Helping the Business Grow or Creating Limitations?

Many produce businesses have relied on the same systems for years. In some cases, those solutions have been heavily customized, while others operate across multiple disconnected platforms that were implemented to solve specific challenges over time.
The question is whether those systems are still supporting business goals.

An ERP platform should provide visibility across finance, operations, inventory, procurement, and supply chain activities. When teams rely on spreadsheets, manual workarounds, or duplicate data entry to complete critical processes, it may indicate that the technology environment is no longer aligned with organizational needs. Technology providers should be able to explain how their solutions support the unique requirements of produce operations, including inventory tracking, grower accounting, food safety, forecasting, and supply chain management. More importantly, they should demonstrate how the technology can scale as the business grows.

The best ERP discussions focus on business outcomes rather than software capabilities alone.

What AI Use Cases Are Delivering Measurable Value Today?

Artificial intelligence continues to dominate technology conversations, but many organizations are still determining where practical value exists. Rather than asking what AI can do, produce leaders should ask what AI is already doing.

Strong answers should move beyond theoretical possibilities and focus on measurable business outcomes. Examples may include automating repetitive administrative tasks, improving reporting processes, accelerating data analysis, enhancing forecasting, or helping employees access information more efficiently. Solutions such as Microsoft Copilot are generating interest because they can help employees spend less time searching for information and more time acting on it. However, successful AI adoption typically starts with specific business challenges rather than broad experimentation.

Technology providers should be able to identify realistic use cases that address operational needs and explain how organizations can measure success.

How Connected Is Your Technology Ecosystem?

Many produce businesses operate across multiple systems that manage customer relationships, inventory, finance, logistics, food safety, and reporting. The challenge arises when those systems operate independently. When information is fragmented, employees spend valuable time manually gathering data, reconciling numbers, and verifying accuracy. Leadership teams may struggle to gain a complete view of operations, making decisions more difficult.

As organizations explore modernization initiatives, an important question is whether their technology investments work together as a connected ecosystem.

A strong provider should discuss integration strategies, data visibility, process automation, and ways to reduce operational silos. The goal is not simply adding new technology. The objective is creating a technology environment where information moves seamlessly across the organization.

Can You Trust the Data Driving Your Decisions?

Produce organizations generate significant amounts of customer, operational, inventory, financial, and supply chain data every day.
The challenge is turning that information into meaningful insights.

Leaders should ask technology providers how their solutions improve data quality, reporting accuracy, and business visibility. Organizations that can access reliable information quickly are better positioned to identify risks, respond to disruptions, and uncover opportunities for growth. This conversation should also include analytics capabilities and evolving ESG reporting requirements. As stakeholders continue to demand greater transparency and accountability, businesses need confidence in the information they provide. Technology should help transform data into action rather than creating additional complexity.

Are You Prepared for Increasing Traceability and Compliance Demands?

Traceability remains one of the most important technology conversations in the produce industry. Regulatory requirements continue to evolve, but compliance is only part of the story. Leading organizations are leveraging traceability capabilities to strengthen customer confidence, improve response times during recalls, enhance operational visibility, and reduce risk throughout the supply chain.

Technology providers should be able to explain how their solutions capture information, support reporting requirements, and create end-to-end visibility across product movement and inventory management processes. For growers, packers, shippers, and distributors, traceability is increasingly becoming a business advantage rather than simply a compliance obligation.

How Can Customer Relationships Become More Data-Driven?

In a competitive market, strong relationships remain a critical differentiator. However, technology increasingly supports customer engagement.

CRM platforms give organizations better visibility into customer activities, sales performance, service levels, and growth opportunities. When connected with operational and financial systems, these tools can create a more complete understanding of customer needs and business performance. Technology providers should discuss how their solutions help organizations strengthen relationships, improve communication, and identify opportunities for expansion.

The most effective CRM strategies are not focused solely on sales. They support collaboration across the entire organization and contribute to a better customer experience.

What Happens After Go-Live?

Technology implementation is often viewed as the finish line. In reality, it is just the beginning.

Organizations frequently underestimate the resources required to maintain, optimize, and improve technology environments after implementation. Business priorities change, processes evolve, and new opportunities emerge over time.

When evaluating technology providers, leaders should ask about long-term support models, managed services capabilities, continuous improvement strategies, and optimization resources. Technology investments generate the greatest value when organizations continue refining and enhancing their solutions after deployment. A provider's commitment to long-term success can be just as important as the implementation itself.

Looking Beyond IFPA 2026

Technology conversations within the produce industry continue to evolve. While artificial intelligence, analytics, modernization, traceability, and supply chain visibility are receiving significant attention, the most important discussions remain centered on business outcomes.

The right technology strategy should help organizations operate more efficiently, improve visibility, strengthen customer relationships, manage risk, and support future growth. As you walk the IFPA 2026 show floor, consider focusing less on product demonstrations and more on the questions that reveal long-term value. The answers may provide greater insight than any feature list.

If you'll be attending IFPA 2026, stop by RSM Booth #3931 in the Business Solutions Section to discuss technology priorities, industry trends, modernization strategies, and the opportunities shaping the future of produce operations. The most valuable conversation may begin with a simple question.

This article draws on the technology themes discussed in RSM's previous IFPA thought leadership article, including AI, analytics, traceability, visibility, modernization, and industry-focused technology strategies.

TORONTO, CA - Execulytics Consulting, a leading Canadian market research and advisory firm, announced that The Produce Report: Canada is now available online. Subscribers can access the full system through a secure portal on execulytics.ca, from a desktop, tablet, or phone, with no software to install and no files to manage.

The launch comes days before the IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show, taking place October 14 to 16 in Orlando, Florida. For suppliers heading into buyer meetings, the timing is deliberate. Retailer market shares, volume estimates, and core consumer profiles for Canada’s top produce items can now be pulled up on a phone, right on the show floor.

The online edition brings the full report together in seven interactive views: Overview, Product Analysis, Meeting Primer, SWOT Analysis, Winners & Losers, the Volume Whisperer, and Consumer Profiles. Users can review market share proxies by retailer, region, and format, compare monthly and quarterly volume estimates, and prepare for buyer conversations with the Meeting Primer, all filtered by category and retailer in seconds. The system also features built-in AI assistance, helping users move from data to talking points faster.

CHARLOTTE, NC - Dole Food Company continues its support of marathoners by supporting two signature endurance events this fall – the Monterey Bay Half Marathon in California (Nov. 8) and the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon in North Carolina (Nov. 14) – plus the scenic Big Sur International Marathon in April 2027.

Dole will again provide its ubiquitous DOLE® Bananas to thousands of runners in November to help them refuel and recover after the race. With thousands of participants from around the globe, these events provide Dole a powerful platform to share its mission through good nutrition and community connection.

Dole has a long history on the California coast in support of the Monterey Bay Half Marathon, this year donating 10,000 bananas for the event. Runners and spectators will see Dole’s presence throughout race weekend on sponsor signage, emails and the website.

A week later in November, Dole will serve as the Official Banana of the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon for the third year running, reinforcing its hometown commitment to wellness and community spirit.

On Nov. 13, the day before the race, Dole will host a booth at the marathon expo at the Charlotte Convention Center. Dole mascots Bobby Banana and Pinellopy Pineapple will cheer runners on and pose for photos while company representatives and volunteers will distribute 13,000 DOLEÒ Bananas in a dedicated Dole-branded tent to create a festive finish-line experience celebrating the joy of movement and good nutrition.

At the Big Sur International Marathon on April 25, 2027, Dole will provide its bananas to runners completing the course along the Central California coast.

“Marathons represent everything we believe in; sharing the virtues of healthy fuel and proper wellness builds energy, endurance, and community,” said Melanie Marcus, MA, RD, Dole’s Nutrition and Health Communications Manager, in the recent release. “Supporting runners across the country is one more way we live our mission to make healthy living fun and attainable.”

In support of the three races, Marcus has developed a Runner's Recipes and Resources webpage featuring a Q&A, recipes, and pre- and post-race nutritional insights for marathoners.

“Beyond directly contributing to these long-distance endurance races which require serious commitment, Dole supports everyday fitness, nutrition and wellness for all ages and at all levels of activity,” said Marcus.

Learn more about Dole’s health and wellness initiatives at www.dole.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok and YouTube.

VALENCIA, CA - Sunkist Growers is entering the new citrus season with strong momentum, backed by a diverse portfolio of citrus offerings including Navels, Cara Cara oranges, mandarins, Blood oranges, Minneola tangelos, lemons, grapefruit, and organic citrus. As the California citrus season gets underway, Sunkist expects strong availability across key citrus varieties and is helping retailers maximize citrus performance through category expertise, innovative merchandising solutions and integrated marketing programs designed to drive shopper engagement and sales.

This year, Sunkist will introduce Sunkist Produce Academy, a new online learning platform designed to help produce professionals build product knowledge, strengthen selling skills and gain practical insights across retail, foodservice and produce operations. The platform offers training across multiple produce categories to help industry professionals identify opportunities to drive sales and help with ever-increasing turnover and training expenses. Visitors can also experience live demonstrations at the Sunkist booth on both Thursday and Friday, offering an interactive look at the cooperative's latest tools, programs, and solutions designed to support produce industry professionals.

Sunkist will also showcase continued momentum behind its consumer-facing Welcome to the Co-Op platform, which highlights the growers and families behind the cooperative while creating new opportunities for consumers to connect with the Sunkist brand. The platform reinforces the heritage and grower values that have defined Sunkist for more than 130 years.

"Welcome to the Co-Op reflects our belief that the best way to build the Sunkist brand is by putting the people behind the fruit at the center of the story," said Cassie Howard, Sr. Director of Category Management and Marketing at Sunkist Growers, in the recent release. "That approach continues to resonate with consumers and is helping strengthen awareness, engagement, and connection with the Sunkist brand as we enter the new season."

That momentum is also evident in the continued growth of Sunkist Cali™ Mandarins, which have delivered double-digit volume growth while expanding their appeal beyond families to Millennial and Gen Z shoppers. Looking ahead, the program will continue to engage consumers through family-focused storytelling, seasonal promotions and character-driven partnerships.

Sunkist's organic citrus program remains an important area of growth heading into the new season. Backed by more than 25 years of dedicated organic citrus production, the cooperative is expanding support for its organic portfolio through new packaging innovations and its Power with the Pink Orange™ Cara Cara partnership with the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF). The partnership was recently recognized with NBCF's 2026 Corporate Service Award, reflecting Sunkist's ongoing commitment to supporting early detection, education, and support services for those affected by breast cancer.

"Success doesn't happen through a single investment or initiative," said Christian Harris, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Sunkist Growers. “It’s the result of continually looking for ways to improve how we operate, how we serve customers and how we position the organization for the future. That's the approach driving many of the decisions we're making today."

Looking ahead, Sunkist is preparing for another strong season of retail, foodservice and consumer programming. Building on last season's success, including a holiday carton program that drove a 24% lift in Navel orange volume, the cooperative will once again offer holiday packaging, Lunar New Year merchandising solutions, and new seasonal giro bag options and additional consumer activations designed to support citrus sales during key promotional periods.