MCFARLAND, CA - Pretty Lady Vineyards is celebrating America’s 250th birthday at the 2026 Global Produce and Floral Show with a premium selection of fall table grapes, the debut of Summer Blush™, and a signature dessert inspired by a classic American treat.

At Booth #331, attendees can experience Pretty Lady’s sought-after fall varieties, including AutumnCrisp®, Adora®, Scarlotta®, and Cherry Crush™. Together, the portfolio highlights the distinctive flavor, texture, size, and shelf appeal that define Pretty Lady’s premium grapes while offering retailers compelling options for the season. Pretty Lady Vineyards is proud to be one of three California grape growers that produce SunWorld™ varieties.

The team will also introduce the Summer Blush™ variety, a rave-worthy addition to the Pretty Lady Vineyards lineup. Attendees can get a closer look at the new variety and learn more about its unique profile and potential within the table grape category.

The 250th birthday celebration will also make its way onto the tasting table with Pretty Lady’s Star Spangled Cobbler, featuring sweet, juicy red grapes paired with warm, comforting bakery flavors. It’s a delicious and unexpected twist on an American classic, bringing the bold flavor of Pretty Lady grapes to a nostalgic favorite.

“IFPA gives us the opportunity to connect directly with our customers, build new relationships, and put our grapes in front of buyers,” states Nick Dulcich, president, in the recent release. “With our fall lineup and the introduction of Summer Blush™, we are confident in what we can bring to the market. We’re looking forward to talking with customers about their needs and how we can help support their programs.”

Visit Pretty Lady Vineyards at Booth #331 to connect with the team and discover grapes worth celebrating. For those unable to attend in person, grape sales inquiries can be directed to Nick Dulcich at [email protected].

ORANGE, CA - GreenFruit Avocados announced a strategic expansion of its leadership team, bringing in one of the produce industry's most experienced operations executives and elevating two rising leaders from within. The moves advance its mission to shorten the distance between grower and customer, delivering avocados consistently from grove to shelf in a vertically integrated supply chain. 

Ryan C. Fink, a respected operations leader with more than 15 years of experience at some of the most recognized names in the produce industry, was named Vice President of Operations. The company also announced the promotions of Giovanni Espinosa to Sales Manager and Andrew Gomez to Sourcing Manager. 

Following a transformative ownership restructuring in April 2026, GreenFruit is building a fully vertically integrated avocado company spanning growing, packing, shipping, and ripening operations across California, Mexico, Peru, and Colombia. The new hire and promotions are designed to strengthen each link in the value chain.

“GreenFruit was built on the belief that bringing the customer closer to the grower is how you deliver a better product. Our mission is focused on owning the hardest and most valuable part of the supply chain, the last mile, where our challenge is to get the fruit to market at exactly the right moment. Ryan Fink has spent his career addressing that operational challenge, and he has done it at scale. Andrew and Giovanni have been building this company from the ground up. Together, our full team is ready to make the last mile our strongest competitive advantage," said Scott Bauwens, CEO, GreenFruit Avocado, in the recent release.

Ryan C. Fink - Vice President of Operations

Ryan Fink joins GreenFruit with more than 15 years of operations leadership in the produce industry, including a decade-long career at Mission Produce where he rose to Vice President of North American Operations. At Mission, Fink built and led operations across nine Forward Distribution Centers, a Carrier Transfer Center, and the company's over-the-road transportation network. He expanded Mission's Savannah import program from approximately 20 Peru containers to more than 250 in a single season, oversaw approximately $40 million in facility expansions, and opened ripening facilities in Europe, China and North America. He also established Mission Logistics LLC, a third-party freight brokerage operation that generated approximately $3.2 million in its first year.

Earlier in his Mission tenure, as Director of Global Quality Assurance and Distribution, Fink led the standardization of ripening procedures across the company's distribution network and managed replenishment of more than 8 million pounds of product weekly. He holds an Executive MBA from the University of Michigan, graduated with honors, and a B.S. in Agricultural Business and Management from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.

Most recently, Fink served as Chief Operating Officer of AvoPacific Oils, an international avocado oil business, where he led company-wide operations, sourcing, commercial strategy, and financial management, doubling company sales over a two-year period. As VP of Operations at GreenFruit, he will oversee ripening operations, forward distribution, logistics and last-mile execution across the company's North American network.

“Ripening is where the promise of vertical integration either gets delivered or falls apart. Ryan built the systems at one of the largest operations in the world and has seen what it looks like when those systems are done right. That experience is exactly what GreenFruit needs at this stage," said Scott Bauwens, CEO, GreenFruit Avocados.

“What drew me to GreenFruit is the model. Owning the supply chain across four countries is the right way to build this business. I am excited to help build the operational foundation that makes the last mile our strongest asset," said Ryan Fink, VP of Operations, GreenFruit Avocados.

Giovanni Espinosa - Sales Manager

Giovanni Espinosa has been promoted to Sales Manager after more than 11 years with GreenFruit Avocados, making him one of the longest-tenured members of the team. Espinosa joined GreenFruit in 2015 and has been at the front of the company through every stage of its growth. He was recognized by Produce Business magazine as a 40 Under Forty honoree in 2023, a distinction that reflects the reputation he has built across the retail, food service, and wholesale channels he serves.

Espinosa's experience spans domestic and international sales, inventory management and logistics, and he has been instrumental in building and deepening GreenFruit's customer relationships across those segments. His promotion to Sales Manager reflects both his tenure and the natural growth of his role as the company scales its commercial operations.

“Giovanni has been at the front of this company since nearly the beginning. He has built real relationships with our customers, grown the business, and shown up every single day. This new role is well-earned," said Scott Bauwens, CEO, GreenFruit Avocados.

Andrew Gomez - Sourcing Manager

Andrew Gomez has been promoted to Sourcing Manager after nearly six years with GreenFruit Avocados. Gomez joined the company as an intern in 2015 before returning full-time in 2021 and has steadily expanded his role and responsibilities across operations, marketing, and sourcing. Before GreenFruit, he spent more than two years at Starcom in New York as a paid media analyst on the Samsung Mobile account, bringing a data-driven and analytical mindset to his work.

At GreenFruit, Gomez has been central to the company's Colombian sourcing program, helping pioneer the vertical integration of that origin and receiving some of the first proof of concept from the region. His sourcing work spans California, Mexico, Peru, and Colombia, and he brings an instinctive understanding of what it takes to build grower relationships that deliver consistent quality. His promotion to Sourcing Manager reflects his growth as an operator and the expanding importance of GreenFruit's multi-origin sourcing model.

“Andrew has shown real range. He understands the grower side, the operational and sales side, and he brings the kind of discipline and attention to detail that makes a sourcing program work. He has been instrumental in building out our entire sourcing program, and he is exactly the person we want leading sourcing as we grow," said Scott Bauwens, CEO, GreenFruit Avocados.

ATLANTA, GA - As the produce industry gathers in Orlando for the Global Produce & Floral Show, BrightFarms will spotlight its next chapter of innovation: a multi-serve Crunch Kit lineup built to bring new occasions—and new shoppers—into the packaged salad category.

Jess Soare, Assistant Vice President of Marketing, Cox Farms, and Matt DiNitto, Executive Vice President of Sales, BrightFarms, shared an exclusive look at what’s fueling the brand’s growth, and what’s next.

What key milestones mark BrightFarms' footprint and retail growth in the past year? How have these expansions made BrightFarms a stronger supply-side partner?

Jess Soare, AVP of Marketing, Cox Farms: “Everything we do starts with the consumer, and our growth this year reflects that. Shoppers want fresh, high-quality greens they can count on, and delivering on that has fueled a strong year for BrightFarms. We’ve nearly doubled our U.S. salad sales volume over the past two years,* expanded across the Northeast, South, and Midwest, and entering over 600 stores in the West. BrightFarms was also named Indoor Farming Company of the Year at the AgTech Breakthrough Awards, recognizing the automation and modular design behind how we grow.

For our retail partners, that scale means a more reliable supply of locally grown greens across more markets, and a partner ready to grow the category with them.”

Which BrightFarms innovations will be on display at this year’s Global Produce & Floral Show?

Matt DiNitto, Executive Vice President of Sales, BrightFarms: “At the Cox Farms booth, we’ll give buyers a first look at our new BrightFarms multi-serve Crunch Kit lineup. Our single-serve Crunch Kits rank No. 1 in sales among indoor salad kit brands,* and this expansion brings what shoppers already love into a shareable format. First up is the Ultimate Caesar Crunch Kit, arriving this fall ahead of Thanksgiving and holiday entertaining. Demand for Caesar kits continues to grow, which made it the natural place to start.”

What consumer insights shaped the Ultimate Caesar Crunch Kit, and what does it mean for retailers?

Jess Soare: “Our innovation starts with listening to consumers, and they’ve been clear: they want high-quality salads, and that starts with the greens. The Ultimate Caesar Crunch Kit builds on our beloved Chickpea Caesar Crunch Kit, pairing our signature Crunchy Green Leaf lettuce with shredded Parmesan, garlic croutons, and creamy Caesar dressing.

With three servings inside, the expanded format fits more of the ways people eat today: a family dinner, a meal for two, lunches prepped for the week, or an easy side when the holidays get busy. For retailers, that means a proven favorite reaching new occasions and new shoppers, and more reasons for consumers to return to the salad set.”

Matt DiNitto: “As our greenhouse network and retail footprint grow, so does our ability to offer retailers more formats for more occasions. Multi-serve kits, alongside our single-serve kits and leafy greens, make BrightFarms a complete salad partner, one that delivers consistent quality and supply at scale.”

ANUK is committed to bringing you exclusive insights ahead of the IFPA show, so keep clicking on that little apple logo!

^{*Source: NielsenIQ Retail Measurement, Total US xAOC, Latest 52 Wks vs. 2 Years Ago w/e 09/05/26}

ISSAQUAH, WA - Costco Wholesale Corporation reported net sales of $30.02 billion for the retail month of September, the five weeks ended October 4, 2026, an increase of 13.0 percent from $26.58 billion last year.

Additional discussion of these results is available in a pre-recorded message. It can be accessed by visiting investor.costco.com (click on “Events & Presentations”). This message will be available through 4:00 p.m. (PT) on Wednesday, October 14, 2026.

Costco currently operates 939 warehouses, including 647 in the United States and Puerto Rico, 115 in Canada, 43 in Mexico, 37 in Japan, 29 in the United Kingdom, 20 in Korea, 15 in Australia, 14 in Taiwan, seven in China, five in Spain, three in France, two in Sweden, and one each in Iceland, and New Zealand. Costco also operates e-commerce sites in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Mexico, Korea, Taiwan, Japan, Australia, and China.

Read the full release here. 

ORLANDO, FL - For just a few days, the Salad Bowl of the World is coming to Orlando, Florida. With the annual Global Produce & Floral Show on the horizon, attendees are once again welcomed to the Grower-Shipper Pavilion (Booth 2172) to explore all that California’s Salinas Valley and Central Coast have to offer.

“We hope the pavilion represents the collaborative spirit of our region and gives attendees a sense of the people and businesses behind the produce grown in the Salad Bowl of the World,” shares Laura Lauritzen, Marketing Consultant for the Grower-Shipper Association. “Each company has its own story and expertise, but together we represent a strong, connected agricultural community.”

The Grower-Shipper Pavilion (Booth 2172) was created as an opportunity for Grower-Shipper Association members to come together and collaborate in a way that allows them to have a strong presence at the Global Produce & Floral Show, while sharing the resources and benefits of one collective space. Over the years, it has grown into a true one-stop shop where customers can connect with multiple grower-shippers and experience the depth and diversity of the Salinas Valley and Central Coast in one place.

This year, participating companies include Baja Son Growers, Church Brothers Farms, Coastline Family Farms, Misionero, Nature’s Reward, Ippolito International, River Fresh Farms, and The Nunes Company.

“Together, these companies represent a wide range of products, growing operations, histories, and expertise, while sharing a common connection to the Central Coast,” Laura adds. “Bringing them together demonstrates the depth and diversity of our region and the value of collaboration among our grower-shipper community.”

As part of the Global Produce & Floral Show’s exciting lineup of events, the Grower-Shipper Pavilion will be hosting a two-hour Happy Hour from 3–5 p.m. on Thursday, October 15. This event wraps up the first day of the show by bringing people together in a more relaxed setting after a full day of meetings and conversations.

“The Happy Hour is an opportunity to slow down, continue conversations, make new connections, and celebrate the relationships that make this industry so special,” Laura says.

These platforms for personal connection are one of the most valued features of the Global Produce & Floral Show.

“IFPA Global is really about connection—having meaningful conversations with customers and industry partners, understanding what they need, and talking about how we can continue to grow and adapt together,” Laura continues. “Our members are navigating many of the same important issues facing the industry, from supply and reliability to innovation, sustainability, food safety, labor and changing consumer expectations. Most importantly, we want to reinforce that the Central Coast is home to growers and shippers who are committed to their customers and to the future of the fresh produce industry. Global gives us an opportunity to listen, share ideas, and build the relationships that help move the industry forward.”

Known affectionately as the “Salad Bowl of the World,” there is much more to the Salinas Valley story than the volume and variety of the crops grown there, Laura tells me.

“We hope attendees leave with a greater appreciation for the people and agricultural community behind the produce coming from the Central Coast,” she concludes. “Ultimately, we want attendees to think of the Central Coast as more than a place on a map or a source of fresh produce. We want them to see it as a community of trusted partners who are proud of what they grow, committed to their customers, and invested in the future of the industry.”

Be sure to check out the Grower-Shipper Pavilion (Booth 2172) as you explore this year’s show!

LEAMINGTON, ON - Pure Flavor®, a greenhouse-grown produce company known for pushing innovation across the fresh category, is introducing Tulu Tomatoes®, a pink cherry tomato on the vine grown for one thing: flavor that stops you mid-bite. Inspired by the Mediterranean approach to food, where exceptional ingredients, thoughtful preparation, and gathering around the table come together, Tulu reflects a belief that the on-the-vine snacking tomato category has room for something unexpected.

Unlike conventional cherry tomatoes on the vine that lean heavily on sweetness, Tulu Tomatoes® deliver a balanced, dual-layered flavor profile: sweetness paired with savory umami depth that carries consistently from first bite to finish. Fresh or blistered, on a feta salad or paired with a chicken dish, Tulu is a tomato meant to be enjoyed the way the best Mediterranean dishes are, with simple ingredients and quality pairings that let the flavor speak for itself.

A New Look on Shelf

Tulu Tomatoes® brings a fresh packaging format that is unique to the category. The 9 oz vertical box features a black soft-touch exterior and a pink and cream striped interior, giving it a noticeably premium presence on shelf that sets it apart from traditional clamshell packaging. It's designed to signal what's inside: this isn't just another cherry on the vine.

"We grew Tulu because we believe the on-the-vine tomato category has room for something with more depth,” said Jamie Moracci, CEO, Pure Flavor®, in the recent release. "Recently, that segment has become overly commercialized, losing its focus on what should matter most: flavor. Tulu was our answer to that. When you taste it, you understand immediately that this is something different, and that's exactly the experience we set out to create."

Grown for the Premium Produce Shopper

Tulu Tomatoes® are positioned for consumers who choose their ingredients with intention: the shopper who reaches for a shallot instead of an onion or picks up the high-quality olive oil. It's a purposeful upgrade, not interchangeable with what's already in the aisle.

Available in a 9 oz format, Tulu is ideal for fresh snacking, tomato toast, feta salads, chicken dishes, and blistered preparations. Its culinary versatility and distinctive flavor give consumers a reason to reach for something new and come back for it. The tagline, "Extraordinary flavor in every bite," is a promise rooted in that experience.

"Tulu Tomatoes® are about creating a moment around food," said Julia Weber, Vice President of Marketing, Pure Flavor®. "The Mediterranean table was our inspiration: quality ingredients, kept simple, with taste at the center of everything. We wanted that feeling to come through in the product itself. At the end of the day, Tulu earns its place on the plate through flavor. You don't need to dress it up. That's where it truly stands apart."

Retailer Opportunity

Tulu Tomatoes® give retailers a differentiated, premium-tier cherry tomato on the vine built to drive trade-up within the category. Its distinctive pink color, unique packaging, and flavor-forward positioning offer a clear point of difference on shelf. The product is Non-GMO and greenhouse-grown year-round.

With Tulu Tomatoes®, Pure Flavor® is reinforcing what it has always believed: that fresh produce belongs at the center of the table, and exceptional flavor is how it gets there.

DELTA, BC - WINDSET FARMS® is putting a spotlight on its California-grown Classic Heirloom Tomatoes, grown at the company's Santa Maria, California facility, the largest single-site vegetable greenhouse in the United States. Varieties include distinctive shapes, colors, and sizes, all boasting rich and complex flavors with a juicy, tender texture. Growing in Santa Maria means customers can enjoy USA-grown tomatoes every day of the year, for fresher, longer-lasting taste.

Classic Heirloom Tomatoes are packaged in a 2-count paper pack, making it convenient to merchandise, while protecting the delicate fruit inside and providing ample product visibility.

“Using more widely recyclable paper to package our produce is just another way we are offering more sustainable options for our customers,” said Ryan Cherry, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, in the recent release. “Paper can be recycled in most areas across North America, and the premium presentation stands out in stores.”

The Classic Heirloom Tomatoes 2-pack will be featured in the Fresh Ideas Packaging Innovations Showcase at the IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show, taking place October 14–16, 2026, in Orlando, Florida. Visit Windset at Booth No. 1552 for a firsthand look.