ORLANDO, FL - I like to think of IFPA’s Global Produce & Floral Show as the most extensive runway in fresh produce. As companies build toward new program launches, solutions, and refreshed messaging for today’s customers, the show creates opportunities for the industry as a whole to take off—to new horizons and more. As we quickly approach this year’s event, October 14–16, I connected with Prophet North America, a software provider for the fresh food and horticultural industry with extensive experience in fresh and chilled perishable produce, to discuss what the runway looks like for them as we look to Orlando.

Bryan Barsness, Business Development Director—North America, did not just give me a sneak peek; he shared a mindset and a strategy...

I'm always curious what a team chooses to lead with at the Global Show, especially now that AI is part of so many conversations on the floor. What message is Prophet bringing to Orlando this year, and which programs are you most looking forward to sharing?

Bryan Barsness, Business Development Director—North America: Our message this year is simple: practical AI and smarter planning that make every day easier for produce teams. Everyone has heard about AI by now. What our customers care about is whether it actually saves their people time on a Tuesday in the middle of a busy season, and everything we are bringing to the Global Show is built around that question.

The headline is Prophet Pulse, a CRM built specifically for produce. On a typical morning, a sales desk might receive orders by email, WhatsApp, text, and phone, and someone has to retype every one of them into the system. With Pulse, AI reads those messages and turns them into sales orders automatically, dropping into the same box as EDI orders, so the salesperson spends that time with customers instead of on data entry with multiple systems.

We are also launching Prophet Insights. Instead of waiting days for someone to build a report, a sales manager or controller can type a simple question, such as 'Which customers bought less from us this month than last month?', and get the answer back with a chart and real numbers from their actual data.

Visitors will also see our MRP built for produce, which helps a packing operation plan days and weeks ahead so the right fruit, packaging, and crew are ready when the orders arrive. Rounding things out are two tools that quietly take work off people's plates. AI purchase matching checks every supplier invoice against what was ordered and what arrived at the dock, so the accounts payable team only reviews the ones that don't line up. Our dock scheduling tool lets drivers check in by text, so the warehouse knows who is on site and trucks spend less time waiting. It is a packed show for us.

Produce has some of the most innovative people I know, and it's exciting to see technology finally catching up to them. What makes Prophet stand out, and what do you think it opens up for the teams running a packhouse or a sales desk?

BB: Produce companies have usually had to choose between software with decades of produce knowledge running on older technology and modern software that has never lived through a short crop or a rejected load. Prophet is the only produce-specific ERP in the U.S. and Canada that offers both. The product includes more than 35 years of produce experience and runs on cutting-edge Microsoft development technologies with powerful yet functional AI tools.

Our MRP is the clearest example of that depth, and no one else in our industry has an MRP built specifically for produce. MRP stands for material requirements planning. Put simply, it works backward from what your customers are going to need based on historical information and internal planning and tells you exactly what you need to have on hand, how much of it, and when. It is a lot like planning Thanksgiving dinner. Once you know how many people are coming, you can figure out how many potatoes to buy, how many pans you need, and when each dish has to go in the oven without having to guess. Yes, experience helps, but our industry is more data-driven than ever.

Most systems in our industry stop at the work order, which tells the packing line what to run today and tomorrow. That matters, but a work order is the last step of a plan, not the plan itself. Prophet's MRP looks ahead and includes contracts in the equation. If a retail program calls for 3,000 cases of clamshell strawberries next week, Prophet works out how much fruit is needed from which growers, how many clamshells, labels, and cartons need to be in the building, and when each one has to arrive.

Tell me more. What are some other specific examples of how a produce-specific MRP anticipates the needs of today’s perishables companies?

BB: Because it was built for produce, it handles things a generic MRP was never designed for. It tracks more dates, including harvest, pack, and best-by dates, so the right product moves first. It forecasts both sides of the business, meaning what customers will order and what the fields will actually deliver. It allows more approved substitutions in the bill of materials, which is essentially the recipe for each finished product, so when a size or variety comes up short, the planner already knows the acceptable alternatives.

It plans packaging alongside the fruit, so a missing roll of film or a box of labels doesn't stop a line. And because every lot and date is connected from the field to the finished case, food safety and traceability are tighter from the start.

To learn more about the specific challenges inspiring Prophet’s solutions and the unique team of veterans and up-and-comers preparing for the IFPA GPFS floor, please read the full interview here, as I had many more questions and they had some amazing answers.

Attendees will find Paul Stofberg, CEO of Prophet ERP North America; Tony Zuccato, COO; Bryan Barsness, Business Development Director; Caroline Valentine, Senior Implementation Manager; and Shannon Fauconnier, Project Coordinator, at booth #3935 for the Orlando event.

We will see you all there.

KINGSVILLE, ON - As more shoppers turn to fresh produce for snacking, Mucci Farms is leading the way, bringing the quality and consistency of greenhouse growing to a lineup built for how people snack today.

“Mucci Farms’ innovation starts with what consumers want: fresh produce that tastes great and fits how they eat daily,” shares Emily Murracas, Director of Creative Services, Mucci Farms. “Through advanced growing practices and ongoing research and development, we’re bringing greenhouse grown quality and consistency to the snacking occasions shoppers reach for most.”

Mucci Farms continues to fuel innovation in emerging greenhouse categories through world-class research and development, exploring new crops, growing methods, and opportunities to bring fresh, reliable, and differentiated products to consumers. The result is a line of innovative offerings spanning multiple categories.

Cherrisma™ Mixed Cherry Tomatoes

Perfect for popping straight from the package or adding a burst of color to shoppers’ favorite meals, Cherrisma™ Mixed Cherry Tomatoes is a charmingly sweet medley of red, orange, yellow, green, and brown cherry tomatoes made to brighten up any occasion. With a colorful assortment in every package, this fresh blend brings together a variety of flavors for a snacking experience that’s as fun to look at as it is to enjoy.

“Cherrisma™ adds a unique, differentiated offering to the Mucci Farms portfolio by bringing together variety, flavor, and personality in one convenient package,” adds Guy Cameron, Senior Director of Business and Product Development, Mucci Farms. “Unlike traditional single-color tomato offerings, Cherrisma™ gives shoppers an assortment of colors and flavor profiles in every pack, creating a more engaging and discovery-driven experience.”

“On shelf, Cherrisma’s color mix stands out and draws shoppers in,” says Jessica Soare, AVP of Marketing, Cox Farms. “The variety invites them to discover a favorite, and its versatility takes it from everyday snacking to salads, lunches and entertaining.”

In addition to the new Cherrisma™ Mixed Cherry Tomatoes, Mucci Farms will be showcasing several other offerings at IFPA.

CuteCumber™ Poppers

Crunchy, refreshing, and perfect for dipping, CuteCumber™ Poppers are a convenient one-bite snack. CuteCumber™ Poppers come in a 1.5 lb. bowl with a top-seal lid and include two portioned 1.5-oz ranch dip cups, making it easy to grab, dip, and enjoy. With the promise of flavor and convenience, CuteCumber™ Poppers bring new excitement to the snacking sector.

Fresh Mix™ Veggie Tray

Whether shoppers want a quick snack or are entertaining a full house, the Fresh Mix™ Veggie Tray brings together Mucci Farms’ most flavorful greenhouse-grown snacking produce in one ready-to-serve tray. Grown under glass and harvested at peak ripeness, every piece delivers consistent crunch and flavor in every bite.

Certified Organic Snacking Line

Say hello to Mucci Farms’ snacking line—now offered in organics! With an expanded selection of snacking favorites now available in organics, it’s easier than ever for shoppers to enjoy fresh, convenient snacking. The lineup of premium, greenhouse grown produce features an assortment of award-winning snacking varieties that meet consumer demand for quick and easy prep options.

Behind the lineup is the scale to back it up.

With more than 60 years of growing innovation, Mucci Farms has established itself as a leader in vine crops and strawberries across North America.

“As the #1 Indoor Strawberry Grower in North America, Mucci Farms currently has more than 105 acres dedicated to strawberry production, with further expansion planned,” says Jessica. “The company also boasts more than 350 acres of pepper production across bell and specialty varieties, including the largest owned bell pepper acreage in North America.”

Attendees can explore all of Mucci Farms’ offerings at booth #1243, alongside Cox Farms and BrightFarms. Visitors to the booth will discover the strength of a greenhouse partner with the scale, expertise, and growing capabilities to enhance the full produce department.

“From tomatoes and peppers to strawberries and beyond, Mucci Farms is bringing more to the produce aisle,” Guy concludes. “We're not just growing produce; we're delivering the complete snacking solution.”

OXNARD, CA - Mission Produce, Inc. ("Mission" or "the Company"), a world leader in sourcing, producing, and distributing fresh Hass avocados, announced its commitment to Fair Trade Certification, an award-winning, rigorous, and globally recognized sustainable sourcing model that improves livelihoods, protects the environment, and builds resilient, transparent supply chains. The move reflects the Company's "New Era of Fresh" as a stronger, more diversified organization and leading avocado platform.

"Mission's new era is about providing greater value throughout the supply chain," said Brooke Becker, Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Mission Produce. "Fair Trade Certification is a natural extension of that: it aligns with our values, it's recognized by many of our key retail partners and consumers, and it's a direct way of supporting our grower communities."

Fair Trade Certified™¹ avocados come from farms that are verified to meet rigorous social and environmental standards, including safe working conditions, fair wages, and responsible farming practices. Each Fair Trade Certified product purchased helps farmworkers improve their lives, invest in their communities, and supports a more sustainable and ethical food system. Calavo Growers has championed the Fair Trade Certified program since 2013, generating more than $3.3 million in Community Development Funds that have enabled initiatives such as the development of a healthcare management center, health, dental, and vision care, reforestation projects, housing repairs, food assistance, and school supplies for growers, workers, and their families.

"I've had the privilege of being part of this program since the beginning and have seen firsthand the difference it's made for growers and their communities," said Sandy Eason, Director of Organic Sales. "There are countless stories of how Fair Trade Certified has changed lives for the better, and expanding the program across Mission's network means that impact will only grow. I couldn't be prouder to help carry it forward into this next chapter."

"Following our acquisition of Calavo Growers, we've been focused on bringing together the best of both organizations," added Becker in the recent release. "Fair Trade Certified is one thing we've been able to build on as a larger company, and it won't be the only one. Avocados remain the core of our business, and the scale we now operate at gives us more ways to secure a reliable, high-quality, year-round supply. This summer season gave us an early preview of what's possible– with stronger visibility in the field, broader sourcing capabilities, and the flexibility to pivot as markets shift, we're already delivering more for our customers."

^{[1] Fair Trade USA™, a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is the leading certifier of Fair Trade products in North America. Offering award-winning, rigorous, and globally recognized sustainable sourcing certification programs that improve livelihoods, protect the environment, and build resilient, transparent supply chains, its trusted Fair Trade Certified™ label on a product signifies that it was made according to stringent fair trade standards. Fair Trade USA is building an innovative model of responsible business, conscious consumerism, and shared value to eliminate poverty and enable sustainable development for farmers, workers, their families, and communities around the world.}

FRESNO, CA - That summer is over is not a memo that has reached much of California. Here in Orange County, we’ve seen heat advisories and cooling stations all the way to Huntington Beach. But growers in the San Joaquin Valley should expect a sharp drop in temperatures this weekend, according to the latest forecast from Weather Mission.

A Pacific trough is moving into California, and remnant moisture from Hurricane Rachel could bring showers to the South Valley.

Thursday, October 8 through Monday, October 12

• Highs: Mid-to-upper 90s, Thu–Fri
• Highs: Upper 70s to low 90s Sat 
• Highs: Low 70s to mid 80s Sun–Mon
• Lows: Mid 60s to low 70s through Sat
• Lows: Low 50s to mid 60s Sun–Mon

Hurricane Rachel remnants don’t promise rain but do leave the chance. Showers may reach the south valley Sunday, then spread north toward Fresno Sunday night into Monday, according to the report, with a 20–40% chance of rain from Fresno south. Northwesterly gusts of 15–20 mph Thu–Sat are projected.

A few showers may linger Tuesday as the trough moves inland, with drier weather returning by midweek and bringing a warming trend back to the area. Temperatures are likely to return above normal in the second half of October, but should any changes come, AndNowUKnow will be sure to report. 

FOWLER, CA - In approximately one week, the Bee Sweet Citrus team is off to Orlando, Florida, to join numerous exhibitors at IFPA’s Global Produce and Floral Show. There, the team is eager to meet with attendees to discuss the 2026-2027 citrus season, variety availability, and more.

“Every year, our team looks forward to this show because it gives us the opportunity to have meaningful conversations with current industry friends and meet new connections,” stated Bee Sweet Citrus Sales Representative Joe Berberian in the recent release. 

“The show offers us an excellent opportunity to showcase our brand, discuss our new season, and discover what’s trending in the produce industry.”

Bee Sweet Citrus is currently transitioning from its summer import program to its domestic season. California-grown lemons, Meyer lemons, Pummelos, and Golden Gem grapefruit are currently available, while mandarins and Navel oranges will be available mid-October.

“There’s no better time to meet with the Bee Sweet Citrus team than when we’re at IFPA’s Global Produce and Floral show,” stated Bee Sweet Citrus Director of Communications Monique Mueller. “With the beginning of our season coinciding with the date of the show, our team will be able to give attendees real-time updates on our variety line, as well as insight into the projects we have planned for the new season.”

Bee Sweet’s entire sales team will attend this year’s show, and event-goers are encouraged to visit Booth #3983 to meet them. To schedule a meeting with a Bee Sweet Citrus sales representative or to learn more about the upcoming season, please call 559-834-4200.

BRAWLEY, CA - Five Crowns Marketing, a fourth-generation, family-owned grower, packer, and shipper with deep agricultural roots dating back generations, is poised to showcase its year-round approach to fresh produce at the upcoming International Fresh Produce & Floral Association Global Produce & Floral Show, October 15–16 in Orlando, Florida.

Visitors can find the Five Crowns team in Booth #731 to explore its year-round programs for corn, melons, and asparagus and learn how the company’s growing expertise, regional strategy, and commitment to quality help bring fresh produce to consumers well beyond traditional seasonal eating occasions. Built on a foundation of faith, family, integrity, and stewardship, Five Crowns has grown its agricultural footprint across multiple regions to deliver high-quality fresh produce throughout the year.

Five Crowns’ ability to provide year-round supply is rooted in a strategic approach to growing and sourcing that follows optimal conditions for each commodity. The company’s growing regions are strategically selected for the soil, microclimate, and conditions best suited to each crop, allowing production to move with the seasons and help maintain consistent supply and quality. Corn production spans Mexico, Arizona and California, while cantaloupe, honeydew and other melons are grown across Southern California, the Central Valley and Yuma, Arizona, complemented by offshore sourcing to extend availability. The company’s asparagus program extends across Mexico, Peru, and Washington, providing multiple production regions to support year-round availability. For corn specifically, Five Crowns’ proprietary seed program allows the company to strategically grow its corn in the regions offering optimal growing conditions, with a focus on producing sweet, tender corn and the very best eating experience for consumers.

At the heart of the Five Crowns program is a commitment to quality, innovation and an unwavering focus on the consumer eating experience. Across its corn, melon and asparagus programs, the company’s goal is to deliver produce that looks, tastes and performs in a way that keeps consumers coming back. That commitment to innovation takes different forms across the company’s programs. In melons,

Five Crowns has expanded its sourcing strategy through an offshore program that helps extend the availability of cantaloupe and honeydew beyond traditional domestic growing seasons, creating a more consistent, year-round supply for customers. In corn, innovation is focused on creating new ways for consumers to enjoy the category, from Cobettes, smaller cut cobs that offer a versatile, snackable format, to organic corn that gives retailers an option to meet continued consumer demand for organic produce, and California Style Street Corn, a ready-to-cook kit that combines fresh corn with flavorful sauce, seasoning, and cheese in one convenient package. Underlying each of these efforts is the same objective: deliver a quality eating experience that creates consumer satisfaction, builds repeat purchases, and keeps fresh produce relevant across more of the calendar.

“Consumers don’t stop eating fresh produce when a traditional growing season ends, and our job is to make sure our customers have the supply and quality they need to keep those categories relevant year-round,” said Daren Van Dyke, VP of Sales & Marketing, Five Crowns Marketing, in the recent release. “Corn, melons and asparagus each have their own natural seasonality and eating occasions, but there are opportunities to extend those occasions well beyond what consumers may traditionally associate with each commodity. Corn can move from summer grilling into fall game-day gatherings, holiday meals, and fresh spring dishes. Melons can play a role in breakfast, snacking and entertaining throughout the year, while asparagus can move seamlessly from everyday meals into holiday and special-occasion dishes. By strategically growing and sourcing across regions and seasons, we can help our customers keep these commodities in front of consumers, create new eating occasions and ultimately drive demand through quality and great eating experiences.”

From a retail perspective, Five Crowns believes year-round availability creates opportunities for retailers to think differently about how these commodities are presented and merchandised. “Having a year-round supply is only part of the equation,” said David Dudley, Director of Marketing & Merchandising, Five Crowns Marketing. “The real opportunity is helping retailers connect the right product with the right eating occasion. Savvy merchandising can inspire consumers to purchase corn outside of the traditional summer months, bring melons into more snacking and entertaining occasions, and position asparagus as an everyday vegetable as well as a premium side for holiday and special-occasion meals. When you combine dependable supply with the right pack formats, quality and merchandising strategy, you create more opportunities for consumers to see, use and ultimately add these products to their baskets.”

Attendees of the IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show can experience the Five Crowns programs firsthand at Booth #731, where the team will showcase its corn, melon, and asparagus offerings and share more about its year-round growing and supply capabilities. The team will also be sampling Corn & Dill Pickle Relish, offering attendees a fresh take on the versatility of corn. Stop by Booth #731 to taste the product, meet the Five Crowns team, and explore year-round opportunities across the company’s fresh produce programs.