FRESNO, CA - Peelz, one of the most notable and exciting citrus brands in the United States, is putting something unexpected on the agenda at the 2026 Global Produce & Floral Show, October 14–16 at Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center. The Fowler Packing Company citrus brand will welcome retail buyers and industry partners to Booth #3543 with giveaways, branded merchandise, citrus-inspired cocktails and complimentary Peelz-inspired manicures, bringing a hands-on twist to “Nothing Peelz Better.”

Fresh off its award-winning booth at the 2025 GPFS in Anaheim, Peelz is going from one Orange County to another, ready to nail its encore performance in Orlando. The 1,200-square-foot experience will bring aisle-stopping energy to the show floor, giving attendees a chance to take a seat and put their citrus enthusiasm on display, a press release stated.

GPFS will also serve as the kickoff to Peelz’ upcoming experiential campaign, giving the produce industry a first look at how the brand will show up for consumers throughout the citrus season. The campaign will take Peelz beyond the produce aisle and into culture with consumer experiences across the country, including an activation at Stagecoach and a Peelz pop-up during Super Bowl week. Orlando gives retail partners the first chance to experience what Peelz will be bringing directly to consumers all season long.

“People have choices in the produce aisle and on the show floor. We want Peelz to be a name they look for in both,” said Kiah Ruvalcaba, Vice President of Marketing and Business Development at Fowler Packing Company. “That starts with great citrus and carries through to how we show up at every touchpoint. Whether that’s at our retailers as the citrus brand driving the most volume growth, or at GPFS with free manicures, we want to show up in ways that are meaningful and even a little unexpected.”

Nails do their share of the peeling. This time, they get a little love in return.

Peelz’ complimentary citrus-inspired manicures will feature a menu of Peelz-inspired designs and trends, with appointments available October 15 and 16 from 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Appointments are limited and expected to fill quickly, so attendees are encouraged to reserve their manicure before arriving in Orlando at peelzcitrus.com/BookNow. Walk away with a fresh set, courtesy of your favorite citrus obsession.

Manicures not your thing? There’s still plenty to experience. Visit Peelz at Booth #3543 for a look at the brand’s full citrus lineup, alongside citrus-inspired cocktails, giveaways, branded merchandise and more. Because while Peelz may be having a little fun with the show experience, great citrus is always at the center of it.

AMADO, AX - Wholesum is taking a fresh approach to one of the snacking cucumber category’s most frustrating quality challenges: condensation.

As demand for convenient, healthy snacking options continues to grow, Wholesum is helping retailers deliver a better organic cucumber experience with a freshness solution designed to address one of the challenges that can compromise quality and presentation along the supply chain.

The innovation lies in the packaging.

In partnership with StePacPPC, Wholesum has introduced its organic snacking cucumber assortment in new advanced moisture-management and modified-humidity bags designed to absorb excess condensation. The new Xgo™ PAZ pouch helps maintain optimal product conditions despite the temperature and environmental fluctuations that can occur throughout the supply chain. The packaging innovation was designed for organic mini cucumbers and organic baby (2-bite) cucumbers.

A Difference You Can See

Freshness starts with what consumers see. Consumers shop with their eyes, and visual freshness often shapes first impressions long before a product is tasted. For consumers, the experience is familiar. Open a package of cucumbers and you may find cucumbers that feel wet with excess condensation. Even when the product remains perfectly edible, that first impression can make a consumer think twice about purchasing and eating it.

By helping manage moisture inside the package, Wholesum's new bags maintain a cleaner, clearer presentation that better showcases the cucumbers consumers came to buy. The result is a noticeably fresher first impression, allowing the product to remain the hero. Cucumbers retain the crisp, vibrant appearance consumers expect, without the moisture-heavy look that can develop in traditional packaging.

“A cucumber that looks crisp and fresh invites you to reach in and grab it. For snacking cucumbers in particular, where convenience and immediate consumption are central to the product experience, that difference is especially important,” states Ricardo Crisantes, Chief Commercial Officer of Wholesum.

Supported Through Extensive Testing

Before expanding the solution commercially, Wholesum conducted extensive testing comparing the new packaging format with existing cucumber packaging options. Multiple pack types were evaluated under postharvest conditions designed to simulate temperature and environmental challenges commonly encountered throughout the supply chain.

Results demonstrated improved quality retention, reduced visible deterioration, and lower moisture accumulation across both mini and baby cucumber formats when compared with conventional packaging alternatives. Testing showed stronger quality performance at the end of 16-day shelf-life evaluations, along with reductions in issues such as excess moisture, decay, and mold development. The results demonstrate the value of addressing condensation as part of the overall cucumber experience, helping support product presentation, quality retention, and stronger shelf performance.

Retail Experience

The new packaging launched through a pilot program with Sprouts Farmers Market during Spring 2026, making Sprouts one of the first retailers to test this new approach in stores. As an early partner in the initiative, Sprouts recognized the opportunity to improve the cucumber shopping experience by addressing a longstanding challenge within the category.

Early real-world performance has shown improved sell-through alongside reduced product loss associated with deterioration. This is particularly important as food waste remains one of the biggest challenges facing the produce industry, and shelf-life limitations are a significant contributor. When fresh produce deteriorates before reaching consumers, the resources invested in growing, packing, transporting, and merchandising that food are lost.

Available Now in Wholesum’s Organic Cucumber Portfolio

Wholesum's organic snacking cucumber assortment is now available in pouches featuring StePacPPC's Xgo™ PAZ moisture-management packaging technology, including:

• Wholesum Organic Mini Cucumbers in a 1 lb package
• Lil’ Ones Organic Baby Cucumbers in an 8 oz package

Both formats deliver the convenience consumers expect from snack-sized cucumbers while helping maintain quality and freshness. Lil’ Ones Organic Baby Cucumbers take that convenience one step further with an exceptionally small, seedless, two-bite format that is easy to grab, pack, dip, and enjoy.

“Bringing more joy to the cucumber set starts with solving the challenges that stand in the way of a better experience. Moisture-management packaging is another step in our ongoing effort to nourish a healthy world through healthy, flavorful organic produce,” states Crisantes. “By reducing condensation, we can help cucumbers look fresher, stay attractive longer, and deliver the quality consumers expect every time they open the bag.”

“The PAZ pouch was developed to solve moisture control challenges associated with sensitive produce like cucumbers. It has been a pleasure working side by side with the Wholesum team to bring this to market and to see how it preserves quality, enhances the consumer experience, and sets their brand apart on the shelf,” said Daniel Peña, Sales Manager Mexico at StePacPPC.

Wholesum will feature their snacking cucumber assortment in its innovative packaging at the Global Produce and Floral Show 2026 in Orlando at booth #1791.

KINGSVILLE, ON - Come in. Have a seat. You look hungry. Del Fresco Pure is heading to the Global Produce & Floral Show in Orlando, Florida, October 14– 16, 2026, and bringing a little family hospitality along for the ride. At Booth 1889, the invitation is simple: “Welcome to Nonna’s House.”

Expect fresh produce, after-school snacks, and a couple of familiar faces dropping by. The original Cucumber King, Logan Moffitt, and your Greek mamma, Maria Koutsogiannis of FoodByMaria— affectionately known around here as “Nonna’s favorite grandchildren”—will join the fun.

Does Nonna have favorites? Officially, no. Moving on.

Thursday, October 15: Logan’s in the Kitchen. Things Are Getting Pickled.

On Thursday, October 15, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Logan Moffitt will be at Booth 1889 making his refrigerator pickles with Del Fresco Pure® Mini Cruncher® mini cucumbers.

The internet’s beloved “Cucumber Guy” is bringing his signature creativity to Nonna’s house, where a fridge full of pickles is simply considered being prepared. Stop by, watch him work, and see what happens when fresh cucumbers get the Logan treatment.

“Working with Del Fresco Pure has been such an exciting and meaningful journey. As a major produce fan, it’s an honor to work together to celebrate greenhouse-grown produce and the role it plays in bringing fresh ingredients to our kitchens year-round. I love inspiring people to get creative with their vegetables and see how amazing simple ingredients can be!” Said Logan Moffitt.

Friday October 16: Maria’s Coming Over. Set Another Place.

On Friday, October 16, Maria Koutsogiannis, the creator behind FoodByMaria, will join Del Fresco Pure® fresh off her Greek Out book tour.

“My partnership and relationship with Del Fresco Pure have been so special to me (as a self proclaimed tomato-obsessed Greek) because the brand connects so naturally with everything FoodByMaria is about. Fresh ingredients, connection to family, tradition and bringing people together through food. Growing up Greek, feeding people has always been how we show love, so getting to create with a family-owned produce brand that truly values quality and freshness feels incredibly authentic. I’m so excited to bring that energy to Nonna’s House in Orlando and, of course, make sure everyone leaves well fed!” Said Maria.

With her love of fresh ingredients and family recipes, Maria fits right in at Nonna’s house. Good thing Nonna doesn’t believe in having a favourite grandchild. Allegedly.

You Can’t Leave Without Having Something to Eat.

At Nonna’s house, “Are you hungry?” is mostly a rhetorical question.

Del Fresco Pure will bring that familiar hospitality to the show floor with samples inspired by after school snacks at Nonna’s. Fresh produce takes centre stage in simple, flavorful bites that feel like coming home—because before there were snack boards, there was Nonna putting food on the table before you’d even taken off your shoes.

“For 70 years, Del Fresco Pure has been a family business built around growing good food. ‘Welcome to Nonna’s House’ celebrates those roots and the memories we create around the kitchen table,” said Sonia Klinger, Marketing Manager, Del Fresco Pure®. “Logan and Maria help us bring that story to a new generation. Through their recipes, personalities and love of fresh ingredients, they inspire people to try something new with the produce we grow. It all comes together at Nonna’s house—family traditions, fresh ideas and something good to eat.”

Fresh Looks. Colorful Company. Nonna Approves.

Del Fresco Pure® will showcase two product highlights, bringing fresh ideas to the family table— and the produce aisle.

G.R.EAT! Grab. Rinse. EAT! ® Grape Tomatoes Get a Fresh New Top

Same great tomatoes. A little wardrobe update.

Del Fresco Pure® is showcasing a new paper-based top seal for its G.R.EAT!Grab.Rinse.EAT!® grape tomatoes, designed to reduce plastic usage while maintaining freshness, product protection, and shelf appeal.

The paper-based seal offers a natural look that stands out in the produce aisle, along with more printable space for product information, brand storytelling, and connecting with consumers. It’s a fresh approach to packaging that supports retailers’ efforts to reduce plastic use.

Because looking good on the shelf and making thoughtful packaging choices? Nonna can get behind both.

Organic Sweet Rainbow Peppers Bring the Color

Del Fresco Pure® is bringing more choice—and more color—to the produce aisle with its Organic Sweet Rainbow Peppers, now available in two-packs in a variety of colors. Sweet, crisp, and ready for everything from after-school snacks to family dinners, they make it easy to brighten up the table.

Nonna did say to eat your vegetables. She didn’t say they had to be boring.

Naturally, You’re Leaving with a Bag.

Nobody leaves Nonna’s empty-handed. It’s practically a house rule.

Attendees can take a little of the experience home with custom key chains, produce bags, stickers, recipe cards, activity zines, and newspapers—a collection of keepsakes and fresh inspiration to enjoy long after the show.

“The Global Produce & Floral Show is an important opportunity to reconnect with our customers, build new relationships, and share what’s next for Del Fresco Pure,” said Ray Mastronardi, Vice President of Sales, Del Fresco Pure®. “With new packaging and more organic choices, we’re giving our retail partners plenty to explore. And with ‘Welcome to Nonna’s House,’ we’re inviting them to experience the family hospitality that’s always been part of who we are.”

Retailers, industry partners and media are invited to Booth 1889 to meet the Del Fresco Pure® team, discover the featured products and pull up a chair.

Come for the conversation. Stay for a snack. Nonna’s already packing your bag.

LEAMINGTON, ON. - Shoppers do not need more ingredients to figure out. They need help answering one of the most repeated questions in grocery: What are we having for dinner?

The new Fresh Cream of Mushroom Soup Kit brings a familiar center-store occasion into the fresh produce department. Each 15 oz kit includes 13 oz of fresh sliced Mini Bella mushrooms and a pre-portioned dry soup mix. Shoppers sauté the mushrooms, add the mix and milk, and have a fresh cream of mushroom soup that serves four in approximately 25 minutes.

The product is new. The need behind it is much bigger.

According to the International Food Information Council's 2026 Food & Health Survey, 61% of Americans say convenience influences their food and beverage purchases. YouGov research also found that 60% of Americans prefer to spend less than 30 minutes preparing dinner.

These shoppers want fresh food, but they also want clarity, convenience, and a reason to put it in the cart.

"Mushrooms are incredibly versatile, but versatility can still leave the shopper asking what to make," said Sabrina Pokomandy, Director of Business Development and Marketing at Highline Mushrooms. "Our opportunity is to close that gap. The Soup Kit does not simply give shoppers fresh mushrooms. It gives them the meal, the ingredients, and the confidence to make it."

Highline's growing Fresh Gourmet Series is built around a larger category idea: make mushrooms easier to understand, easier to use and more relevant to how shoppers cook today.

"Value-added innovation should do more than add another SKU," Pokomandy added. "It should solve a real shopper problem and create a meaningful reason to buy. When we make the meal more visible at shelf, we make the mushroom purchase easier."

Highline sees that shift as an opportunity for the mushroom category. While mushrooms offer versatility across countless dishes, shoppers are often left to decide how to use them. The Fresh Gourmet Series is designed to close that gap with products that pair fresh mushrooms with clear, convenient meal ideas.

For more information, visit www.highlinemushrooms.com.

YERINGTON, NV - Sweetie Sweet® onions bring bold, naturally sweet flavor to every dish. Grown from a proprietary seed cultivated on their family farm, these onions are mild, crisp, and consistently sweet. No compromises, just better onions from the first bite to the last.

Here's What's in Store.

Shoppers seek produce they can trust, and Peri & Sons Farms' Sweetie Sweet onions consistently deliver that confidence. Sweet onions are delicate, so every Sweetie is hand-harvested, then allowed to gently cure in the field before being stored in a perfectly temperate environment. Flavor is the true test, not shape or size.

Grown closer to home, Sweetie Sweets taste different from imported sweets that travel farther and lose freshness along the way: Fresher soil, fresher onion, better flavor. No harsh bite. No inconsistent flavor. No compromise. Just sweet, reliable flavor shoppers can count on, harvest after harvest. Taste isn't the only thing Sweetie Sweet onions bring to the table.

Every October, Peri & Sons' Hope Is Sweet campaign turns Sweetie Sweet packaging pink for national Breast Cancer Awareness season. The company donates $5,000 annually to local breast cancer research and prevention, because the best prevention is early detection. Naturally sweet and consistently reliable, Sweetie Sweet onions are the upgrade your produce aisle has been waiting for, helping you attract more customers, increase sales, and support a cause that matters.

Thanks for watching What's in Store!