FREEPORT, TX - Chiquita Brands International and Great White Fleet mark 30 years of continuous operations at Port Freeport, a milestone that underscores the company’s longstanding role in global trade and its contribution to delivering fresh fruit to communities across the United States.

“The longevity of this collaboration reflects a shared commitment to reliability and performance that supports supply chains across the United States and strengthens connections to international markets,” said Rob Giesecke, Chairman of the Port Freeport Commission, in the recent release. “We are honored to recognize this milestone and look forward to many more years of collaboration and growth.”

The milestone is further underscored by the Chiquita Horizon, which made its inaugural U.S. call at Port Freeport in September 2025. The vessel reflects continued investment in modern fleet capabilities designed to support advanced cold‑chain logistics and evolving global trade requirements.

“Chiquita and Great White Fleet are proud of our 30‑year relationship with Port Freeport and look forward to its continued growth, supporting the import of fresh produce into the United States and the export of perishable cargo and dry commodities to Central America,” said Manrique Bermudez, Director of Logistics for Chiquita.

As Port Freeport enhances its infrastructure and expands its capabilities, collaborations like this are central to advancing trade, supporting economic growth, and delivering value to the communities it serves.

“Port Freeport is proud to celebrate Chiquita’s 30-year cooperation and the meaningful impact they have made through the reliable weekly delivery of fresh fruit to our communities with a focus on sustainability,” said Phyllis Saathoff, Port Freeport Executive Director and CEO. “Their operations are supporting families with stable jobs here at Port Freeport and abroad.

The 30-year milestone follows Port Freeport’s centennial year in 2025, bringing together a century of maritime heritage with decades of collaboration.

WASHINGTON, DC - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has filed an administrative complaint against Ganfer Fresh LLC. The company, operating out of Arizona, allegedly failed to make payment promptly to 36 produce sellers in the amount of $3,775,383 from May 2024 through February 2025, in violation of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA).

Ganfer Fresh will have an opportunity to request a hearing. Should USDA find that the company committed repeated and flagrant violations, it would be barred from the produce industry as a licensee for three years, or two years with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond. Furthermore, its principals could not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee for two years, or one year with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond.

For further information, contact the PACA Investigative Enforcement Branch, at (202) 720-6873 or [email protected].

ORLANDO, FL - Mastronardi Produce® is bringing a fresh visual approach to the produce aisle with the debut of its SUNSET® Tomato Branch™, a new micro grape tomato offering designed to stand out through both flavor and presentation.

Amanda Orr, Communications Manager at Mastronardi Produce, highlighted how the product’s packaging was intentionally created to mirror the way tomatoes naturally grow on the vine.

“We're excited to be showcasing the SUNSET Tomato Branch,” Orr said. “This is our newest product and the packaging is really unique for this product, different than anything you're going to see in the produce aisle right now.”

According to Orr, the triangular structure of the packaging was designed to visually connect shoppers with the product’s natural growth pattern while helping the item stand out at retail.

“It's got this stunning triangle shape to it which mimics the shape of the tomato branch, the way it naturally grows on the vine,” Orr explained. “So it connects consumers to their food a little bit more in that way.”

Beyond packaging innovation, the product also aims to deliver on flavor and merchandising flexibility. Orr described the SUNSET Tomato Branch as a “micro grape variety” with strong sweetness and high Brix levels, positioning it well for entertaining and cross-merchandising opportunities.

The company also sees a strong opportunity in pairing the item with complementary displays throughout the produce department and beyond.

“Merchandising it with other items, such as charcuterie board items, because it looks really stunning in that sort of presentation,” Orr said. “So that's something we would really recommend to retailers, and just in a way that consumers are going to see it and pick it up.”

See the full video for more!

ALAMEDA, CA - The fresh produce industry is honoring one of its most respected voices and enduring champions as Dan Avakian celebrates 50 years of service, leadership, and passion for fresh fruits and vegetables.

For half a century, Avakian has been a driving force in shaping how consumers experience produce, how retailers merchandise it, and how companies across the supply chain understand the value of quality, flavor, and education. His influence stretches from the aisles of independent grocery stores to national media, consulting rooms, classrooms, and countless produce departments across the country.

“I was 15 years old when I was hired at a gas station converted into a produce market in May of 1976, and fell in love with it instantly - the action, the atmosphere, the excitement of customers getting the freshest fruit and vegetables. It’s been a great 50 years. I’ve met so many good people, watched countless new varieties come to market, learned a heck of a lot, and still learn every day. That’s one of the beauties of this industry - it’s never boring, and I don’t plan on stopping. I plan on going another 50 years,” said Dan Avakian in the recent release.

A Career Rooted in Passion

Avakian began his journey in the Bay Area, where he quickly became known for his deep product knowledge, his instinct for merchandising, and his ability to inspire both colleagues and customers. His early work led him to open his own produce market in Alameda - a store that became a community hub where families, kids, and home cooks learned to love fresh fruits and vegetables.

A Voice for the Industry

Many know Avakian as the co-host of the long-running Produce Pair Radio Show, where he and his close friend Guido the Gardener brought produce education, humor, and storytelling to audiences nationwide. Their show became a beloved platform that celebrated seasonality, farming, flavor, and the people behind the products.

Today, Avakian continues that legacy as the host of Fresh From the Field Fridays on The Produce Industry Network / AgLife Media, Inc., where he shares weekly insights, seasonal highlights, and his signature passion for fresh produce with a global audience.

A Trusted Advisor to Hundreds of Companies

Over the decades, Avakian has consulted for hundreds of companies - retailers, growers, shippers, wholesalers, and brands - offering unmatched expertise in merchandising, consumer engagement, product handling, and category development. His insights have helped shape strategies, launch products, and elevate produce departments across the United States.

A Legacy Built on Heart

What sets Avakian apart is not just his knowledge, but his character. He is known as a mentor, a teacher, a storyteller, and a friend to many in the industry. His enthusiasm for fresh produce is contagious, and his commitment to helping others - from young produce clerks to senior executives - has left a lasting mark.

“Dan has always been more than a produce expert - he’s been a bridge between generations, a champion of flavor, and a reminder of why this industry matters,” said colleagues celebrating the milestone. “His passion has shaped careers, companies, and communities.”

Celebrating 50 Years

As Avakian marks this milestone, the industry reflects on a career defined by authenticity, generosity, and unwavering dedication to the craft of produce. His legacy continues to inspire the next generation of professionals who share his belief that fresh fruits and vegetables can change lives.

About Dan Avakian

Dan Avakian is a produce industry veteran based in Alameda, California. Over his 50-year career, he has served as a retailer, store owner, educator, radio host, consultant, and advocate for fresh produce. His work has influenced merchandising standards, consumer education, and industry best practices nationwide. He currently hosts Fresh From the Field Fridays on The Produce Industry Network / AgLife Media, Inc.

YAKIMA, WA - The 2026 Northwest cherry season is quickly approaching, with harvest expected to begin around May 25–27. While the season will start with a slower ramp-up, promotable volumes are anticipated to be available beginning the second week of June, providing strong opportunities for early summer advertising and retail support.

According to the recent release, the early spring frost events across the growing region required additional time to fully evaluate fruit set and assess the extent of any damage. Growers and field teams have spent the past several weeks monitoring orchards closely to determine what was held on the trees and where the crop estimate would come out.

The warm weather pattern we have seen over the last few weeks has accelerated crop development and pushed later-season fruit forward, creating expectations for an early harvest window across all districts.

Despite those early-season challenges, the crop outlook continues to improve, the fruit sizing is excellent, and this is shaping up to be a high-quality, promotable crop. The industry is currently anticipating the first major volume peak around June 25, followed by another strong shipping window during the second week of July. This timing should provide retailers with multiple opportunities to build impactful promotions throughout the heart of the summer season.

Northwest Cherries Round 2 Estimate: 18.4 - 19.2 Million Boxes (20lb. Equivalent Boxes)

Growers and industry members gathered on May 13 to finalize the 5-state cherry estimate. The group consensus came in at 18.4 million boxes, while the field estimation team is currently projecting a slightly higher volume of 19.2 million boxes. Our 5-year average is also 19.2 million boxes.

The chart below highlights the 2026 estimated crop curve compared to the 5-year average. While the season is tracking slightly earlier than normal due to warm weather across the growing regions, promotable volumes are expected to remain strong through July. As illustrated in the curve, shipments are projected to begin tapering off by early August as the season winds down.

A West Coast Update

As of May 13, California cherry growers have shipped 3,501,758 (18lb equivalent) boxes. Unfortunately, challenging weather conditions throughout the season have significantly impacted the crop, and the industry is now expecting total shipments to finish between 4 and 5 million boxes. 

While the season will be shorter and lighter than originally anticipated, this creates an opportunity for strong retail performance through focused promotions, premium pricing support, and maintaining excitement as Northwest cherries prepare to enter the market.

SIMI VALLEY, CA - A fast-moving wildfire in Ventura County forced evacuations Monday morning as warm, dry weather and Santa Ana wind conditions fueled rapid fire growth across parts of Southern California.

According to Fox News, the Sandy Fire broke out around 10:50 a.m. local time Monday near Simi Valley and quickly expanded to roughly 184 acres while threatening nearby structures. Evacuation orders were issued for parts of Simi Valley and surrounding areas near Thousand Oaks as crews worked to contain the blaze.

“We have a good number of air resources on hand,” a fire department spokesperson said during an interview with America Reports.

Approximately 200 personnel, along with helicopters and air tankers, were deployed to battle the fire as gusty northeast Santa Ana winds continued through the afternoon. Officials said conditions are expected to remain warm and dry through Tuesday, increasing concerns around fire behavior and containment efforts.

The fire activity comes as California continues navigating another challenging wildfire season, with regional agriculture and transportation corridors remaining highly sensitive to changing weather conditions and air quality impacts. Ventura County sits within a major produce distribution region serving both California and national supply chains, making wildfire developments closely watched throughout the industry.

Additional fires were also reported over the weekend in the Antelope Valley north of Los Angeles, though officials said those incidents have since been fully contained.

As conditions evolve, growers, shippers, and residents across the region will continue monitoring forecasts and fire activity closely. Be sure to check ANUK for the latest updates.

SALINAS, CA - Americans are eating salads very differently than they did a decade ago, and new search-data research from Taylor Farms, one of North America's leading producers of fresh salads and healthy meal solutions, shows exactly where the country's appetite for experimentation is concentrated.

The company's newly released Salad Curiosity Census maps state-by-state interest in five emerging salad trends, and has identified Hawaii as the most adventurous state in the nation, with a curiosity score of 27.48. Well ahead of Washington (22.54) and Oregon (21.91), which round out the top three.

The findings paint a picture of a country that has moved decisively past iceberg-and-vinaigrette territory. Consumers are now actively searching for bold global flavor mashups, functional ingredients that support gut health, protein-dense bowls built around macros, texture-forward toppings, and modernized takes on retro classics.

The five flavor profiles shaping American salads

The study identifies five distinct trends driving search behavior across the country:

• Powerhouse Protein — Bowls anchored around hard-boiled eggs, grilled steak, quinoa, lentils, and other high-protein ingredients designed to hit a 20-gram-per-meal target. Virginia, Illinois, and Hawaii show the strongest curiosity.
• Swicy & Swangy — A bolder evolution of the swicy (sweet + spicy) movement, layering in tangy notes from hot honey, lime, sriracha-miso, and chili. Hawaii leads with more than 6,000 monthly searches, followed by Oregon and Washington.
• Crunch Core — A texture-first trend that elevates toasted nuts, seeds, crispy shallots, jicama, and snap peas over the traditional crouton. Oregon takes the top spot with nearly 5,500 monthly searches, with Washington and Hawaii close behind.
• Gut Glory — Functional eating focused on probiotic and high-fiber additions like kimchi, sauerkraut, chickpeas, and kefir-based dressings. East Coast states dominate this category, with Maryland and New Jersey flanking Nevada in the top three.
• Newstalgia — Modernized versions of childhood classics, such as the Waldorf or Wedge, paired with clean-label dressings and premium ingredients like artisanal blue cheese or heirloom tomatoes. Hawaii, Washington, and Oregon again lead the search.

Why Hawaii tops the list

Hawaii's number-one ranking is fueled by roughly 40,000 monthly searches for viral ingredients, including hot honey dressings and crispy spicy chickpeas. The state ranks first in three of the five profiles studied and finishes near the top in the other two, a uniquely broad appetite for experimentation. The Pacific Northwest's prominence across Swicy & Swangy, Crunch Core, and Newstalgia points to a regional palate that favors complex, layered flavor combinations.

The East Coast's dominance of the Gut Glory category, meanwhile, suggests that microbiome and fiber-focused eating is a particularly strong driver in Maryland, New Jersey, and surrounding states.

A shift toward regional customization

Taken together, the data points to a national salad market that is no longer a one-size-fits-all. Flavor preferences are increasingly regional, ingredient curiosity is widening, and consumers are treating the salad bowl as an opportunity for both culinary exploration and functional nutrition.

For brands, retailers, and foodservice operators, the implication is clear: assortment strategies, recipe innovation, and marketing creative all benefit from a more granular, state-by-state read on what shoppers are searching for.

The full study, including the full U.S. map and complete top-10 ranking, is available here.

Methodology

According to the recent release, for each of the five salad flavor profiles, Taylor Farms compiled a list of keywords representing the defining flavors and ingredients of that profile, then pulled state-level Google search volume for every keyword using Google Keyword Planner data from February 2025 through January 2026. Search volumes for each profile were normalized against state population (using data from worldpopulationreview.com) to produce a representative popularity score per 1,000 residents. Scores across all five profiles were combined to generate each state's overall salad curiosity score.

DELANO, CA - If "early California grapes" were on your 2026 retail bingo card, prepare to mark the win as you plan your programs. Checking in with Stefanie Pandol, Marketing and Sustainability for Pandol Bros, the legacy grower reports a promising horizon for the category.

“Compared to last year, the Central California season is shaping up to begin nearly two weeks earlier than average. Fruit development in the vineyards is progressing well, and while it is still somewhat early, the crop is looking extremely promising,” Stefanie said. “We are optimistic about both the quality and timing of this year’s harvest and are encouraged by what we are seeing in the field.”

The Pandol family and team are committed to supporting retail partners in every way possible. Through continued innovation in grape varieties, a focus on quality, and strong long-term relationships, Stefanie shared how the supplier strives to deliver value to the buy-side year after year.

“This industry is built on trust and partnerships, and we remain dedicated to serving our customers to the best of our abilities. At Pandol, we are focused on our ability to support grape programs 52 weeks a year through a consistent supply sourced from both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. However, we are especially excited about the California season,” she told me. “The Pandol family takes great pride in supplying premium grape varieties and delivering the high-quality fruit our customers have come to expect. Our goal is to provide retailers with reliable supply, strong eating quality, and varieties that resonate with consumers."

The Pandols have been farming in California’s Central Valley since 1941—a proud legacy that has been built over four generations.

“As members of the fourth generation, my brother Matt and I are honored to work alongside the third generation to continue the values and commitment established by those who came before us. Our long history, hands-on involvement, and dedication to quality make us a trusted and dependable partner for retailers around the world,” Stefanie concluded.

As we continue to follow the word through the grapevine and report back, keep an eye out for the latest from AndNowUKnow.