KINGSVILLE, ON - Red Sun Farms™ is expanding the availability of its Empress Tomatoes into Canada after several growing seasons in the U.S., bringing the specialty tomato variety to consumers across North America year-round.

“We're today, featuring our Empress Tomatoes brand new limited edition,” said Harold Paivarinta, Vice President of Sales and Business Development for Red Sun Farms. “We've been producing about our U.S. farms for the last four seasons. This is our first year growing them in Canada. We've got availability 12 months a year throughout North America.”

The tomatoes stand out for their deep purple color, which comes from elevated levels of anthocyanins, an antioxidant that has become increasingly associated with health-forward food trends.

“The beauty about these tomatoes, if they were 25 years in development in England, they boost nutritional levels of an antioxidant called anthocyanins,” Paivarinta said. “The striking purple color in these tomatoes is a byproduct of the anthocyanins, and purple is that royal color. So we gave them a regal name, and we call them Empress Tomatoes.”

According to Paivarinta, consumer interest in nutrient density and added health benefits continues driving demand for specialty produce items with a unique story and appearance.

“Right now the North American consumer is looking for something that adds health benefits and nutrition and nutrition density in their foods,” he said. “We've seen steady growth year on year in the United States. Now we're enjoying that in Canada. We've already gotten tremendous feedback, and they're delicious as well.”

Learn more in the full video above.

MISSION, TX - Papaya Board Working Group is inviting Hawaiian papaya growers, shippers, and industry stakeholders to participate in an upcoming Zoom call focused on creating a performance-based research and promotion board for the US papaya industry.

The session will provide insights into:

• Market background
• Hawaiian producer’s role in board creation and leadership
• How to create national papaya promotion board

“We want more US consumers to buy papayas. No one is talking to these consumers about papayas. We want to help consumers fall in love with papayas, and we believe we can do that best as an industry working together,” said Lance Peterson, President of Super Starr International, in the recent release.

Event Details:

• Date: May 27, 2026
• Time: 12 pm, Hawaii, Aleutia Standard Time
• Location: Zoom - here
• Cost: No cost

Participants will have the opportunity to engage directly with the organizers, ask questions, and explore how the industry can work together to better teach consumers about papayas. This zoom is geared specifically to papaya producers, shippers, and marketers. If you grow and/or sell papayas, this session is for you.

Who Should Attend:

• Growers and grower-shippers
• Marketing and sales executives
• Industry stakeholders interested in expanding market reach

“The papaya industry deserves a stronger presence in the market. We have seen how mangos and avocado expanded their market by working together. We want to work together with the Hawaiian producers to grow the papaya market, said Héctor del Razo, CEO Proexport Papaya C. A.

NEWPORT, CA - Air fryer adoption is creating new momentum for fresh potatoes, and Side Delights® is giving retailers a clear path to capture it. As shoppers seek fast, crispy, restaurant-quality results at home, potatoes are emerging as a top-performing air fryer staple.*

“Air fryers are changing how consumers cook, and Side Delights® potatoes deliver exactly what shoppers want—speed, flavor, and versatility,” said Kathleen Triou, President and CEO of Fresh Solutions Network®, in the recent release. “Retailers can drive incremental sales by positioning Side Delights® as the go-to air fryer solution.”

“Air fryers are elevating everyday potato usage—from baked russets to crispy fries,” Triou added. “By merchandising Side Delights® across formats, retailers can turn that demand into larger baskets and repeat purchases.”

Side Delights® makes it easy to merchandise a complete set built for today’s cooking habits:

• Flavorables® with Spiceology® seasonings for bold, on-trend flavor options
• Side Delights® Petites for quick, even crisping with a gourmet finish
• SteamablesTM for triple-washed, ready-to-cook air fryer convenience

From weeknight meals to entertaining, air fryers are expanding the range of potato occasions. Retailers can win with secondary displays, cross-merchandising, and bundled sets that emphasize speed and crisp texture.

Merchandise Flavorables®, Side Delights® Petites, and SteamablesTM together to build a high-velocity “air fryer set” that drives trips, trade-up, and repeat purchases.

For more information on Side Delights® and its Network of farms, visit FreshSolutionsNet.com, SideDelights.com, and GrownWhereItMatters.com.

^{Source: CNET, “I’m an Air Fryer Power User. Here Are 9 Foods I’m Never Making in the Oven Again,” 2025.}

OTTAWA, ON - Last week, the Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) hosted its 2026 Convention and Trade Show (CPMA 2026 Fresh Week), which brought together produce industry members, innovators, and attendees from around the world. The event was highly successful, attracting over 4,600 attendees.

Over 700 exhibitors representing more than 330 companies filled the Trade Show floor. Among those, 151 were international exhibitors from 13 countries, 194 Canadian, and 49 exhibitors were new CPMA members. Thanks to the generosity of these exhibitors, over 42,300 pounds of fresh produce was donated to Toronto’s Daily Bread Food Bank. The 2026 New Product Showcase featured 66 products from 51 different companies.

“CPMA’s Annual Convention and Trade Show provides produce industry professionals with exceptional networking, education, and business development opportunities,” says Ron Lemaire, CPMA President, in the recent release. “The remarkable turnout and international participation at this year’s event is unprecedented, illustrating the competitiveness of the Canadian produce marketplace and the key role it plays driving economy in Canada and beyond.”

Congratulations to the following individuals and companies who earned honors at this year’s event:

• Fresh Health Award – Canadawide Fruit Wholesalers, Inc.
• Young Professional Award – Amanda Knauff, Taylor Farms
• Lifetime Achievement Award – Paul Catania Jr., Catania Worldwide
• The Packer’s Produce Person of the Year Award – Daniel Terrault, Gen V

Best Booth Awards

• Best Island Booth Award – DelFrescoPure®
• Best Inline Booth Award – Bayshore Family Farms
• Best First-Time Exhibitor Booth Award – The Produce Counter
• People’s Choice Award - Equifruit

New Product Showcase Awards

• Best New Product Award – Arte salad, The Produce Counter
• Packaging Innovation Award – SUNSET® Tomato Branch, Mastronardi Produce®
• Organics Award – Earthbound Farm Beet Greens, Earthbound Farm
• Best Snackable Product Award – Apple Sticks, Martin's Family Fruit Farm Ltd

Following the Annual Convention and Trade Show, CPMA hosted the 2nd edition of Women in Produce Summit, providing women with a unique networking and educational opportunity.

CPMA thanks all sponsors, volunteers, exhibitors, and attendees for making these events possible and looks forward to welcoming the industry to Vancouver, April 13-15, 2027, for the 2027 CPMA Annual Convention and Trade Show.

FRESNO, CA - As merger and acquisition activity continues across fresh produce, companies are increasingly turning to industry-specific ERP systems to simplify integration, centralize operations, and protect against costly disruptions. Famous Software released a new blog exploring how industry-specific ERP technology can streamline fresh produce M&A integration, reduce risk, and accelerate operational alignment.

Mergers and acquisitions can unlock tremendous value—but too often, the integration phase becomes an obstacle rather than an opportunity. In the fresh produce industry, the risks are exceptionally high— go-live delays can lead to valuable inventory spoiling, significant revenue losses, and even long-term harm to customer relationships.

Combining operations, unifying teams, and standardizing workflows are daunting tasks. But with the right technology, these challenges become opportunities. The right ERP system, designed for the demands of the fresh produce industry, can transform integration from chaos into clarity.

How Technology Accelerates Synergy

• Centralizing Information: Bring data from multiple entities into one platform for real-time visibility.
• Automating Processes: Reduce manual work and ensure consistency while freeing up your team to focus on growth.
• Supporting Compliance: Meet regulatory requirements with integrated tools tailored to produce operations.
• Enabling Fast Decision-Making: With accurate, up-to-date information, management can identify and capture synergies quickly.

Centralizing Information

Centralizing Information crucially eliminates silos and ensures that everyone—across all entities—has access to the same, up-to-date information. By centralizing information, companies can quickly identify inventory levels, track shipments, and respond to customer needs without delays or miscommunication. This unified approach reduces the risk of errors caused by manual data entry, inconsistent reporting, or outdated spreadsheets. Without centralization, critical data may be fragmented across departments or locations, leading to misinformed decisions, lost sales opportunities, and potential compliance violations.

Ultimately, centralizing information protects against operational inefficiencies, safeguards inventory quality, and supports rapid, accurate decision-making during the high-stakes integration phase.

Automating Processes

Automation within an ERP system is the linchpin for achieving a seamless M&A transition. Automated workflows not only save time but also ensure consistency across newly unified operations, reducing disruptions that typically accompany organizational changes. By automating critical processes, companies can minimize manual errors, maintain operational continuity, and empower their teams to focus on strategic alignment and growth.

Supporting Compliance

In today’s fresh produce industry, maintaining compliance during a merger or acquisition integration is more important than ever, especially with evolving regulations like FSMA 204, which require enhanced traceability and rapid response to food safety issues. As regulatory oversight intensifies, authorities increasingly expect unified organizations to deliver comprehensive, accurate product data and demonstrate adherence to strict standards across all newly combined operations.

Relying on generic or disconnected solutions during integration can amplify compliance risks, creating gaps that may lead to costly violations or operational disruptions. In contrast, utilizing an industry-specific ERP system streamlines compliance by centralizing data from both legacy and new entities, automating recordkeeping and traceability, and standardizing audit processes. This real-time visibility ensures that compliance requirements are met consistently, even as business processes merge and evolve.

Enabling Fast Decision-Making

With accurate, up-to-date information, management can identify and capture synergies quickly. When integrating organizations, the ability to make swift, informed decisions is essential for a seamless transition. Real-time data access empowers leaders to monitor progress, resolve bottlenecks, and adapt strategies as needed.

This agility not only accelerates the implementation timeline but also minimizes disruption to daily operations. By leveraging timely insights, teams can proactively address integration challenges, allocate resources efficiently, and ensure that both entities are aligned with business objectives. Ultimately, fast decision-making, powered by an industry-specific ERP, helps organizations maximize the benefits of their M&A investment, driving productivity and positioning them for sustained growth in a competitive market.

Technology adoption isn’t just a matter of efficiency—it’s a competitive imperative. Companies that move now will enjoy smoother transitions, preserve more value, and emerge from M&A as stronger, more unified organizations. Famous Software is ready to help you turn integration into your strongest asset.

The fresh produce industry is forging ahead, and the pace of M&A shows no signs of slowing. By leveraging advanced ERP solutions, you’ll ensure that your next merger isn’t just successful, it’s transformative. Don’t let integration become an afterthought. With Famous Software, you’re positioned to thrive from day one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is technology so crucial for successful M&A integration in the fresh produce industry?

Technology is essential because it centralizes information, automates processes, and supports compliance. In the fresh produce industry, delays and inefficiencies during integration can lead to inventory spoilage, lost revenue, and damaged customer relationships. By using an industry-specific ERP system, companies gain real-time visibility, reduce manual errors, and ensure regulatory requirements are met, transforming integration from a challenge into an opportunity for growth.

How does an ERP system help maintain compliance during a merger or acquisition?

An ERP system tailored for the fresh produce sector streamlines compliance by centralizing data, automating traceability, and standardizing audit processes. This ensures all entities meet evolving regulations, such as FSMA 204, and provides real-time visibility across operations. Companies relying on generic solutions risk costly violations and disruptions, while an industry-specific ERP protects against these risks and simplifies regulatory reporting.

What are the main benefits of automating processes during M&A integration?

Automating processes during integration saves time, reduces manual errors, and maintains operational continuity. It allows newly unified teams to focus on strategic growth rather than routine tasks. Automation also ensures consistency across operations, minimizes disruptions, and empowers staff to align quickly with new business objectives, ultimately driving a smoother, more successful transition.

UNITED STATES - Trader Joe’s continues to expand its national footprint with a fresh wave of store openings and upcoming locations, reinforcing its steady growth strategy across key regions.

The retailer has already opened new stores in Hamden, CT, and Miller Place, NY, both welcoming customers earlier this year. Most recently, Trader Joe’s is set to open a new location in McKinney (West), TX, with doors opening May 7.

Beyond these confirmed openings, the company has a growing pipeline of “coming soon” locations spanning multiple regions. These include Woodinville, WA; Seattle, WA; Spokane Valley, WA; Oswego, IL; Paso Robles, CA; Anaheim Hills, CA; West Orange, NJ; Reading, MA; Merriam, KS; Tucson, AZ; West Palm Beach, FL; Johns Creek, GA; Lafayette, LA; and New Orleans, LA, with opening dates still to be announced.

This latest wave highlights Trader Joe’s continued push into both established and emerging markets, with a notable concentration in the West Coast, Southeast, and Midwest. The expansion also reflects the retailer’s ongoing focus on neighborhood-based growth, often entering high-traffic suburban and urban corridors.

Trader Joe’s continues to expand its national footprint with a fresh wave of store openings and upcoming locations, reinforcing its steady growth strategy across key regions.

As the retailer builds out its coast-to-coast network, ANUK will continue tracking new openings.

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - Industry icon, Larry Brown, dedicated most of his professional career to the fresh produce business. He was a mentor, leader, and friend to many across the industry, and an always present face when the industry came together. Larry’s influence can be felt across the industry at all levels of the supply chain as his work and dedication touched so many people. Most recently, Larry was instrumental in guiding the National Sales efforts at FreshEdge, a role he took great pride in doing at the highest level and with incredible integrity.

Larry passed away surrounded by his family in Orlando, FL, on April 30th. Larry will always be remembered as someone who put others first, looked for the best in those around him, and pursued success with a relentless passion. He positively influenced the trajectory of each and every organization he worked with and all of those who worked by his side.

Larry was an important part of the FreshEdge family of companies, and touched many people with his kindness, wealth of industry knowledge and his smile. Here are some reflections from his FreshEdge family:

“Larry’s commitment to the industry and his peers always inspired me to give just a little bit more to everything I did, said Daniel Corsaro, Chief Commercial Office of FreshEdge. “He invested time and energy into making sure I was successful personally and professionally regardless of the impact it had on him. I am truly grateful to have had the opportunity to work side by side with Larry at FreshEdge.”

Greg Corsaro, President, FreshEdge, added in the recent release, “Larry was a genuinely great person in all respects, and everyone who had the privilege of encountering him is better off because of it. We are saddened that he is no longer with us, but we are even more happy and grateful that he touched our lives. We will miss him but take joy in the knowledge that he is now with our Lord in heaven.”

Lifelong friend Steve Grinstead, Chairman of the Company with FreshEdge, shared, “We all have many people pass through our life journey. Every once in a while, a special person comes along and makes a forever impact on your life. Larry had that impact on me and literally hundreds of others in our great industry. Please join me in celebrating an amazing career and a life well lived!”

FreshEdge CEO, Andrew Iacobucci, reflected, “Larry’s humanity was obvious from a first meeting, and his countless contributions to our industry have made him one of the greats. The industry has lost a titan, and we at FreshEdge have lost a cherished colleague and friend. Our thoughts are with Larry’s family and his many friends as we all cope with his passing.”