Thu. October 17th, 2024 - by Peggy Packer

NEW ROCHELLE, NY - LGS Specialty Sales is making the transition from providing Southern Hemisphere fruit to its Moroccan citrus crop just in time to share the insightful update at this week’s Global Produce & Floral Show. The one-stop citrus supplier concluded the Southern Hemisphere season strong with Cara Caras, grapefruit, Mandarins, and Minneolas. Chilean W. Murcotts are currently holding steady, with supply expected through Thanksgiving and Moroccan citrus becoming available at the beginning of next month.

Luke Sears, President and Founder, LGS Specialty Sales

“This year, we are thankful for an earlier start to the Moroccan season with a healthy supply of Mandarins we anticipate through April,” said Luke Sears, President and Founder. “LGS’ strategy to ensure consistent supply of fruit for our customers revolves around the plans we implement with importers to meet demand each year.”

LGS collaborates with select growers around the world to provide its customers with high-quality, in-season fruit. The company strategically sources its products from growing regions known for having optimal climate and soil conditions.

LGS Specialty Sales is making the transition from providing Southern Hemisphere fruit to its Moroccan citrus crop

At this time of year, Moroccan fruit not only offers more variety to the United States market but also offers better positioning regarding supply chain efficacy, the company stated in a press release.

“Due to Morocco’s location, we are able to give our customers competitive import pricing that is cost-effective,” said Sears. “We want the industry to know that LGS is a 365-day supplier of all things citrus, and we’re here to help support year-round!”

LGS will be on the show floor tomorrow at booth #2057 to discuss what is on the horizon for winter citrus, in addition to opportunities in the avocado and table grape categories.

For more updates from the Global Produce & Floral Show and beyond, keep clicking on ANUK!

Thu. October 17th, 2024 - by Anne Allen

SANTA PAULA, CA - With a heightened focus on driving strategic growth for its avocado business segment, Calavo Growers has tapped an experienced produce vet to take on a newly created role. Optimizing 15 years of food and beverage industry expertise—12 of which have been in fresh produce—the supplier has welcomed Anna Kirsch as Director of Business Development.

Anna Kirsch, Director of Business Development, Calavo Growers
Anna Kirsch, Director of Business Development, Calavo Growers

“I'm excited to join Calavo Growers as the Director of Business Development,” said Kirsch regarding her new role. “Given Calavo's rich history in the avocado industry and my passion for customer-centric solutions, I'm eager to advance our mission and drive Calavo’s growth in the fresh avocado category.”

Before joining Calavo, Kirsch held key positions in avocado sales and marketing at Westfalia Fruit and Avocados From Mexico. As a press release detailed, her comprehensive category knowledge, coupled with a strong network of industry contacts and a proven track record of driving revenue growth, will add tremendous value to Calavo.

Calavo Growers has tapped experienced produce vet Anna Kirsch as Director of Business Development, ready to drive growth in the fresh avocado category

Kirsch’s appointment became effective on October 15. She reports to Gordon Breschini, Vice President, Fresh Avocado Sales.

Gordon Breschini, Vice President of Fresh Avocado Sales, Calavo Growers
Gordon Breschini, Vice President of Fresh Avocado Sales, Calavo Growers

“We are thrilled to welcome Anna to the Calavo team as our new Director of Business Development,” said Breschini. “To bring someone of Anna's caliber onboard, with her deep understanding of the avocado category, extensive experience, and passion for the industry, makes her an ideal fit for this role. Anna's leadership will play a pivotal role in driving new and current relationships with our trusted partners.”

Congratulations to Anna Kirsch for taking over this newly created role!

Thu. October 17th, 2024 - by Stephany Robayo

SALINAS, CA - One of the leading global producers of nutritious berries for more than 100 years, Naturipe Farms is ready to highlight its commitment to sustainability and superior berry breeding at this week's Global Produce & Floral Show in Atlanta.

Ashley Finster, Vice President of Marketing, Naturipe Farms

“Our berries are not only delicious but also crafted to meet the highest standards of flavor and texture,” said Ashley Finster, Vice President of Marketing. “Our growers’ passion for the land and future of farming is also driving our innovation and sustainability efforts. We are dedicated to advancing both our environmental practices and our berry breeding programs to deliver the best to our customers.”

From Mighty Blues Blueberries to the juicy Sweet Selections Blackberries, Naturipe’s coveted Sweet Selections line features exclusive berry varieties known for their extraordinary flavor and texture.

Naturipe Farms is ready to to highlight its commitment to sustainability and superior berry breeding at this week's Global Produce & Floral Show

Here is a breakdown of Naturipe’s current portfolio of Premium Products:

  • Mighty Blue Blueberries
  • Mighty Red Strawberries
  • Sweet Selections Blueberries
  • Sweet Selections Strawberries
  • Sweet Selections Blackberries
  • Greenhouse Strawberries
  • Three’s a Charm, a mixture of blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries

Other highlights at the show will include Naturipe’s value-added new snacks, Berry Buddies, which contain a serving of fresh fruit alongside delicious crackers, cookies, pancakes, or cubed cheese. Favored by Naturipe’s youngest customers, Berry Buddies offer a fun and nutritious snacking for children, noted a press release.

The berry provider will also be showing off its newest value-added innovation: Berry Buddies

Beyond Naturipe’s berry innovation, the company’s Cultivate with Care™ program underscores its efforts to minimize environmental impact while supporting global and local communities. Recent initiatives include significant reductions in plastic packaging, increased use of recycled materials, and ongoing investments in eco-friendly practices.

Known for its dedication to environmental stewardship and cutting-edge breeding techniques, Naturipe will display its latest advancements and premium products at booth 3675. Be sure to check it out and greet the team!


Wed. October 16th, 2024 - by Anne Allen

UNITED STATES - As you prepare for the holiday rush, make sure ENVY™—one of America's top premium apples—is part of your produce plan this season. With bountiful promotional opportunities available, retailers won’t want to miss out on the chance to make their produce departments shine this holiday season.

Here’s What’s in Store.

Prepping for the holidays is an essential step for consumers readying for holiday planning. ENVY™’s beautifully balanced sweetness, delightfully satisfying crunch, and uplifting fresh aroma make them ideal for baking applications—a must-have for holiday bakers.

The ENVY™ apple is one of the most sought-after varieties right now, and it's perfect for the holiday merchandising window

Capture shopper interest by spotlighting seasonally curated ENVY™ recipes, such as the Wintery ENVY Baked Brie or ENVY™ Apple Cinnamon Marshmallows. We even have a delectable NY-ENVY Appletini to enjoy as we raise a glass to the beginning of a new year. Additional dishes and beverages can be found on our website.

With our eye-catching marketing materials, merchandising this must-have apple staple is a breeze. Plus, we’re partnering with the Hallmark Channel for the fifth year in a row! Lots of new and exciting events happening this year, so check us out on HolidayswithEnvy.com or in-store for more details…

ENVY™ apples make for a versatile apple during the holidays due to their baking applications

Enjoy the Holidays with ENVY™, The Ultimate Apple Experience!

Thank you for watching What’s in Store.