DELTA, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA - Flowers are blooming here in the Northern Hemisphere, and as the bright buds spring up out of the ground, WINDSET FARMS® DELICATO® Romaine Lettuce is getting ready to pop up in stores. First introduced last fall at the Global Produce and Floral Show, this offering is making a reappearance in the produce aisle this spring.

“Our greenhouse grown romaine is nurtured using top-tier growing practices,” said Ryan Cherry, Windset Farms’ Director of Sales, underscoring the company’s commitment to excellence. “Cultivated in a controlled environment, it provides unmatched food safety, exceptional quality, and consistency.”

Windset Farms first began growing greenhouse Romaine in 2012, a release explained. Its DELICATO variety is produced in British Columbia and is available year-round.

The vibrant green leaves embody quality, food safety, and taste while providing a delicate crunch and sweet, subtle finish.

Throughout the winter months, consumers could find this high-quality Romaine in bulk at select stores. Now, as spring arrives, Windset Farms is launching a convenient 2 count bag with a handle and zipper, guaranteeing freshness and flavor.

Reach out to Windset Farms to get DELICATO Romaine Lettuce in your stores!

TUBAC, AZ - The Fresh Produce Association of the Americas (FPAA) is looking back on a successful Spring Policy Summit, which brought over 100 key industry players together to discuss the complexities of United States, Mexico, and Canada trade and agricultural practices.

The summit helped to shine a light on the complex nature of commerce and policy between our nations in a period marked by political transitions, the upcoming renegotiation of the USMCA, and the uncertainty surrounding the tomato suspension agreement, a press release explained.

“A special thank you to Andrew I. Rudman, our keynote speaker, whose insights into the current and future state of US-Mexico trade relationships emphasized the significance of the partnership. His expertise set the stage for a day rich in discussions and discoveries,” the organization wrote in a recent release. “Our lineup of sessions was comprehensive, covering topics ranging from port disruptions and food safety innovations to the latest policy developments from DC and frontline efforts in plant protection and quarantine.”

FPAA also expressed gratitude to its speakers including representatives from CBP, Arizona’s Department of Transportation, U.S. Custom House Brokers, elected officials, and industry experts, for sharing their invaluable perspectives.

“The spotlight on tomatoes and trade sparked engaging discussions on agricultural imports and agreements that are vital to both countries,” the organization stated. “FPAA’s sincere appreciation goes out to our sponsors, whose generosity and support made this gathering possible. Your commitment to advancing the dialogue around trade and agriculture policies is deeply appreciated.”

Looking ahead, the FPAA is preparing for its next gathering at SWIPE 2024, which will take place on November 7–9, 2024 in Tuscon, Arizona.

For more event coverage and industry opportunities, stick with us here at ANUK.

WATSONVILLE, CA - California Giant Berry Farms is currently harvesting domestic supplies of organic blueberries from Oxnard and California’s San Joaquin Valley. Conventional blueberry harvests will begin in the San Joaquin Valley nearing the end of April. I sat down with Nick Chappell, Director of Sales, and Kyla Oberman, Director of Marketing, to get the inside scoop.

“The current California blueberry supply is looking great and off to a strong start. Our CA blueberry production is early-to-normal compared to the previous two years in which harvests were historically late,” Nick told me. “Conventional volumes out of the San Joaquin Valley will reach peak volumes in late May through early-to-mid June. While organic volumes from Oxnard are beginning a decline from peak volumes, organic San Joaquin Valley blueberries are just starting to ramp up with fruit peaking from late-April to mid-May.”

According to Nick, California Giant’s blueberry volumes, inclusive of all growing regions, are expected to be up approximately 15 percent from last year.

“While our California blueberry program is producing wonderfully, we’re also harvesting from Mexico and ramping up in volumes from North Carolina, Florida, and Georgia; these regions are anticipated to produce strong volumes nearing the end of month and throughout May,” Nick continued. “These regions will produce until late May/mid-June, at which point our Pacific Northwest season begins. We’re looking forward to a strong season of quality blueberries!”

With such a strong supply coming down the pike, Kyla offered some words of wisdom for retailers looking to make their blueberry displays shine.

“At the store level, retailers can boost California blueberry sales through strategic promotion and merchandising,” she explained. “Highlight their premium quality, vibrant color, and sweet flavor with eye-catching displays; cross-merchandise with complementary products; and feature them as part of the full berry patch—both in-store as well as online. Retailer social media promotions can provide a boost to a wider audience and emphasize the health benefits and locality of the California blueberries, driving increased demand.”

Add these gorgeous globes to your produce department and watch as the foot traffic follows!