SALINAS, CA - Taylor Farms announces the launch of four new Veggie Kits expanding its lineup of fresh, easy‑to‑prepare meal solutions. As the leading global producer of ready‑to‑eat salads and healthy fresh foods, Taylor Farms continues to innovate with its Veggie Kits—delivering a quick, versatile side dish without compromising freshness or quality.

According to a press release, the new Veggie Kits not only deliver bold, globally inspired flavors but also save time with conveniently diced, bite‑sized vegetables that cook evenly whether using an air fryer, stovetop, oven, or microwave—making it easy to serve a delicious side dish in minutes for weeknight dinners, weekend gatherings, or simple on‑the‑go meals.

“We’re always pushing ourselves to create products that inspire home cooks and make vegetables an important and delicious part of the meal,” said Charis Neves, Vice President of Product and Innovation. “With these new flavors, we’re delivering the high‑quality ingredients customers expect from us, paired with exciting flavor profiles that make every dish feel special.”

“Consumers continue to look for simple ways to elevate their meals without sacrificing freshness,” said Deanna Gonzales, Senior Product Manager. “These new Veggie Kits bring bold, globally inspired flavors straight to the kitchen, giving families a quick, easy, and delicious way to enjoy vegetables any night of the week.”

• Peach Whiskey Veggie Kit – includes quartered Brussels sprouts paired with a smoked peach whiskey glaze.
• Korean BBQ Veggie Kit – includes quartered Brussels sprouts paired with a Korean-style gochujang sauce.
• Sweet & Sour Veggie Kit – includes quartered Brussels sprouts paired with a sweet and sour glaze.
• Miso Stir Fry Kit – includes bok choy, savoy and red cabbage, carrots, kale and green onion with a spicy red miso sauce.

Shoppers can find the new kits nationwide at Walmart and Sprouts, with additional flavors and retailers rolling out later this year.

OTTAWA, ON - Paul Catania Jr., President and CEO of Catania Worldwide, has been named the 2026 Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. This prestigious honour recognizes individuals who make significant contributions to the fresh produce industry.

Paul’s achievements and contributions to the produce supply chain make him one of the renowned key industry leaders in Canada. His successful career spans over five decades at his family’s business, Catania Worldwide, which was founded in 1929. He has played a pivotal role in carrying forward the company’s legacy of hard work, integrity, and commitment to quality, while shaping the Canadian Produce industry globally.

Under his visionary leadership, the organization has expanded its operations throughout North America, strengthened its market presence, and embraced innovation while remaining true to the core values established nearly a century ago.

Beyond his business achievements, Paul is greatly involved in the produce industry. He is widely respected for his mentorship, generosity, and commitment to empowering employees, partners, and future leaders. Paul’s quiet philanthropy has cultivated a culture of paying it forward, resilience, and continuous improvement that reflects both his character and the enduring principles of his father Paul Catania Sr. and grandfather Michael Leonard Catania.

“Paul Catania Jr. is renowned for his decades-long career which illustrates leadership and unwavering dedication to support his team in efforts to advancing the fresh produce supply chain globally,” says Ron Lemaire, CPMA President, in a press release. “His commitment to excellence, integrity, and innovation have not only shaped his family business legacy but also inspired the next generations of produce industry professionals in North America and beyond.”

Paul will be presented with this award alongside other industry members and businesses at the CPMA Convention and Trade Show’s Awards Brunch on Thursday, April 30, in Toronto.

CPMA members can learn more about the history of the CPMA Lifetime Achievement award, including a complete list of previous winners, in the Produce + membership directory on the CPMA Community.

BAKERSFIELD, CA - Sun World International, a global leader in fruit genetics and variety licensing, and Mission Produce, a world leader in sourcing, producing, and distributing fresh Hass avocados, announced a collaboration to explore opportunities in the mango category, with a shared focus on identifying innovative commercially viable varieties that benefit growers, retailers, and consumers.

Despite strong and growing global demand, the mango category has long been defined by inconsistent eating quality and limited variety differentiation — a gap that both Sun World and Mission Produce have been independently working to close. This collaboration reflects the natural alignment they've found along the way, uniting Sun World's decades of experience in plant breeding, global evaluation and variety commercialization with Mission Produce's deep supply chain expertise, grower relationships and market reach across key production regions, including Mexico, Brazil, Peru and beyond.

"Mangoes are a category full of potential, and most people in the industry know there's a real opportunity to innovate to bring a great eating experience every time," said Bernardo Calvo, President & CEO, Sun World International, said in a press release. "As we continue to build our mango portfolio — from our earliest commercial introductions through late-season selections — we see real value in working alongside partners like Mission. What drew us to them is that they get it — they aren’t afraid to innovate boldly. Both of our organizations care about quality, think long-term, and are willing to explore what’s next to lift the entire category. That's the kind of partner we want to be building with."

Sun World's mango program represents one of the most significant investments in mango variety development in the industry today. Following its acquisition of the world's largest mango breeding program through the Biogold transaction, Sun World has rapidly expanded its pipeline and commercial offerings. The company now has three commercial mango varieties available for licensing — including Kankun, acquired in 2023 as an early-season variety — nine advanced selections currently undergoing evaluation across international growing regions, and nearly 600 new potential varieties in early-stage assessment, targeting an extended window harvest. Officially launched at Fruit Logistica earlier this year, Sun World's mango program is designed to give growers access to differentiated, proprietary genetics with the agronomic performance and market demand needed to delight consumers and build a sustainable, profitable business.

Mission Produce brings deep expertise in mango sourcing, ripening and distribution —leveraging the same vertically integrated infrastructure that has made the company a category leader in avocados to elevate the mango category. Mission has invested significantly in mango category development in recent years, including targeted retail programs designed to grow household penetration and consumer trust.

“We see a significant opportunity to grow the mango category by delivering a more consistent, premium eating experience to consumers around the world,” said John Pawlowski, President and Chief Operating Officer at Mission Produce. “This collaboration builds on the strong foundation we’ve established in mangos and brings together Sun World’s leadership in variety innovation with Mission’s global sourcing, vertical integration, and ripening expertise. Together, we can accelerate progress toward a more reliable, high-quality experience for consumers.”

“From our vertically integrated farms in Peru, to our broader year-round sourcing network, and through to our advanced ripening capabilities at retail, every step plays a role in delivering the World’s Finest Mangos™,” said Keith Barnard, Senior Vice President of Global Sourcing at Mission Produce. “That commitment to quality and consistency starts at the source and carries through the entire supply chain. When we deliver on that promise, it drives stronger retail performance, builds consumer trust, and ultimately fuels long-term growth for the category.”

The collaboration represents a shared intent to explore which varieties, production regions, and market opportunities may offer the greatest commercial potential for growers and retailers alike. For growers, the collaboration signals a growing opportunity to access and trial a new generation of proprietary mango varieties designed to deliver superior eating quality, broader market appeal and stronger returns. It also reflects a shared philosophy: the path to elevating the mango category runs through innovation — in genetics, in supply continuity, and in the grower and market relationships required to bring new varieties to scale. Both companies see production regions across Latin America as central to that vision, with opportunities for expanded collaboration as new varieties move through the commercial pipeline.

Growers interested in learning more about trialing, evaluating or producing Sun World mango varieties are encouraged to visit sun-world.com or contact the Sun World licensing team directly.

TRAVERSE CITY, MI - Cherry Central Cooperative is pleased to announce the selection of Helena Beckett as its new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective April 13, 2026.

Owned by hundreds of small farms, Cherry Central produces and distributes tart cherry products along with a broader portfolio of fruit and select vegetable ingredients to retail, foodservice and food manufacturers worldwide.

Beckett brings more than two decades of experience in the fresh produce and retail industries, with a strong track record of driving growth, building high-performing teams, and developing strategic partnerships across national retail markets. Most recently, she served as Director of Retail Sales at BrightFresh® Microgreens, where she led significant revenue growth, expanded national retail partnerships, and helped drive the company’s marketing and digital commerce strategy.

Throughout her career, Beckett has demonstrated a deep understanding of the agricultural supply chain and a passion for connecting growers to market opportunities. Her leadership experience includes building and scaling sales organizations, leading cross-functional teams, and developing go-to-market strategies that deliver results. She has worked with leading national retailers including Costco, Walmart, and Albertsons, and has played a key role in business expansion, brand development, and successful company growth initiatives.

Beckett joins Cherry Central as Melanie LaPerriere, who has served as its President and CEO since 2019, will officially retire on April 30, 2026, after a celebrated career.

“Our Cherry Central family is delighted to welcome Helena Beckett as our new President and CEO,” said Chad Rowley, Board Chairman for Cherry Central, in the recent release. “Helena brings extensive experience in brand development, retail program creation, and strategic decision-making within the food industry. Her true gift lies in her passion for helping people and her ability to inspire others to do their best. She now has an excellent opportunity to continue building on the outstanding achievements of our retiring leader, Melanie LaPerriere. We are excited for our future under Helena’s leadership.”

“Helena brings exceptional skills and leadership to Cherry Central, positioning the organization for strong and sustainable growth,” added LaPerriere. “She is an outstanding cultural fit for Cherry Central and its grower-owners, embodying the values that have guided the cooperative for more than five decades. As Cherry Central enters its 53rd year of operation, Helena’s leadership will play a pivotal role in guiding the organization toward its 100-year milestone and beyond.” 

Beckett will work closely with LaPerriere and the Cherry Central leadership team to ensure a smooth transition and continued momentum for the organization. 

"I am profoundly grateful to Melanie LaPerriere for the legacy she leaves at Cherry Central. Her dedication to growers and to the cooperative's mission has set an exceptional standard,” said Beckett. “I am excited to build on that work and bring my background in fresh produce, brand building, and stakeholder partnerships to serve this remarkable organization. At Cherry Central, good and nutritious food isn't just a product, it's a purpose. That belief is at the heart of everything I do professionally and personally, and I cannot wait to get to work with this team.”

Cherry Central remains committed to its mission as a farmer-owned cooperative, focused on delivering high-quality, nutritious products while supporting its growers and customers across the marketplace.

THE NETHERLANDS - FineField knows the transition from manual labor to autonomous, precision agriculture is on the horizon. That’s why the company is leading the way with its machine-harvesting technologies, helping growers solve two persistent problems: the constant struggle to find reliable picking crews and the increasing costs associated with them.

“The HARVY500 replaces 50-100 manual pickers and can operate continuously and consistently during the harvest season,” begins Selynn Vong, Sales and Marketing - USA. “Advanced features like our patented Soft-Touch Catch System ensure fresh-market quality berries are harvested with minimal ground loss of 3–7 percent (comparable to hand-picking), while solar-powered, zero-emission operation and real-time data tracking move farms toward a more sustainable, eco-friendly, and autonomous future.”

As Selynn and I dive deeper, she explains how the machine delivers on ROI.

“The HARVY500 offers a rapid return on investment of approximately 2-4 years, depending on picking costs and utilization. By reducing variable seasonal labor expenses for a reliable, high-performance technological asset, growers can cut total harvest costs by 75 percent,” she shares. “Our technology protects harvest yields, while the solar-powered electric drive decreases fuel bills and keeps long-term overhead to a minimum.”

To realize the return on investment in a mechanical harvester such as HARVY500, Selynn concedes that an operational shift in farm management is required.

“This includes preparing fields for automation, implementing post-harvest sorting to manage harvested fruit, and training lead operators to understand data-driven optimization,” Selynn adds.

Marcel Beelen, Chief Executive Officer, further strengthens the case for incorporating automated solutions.

“In a rapidly evolving blueberry industry, Fine Field’s HARVY500 enables growers to maintain quality while significantly improving harvesting efficiency and reducing dependency on manual labor,” he emphasizes. “Investment in a HARVY500 autonomous harvester is enabling growers to implement smarter harvesting processes for a growing blueberry industry.”

As interest in HARVY500 booms in Europe, FineField, a Dutch company, is making inroads in the North American market.

“North America has become one of our growing markets with early adopters on both the East and West coasts, with 13 HARVY500 in operation to date,” Selynn says. “We have established a strong presence in the Pacific Northwest and Southeastern United States, where critical labor shortages and increasing labor costs have made mechanical harvesting a financial necessity.”

The HARVY starts harvesting fresh blueberries in the Southeast USA as early as May, moving up to the Northeast in June, and to the Pacific Northwest from June through September.

Scaling its footprint in Europe and North America through targeted deployments and regional technical support, FineField continues to focus on expanding the “Autonomous Farm”.

“Our roadmap emphasizes continuous product innovation and upgrades to maximize operational efficiency with data-driven tools for a smart harvest,” Selynn shares of what’s to come. “We continue strengthening our presence in Europe, while expanding to North America and other parts of the world as countries adopt premium blueberry varieties optimized for mechanical harvesting. FineField provides blueberry growers with an autonomous, precision-harvesting innovation that protects fruit quality while advancing the farm toward a sustainable future.”

AndNowUKnow covers the latest in tech innovations across the industry, so stay tuned.

RICHMOND, VA - Flashfood, the surplus grocery platform trusted by North America’s leading grocery retailers, is now available at all 100+ Kroger stores in the Mid-Atlantic Division. Flashfood’s platform is addressing surplus food waste in Kroger stores while making fresh, affordable groceries accessible to more shoppers across the southeast.

Since launching in 16 Richmond-area Kroger stores last summer, Flashfood has helped Kroger shoppers save nearly $700,000 on fresh groceries, while keeping over 290,000 pounds of food out of landfills. This expansion comes as demand grows for new ways to stretch grocery budgets.

“From the start, our Richmond customers have embraced Flashfood,” said Kate Mora, President of Kroger Mid-Atlantic, in a press release. “The expansion throughout our Mid-Atlantic division is a natural next step. This will give more shoppers the opportunity to save on groceries while ensuring less good food ends up in landfills, bringing our Zero Hunger Zero Waste commitment to life in a meaningful way."

“In a short amount of time, the impact Kroger and Flashfood have been able to accomplish for their local communities – improving access to affordable, healthy food – is something I’m incredibly proud of,” said Jordan Schenck, CEO of Flashfood. “Together, we’re building a modern, data-driven shrink management system that supports Kroger’s waste reduction goals while helping more families access the food they need.”

Health and Affordability: A Collaboration with Kroger Health

As part of a collective effort to advance Food as Medicine initiatives, Kroger Health and Flashfood are placing affordability at the center of the nutrition conversation. In a 2025 survey, 70% of Flashfood shoppers reported a healthier diet since using Flashfood. As Flashfood expands across the Mid-Atlantic Division, Kroger Health and Flashfood will offer a series of free virtual nutrition classes for Kroger shoppers. The classes will share tips for preparing easy, healthy meals on a budget and making the most of fresh ingredients found on Flashfood.

“Our team is always looking for ways to make healthier choices the easy choice for our shoppers, and Flashfood helps make those options both accessible and affordable,” said Laura Brown, Director of Nutrition for Kroger Health. “Through these nutrition classes, we hope to make healthy living more approachable while showcasing the wide variety of nutritious options available in our stores."

With this expansion, Flashfood continues to scale as a trusted grocery technology partner for major retailers across North America. Flashfood is now available in more than 2,000 grocery stores, helping shoppers save hundreds of millions of dollars on groceries while keeping millions of pounds of food out of landfills.

For more information, including a list of participating locations and to download the app, visit www.flashfood.com.

WASHINGTON DC - The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) and its member companies once again brought the vibrant colors and flavors of fresh produce and florals to the White House Easter Egg Roll, one of America’s most beloved traditions.

Dating back to 1878, the Easter Egg Roll is the largest public event held at the White House each year. This year’s celebration incorporated patriotic themes honoring America’s 250th birthday, and IFPA’s participation offered a unique opportunity to showcase the fresh produce and floral industries on a national stage, connecting families directly with the growers, shippers, and floral designers who help feed and brighten communities across the country.

“IFPA is honored to help bring fresh produce and florals to the White House Easter Egg Roll—one of our nation’s most historic traditions,” said IFPA CEO Cathy Burns in the recent release. “This celebration is about connecting with families where memories are made, and showing how fresh fruits, vegetables, and flowers can be a simple, affordable, and joyful part of the day. Sharing fresh, healthy snacks and seasonal florals on the South Lawn highlights the vibrancy of spring and reinforces our commitment to expanding access to nutritious food for everyone.”

As part of the festivities, IFPA and its members provided fresh, interactive, hands-on experiences for families throughout the day:

• The IFPA “Bloom Bar”: Guests designed their own custom floral bouquets using spring blooms, creating one-of-a-kind arrangements to take home.
• Joy of Fresh Farmer’s Market: Families enjoyed nutritious, snack-sized fresh produce treats from leading growers and packers, giving children a fun, firsthand taste of healthy eating.
• Photo Opportunities: Springtime family photo moments featured a veggie arch and the Celebrate America 250 produce and floral flag, a vibrant, patriotic display crafted entirely from fresh fruits, vegetables, and flowers.

IFPA gratefully recognizes the following member companies whose generous donations make the 148th Annual White House Easter Egg Roll participation possible:

• Fresh vegetables were generously provided by Grimmway Produce Group, L&M, and WP Rawl.
• Farmer’s Market healthy snacks were donated by SugarBee® Apples, Grimmway Produce Group, Gem-Pack Berries, Duda Farm Fresh Foods, CMI Orchards, and DNO Produce.
• Floral blooms were graciously provided by Sunshine Bouquet, gems, Passion Growers, The Elite Flower, The Queen’s Bouquet Network, Continental Floral Greens, Mellano, and GLAD-A-WAY GARDENS INC., with beautiful floral sleeves by Decowraps.
• Supply chain and logistics expertise to make it all possible was provided by Armellini Logistics and Keany Produce & Gourmet.

IFPA’s participation in the Easter Egg Roll reflects its ongoing commitment to promoting healthy eating, celebrating American-grown produce and florals, and connecting families to the benefits of fresh fruits, vegetables, and flowers 365 days a year.

BRADFORD, ONTARIO, CANADA - Since launching its Arterra™ Rainbow carrots last year, Gwillimdale Farms continues to raise the bar across its portfolio.

“Going into CPMA this year, a big focus for us is really showing how we’ve grown, not just in size, but in how we think about what we offer and how we show up,” begins Kshama Joshi, Marketing Manager, as we discuss how the company is preparing for the upcoming Canadian Produce Marketing Association’s (CPMA) Convention and Trade Show. "We’ve been working on new products, sustainable packaging, and messaging that make sense for today’s consumer—things that are easy to use, versatile, and still rooted in quality.”

Part of Gwillimdale Farms’ recent growth is the company’s groundbreaking Arterra Rainbow carrots line.

“Our rainbow carrots are one of those products that naturally grab attention. The mix of purples, yellows, and oranges really stands out on shelf, but what makes them stick is the quality behind them,” Kshama explains. “They’re grown with the same consistency and care we put into all our products, so you’re not trading off reliability for something that looks different.”

Each color brings its own nutritional value, since the different pigments in deep purple and bright yellow carry different antioxidants. It’s a chance for shoppers to get even more nutritional value for their money without adding another product to the basket.

“One thing we love is how much kids are drawn to them. The colors make them fun, a bit more exciting than your everyday carrot, and that goes a long way in getting kids more interested in eating vegetables. It’s a simple shift, but it makes a real difference for families,” Kshama says. “From a retail standpoint, they help bring some energy to the category and create that 'something new' moment without being unfamiliar. For foodservice, they’re an easy way to elevate a dish, adding visual appeal without adding complexity.”

Visual appeal is top of mind for Gwillimdale Farms in multiple ways. "In terms of its brand design overall, the company’s booth design reflects the visual path ahead.

“The booth really comes back to one core idea for us—freshness never goes out of season—and everything builds from there,” she adds. “We’ve brought in our brand colors in a stronger, more intentional way this year, so the space feels very ‘us’ right away—fresh, vibrant, and grounded in what we grow. It’s clean and product-forward, but still warm and inviting.

Creating an experience is another element of the booth that Gwillimdale Farms wishes to elevate.

“We’re bringing in more food inspiration, more real-life applications, showing our vegetables in a way that feels relevant, usable, yet unique. There’s a bit more creativity, a bit more storytelling,” Kshama notes. “We’re also leaning into innovation in a practical way. Not just for the sake of doing something different, but to show how our products can adapt across retail and foodservice in ways that actually drive value.”

Demonstrating the versatility of the products will be top of mind throughout the show, as Gwillimdale Farms aims to highlight the multiple applications across its portfolio.

“When partners walk through, we want them to not only see the quality but also start thinking about possibilities of how these products can work across categories, menus, seasons, and displays. It’s about making that connection between what we grow and how it can actually drive value for them, irrespective of which season of the year it is,” Kshama says. “Plus, the product versatility holds up over time. Season after season, year after year, our products continue to adapt to different uses, changing consumer trends, or new menu ideas. We’re not just offering a product for one moment; we’re offering something partners can build for the long-term, knowing it will stay relevant and continue to perform.”

To learn more about the company’s evolution and continuing momentum, be sure to stop by booth #1120.