LOS ALAMITOS, CA - Dragon fruit is steadily becoming a household name across food and beverage. Only last month, Kerry’s 2026 Taste Charts named dragon fruit as a key flavor trend, thanks to its growing use in beverages and confections.

For produce retailers evaluating trends, there are plenty of reasons why dragon fruit is more than a fad. A 17% growth rate in new product launches through 2025 indicates that consumers are growing more familiar with this funny-looking fruit. That familiarity creates strong merchandising potential and repeat-sale opportunities.

Seizing the moment to maximize dragon fruit sales.

To really leverage dragon fruit’s popularity, it’s important to have reliable quality, a stable supply, and a supplier who’s been there, growing demand over time. These are all areas where Frieda’s Branded Produce stands apart. While trend headlines about dragon fruit are exciting, the fruit slowly and steadily gained its true footing in the supply chain. From warehouses to Asian markets to supercenter arrays of exotic produce, decades of execution and consumer education led the way.

Long-Term Category Building is the Source of Dragons’ Magic.

Frieda’s introduced dragon fruit to U.S. shoppers in the 1970s, and today, the company is the fastest-selling dragon fruit brand, with volume growth that outperforms avocados and the total tropical category. These are the results of long-running investments in brand, consumer education and merchandising support that planted seeds for future trends.

Frieda’s has an entire line of branded dragon fruit designed to keep consumer curiosity high, with innovative branding that makes them easy to recognize and add to the cart.

• Frieda's Snow Dragons® have pink skin and white, seed-speckled flesh that come to mind when most shoppers think of dragon fruit. Snow dragon fruit’s mild and refreshing flavor makes it perfect for salads, salsas and smoothies, and as garnish for cocktails.

• Frieda’s Honey Dragons® are the sweetest dragon fruit, with a brix level of 23. They feature vibrant yellow skin with white flesh, and a flavor that enhances desserts, snacking and other dragon fruit recipes.

• Frieda’s Fire Dragons® fruit have juicy, bright-magenta flesh and a sweet, slightly earthy flavor. They make an appetizing addition to salsas, fruit salads, smoothies and cocktails.

Each dragon fruit variety also has a whimsical, otherworldly beauty that makes it an eye-pleasing and edible table decoration.

“Dragon fruit is trending now, but this category has been a long game for us,” said Alex Jackson, Frieda’s Vice president of sales and marketing, in the recent release. “We’re here to help our customers create repeat purchases through consistency, turning short-term wins to long-term consumer habits.”

As dragon fruit grows as a category, Frieda’s stays focused on buyer priorities: dependable performance, practical category guidance and planning that sustains demand over time. Its full category support model combines variety, continuous supply, and high quality, along with strategic, shopper-facing brand identity and education.

Frieda’s has built a strong reputation as a dragon fruit pioneer in the U.S. For retailers, its credibility is built on years of successful dragon fruit programs and ethically sourced fruit. Frieda’s invests in grower relationships for the long term. With years of steady, fair partnership behind them, these growers know the value of consistency over short-term market spikes. The resulting discipline in Frieda’s dragon fruit programs brings consistency. That provides valuable predictability for retailers who can commit to having promotable dragon fruit on shelves every day.

Advance pricing isn’t easy when categories are still developing, but Frieda’s stability in quality, fill rates, and in-store program performance make it possible. Their dragon fruit continues to outperform prior year sales volume. Frieda’s track record for advancing consistency, rotation, and supply chain fundamentals ensures that retail partners can count on continued sales growth.

Looking ahead, Frieda’s expects healthy dragon fruit growth in 2026. Retailers who want to convert consumer interest in dragon fruit into repeat sales should reach out to their Frieda’s sales representative. For more information on our branded dragon fruit lineup, visit Friedas.com.

BAKERSFIELD, CA - A little less than a year ago, the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) certified Creekside Organics as a women’s business enterprise (WBE). This recognition as a woman-owned, operated, and controlled business is a point of pride at Creekside. It’s also a responsibility to lead by example.

During National Women’s History Month and the International Year of the Woman Farmer, Creekside shows what women’s leadership looks like in organic produce, with its deep organic expertise, strong grower relationships, and trusted buyer partnerships being clear examples.

“Being a certified woman-owned business is important to us because women have always played such an important role in organic agriculture and at Creekside Organics,” said Creekside Organics co-CEO and Founder Brenda Haught in the recent release. “We’re proud to continue that legacy by supporting our growers, showing up for our customers, and helping move this industry forward.”

Why Women-Owned Businesses Matter

Today, more shoppers make their purchasing decisions based on values. As retailers and foodservice operators evaluate supplier networks, Creekside’s WBE certification offers a clear and easy way to work with a recognized woman-owned business.

Creekside also sees its certification as part of a larger conversation about supporting women’s contributions to fresh produce and making them more visible. By operating a successful women-owned business, Creekside hopes to encourage future women leaders to find their place in agriculture.

“We want to be part of an industry that creates opportunities for women to grow, lead, and build lasting careers,” said co-CEO Bianca Kaprielian. “If we can help someone else see their path in organic produce, that matters to us.”

Ready to work with a certified women-owned business?

Creekside Organics continues to create a strong future for women in produce. To source your organic produce from a WBENC-certified company, contact the Creekside team at CreeksideOrganics.com.

IMMOKALEE, FL - It is with heavy hearts that Lipman Family Farms shares the loss of its former Chief Executive Officer and longtime board Chairman, Larry Lipman. He passed away on Sunday, March 22, 2026.

Larry, affectionately known by employees as Uncle Larry, was a revolutionary in the tomato industry. Over more than five decades at Lipman Family Farms, he helped to grow the company from a regional tomato grower to a North American leader in tomato and vegetable production and packing.

Larry understood the produce business deeply because he lived it deeply. He held numerous roles across Lipman, beginning as a shipping manager in 1970, until his ascension to CEO. He loved the work, the people and building a business to last.

As CEO, Larry guided Lipman through two decades of growth from a tomato and vegetable grower into a vertically integrated produce service provider. He oversaw the development of Lipman’s value-added division, investing in the company’s first repacking and distribution business in 1994. Today Lipman is the largest tomato and vegetable re-packer in the country.

Larry also had the vision to create Lipman’s Research & Development lab. Today, 95% of Lipman’s field tomato seeds are developed in-house, including its award-winning Crimson variety.

Throughout his career, Larry never lost his focus on doing good for people and communities connected to the business. He understood that Lipman creates more than jobs; it nurtures families and strengthens livelihoods. He enthusiastically engaged with his community, supporting services and organizations that brought opportunities to local children and families. That support included helping establish the Lipman library at the Guadalupe Center, investing in Redlands Christian Migrant Association (RCMA) and backing its charter school program. His commitment to literacy and education reached young people from elementary school to college, through the My First Book program and textbook reimbursements for college students. He also helped establish Lipman Scholarships that have provided tuition help for more than 150 students in Immokalee, FL.

Larry’s industry leadership extended well beyond Lipman Family Farms. He served the industry through the Florida Tomato Committee, where he served as a Vice Chairman and Secretary. He also served as President of the Florida Growers Exchange. In everything he took on, his focus remained on family, hard work, humility and caring for others. His legacy is embedded in Lipman’s culture and its foundational commitment to being Good from the Ground Up.

“Larry dedicated his life to the business,” said Elyse Lipman, CEO of Lipman Family Farms and Larry’s cousin, in the recent release. “His impact on Lipman Family Farms is immeasurable. He helped build not just a business, but an enduring foundation that continues to guide us today. For Larry, it was always simple: the business was family. He loved this company and its people dearly.”

Larry Lipman will be greatly missed. Lipman Family Farms extends deep condolences to the Lipman family and Larry’s many friends and colleagues.

CALIFORNIA, US - California Crema GEM season is back. From April through June, California Crema GEM Avocados from Index Fresh will satisfy avocado cravings with a distinctive California-grown brand featuring the GEM variety, a sibling of the traditional Hass known for its golden flecks, dark skin, rich, nutty flavor, and high-density nutritional value.

California Cremas have quickly caught on with shoppers, and Index Fresh will continue to position this local brand for expansion among avocado lovers looking for a premium, seasonal variety.

“There’s a lot of buzz around California Crema, and for us, part of that excitement is seeing customers recognize the seasonal opportunity and consumers return to the produce aisle in search of this distinctive avocado brand,” said Kellen Stailey Martin, Vice President of Marketing for Index Fresh, in the recent release. “Every California Crema avocado is from the Golden State, so shoppers immediately associate the brand with quality, sustainability, and exceptional taste.”

On display in the grocery aisle, California Crema packaging features a radiant design and intentional sustainable materials, offering an option that is good for the planet and appealing to eco-conscious shoppers. Industry research shows that many consumers prefer locally grown produce, and a significant share are motivated by sustainable packaging when making purchase decisions. A California-grown avocado, merchandised in home-compostable cellulose net bags or biodegradable cartons, tells the story of fresh fruit purposely grown and packed to match evolving consumer preferences.

“At Index Fresh, we lean into positive market trends that reflect our own values,” Martin added. “Our team developed California Crema GEMs to appeal across generations, from families teaching their children about a sustainable future to older shoppers whose purchases reflect healthy lifestyle choices focused on longevity and resilience.”

Now in its second season, the California Crema GEM brand is built for deeper engagement and easy execution at retail. Index Fresh supports partners promotional point-of-sale kits, a dedicated California Crema website featuring recipes and ripeness tips, and attractive, seasonal pricing programs. With supply running through June and momentum growing, California Crema is a seasonal program that is picking up steam—and built to last.

MISSION, TX - The Viva Fresh Produce Expo is known for bringing the fresh produce industry together for meaningful connections while focusing on the region. On Friday, April 17, education takes center stage with a full day of programming designed to inspire new thinking on area-relevant topics, tackle industry challenges, and deliver practical takeaways for growers, shippers, retailers, and industry leaders.

Following the morning keynote exploring the future “consumonics” of fresh produce, the afternoon lineup continues with a series of engaging and thought-provoking sessions that explore personal health journeys, industry policy issues, and the global forces shaping produce markets.

“Education at Viva Fresh is designed to spark ideas, encourage honest conversations, and equip our industry with unique regional insights,” said Dante Galeazzi, President and CEO of the Texas International Produce Association (TIPA), in the recent release. “From personal wellness to policy impacts and global economics, these sessions reflect the real-world factors influencing fresh produce today.”

Clean Eating Challenge Panel: Walking the Walk

The afternoon begins with the Clean Eating Challenge panel, where participants share their personal experiences committing to eat more fruits and vegetables while incorporating more movement into their daily lives. Through candid conversation about both successes and setbacks, panelists will discuss the practical strategies that helped them stay motivated and make lasting lifestyle changes. Their stories highlight the real-world impact of healthy choices and reinforce the powerful role fruits and vegetables play in supporting better health.

Rapid Response: TIPA on the Buzzer Beaters of Produce Policy

Next, Viva Fresh attendees will experience a fast-paced and interactive look at the policy issues impacting fresh produce in Rapid Response: TIPA on the Buzzer Beaters of Produce Policy. In this high-energy session, TIPA President Dante Galeazzi and Jed Murray, Director of Government Affairs tackle major topics such as water policy, labor, trade, promotion, and infrastructure in a rapid-fire format where each issue receives just three minutes before the buzzer sounds and the next challenge takes center stage. The session offers a dynamic and engaging perspective on how TIPA works behind the scenes to advocate for the industry, grow consumption, and strengthen the produce supply chain across North America.

Market Mayhem: The Forces Shaping Fresh Produce

The day concludes with the always-anticipated Hot Topic session, this year titled Market Mayhem: The Forces Shaping Fresh Produce. Industry leaders are joined by Dr. Michael Swanson, senior vice president and ag economist with Wells Fargo, to break down some of the most complex and debated issues affecting produce today, including geopolitical conflict, tariffs and food inflation. Through an interactive and conversational style format featuring rapid analysis and “true or false” myth-busting, panelists will examine how these forces influence the produce supply chain and what they mean for industry and consumers alike. The session is designed to move beyond headlines to explore the cause-and-effect realities driving costs, supply dynamics, and market uncertainty across the industry.

Expect a full day of connection and inspiration. In addition to Friday’s education programming attendees can take part in two signature Viva Fresh events designed to inspire and connect. The In Bloom Women’s Networking Event celebrates the leadership and influence of women across the produce industry, providing a space for meaningful conversations, mentorship, and professional connection. Later, attendees will gather for the Keynote Luncheon featuring motivational speaker Hunter Pinke, who will share his inspiring story and powerful message of resilience and perspective through his philosophy of “No Bad Days.”

“Viva Fresh has always been about bringing people together not only to do business, but to grow as an industry,” Galeazzi added. “This year’s show continues on our values pillar to bring topics that are both uniquely regional and provide actionable information to our attendees.”

Viva Fresh education programming is included with expo registration. Now in its 11th year, Viva Fresh will take place April 16–18, 2026, at the JW Marriott Hill Country Resort in San Antonio, Texas, and has become one of the most influential regional produce expos in North America. The event brings together growers, shippers, importers, retailers, and foodservice leaders for high-impact education, a vibrant trade show floor, retail engagement, and unmatched networking opportunities.

Registration is now open, with exclusive opportunities for buyers, exhibitors, and sponsors.

For more details, visit www.vivafreshexpo.com.