VISALIA, CA - As packaging sustainability remains a central focus across the produce industry, Mainline Industry is presenting packers with an opportunity to boost their eco-friendliness. The company’s Freedom vertical form, fill, and seal machine helps produce companies bridge the gap between sustainability goals and real-world production demands by producing pouch-style bags made from roll-stock film.

“Packaging sustainability has become a bigger focus for produce suppliers due to a combination of retailer pressure, consumer expectations, and evolving regulations,” explains Jessica Duran, Marketing. “Shoppers are paying closer attention to how their food is packaged, and retailers and the government are responding with their own goals that suppliers are expected to meet.”

Many states are enacting extended producer responsibility (EPR) regulations similar to California’s SB 54 with the goal of making single-use packaging 100 percent recyclable or compostable by 2032 (Cal Recycle).

“Sustainability and performance don’t have to be at odds,” Jessica assures. “As packaging materials continue to evolve, equipment must be flexible enough to keep pace. Solutions like vertical, form, fill, and seal systems that can adapt to different films give produce packers a practical path forward, allowing them to test, learn, and scale sustainable packaging without disrupting operations.”

During the learning and trial process, Mainline Industry is offering free sample packages made with the Freedom using test material to develop retail-ready packaging concepts.

“The biggest advantage is that it gives packers the freedom to choose flexible film over costly pre-made pouch bag materials during this transition from plastic to sustainable. Especially because it can run different types of recyclable and paper-based film along with regular polyethylene plastic,” Jessica explains. “From an efficiency and cost standpoint, forming bags in-house from roll stock can reduce material costs, minimize storage space for pre-made bags, and allow faster changeovers. The result is a more agile packaging line that supports sustainability initiatives while maintaining throughput and operational efficiency.”

Mainline Industry’s strength comes from its deep roots in the fresh produce industry and a hands-on understanding of farming and packinghouse operations.

“That practical experience shapes how we work with customers today. Rather than offering one-size-fits-all solutions, the team partners closely with produce packers to match equipment to their specific products, packaging goals, and operational challenges,” Jessica adds. “Beyond equipment sales, Mainline supports customers with service, parts, and long-term technical support. We help pack lines run efficiently even after installation, allowing our customers to adapt as their operations and packaging needs evolve.”

As more opportunities to boost operational sustainability and efficiency arise, ANUK will be here to report on the latest.

BROOKLYN, NY - Gotham Greens, one of the fastest-growing packaged salad brands and a pioneer in controlled environment agriculture (CEA), is celebrating is 15th anniversary with record growth, expanded national distribution and a rapidly diversifying product portfolio that is reshaping the refrigerated food aisle. Gotham Greens will exhibit at the upcoming Southern Exposure 2026 trade show (Booth #734) on February 28 in Orlando, where the company will showcase its expanding portfolio of greenhouse-grown leafy greens, herbs, salad kits, and value-added refrigerated foods.

Gotham Greens’ vertically-integrated business model – combining advanced, high-tech greenhouse operations nationwide with consumer packaged goods innovation – has become a powerful engine for growth. From leafy greens, herbs, and salad kits to fresh salad dressings, dips, and cooking sauces, Gotham Greens is delivering more fresh food to more retailers and consumers than ever before. The company has grown from a single urban rooftop greenhouse in Brooklyn, N.Y., in 2011, to one of the largest producers of greenhouse-grown leafy greens in North America with more than 40 acres (1.8 million square feet) of farms across 9 states, including Georgia and Texas. The company’s national greenhouse network reduces transportation time and enables the company to grow and deliver fresh, longer lasting salad greens to retailers across the country. Gotham Greens products are available in more than 6,500 locations nationwide, including Whole Foods Market, The Kroger Co., Sprouts Farmers Market, Albertsons, FreshDirect, Harris Teeter, Publix, Amazon Fresh, Target and more.

“We started out 15 years ago with a bold idea: to grow fresher, better-tasting salad greens closer to where people live,” said Viraj Puri, CEO of Gotham Greens, in the recent release. “Today, we’re proud to be an industry leader in indoor farming with our market share growing 15% year-over-year and a strong, recognizable brand built on freshness, flavor and reliability. We’re also focused on our expansion into adjacent fresh categories with a growing lineup of refrigerated dressings, dips, and pesto sauces that bring the same commitment to quality and flavor beyond the salad bowl. Retailers are increasingly making shelf space for greenhouse-grown brands like Gotham Greens because of its consistent reliability, quality and long-lasting freshness.”

What Makes CEA Different

CEA represents a major evolution from traditional open-field farming by leveraging advanced technology, such as hydroponics, automation and precise climate controls, to grow crops year-round, regardless of the weather or geography. By enabling year-round production, consistent quality and dependable supply, CEA addresses the volatility that has long challenged the fresh produce supply chain. Indoor farming eliminates seasonality, reduces supply risk and delivers safer, cleaner, high-quality greens, helping to raise the standard for freshness in the packaged salad category.

Over the past decade, indoor farms have expanded rapidly in the U.S., with greenhouse production becoming a mainstream source of leafy greens, tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers. The market share for indoor grown packaged salad, lettuce and herbs combined is nearly 10% and has increased +22% year-over-year.¹

^{1 Nielsen xAOC, Total U.S., Total CEA Pre Packaged Salads + Lettuce + Herbs, L13 weeks ending 1/17/26}

Beyond the Produce Aisle

Among the innovations to be featured at Southern Exposure is Gotham Greens new line of dairy-free refrigerated dips in five bold, plant-forward flavors: Spinach Artichoke, Green Goddess, Tzatziki, Queso and Buffalo. Made with a creamy cashew base and real vegetables and herbs, the dips are designed to elevate everyday snacking while reflecting Gotham Greens’ commitment to culinary creativity and flavorful innovation.

“As we grow our presence with retailers nationwide, expanding into fresh categories like kits, dips, dressings and sauces allows us to meet evolving consumer preferences while unlocking new growth opportunities throughout the store,” Puri said. “We look forward to engaging with retailers and industry partners at Southern Exposure and continuing to build the future of fresh food together. Gotham Greens is committed to reshaping how food is grown, distributed and enjoyed in America – and we’re just getting started.”

Southern Exposure attendees can visit Gotham Greens Booth #734 to learn how the company’s Georgia and Texas greenhouses are keeping retailers and foodservice partners stocked with fresh greens that are always in season.

REEDLEY, CA - Family Tree Farms is pleased to announce the promotion of Leighton Dill to Marketing Director, effective January 1, 2026.

Leighton has played a key role in advancing Family Tree Farms’ brand strategy, marketing initiatives, and global market presence. Her leadership has strengthened customer partnerships, elevated brand storytelling, and supported the company’s continued growth across domestic and international markets.

With over 10 years in the agricultural industry, Leighton brings deep marketing experience gained through overseeing a broad portfolio of agricultural brands across domestic and now international markets.

“I’m honored and grateful for the opportunity to step into this role,” said Dill in the recent release. “Family Tree Farms represents the values I’ve built my career on, and I look forward to continuing to strengthen our brand, support our growers, and help deliver the most flavorful fruit in the world.”

Doug LaCroix, VP of Sales and Marketing, added: “Leighton’s leadership and strategic mindset have made a lasting impact on our business. This promotion reflects both her contributions and the direction we’re heading as a company.”

Andy Muxlow, Owner of Family Tree Farms, shared: “Leighton brings passion, integrity, and a clear strategic vision to our team. We’re proud to see her step into this role and excited for what’s ahead.”

LEAMINGTON, ON - Pure Flavor® is thrilled to announce the company has been recognized at the 2026 PAC Global Awards for excellence in brand and packaging design by receiving the Best In Class (Gold) award. This recognition celebrates the recent Pure Flavor® brand refresh, introducing a modernized visual identity and cohesive packaging system that we are incredibly excited to share, enhancing recognition and delivering a more unified experience at retail.

“We are honored to receive this recognition from PAC Global,” said Julia Weber, Vice President of Marketing at Pure Flavor®, in the recent release. “This award reflects the dedication of our internal teams who work hard to ensure our brand continues to resonate with retailers and consumers. We are so excited to see our efforts celebrated on this global stage.”

The PAC Global Awards are internationally respected within the packaging industry, recognizing outstanding achievements in brand marketing, design, and execution. Judged by a panel of global industry experts, the awards recognize companies that demonstrate excellence and innovation across competitive markets.

This latest honor reinforces Pure Flavor’s continued investment, and excitement, in building a strong, recognizable brand that supports retail customers and connects with shoppers. With operations across Canada and the United States, the company remains focused on delivering consistent quality, dependable supply, and products that meet the evolving needs of today’s families.

WASHINGTON, US - The Washington State Fruit Commission has appointed Eric Patrick as its new president to oversee marketing efforts for cherries and canned pears grown in the Northwest, as well as its industry education programs, effective March 2. He succeeds longtime President B.J. Thurlby, who retired Dec. 31 after 30 years with the commission.

Patrick brings a wealth of experience in the fresh produce industry, which made him an excellent choice to lead the organization forward, board chairman Doug Field told Good Fruit Grower.

“Eric has a deep understanding of our industry. He has helped to market cherries, he’s helped to develop new programs, he understands sales and marketing and has relationships with many of the key players in our industry and with Northwest Cherries,” said Field in the recent release. “We’re very excited to bring him on board.”

Patrick has spent the past 20 years as marketing director for the Grant J. Hunt Co., a West Coast-based distributor and wholesaler of conventional and organic fresh produce with distribution throughout North America, where he also has worked closely with Northwest Cherries on cherry promotions. Leveraging his agricultural experience, he also operated a marketing division that offered services ranging from print, logo and advertising design to category management. Patrick has also worked very closely with Tajin seasonings, working with the Tajin produce alliance team setting up promotions, collaborations and demos throughout North America and will continue in this capacity.

He previously spent two years as marketing director for Domex Superfresh Growers. Prior to that, he spent seven years with the Washington State Fruit Commission, first in sales for the commission’s educational magazine, Good Fruit Grower, then as the marketing director for North America for Northwest Cherries and the Washington State Fruit Commission.

Patrick said he always enjoyed his work at the commission and hopes to continue strengthening collaborations within the industry to serve growers.

“I really believe in Northwest cherries and want to help growers to get recognition for what I think are the best cherries in the world,” he said. “I’m looking forward to working with the team, which has seen some award-winning campaigns in recent years, and build on those successes.”

The push for healthier diets worldwide also presents fresh openings for marketing and sales growth, he said. “I know the commission has been working on those health messages, and I see opportunities to work even more closely with the retailers, who are working with their own nutritionists and dieticians.”

In part-time roles, Patrick has served as the tourism director for the city of Union Gap, Washington, and as an instructor in the advertising and marketing programs at Yakima Valley College. He continues to be a regular speaker at the college.