BAKERSFIELD, CA - Cal-Organic Farms, one of the nation’s largest growers of organic vegetables and a brand within Grimmway Produce Group, announced the launch of its new Organic Bite-Size Potato Program, offering retailers and consumers a fresh, convenient addition to the organic potato category.

Certified organic and grown with the same commitment to integrity that has defined Cal-Organic Farms since 1984, the new bite-size potato line delivers year-round availability, premium quality, and strong shopper appeal. Each item is packed in a sleek mesh pillow pack, a style that showcases product freshness and enhances visibility on-shelf.

The new program includes six unique offerings—featuring gold, red, and medley bite-size and fingerling potatoes, plus nibbles, a fun, novelty addition for shoppers seeking something new. With its range of varietals and versatile use across meal occasions, the line is designed to meet the needs of today’s organic consumer while supporting category growth for retail partners.

“This bite-size potato program delivers the convenience, flavor, and year-round reliability Cal-Organic is known for, while bringing new energy and innovation to the organic potato category,” said Drew Callaghan, SVP Retail Sales, Grimmway Produce Group, in the recent release.

Cal-Organic Farms’ organic bite-size potatoes are grown in the U.S. and harvested at peak freshness. Their small size offers quick, consistent cooking, making them ideal for busy households seeking wholesome, time-saving meal solutions.

Callaghan went on to say, “Retailers can merchandise the new line within the potato category or drive additional impulse sales by featuring it in secondary locations, such as the meat department or next to other convenience-focused produce items.”

The Cal-Organic Farms Bite-Size Potato Program will be featured at booth 114 at SEPC Southern Exposure and available for order beginning March 9, with full nationwide distribution expected throughout early 2026.

NORTH AMERICA - VentureFruit, the global plant variety management and commercialisation company, is accelerating its growth in North America’s high value berries category to help meet consumer demand for premium berries.

The Company is introducing its portfolio of superior blueberry and Rubus genetics into North America, supported by an extensive testing network of 14 sites across Canada, Oregon, California, and Washington, and a new strategic partnership with California Giant Berry Farms (California Giant).

VentureFruit General Manager, Morgan Rogers, says its acceleration in North America provides growers and consumers with unique berries which deliver value.

“Within our portfolio, we have new-generation raspberries, blackberries, and boysenberries (known as rubus varieties), and elite mid-to-high chill blueberries. These genetics provide consumers with flavoursome, firm fruit, while providing growers with better-performing, market desirable varieties in the traditional, now short supply, shoulder seasons,” says Morgan in a press release.

As part of VentureFruit’s ambitious North American growth strategy, it has entered into a strategic relationship with California Giant, one of North America’s most prominent berry marketing and supply companies.

“Partnering with California Giant is a pivotal next step in VentureFruit’s Americas plan, with them providing commercial scale and market access to accelerate the successful introduction of our premium genetics across North America.

“We have licensed to California Giant a selection of premium new varieties from our joint breeding partnership with New Zealand’s Bioeconomy Science Institute (formerly Plant & Food Research), a world leader in plant variety breeding. Initial plant orders are scheduled to begin this year.”

Joe Barsi, President and CEO of California Giant Berry Farms, says supporting grower success remains central to the company’s strategy.

“At California Giant, our priority is supporting the long-term success of our grower-partners. That means advancing genetics that deliver high-quality, great-tasting blueberries consumers expect, while also ensuring strong yields, disease resilience, and sustainable profitability for growers. As the category grows more competitive, access to differentiated, high-performing varieties is essential. Partnering with VentureFruit strengthens our ability to progress genetics that help growers thrive and keep the North American blueberry category moving forward,” said Joe.

All varieties in VentureFruit’s berry programme undergo rigorous evaluation across both agronomic performance and eating quality, with depth of testing essential to ensuring market relevance and long-term demand. These evaluations consistently demonstrate clear advantages for growers and consumers alike.

Over the past year, VentureFruit has introduced 20 advanced selections of berries into the United States, South America, Europe and China.

For more information, contact [email protected].

AVENTURA, FL - The Fresh Market continued its growth in the South Florida region this week, opening its second store in Aventura, Fla.

The specialty grocery retailer officially “cut the ribbon” on its Aventura Square location on Wednesday by breaking a six-foot loaf of Cuban bread. The opening also featured customary giveaways and sampling, along with a $2,000 donation to the Feeding South Florida food bank. Celebrity chef Carla Hall also made an appearance later in the day, meeting with guests and signing autographs.

According to The Fresh Market CEO Brian Johnson, the company is thrilled to expand its presence in the city of Aventura.

“We have been a member of the Aventura community for many years and developed a strong connection with our guests,” said Johnson in the recent release. “We are excited to offer Aventura an additional location with The Fresh Market’s award-winning service featuring a variety of local and global products, the highest-quality fresh foods, and a few new experiences we’re sure our guests will love.”

In addition to a larger footprint and expanded indoor and outdoor seating, Aventura Square features the Roasting Plant, where guests can purchase freshly roasted premium coffee beans to order, and an expanded center store concept that includes a café, made-to-order sandwiches, sushi, pizza and smoked‑in‑house meats.

This is the second South Florida opening in less than a month; The Fresh Market opened its South Miami location three weeks earlier. There are now 22 stores in the region.

KINGSVILLE, ON - Mastronardi Produce® is proud to announce the company has been honored with three prestigious PAC Global Awards. The awards recognize excellence in packaging design and technical innovation for the SUNSET® and Backyard Farms® brands. SUNSET® received an award of distinction for the newly redesigned Angel Sweet® packaging, a Best in Class in the Brand Marketing – Specialty Fresh category for the Mastronardi™ Tomato Branch packaging, and a Best in Class in the Package Innovation Design, Technical category for the Backyard Farms® paper lettuce bag.

"We're always looking to elevate the product experience for consumers," said Justin Crane, Creative Director for Mastronardi Produce®, in the recent release. "Our packaging and marketing teams continue to push the boundaries of fresh produce packaging through innovative design that emphasizes flavor, freshness, and sustainability."

Mastronardi™ continues to be among the top nominated brands, with four nominations and three wins across the Brand and Sustainable Packaging categories this year.

The recognition marks a total of 26 PAC Global Awards for Mastronardi Produce® in 14 years, underscoring the company's longstanding leadership in fresh produce packaging and design. By continuously introducing bold concepts, sustainable materials, and industry-first innovations, Mastronardi Produce® remains at the forefront of shaping design trends across the fresh produce landscape.