RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA - FiveStar Gourmet Foods is entering an exciting stage of growth for its business. The innovative meal solutions provider and home of the Simply Fresh brand has officially announced the opening of its brand-new headquarters and production facility. The highly anticipated opening of the state-of-the-art facility coincides with this year’s Global Produce & Floral Show, hosted by the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA).

“We are incredibly excited to finally open the doors to our new headquarters, a project we’ve worked tirelessly to bring to life,” said Tal Shoshan, Chief Executive Officer of FiveStar Gourmet Foods. “Although we regret missing the IFPA show this year, this moment marks a pivotal point in our journey and sets the stage for even greater innovation and growth in the future.”

As a press release explained, the cutting-edge new facility represents a significant investment in FiveStar’s future, enabling the company to expand its capabilities, enhance product innovation, and continue delivering high-quality, fresh, and innovative meal solutions to consumers nationwide.

While FiveStar will not be in attendance at the Global Produce & Floral Show this year, the supplier remains committed to the event and its partnership with the IFPA.

“We remain deeply committed to the IFPA and look forward to participating in future events,” added Shoshan. “This is just the beginning of an exciting new chapter for our company.”

FiveStar Gourmet will certainly be missed at this year’s show, but exciting things are in store for the supplier on the heels of this strategic expansion.

For more fresh produce news and updates, stick around.

DELTA, BC, CANADA - Two words: Shake and snack. WINDSET FARMS® is bringing a fun new packaging option to the grape tomato space with its new “SHAKE & SNACK” package.

Designed to be visually playful, the whimsical ladybug clamshell is structurally stackable for seamless merchandising in-store. The ladybug clamshell container was inspired by the supplier’s commitment to sustainability and the integrated pest management system utilized in Windset Farms greenhouses, a press release explained.

The 8 oz clamshell container features a unique pop-open lid that delivers a consistently perfect amount of sweet grape tomatoes every time.

“At Windset Farms, we are committed to innovation, continuously evolving our packaging styles to meet changes in consumer needs and sustainability,” the company said in a press release. “With healthy snacking on the rise, SHAKE & SNACK Tomatoes offer a convenient solution that fits perfectly into any lifestyle. This fun on-the-go snack pack will have kids and adults excited to enjoy nutritious tomatoes one delicious handful at a time.”

Want to check out this fun new packaging play for yourself? Make a stop by booth #B1465 as you explore this year’s Global Produce & Floral Show in Atlanta, Georgia. And keep reading ANUK for the latest show updates!

LEAMINGTON, ONTARIO, CANADA - A bold new era of mushrooms is coming to the produce aisle—but first, the trade show floor. Highline Mushrooms will soon be introducing its revolutionary rebrand at the International Fresh Produce Association’s Global Produce & Floral Show (GPFS).

“We’ve revolutionized the way mushrooms are packaged and presented across North America, and now we’re setting the stage for the future,” said Jose Cambon, Chief Executive Officer. “Our new packaging and rebrand strategy reflect our commitment to innovation and education. It’s all about making mushrooms accessible, exciting, and, above all, fun for everyone. This is just the beginning.”

This year, attendees will witness the future of mushrooms at Highline’s brand-new booth, where the grower will showcase a complete rebrand that is sure to stand out in the mushroom set. Featuring a bold design packed with personality, the new branding will attract the next generation of mushroom lovers while keeping longtime fans supercharged with a new approach.

What was once a wall full of simple packaging, mushroom displays featuring this rebrand will make consumers stop in their tracks and take notice. A press release explained that the primary goal of the rebrand is to show consumers why mushrooms should power up their plates and supercharge their meals, ultimately increasing mushroom consumption across the category.

In addition to the rebrand, Highline is launching a brand-new website designed with the consumer experience in mind. This fresh digital hub will make it easier than ever to explore the unbeatable flavor, versatility, and health benefits of mushrooms. The new site is all about putting the consumer first and getting them excited to add more mushrooms to their meals.

Highline Mushrooms invites GPFS attendees to visit booth B653 and join the mushroom party.

Keep following along with ANUK as we bring you more show coverage.

PRESCOTT, WA - You might remember that back in December 2023, we reported that FirstFruits Farms had acquired Applewood Orchards and Applewood Fresh Growers. The two suppliers are now joining forces on the trade show floor for the first time at the Global Produce & Floral Show.

“This will be the first time FirstFruits Farms and Applewood Fresh Growers are exhibiting together since FirstFruits’ acquisition of Applewood last December, marking an exciting new chapter for both companies,” Emily Cox, Marketing Manager, told me. “We’re showcasing what our new multi-regional expansion brings to the table. With FirstFruits now expanding across both Washington and Michigan, we’re able to offer a broader selection of apple varieties while also streamlining purchasing by providing a single source for both apples and cherries. Our showcase will highlight the strengths of both Washington and Michigan orchards, giving attendees a taste of the best from both regions.”

FirstFruits is eager to demonstrate the value of this new multi-regional approach and show how it can benefit key partners. Another key goal for the show is to build excitement around the upcoming Opal season. With the timing of the show aligning with the start of Opal season, FirstFruits is ready to share why this year will be another standout.

“We hope that attendees who visit our booth leave with a new appreciation for the benefits of our expanded operations and, of course, after tasting some incredible apples, both organic and conventionally grown! We’re showcasing both Opal and SweeTango apples, so we’d love for attendees to walk away excited about these varieties. We also hope that visitors gain a clear understanding of how the acquisition of Applewood Fresh has strengthened our position in the market, offering greater variety and flexibility,” Emily explained.

As she went on to note, the energy at this show is unmatched. There’s something special about getting all the industry players together in person, and the Global Produce & Floral Show always brings the excitement. It’s the biggest event of the year, and the opportunity to connect face-to-face is something FirstFruits is really looking forward to.

“We’re also excited to be sampling both Opal and SweeTango apples not just in booth B557 but also at the 5K race, promoting healthy snacks after a healthy activity. It’s a great way to reinforce our commitment to nutritious, delicious produce. Plus, we’ll have 12 representatives from both FirstFruits and Applewood Fresh ready to meet with everyone,” Emily concluded. “We can’t wait to see you there!”

The ANUK team on the ground in Atlanta will certainly get a bite of those samples. Will you?

RIO RICO, AZ - Demand for table grapes is hot this year, and suppliers like Fresh Farms are making sure retailers aren’t missing out on promotional opportunities. At the upcoming Global Produce & Floral Show, Fresh Farms will showcase an innovative product that is already gaining quite a bit of attention.

“This product is a 100 percent natural fruit option that offers consumers as an alternative snack,” Raul Carbajal, Sales/Process Improvement Specialist, told me. “We believe it will appeal to those looking for healthier choices without compromising on quality or flavor. Additionally, we’ll be discussing the significant progress in our promotional strategies for Candy grapes and showcasing our green and red table grapes and a wide array of vegetables and fruits—all of which are important elements of the Fresh Farms family.”

With such a robust foundation, Fresh Farms is eager to continue evolving and growing.

“Our company is dedicated to adapting quickly to changes in the industry and consumer preferences. This agility allows us to continually enhance our service and product offerings, ensuring we meet the highest standards of quality,” Raul explained.

With the majority of the team present at the show, Fresh Farms is ready to engage and connect with industry friends.

Be sure to stop by booth B1845 to learn more from the team!

SALINAS, CA - Honoring a long-lasting legacy, D'Arrigo California marked the 25^th anniversary of its partnership with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), generously contributing over $2.3 million to advance essential breast cancer research.

“This milestone represents so much more than a number—it’s about the lives touched by the research we help fund,” said John D’Arrigo, President, Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman of the Board. “We are proud to stand with BCRF and all the individuals and families affected by breast cancer and are honored to play a role in advancing research that brings us closer to a cure.”

Since 1999, D'Arrigo California has funded more than 47,000 hours of groundbreaking research aimed at preventing and curing breast cancer. In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the company emphasized its long-standing commitment to BCRF’s mission.

Their contributions have played a crucial role in advancing early detection methods and personalized treatments, significantly improving outcomes for those affected by the disease. According to a press release, this dedication showcases the company’s deep-rooted commitment to social responsibility and community health.

D'Arrigo California’s efforts extend beyond financial support. The company advocates for a healthy lifestyle through fresh fruits and vegetables, aligning with research that demonstrates how healthy choices can impact breast cancer incidence and recurrence. BCRF studies have indicated that a low-fat diet and weight management can reduce recurrence risk for survivors.

“As a produce company, we believe that promoting healthy eating is one of the most impactful ways we can support the health of our consumers,” continued D’Arrigo. “The research shows that a nutritious, low-fat diet, combined with regular exercise, plays a key role in lowering breast cancer risk. We are proud to provide high-quality, fresh produce that supports both prevention and long-term survivorship.”

As D'Arrigo California commemorates this significant milestone, the company looks forward to continuing its partnership with BCRF, united in the mission to find a cure and offer hope to those in need.