DELTA, BC - One company is introducing a harvest that will elevate retailers' offerings and culinary experiences: WINDSET FARMS® ON THE VINE Tomato Line. This new line showcases a vibrant selection of premium greenhouse-grown snacking tomatoes. The innovative range includes five delectable packs: BRAVO® Grape Tomatoes, AMORE™ Sweet Plum Tomatoes, and CAMEO® Cherry Tomatoes, all available on the vine in red, gold, and tri-color.

"We’re excited to expand our on-the-vine tomato offerings after seeing phenomenal success with our Tri-Color CAMEO Cherry Tomatoes on the Vine. Interest for on-the-vine products continues to grow alongside consumer demand for irresistibly fresh taste and presentation," shared Ryan Cherry, Director of Sales.

Each tomato variety brings its own unique flavor to the table. The sweet BRAVO Grape Tomatoes are perfect for snacking or enhancing salads, while the plump AMORE Sweet Plum Tomatoes are ideal for sauces and roasting. Meanwhile, CAMEO Cherry Tomatoes add a playful pop of color to any dish. The ON THE VINE selection comes in convenient 12 oz and 1.5 lb top seal packs, reflecting Windset Farms’ commitment to consumer needs.

According to a press release, the ON THE VINE Tomato Line emphasizes sustainability, utilizing 100 percent recyclable PET punnets made from recycled content and recyclable mono-layer lidding film. This thoughtful packaging design ensures every element can be recycled.

With centralized greenhouse facilities in British Columbia, California, and Mexico, Windset Farms guarantees that these fresh tomato offerings can be enjoyed year-round. The extensive variety trials conducted focused on yield, virus resistance, shelf-life, and taste.

Visitors are invited to explore the new ON THE VINE Tomato Line at booth B1465.

Looking for more irresistibly fresh products? Keep reading AndNowUKnow!

COLIMA, MEXICO - Blending heritage with opportunity, Super Starr International, a premier grower and shipper of papayas and melons in Mexico, is set to unveil its new label, Don David Papayas, at the Global Produce & Floral Show. This tribute to the late David Peterson aspires to carve a niche in the wholesale market, as the United States continues to see an increasing demand for papaya.

“Papaya consumption and sales are up at Super Starr, and we saw the opportunity to introduce a new label with a name that truly carries a legacy,” said Lance Peterson, President. “For my dad, it wasn’t just about the product, but also about the world-class service we provide. Our hope is that Don David will offer diversification to our papaya buyers while carrying Super Starr’s exceptional service into the whole papaya market.”

According to a press release, this new label aims to set a new standard in quality and service for the papaya market.

As imports of Mexican papaya into the U.S. over the last 20 years rose by approximately 20 percent in additional loads per week,a significant uptick in market demand has been observed.

“Our business is known worldwide for our outstanding papayas, and we’re building a great deal of momentum around our winter melons as well!” added Peterson. “Our premium honeydew melons will harvest in January from a strong crop. Retail customers are encouraged to lock in their volumes now along with papayas to capture some of the best fruit of the season.”

For three generations, Super Starr has maintained rigorous quality control from seed to shelf. The company grows, packs, and ships its products in-house and offers Fair-Trade Certified papayas on the market.

Attendees can visit booth #3348 to learn more! As always, check back in with ANUK for more innovative and exciting updates on this year's Global Produce & Floral Show.

BERKELEY, CA - Responsible sourcing is taking a step forward as childhood nutrition leader Once Upon a Farm partners with Equitable Food Initiative (EFI). ​The partnership marks a significant commitment to sourcing and paying premiums on produce from EFI-certified suppliers.​

"As the first CPG company to make this type of commitment, Once Upon a Farm is exhibiting its visionary leadership and putting its values into action," remarked LeAnne Ruzzamenti, Director of Marketing and Communications for EFI.

The company has set a goal to source 7,000,000 pounds of organic produce from EFI-certified suppliers, covering an estimated 30 percent of ingredients purchased for its core portfolio in 2024, according to a press release.

Premiums will be directed to non-salaried farm employees as a bonus, recognizing their essential role.

"At Once Upon a Farm, we believe that to drive the systemic improvements in childhood nutrition we are committed to, we must also drive systemic improvements to how our food is grown, picked, and produced. A healthy food system begins with healthy farmworkers," stated John Foraker, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Once Upon a Farm.

The partnership aims to positively influence farmworkers, the fresh produce industry, and beyond, potentially setting a new benchmark for responsible practices in the sector.

"Everyone deserves safe, healthy, and respectful working conditions—farm workers included. This isn't just an ethical imperative, it's a business imperative. Farmworker well-being translates into better product quality and food safety," emphasized Jane Kuhn, Director of Sustainability at Once Upon a Farm.

The impact of this partnership extends beyond corporate responsibilities, directly affecting the lives of farmworkers.

"EFI is about providing a safe environment for farmworkers and allowing consumers to have transparency about what they're eating," shared Yadira Vargas, a worker in Stemilt's Quincy orchard.

Go even more in depth with the partnership, its impacts, and more by reading the full release here. And for more groundbreaking news on partnerships and responsible work sourcing in the industry, ANUK is the place!