CALIFORNIA & ARIZONA - Our latest category deep dive ventures in the world of cauliflower, revealing a stable market. Growing regions across California, Arizona, and Mexico are satisfying the category’s steady demand with reliable supply and good quality.

In Santa Maria, California, cauliflower is seeing a steady market with moderate demand. The National FOB Review from January 21, 2026 shows a wide range in price, quality, and condition, reporting a price range of 24.00-28.55.

The state’s South and Central districts have also seen moderate demand, with a lighter supply than the Santa Maria region. USDA’s latest report revealed a steady market, with the following pricing insights: ORGANIC White cartons film wrapped 9s 20.00-41.00 mostly 26.00-27.00 12s 20.00-43.00 mostly 32.00-37.00.

Cauliflower is experiencing a slightly higher market with good demand in Western Arizona growing regions, with a wide range in price. The National FOB Review reported the following: White cartons film wrapped 9s 23.50-32.45 mostly 25.45-28.50 12s 24.50-32.75 mostly 26.45-29.75 16s 22.45-31.75 mostly 24.45-27.75 few 20.45-21.45.

Steady supplies of cauliflower are also coming out of Mexico with consistent pricing.

According to PRO*ACT’s latest The Source report, the cauliflower market is expected to rise slightly as harvests slow due to the heavy rains experienced in November and December.

ANUK will continue to keep tabs on the cauliflower market and beyond, so stick around for more updates.

WENATCHEE, WA - Stemilt always has a plan of action to keep retailers winning at the point of sale. New campaigns and strategic category launches keep the company and its products top of mind, and one of the best places to showcase this expertise is at the upcoming Southern Exposure in Orlando, Florida.

Helping me break down how Stemilt continues to be a supply-side champion is Brianna Shales, Marketing Director.

“Stemilt is continuing to innovate within the pear category, from the new varieties such as Happi Pear® all the way to our supply chain and updated packing lines,” begins Brianna, noting that after a short crop last year, Stemilt is full swing ahead with the pear volume it’s seeing this year. “At the moment, we are featuring our I Heart Pears campaign to help inspire and build retail displays around untapped eating occasions. It provides educational and nutritional information for the pear shopper, and it’s a great way to add pears to your breakfast routine.”

There will be plenty of promotional volume opportunities at retail, Brianna assures me.

Another way Stemilt delivers value to its partners is through its EZ band packaging program, which only continues to grow. It offers a paper-based, convenient solution to retailers and consumers, and it’s available across the company’s organic apples and pears, as well as club varieties.


“New this year is the addition of the conventional pear pack!” Brianna adds.

Another shining star of Stemilt’s portfolio is its cherry program. Although it doesn’t yet have definitive information regarding the cherry crop from California or Washington, it’s looking forward to discussing cherries with retail partners at SEPC.

“We have the longest cherry season of the year, starting in California and finishing in Washington in September,” Brianna notes. “Stemilt is super optimistic about building off the success of the Kyle’s Pick® program. This follows a robust selection process for an ultra-premium experience and a unique SKU for the category. We are also looking forward to another great season with the A Half Mile Closer to the Moon® brand. These cherries are our latest offering from high altitudes and a great way to finish out the season.”

The cherry season will also bring new packaging designs across the company’s cherry program.

“It’s about working with retailers to ignite the impulse shopping buys,” Brianna explains.

The company’s flagship apple program will also be spotlighted at the show, with emphasis placed on Cosmic Crisp® and Granny Smith as potential category drivers this season.

“Cosmic Crisp continues to develop within the category and has quite a bit of potential to rise as a premium apple in the industry,” Brianna tells me. “There’s a lot of opportunity in bulk Cosmic Crisp. Granny Smiths will be top of mind, too, especially as we move into March. They provide a great opportunity to enhance the green theme of St. Patrick’s day and bring home the baking bug as we roll into Easter. Lil Snappers® has also been a key brand and portfolio for us and helps drive convenience for the shopper by offering multiple varieties and organic opportunities.”

In order to learn how to leverage Stemilt’s impressive portfolio, stop by booth #320. You’ll also have a chance to meet David the Magician to see some show-stopping tricks!

GLENNVILLE, GA - Fresh produce is an industry built on relationships. Hand in hand, growers and buy-side operators work to bring fresh food to market amid fierce competition. At SEPC Southern Exposure, February 26–March 1, the floor opens for collaboration and conversation, where long-term strategies take shape to address a complex ecosystem of challenges. One company consistently part of that effort is Bland Farms—and what they are bringing to the floor is more than just a message; it’s a roadmap to success.

“At SEPC Southern Exposure, we’ll be highlighting initiatives that directly support retail execution and long-term performance,” Sloan Lott, Director of Sales, shares with me. “Among those is our core program of Vidalia® Sweet Onions, with continued emphasis on flavor consistency, quality, and dependable supply. Sand Candy® Sweet Potatoes will also be front of mind, providing a solution for a growing category focused on flavor and versatility.”

Building a year-round sweet onion program at retail is essential, and Bland Farms will also be showcasing its premium Sweet Onions from Mexico, supporting continuity outside the Vidalia season.

“To further celebrate our sweet onion program, we are highlighting our Vidalia Brands refresh with updated branding designed to strengthen shelf presence and keep Vidalia top-of-mind year-round,” Sloan details.

Add in expanded refrigeration capacity, with recent upgrades that allow for improved pack-out, extended shelf life, and tighter inventory management, and a well-oiled machine continues to thrive.

Bland Farms has also been investing in laser-weeder technology, which is deployed in organic fields to improve efficiency and sustainability without sacrificing quality.

“Our goal is to have buyers leave Southern Exposure knowing three things. One, we operate as partners, not just suppliers. From supply planning to marketing support, we work alongside our customers to help their programs perform. Two, quality drives everything. What happens in the field ultimately impacts families at the table, and we take that responsibility seriously. And, last but not least, we listen first. Every program is different, and our approach is built on flexibility, collaboration, and long-term relationships,” Sloan expresses. “What we do goes beyond moving product. Our focus is delivering fresh food that supports retailers, feeds families, and strengthens the communities they serve.”

As Sloan explains, the Southeast Produce Council has been instrumental in creating meaningful connections across the produce industry. SEPC fosters real dialogue—bringing growers, retailers, foodservice operators, and partners together in ways that prioritize trust, understanding, and shared progress.

“We believe deeply in their mission and vision for the produce industry. Our commitment to SEPC is rooted in active involvement and alignment with its mission,” Sloan reflects. This also includes leadership engagement, with Sloan himself currently serving as Chair. “SEPC’s emphasis on education, collaboration, and community allows companies like ours to stay engaged, listen closely, and grow alongside the evolving needs of the market.”

Stop by booth #106 and get that Bland Farms face time that makes all the difference. Sloan Lott, Delbert Bland, Sandra Bland, Richard Pazderski, Jeff Rhoden, Brian Silvas, and Zach Allen will be there to shake your hand.

WOODLAND, CA - Sakata Seed America announced an executive leadership transition, according to the recent release.

Eduardo Flores, President and CEO of Sakata Seed America, will be leaving the company and pursuing other opportunities. Sakata thanks Mr. Flores for his contributions during his time with the company and wishes him success in his future endeavors.

Dave Armstrong will step in to serve as President-CEO of Sakata Seed America.

Sakata remains focused on serving its customers, supporting its employees, and advancing its long-term strategy in a manner consistent with its values and culture. Business operations will continue without interruption.

Headquartered in Woodland, California, Sakata Seed America is a major research, seed production, and marketing-distribution subsidiary of Sakata Seed Corporation, based in Yokohama, Japan. Sakata Seed America serves as the headquarters for Sakata’s North and Central American operations. Sakata’s objective is to meet industry expectations for quality seed, innovative genetics, and excellent greenhouse and field performance quickly and efficiently.

UNITED STATES - The blueberry market remains steady overall, with pricing largely supported by prior commitments and variable supply conditions across major import channels, according to the USDA’s National FOB Review on January 21, 2026.

Chilean imports moving through the Philadelphia area are seeing fairly good demand with steady market conditions. Large 12 1-pint flats are ranging from $21.00–$30.00, mostly $24.00–$28.00, with most movement tied to previously committed sales. Quality is reported as good, with product moving primarily via boat.

Peruvian imports entering through the Philadelphia and New York City areas are experiencing light supply with fairly good demand. Pricing for large 12 1-pint flats is holding between $28.00–$33.00, mostly around $30.00, with occasional highs reported from $33.00 up to $38.00. Organic blueberries are commanding a premium, with prices ranging from $34.00–$40.00, mostly $38.00, and isolated highs reaching $45.00. As with Chilean product, most volume is moving on prior commitments, with quality reported as good.

Mexican blueberries crossing through Arizona, California, and Texas are facing fairly light demand, with markets reported about steady. Flats of 12 6-ounce cups are trading between $12.00–$16.00, with a wide range in pricing reflecting variable quality. Palletizing and cooling are included in reported pricing, with some lower prices noted.

Overall, the blueberry market remains balanced, with steady pricing supported by import flows and pre-arranged sales. Peruvian fruit continues to command higher price points due to tighter supplies, while Chilean imports provide more moderate pricing. Mexican crossings remain value-oriented but show wider variability tied to quality.

ANUK will continue to follow how import availability and demand levels shape pricing.