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!

MISSION, TX - Heralding a new chapter in industry collaboration, the Texas International Produce Association (TIPA) and the Houston Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Association (HFFVA) united in a successful golf tournament at the Golf Club of Houston on September 27.

“We are extremely pleased with the success of this inaugural event,” said Kyle Reeves, Vice President of Business Development for Houston-based Foremost Fresh Direct and TIPA-HFFVA Golf Tournament Chair. “We are so grateful for the outpouring of support from all participants, especially our generous sponsors who made it all possible. We’re super excited to continue building upon its success in years to come and the growth of the TIPA-HFFVA community.”

The event attracted a notable turnout, highlighting the excitement surrounding the merger and enhancing engagement within the Houston fresh produce supply chain.

The tournament served as a networking platform, allowing participants to connect with key partners, solidify relationships, and explore future collaboration opportunities. According to a press release, the gathering emphasized the importance of unity in the industry.

“This tournament was not only about enjoying a round of golf; it was a celebration of unity, growth, and the future of our industry. The merger with HFFVA marks a significant milestone for both associations, and we’re confident this collaboration will benefit our members and the region’s fresh produce community,” remarked Dante Galeazzi, President and Chief Executive Officer of TIPA.

The day concluded with an awards ceremony celebrating achievements and partnerships crucial to the Houston food supply chain.

“There is a tremendous opportunity for growth in Houston for the fresh produce supply chain, specifically with imports and exports,” said Jacquie Ediger, Executive Vice President of Foremost Fresh Direct and TIPA Board Member. “The merger of TIPA and HFFVA brings a new level of support, advocacy, and resources to the area to help companies like ours and the produce industry grow trade and ultimately better serve Texas consumers with increased access to fresh produce year-round.”

Participants were encouraged to save the date for next year’s event, ensuring continued engagement and growth within the industry.

For more industry updates like this, stick around!

KINGSVILLE, ONTARIO, CANADA - If you are among the many industry members attending this year’s Global Produce & Floral Show, gear up for an exciting exploration of greenhouse innovation. Mastronardi Produce® is bringing a full collection of products to the SUNSET® booth, including newly debuted and top-selling offerings.

“The SUNSET Booth is a destination at the Global Produce & Floral Show and is a great opportunity for our team to connect in-person with suppliers, growing partners, and retailers,” shared Peppe Bonfiglio, Vice President of Sales. “Being at the show gives us the perfect platform to showcase unique varieties of greenhouse grown fruits and vegetables, as well as highlight new and sustainable packaging options. Our team of chefs will be preparing a unique menu that will highlight the exquisite flavor profiles of each item being showcased.”

As if this enticing menu isn’t enough to draw you to booth #1639 during the show, Mastronardi Produce’s booth will also feature a selection of best-selling items. The supplier will be promoting several new additions to its product lines at the show this year, including:

• Summer Series Berry® Line
• WOW® Utopia™ Strawberry
• Backyard Farms Hand Cut Romaine and Butter Leaf Lettuces
• Certified Organic Flavor Bombs®
• Kawaii™ Mini Melons
• Queen of Greens® Salad Kits
• Peppy’s™ Peppers

“Flavor is top of mind in everything that is developed by Mastronardi Produce and showcased in the SUNSET Booth,” Peppe added. “Our team is proud to introduce new, innovative items at the Global Produce & Floral Show that have been carefully thought out from seed to shelf. We think both retailers and consumers will continue to look for items that are convenient and full of flavor.”

The full Bombs® On-the-Vine Snacking Tomatoes line will also be on display at the show, featuring Flavor Bombs®, Sugar Bombs®, Honey Bombs®, Lollibombs®, Bahama Bombs® and Umami® Bombs. These high-flavor varieties are incredibly versatile—perfect for snacks, salads, and more. These products will be on display alongside a variety of other promoted items, including Qukes™ Teeny Tiny Cucumbers and Sprinkles® Teeny Tiny Tomatoes.

“The Snacking category continues to show steady category growth, so SUNSET will continue to expand our line of premium BOMBS® Snacking Tomatoes On-the-Vine, as well as the teeny tiny line of snacking items, Peppy’s Peppers, Qukes™ Teeny Tiny Cucumbers, and Sprinkles® Teeny Tiny Tomatoes,” Peppe continued. “These readily available snacking items will continue to be a draw for retailers and consumers alike.”

Also elevating its portfolio, Mastronardi Produce continues to drive innovation in sustainable packaging, developed with consumer’s needs and the Earth in mind. The supplier plans to leverage various packaging technologies, such as Linerless Labels to significantly reduce manufacturing waste and new Breatheway Bags designed to prolong shelf-life, in turn reducing waste at the retailer and household levels.

There’s is so much to explore in this impressive greenhouse portfolio, so be sure to stop by booth #1639 during the show!