SALINAS, CA - Transitions are critical to consistent supply, and as we move through this celebratory time of year Duda Farm Fresh Foods is no stranger to keeping shelves stocked. While crops were slow to start for the Yuma season, the grower reported supply is now getting caught up and closer to forecasted schedules.

“The quality in Yuma is tough, due to the amount of rain over the last month. We see this continuing for the next several weeks,” Nichole Towell, Senior Director of Marketing and Innovation, shared. “The transition to Oxnard, California, from Salinas went well, and volumes look to be steady, but tight. Quality in Oxnard is also tough, as that region saw extreme rainfall over the last month. We see that quality will remain tough for the near future.”

Both Yuma and Oxnard received extreme amounts of rain both directly before and during the transition. Despite challenges like saturated soils, mildew, pin rot, bottom rot, even lodging from general wet conditions, Duda’s team is working diligently to meet demand.

“The forecast for demand remains strong, and Duda anticipates continued resilience in consumer behavior for staple vegetables. Despite ongoing economic pressures and heightened price sensitivity, fresh vegetables—including lettuce, celery, and romaine—are among the least likely items to be cut from shopping lists,” Nichole assured.

Citing multiple consumer studies, she confirmed that produce remains a top priority with 38 percent of U.S. consumers saying they will not change their fruit and vegetable purchasing habits regardless of price. Only 5 percent (used with permission from International Fresh Produce Association, Global Intelligence Engine, IFPA Consumer Tracker, Circana, Integrated Fresh, ©) would reportedly consider giving up fresh vegetables. 60–80 percent of consumers globally have made budget-driven adjustments—such as trading down or comparison shopping—essential produce like lettuce, celery, and romaine continues to be protected.

Demand in the U.S. for these items is expected to remain steady, with only minor fluctuations tied to price spikes or promotional activity.

“In short,” Nichole concluded, “while shoppers are adapting to economic conditions, fresh vegetables remain a core part of their diets, and Duda anticipates robust demand with limited downside risk in the near term.”

AndNowUKnow will continue to report on all key categories across the produce sector as we count down to the New Year.

GLENNVILLE, GA - G&R Farms, the industry-leading, third-generation Vidalia and Peruvian sweet onion grower in southeast Georgia, is proud to announce it was named a 2025 Sustainability in the Food Industry Award winner by The Shelby Report, recognizing its leadership in precision agriculture, resource conservation, and responsible farming innovation.

The award honors companies driving real environmental progress across the food supply chain — a commitment that has long defined G&R Farms. “Sustainability isn’t a program for us, it’s a responsibility,” shared Blake Dasher, CEO, in the recent release.

He continued, “Every decision we make reflects our belief that great farming protects both people and the land. This award affirms the work our team puts in every day to make a difference.”

G&R Farms earned the honor through initiatives that reduced planted acreage by 160 acres while increasing density by 20%, saving more than 21 million gallons of water and cutting fertilizer use by 15% through precision application. These advancements improved quality and boosted yields while significantly lowering environmental impact.

Cliff Riner, VP of ag production and grower relations, spoke to their efforts, “We’re proving that smarter farming leads to higher quality onions and a healthier environment. We’ve drastically cut our fertilizer rates and are still assessing further reductions. We’re setting new standards for what sustainable sweet onion production can look like.”

Riner added, “What sets us apart is the land – our company has been blessed with access to extremely valuable land that needs to be protected. The more we emphasize crop rotation, cover crops, and biodiversity of rotated crops, the better our onions become when it’s time to rotate. The land and soil are our most valuable resources, and we are fortunate to protect them and see the benefits.”

The award comes during the company’s milestone 80th anniversary year, marked with a celebration honoring employees and the farm’s longstanding family values. “Our success has always been rooted in people,” added Dasher. “Eighty years, and we’re more committed than ever to carrying that legacy forward.”

The 2025 Vidalia season also delivered strong results. Despite a challenging 2024 hurricane season, proactive planning and carefully-timed replanting ensured excellent quality and consistent volume throughout the Vidalia season.

The year also marked the 10th anniversary of Growing America’s Farmers (GAF), the company’s flagship charitable program dedicated to supporting the next generation of agricultural leaders through grants and scholarships. With more than $35,000 raised through retail promotions during the 2025 Vidalia season, the program’s total impact is nearly $500,000 since it began.

“Our partners and customers care about the next generation of growers, and this program reflects that shared commitment,” said Steven Shuman, GM and VP of sales. “When retailers lean in with us, we’re able to make a real difference for students nationwide.”

Rounding out 2025, the company’s Peruvian sweet onion crop has shown exceptional consistency in sweetness, texture, and appearance, supported by seamless collaboration between domestic and international teams. Ample supply is supporting both retail and club customers this holiday season.

As G&R Farms looks ahead, its focus remains clear: continue innovating, improving, and farming with integrity — today and for generations to come.