VANCOUVER, BC - As summer production continues across its greenhouses, Perpetual Vegetable Co. is preparing for its winter cucumber and tomatoes-on-the-vine program with expanded lighting, ongoing crop innovation and a continued focus on the people who help drive its success.

Exclusively marketed through Oppy, the family-owned grower began planting in mid-August. To support year-round supply and consistent quality, the company will add 3.5 acres of supplemental lighting this winter, with an additional 11 acres planned for next year.

Known for its long English and mini cucumbers, sweet bell peppers, and mini peppers, Perpetual Vegetable Co. continues to invest in future opportunities through ongoing crop trials. The company had previously trialled winter bell peppers and is now expanding its trial infrastructure to include more lit greenhouse crops. This winter, it will have commercial volumes of tomatoes-on-the-vine under lights and will continue evaluating additional greenhouse opportunities as part of its commitment to improving growing methods.

"We're always looking ahead, whether that's investing in new technology, evaluating new crops or expanding our growing capacity," said Perpetual Vegetable Co.’ Business Director Vijay Randhawa. "The additional lighting gives us greater flexibility and consistency during the winter months, while our ongoing trials help ensure we're meeting the evolving needs of the market and constantly challenging our production skills. At the same time, we're committed to maintaining a strong culture where our employees feel valued and connected to the success of the business."

Built around its positioning line, "Life grows on," Perpetual Vegetable Co. combines advanced greenhouse technology with a commitment to sustainability. High-tech climate-control systems help conserve and recycle water, carbon dioxide, and other valuable nutrients while supporting the production of premium-quality vegetables year-round.

That commitment extends beyond the greenhouse walls. Perpetual Vegetable Co. rotates approximately 200 international workers through its facilities throughout the year and invests heavily in employee engagement through annual events such as its Perpetual Soccer Tournament and Summer Games. Team members also participate in celebrations recognizing International Women's Day and Movember, among others, along with local running events that encourage active lifestyles and community involvement.

The company's people-first approach was exemplified in 2024 when Operations Manager Ajay Randhawa traveled to Guatemala to visit several team members and their families, strengthening connections with the communities that help support the business. Earlier this year, that culture of leadership and innovation received additional recognition when Head Grower Amit Randhawa was named one of Greenhouse Canada's Top 4 Under 40 professionals.

"Perpetual Vegetable Co. continues to set itself apart through a combination of innovation and a genuine investment in its people," said Oppy’s Category Director of Greenhouse Kevin Batt. "Whether it's expanding its lighting program, exploring new growing opportunities or creating meaningful experiences for employees, the Randhawa family consistently demonstrates a long-term commitment to excellence that benefits customers, retailers and consumers."

Retailer partners are welcome to visit Perpetual Vegetable Co.’s facilities throughout the year to see its operations firsthand and learn more about its growing programs, sustainability efforts, and innovations in controlled-environment agriculture. Contact your Oppy rep to set up a visit.

ELGIN, MN - Honeybear Brands, a leading grower, marketer and developer of premium conventional and organic apples, pears and cherries, announces that popular Pazazz® apples are on their way to stores. With ruby-red color, juicy sweetness, tangy flavor and an explosive crunch, Pazazz delivers the kind of bold eating experience that makes healthy snacking anything but boring.

This year’s crop is being harvested and packed across Honeybear’s growing and packing network in Washington, the Midwest, New York, and Canada, giving retail partners access to peak-of-harvest flavor along with a long-term supply program. Pazazz is also an excellent storing apple, delivering a quality eating experience well beyond harvest and into the year.

“Pazazz checks a lot of boxes for today’s shopper. It looks beautiful, tastes incredible, and fits naturally into the way consumers are thinking about food and wellness,” says Chuck Sinks, president of sales and marketing, Honeybear Brands. “It’s a premium apple that delivers on both enjoyment and everyday nutrition.”

Beauty Starts From Within

As consumers increasingly connect what they eat with how they feel, look and live, Honeybear Brands is bringing a fresh perspective to the conversation around beauty: true beauty starts from within.

Pazazz offers an estimated 4.4 grams of dietary fiber per medium apple, making it an easy, delicious way for consumers to add more fiber to their daily diets. With growing interest in gut health and the continued popularity of “fibermaxxing,” consumers are looking beyond powders, supplements and highly processed foods for simple, whole-food sources of fiber.

Apples offer that solution in a familiar, portable package. Their naturally occurring fiber supports a balanced diet and makes apples an easy choice for consumers who want to nourish themselves from the inside out.

Honeybear’s upcoming beauty-focused public relations effort will bring that idea to life by partnering with food, wellness, and beauty influencers to explore the connection between eating well and feeling—and looking—your best. Paid and earned media will reinforce a simple message: beauty isn't just what you put on your skin; it’s also what you put on your plate.

“Consumers are increasingly interested in the idea of beauty from within,” says Kristi Harris, brand manager, Honeybear Brands. “They’re thinking about fiber, gut health, nutrition, and overall wellness as part of how they care for themselves. We want to show them that something as simple and delicious as an apple can be part of that daily routine.”

Beyond fiber, apples fit easily into busy lifestyles. Portable and naturally packaged, they make an easy snack for work, school, or on the go. They can also be sliced into salads, paired with yogurt or nut butter, or incorporated into everything from breakfast to dinner and dessert.

With a variety of colors, flavors, and textures available across the Honeybear portfolio, there’s an apple for virtually every shopper—and plenty of delicious ways to make beauty from within part of the everyday routine.

CORONA, CA - The rarity of a 100-plus-year-old produce company in today's industry gives many members pause. Backed by decades of experience, wisdom, and continuous innovation, these companies remain far from relics, but sources of resilience, history, and transformation. As we head toward IFPA's global Produce & Floral Show October 14–16, the company is preparing its vision and message to encompass its robust distribution network, global sourcing partnerships, and deep market expertise.

"This year, our core message is simple: they got bigger, we stayed focused. 112 years. Zero pivots," Kellen Stailey Martin, Vice President of Marketing, shares with me. "The industry is in a period of significant change, and we chose this moment deliberately. The contrast between what Index Fresh represents and what is happening around us has never been more relevant."

Index Fresh's 2026 avocado lineup reflects that vision: Avoettes Mini Bags for snacking occasions, Jumbo Bags for hosting, game day, and large-basket stock-up, and Organic Cellulose Bags for eco-conscious purchasing.

New to the program, Index Fresh is also introducing its California Premium Punnet, a new premium Hass 4-pack in a sustainable paper tray, hand-picked from California groves.

And it would not be an Index Fresh showcase without its California Crema GEM avocados, which just wrapped its strongest LTO season yet, with program sales doubling year over year and the customer base up 55 percent in five years.

But before we celebrate too much, John Dmytriw, Vice President of Business Development, reality-checks me on the produce industry.

"Before you sign your next avocado supply agreement, ask your supplier a few questions: Are avocados their core business? How many middlemen sit between the grove and your shelf? Can they truly supply 52 weeks a year without gaps? Do they stand by contracts when the market turns? Are they certified on global deforestation and labor standards?" he says. "We pass every one of those. In addition, our account teams are empowered decision-makers. When a buyer calls, they reach someone who knows their program and can act. And our 52-week global sourcing network, with California at the center, is built for the kind of stability that does not depend on favorable market conditions to hold together."

As John sees it, the category is dealing with real uncertainty: consolidation, pricing volatility, shifting account teams, and buyers who do not know how service will change.

"We do not rush to declare force majeure. We curate our market updates. We have a dedicated team of sourcing and sales professionals with deep roots across North and South America who provide real, current intelligence, and then act on it. When markets move, buyers hear from us first because we are already tracking it," John adds.

Flexible pricing and customized programs—across origin, volume, and size curve—meet buyers where they are.

To learn more from the team, visit booth #4157 in Orlando, Florida, where John Dmytriw, Vice President of Business Development, will be on the floor discussing programs and market intelligence. He will be joined by Debbie Willmann, Vice President of Sales, who manages some of the most complex avocado programs in the country, and Dalila Rivera, Vice President of Global Sourcing, who brings deep expertise across Mexico, Central America, and South America.

Index Fresh's Sales and Business Development team, Susie Rea, Bobby Fingerlin, Carlos Duarte, and Daniel Rock, will all be on hand, and the operation’s President and Chief Executive Officer will be there throughout the show. Visit the marketing team to discuss product development, merchandising support, and sustainability initiatives as well.

The clock is ticking, and I am one foot out the door already! See you at the Global Produce & Floral Show in just a few weeks!

MESQUITE, TX - Walmart celebrated the grand opening of its newest Neighborhood Market in Mesquite, giving customers a new destination for fresh groceries, everyday essentials, pharmacy services, and more, with the value and convenience they expect from Walmart.

Located at 3100 E Cartwright Rd in Mesquite, the new store was designed around the needs of local customers, with a localized assortment, fresh and convenient food options, and flexible ways to shop. The new Neighborhood Market also creates more than 150 jobs in the community, as stated in a press release.

“We're excited to open our doors and become part of the Mesquite community,” said Store Manager Jacquataye Anderson. “Our team is ready to serve our neighbors and give customers a convenient place to find the fresh food and everyday essentials they need, along with the value they expect from Walmart.”

Continued Investment in Texas

The Mesquite Neighborhood Market is the latest example of Walmart's continued investment in Texas through new stores, remodels, and supply chain infrastructure.

Over the past five years, Walmart has invested more than $2.5 billion in Texas stores, and plans to remodel 72 locations across the state in 2026.

That investment extends beyond retail stores. Earlier this year, Walmart opened a new milk processing facility in Robinson, Texas, creating more than 400 jobs and strengthening its regional supply chain.

The new Mesquite Neighborhood Market builds on that investment by creating more than 150 local jobs while expanding access to affordable groceries, pharmacy services, and everyday essentials for area customers.

“With new residential and business developments quickly moving in, such as the nearby Solterra, Talia, and other surrounding neighborhoods, this is a wonderful time of growth and opportunity here in Mesquite,” said Mesquite Mayor Daniel Alemán Jr. “Our City Council places high priority on supporting business and building a vibrant economy, and we are excited to welcome Walmart to South Mesquite to help deliver everyday conveniences for our residents in this area.”

Fresh, Convenient and Built for Mesquite

The 45,000 square-foot Mesquite Neighborhood Market offers a convenient, easy-to-shop experience designed around today's customers and their everyday routines. Customers can shop in-store, through pickup or delivery, including Express Delivery in as little as 30 minutes.

The store features Walmart’s next-generation Neighborhood Market design, including wider aisles, updated signage, and a streamlined checkout experience. Fresh food is at the center of the shopping experience, with products including sushi prepared in-store, fresh-cut fruit, grab-and-go meals, deli selections, and fresh tortillas. Customers will also find a full grocery assortment, household essentials, and custom cake decorating.

Bringing Trusted Pharmacy Care

The store's pharmacy provides convenient access to healthcare services, including prescription delivery, immunizations, medication counseling, and health consultations.

“Our pharmacy team is excited to get to know our patients and be a healthcare resource they can turn to,” said Pharmacy Manager Julee Schieber. “Whether someone needs a prescription, an immunization, or answers to questions about their medication, we're here to help.”

Having pharmacy services alongside groceries and everyday essentials also allows customers to take care of multiple needs in one convenient trip.

Celebrating the Mesquite Community

Walmart associates were joined by local leaders and community organizations today to celebrate the store's opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

As part of the celebration, the Mesquite Neighborhood Market provided $8,000 in grants to four local organizations: Odds Are Against Us, The Blossoming Village Foundation, Project Mom Bags and Dedicated Hands Corporation.

Over the past year, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation contributed $204.5 million to Texas nonprofits, including the donation of 100.2 million pounds of food to help fight hunger across the state.