OXNARD, CA - When Mission Produce® first pulled back the curtain on its World’s Finest Glow Up back in October, we knew exciting things were in store for the avocado category. With its robust avocado and mango programs, the grower is strategically upping opportunities for retailers to drive category growth.

'We just announced our avocado bags rebrand. We’re calling it the World’s Finest Glow Up," Jenna Aguilera, Marketing Content and Communications Manager, says when diving into the company's latest developments. "We just did a whole new design across all of our bag portfolio, so everything from our Mission Minis to our Mission Jumbos."

In addition to its formidable avocado program, Mission Produce continues to up its strength in the mango space as well.

"Mission entered the mango category a few years back, and we said we’re going to do with mangos, what we did with avocados—and that’s exactly what we’re doing," Jenna says. "In the last year, we’ve released a couple new mango products."

These advantageous programs are elevated by strategic campaigns and other creative strategies for driving demand. For a closer look at Mission Produce's avocado and mango offerings, check out our exclusive video above.

PULLACH/MUNICH, GERMANY - IFCO, a leading global provider of reusable packaging solutions for fresh foods, announced the launch of IFCO Digital, featuring its new Tracking-as-a-Service (TaaS) solution – a key milestone in the company’s digital transformation journey. The innovation has also earned IFCO the Smart Solution Award 2025, recognizing its leadership in connected and sustainable supply chain management.

Since 1992, IFCO has championed circular logistics with its SmartCycle™ pooling model, ensuring reusable packaging containers (RPCs) are collected, cleaned, and redeployed for reuse. With the introduction of its digital services, IFCO now takes this model to the next level – combining real-time tracking, AI, and advanced data analytics to make supply chains smarter, more transparent, and more efficient.

IFCO Digital Tracking-as-a-Service (TaaS) solution enhances transparency, traceability, and sustainability across supply chains

In today’s global supply chains, companies face challenges such as misplaced or stolen assets, inefficient return logistics, and limited visibility into shipment conditions. These issues drive up costs and disrupt operations – creating an urgent need for smarter, connected, and sustainable solutions.

The new IFCO Digital Tracking-as-a-Service (TaaS) solution uses Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE) and Global Positioning System (GPS) technology to provide real-time visibility into the location, temperature, and condition of reusable crates and pallets throughout the supply chain.

Unlike other solutions on the market, IFCO’s TaaS is a true plug-and-play solution that requires no infrastructure investment on the customer side. All connectivity is enabled through smart trackers attached directly to IFCO’s reusable crates and pallets, eliminating the need for gates or fixed installations. This simplicity makes the system easy to scale, fast to deploy, and highly cost-efficient.

With TaaS, IFCO customers gain actionable insights that help them:

• Reduce asset and produce losses through precise real time tracking.
• Optimize utilization and reverse logistics, improving operational efficiency.
• Enhance quality assurance by monitoring temperature-sensitive goods throughout transport to avoid food waste
• Support sustainability and ESG goals by minimizing waste and lowering CO₂ emissions.

Pilots are already underway in collaboration with growers, retailers, and logistics partners across North America and Europe. These pilots validate the solution at scale and provide real-world data to support a broader rollout in 2026.

IFCO’s digital transformation has been progressing for several years, and its scale is already visible. More than one billion reusable packaging containers (RPCs) have been digitally scanned as they passed through IFCO service centers across Europe – a milestone that underscores how deeply digital connectivity is embedded in IFCO’s operations.

Dr. Sebastian Grams, Chief Digital Officer (CDO) at IFCO, commented:

“Our digital solutions have already enabled us to track more than one billion trips of reusable packaging containers – a milestone that reflects the scale and maturity of IFCO’s digital transformation. With Tracking-as-a-Service, we’re taking this even further, turning data into actionable insights that make our customers’ supply chains more transparent, efficient, and sustainable.”

Smart Solution Award 2025: Recognizing excellence in digital and sustainable supply chain management

The recognition at the Smart Solution Award 2025, presented by LOGISTIK HEUTE and PwC Strategy&, highlights IFCO’s leadership in digital innovation and its commitment to developing scalable, sustainable solutions for the fresh supply chain industry. It is one of Germany’s most prestigious recognitions in logistics and supply chain management, each year awarding the most innovative solutions that set new benchmarks for efficiency, transparency, and sustainability.

IFCO’s recognition showcases how digitalization and circular business models can work hand in hand to make supply chains smarter, more efficient, and environmentally responsible.

KERN COUNTY, CA - In agriculture, we are defined by two things. We feed the nation, and we take care of our neighbors. When there is a need, we do not wait for someone else to step in. We step forward.

During the recent federal shutdown and temporary pause of SNAP benefits, thousands of families across our local communities suddenly found themselves without the resources to put food on the table. At one distribution in Bakersfield, approximately 2,500 households formed a four-mile line at the Kern County Fairgrounds for food support. The need appeared almost overnight.

Community Action Partnership of Kern (CAPK) did what they always do. They mobilized. CAPK operates the largest charitable food network in the county and administers nineteen programs that meet people at their point of need. Their team coordinated emergency distributions in Bakersfield, Delano, Taft, Mojave, Arvin and other communities. They organized volunteers and ensured that families were treated with dignity throughout the process.

This is not new for CAPK. In 2024 alone, CAPK distributed an incredible 22.5 million pounds of food to fight hunger across our communities. Every month, more than 2 million pounds move through CAPK’s central distribution warehouse to a network of partner locations. When you partner with CAPK, you’re not just supporting one organization, you’re joining forces with hundreds of trusted local partners to ensure food reaches families where they need it most.

And we are not alone. Across the country, growers donate produce, labor and logistics capacity every single day to keep charitable food systems moving.

Grimmway Produce Group (GPG) and other growers partnered with CAPK to add something agriculture does better than anyone: move perishable food fast and at scale. Fresh, nutritious produce grown right here in our fields. Kern County agriculture has long held a quiet but profound tradition of supporting our local food banks. When our neighbors need food, we do not hesitate. We donate because feeding people is what we do.

At GPG, and for growers across the country, giving is not limited to moments of crisis. Our year-round giving program supports communities everywhere we operate. That includes our company home in Kern County, and it also includes dozens of other communities across the United States. During these uncertain times, we have partnered with retailers to ensure families have access to produce when circumstances become difficult. Whether it is here at home or across the country, we believe our responsibility goes beyond growing food. It extends to nourishing people.

CAPK is the backbone of this effort. They have built a network that brings food, stability, and compassion to families when life becomes unpredictable. They do this work year after year, with no spotlight required. When agriculture partners with CAPK, the result is simple. More people get fed.

This moment has shown the best of our community. Not blame. Not politics. Just action.

We are inviting others to join us. Growers, shippers, and ag partners all have a role to play, whether through donations of product, freight, cold storage or people. Donations of food, time or financial support help ensure that every family has access to what they need.

Needs can appear without warning. What never changes is how growers step in when people need us.

Agriculture feeds far more than consumers. We feed the charitable food system, too. When people need help, agriculture moves.

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA - Oppy Chairman, CEO, and Managing Partner John Anderson has been inducted into the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame, recognizing his extraordinary impact on Canada’s agriculture and food industry over the past 50 years.

The announcement was made by the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame Association (CAHFA), which annually celebrates Canadians who have made outstanding, lasting contributions to agriculture. Anderson joins five other inductees — Dori Gingera-Beauchemin, Gaétan Desroches, Joe Hudson, Dennis Laycraft and Dr. Peter Sikkema — in the 2025 class. The induction ceremony took place on Saturday, November 8 in Victoria, British Columbia.

“Every year we welcome inductees who have made impactful contributions across so many segments of Canada’s agriculture industry,” said CAHFA Chair Phil Boyd in the recent release. “As our industry continues to innovate and advance, it’s important to reflect and recognize the lifetime contributions these individuals have made to strengthening the world-class agri-food industry we enjoy in Canada. Our 2025 inductees reflect groundbreaking work in primary production, value-added and food retail, policy making, commodity organizations, cooperatives, research and extension.”

The CAHFA recognizes Anderson for his journey from warehouse associate to CEO of Oppy, a powerful testament to his work ethic and ingenuity. Under his leadership, Oppy transformed from a modest fruit distributor into a globally respected produce marketing company with strong Canadian roots. His forward-thinking approach has helped shape sustainable farming practices, improve grower livelihoods and elevate the profile of Canadian-grown produce.

“Being inducted into the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame is a great honor. It’s a privilege to call Canada home and an even greater privilege to have been a part of advancing its agriculture community over five decades. Thank you to the association for this distinction,” shared Anderson.

This recognition follows Anderson’s recent awards: Business Laureates of BC Hall of Fame (2023), the Order of British Columbia (2024), King Charles III’s Coronation Medal (2024), the International Humanitarian Ellis Island Medal of Honor (2025) and Grocery Business Magazine’s Hall of Fame (2025), and honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of the Fraser Valley (2025).

In honor of Anderson’s induction, the CAHFA commissioned a custom portrait by Maria Gabankova to commemorate his lifelong contributions to Canadian agriculture.

MONTEREY, CA - The Organic Grower Summit (OGS) returns to the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa this Dec. 3-4, 2025, with a dynamic lineup of programs, demonstrations and services designed to elevate the organic farming community. From fostering the next generation of agricultural professionals to showcasing cutting-edge technology, OGS 2025 promises to be the must-attend event for organic growers and industry leaders, according to the recent release.

New Highlights Coming to OGS 2025

New College Student Sponsored Attendee Program

OGS 2025 introduces a groundbreaking initiative to support aspiring agricultural professionals. The Taylor Farms Scholarship will provide Central Coast college students with the opportunity to attend the summit, network with industry leaders, and gain valuable insights into organic farming practices.

Pesticide Working Dog Demonstration

During the Ag Tech Networking Presentations and Reception, attendees will witness a live demonstration of the CDFA California Dog Teams, presented by Western Growers. These highly trained dogs represent the latest advancements in agricultural safety and technology, offering organic growers innovative solutions for maintaining compliance and enhancing operations.

Live Spanish Translation Service

For the first time, OGS will offer live Spanish translation services, powered by Wordly AI, for all keynote addresses and seminar sessions. This new feature ensures accessibility for a broader audience, reflecting the Summit’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity within the organic farming community.

Enhancing the OGS Experience

Thanks to the generous contributions of these organizations, the following experiences help create a seamless and engaging Organic Grower Summit for attendees:

• Convenient charging stations throughout the venue are provided by Farm Credit.
• Coffee stations to keep attendees energized are sponsored by Nunhems/BASF.
• Branded lanyards helping attendees stay connected are courtesy of Darling Ingredients / Nature Safe Fertilizers.
• Practical and eco-friendly attendee bags are offered by California Organic Fertilizer.

The Organic Grower Summit, hosted at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa in Monterey, California, runs from Dec. 3-4, 2025. Produced by Farm Progress with the Western Growers Association serving as the 2025 Presenting Sponsor, this two-day event offers comprehensive access to educational seminars, trade show exhibits and networking opportunities.

The summit team extends special appreciation to John Deere, serving as the Grower of the Year Sponsor, as well as Ag Life Media and Organic Grower Magazine for their valuable support. Additional thanks go to True Organic Products, Inc. for ensuring attendees enjoy a seamless experience with branded hotel key cards, and to Engelbert Strauss Inc. for proudly serving as the official workwear sponsor for OGS 2025. Complete registration details are available at www.OrganicGrowerSummit.com. Special grower pricing is available for Western Growers Association and California Certified Organic Farmers members. Reach out to their membership teams for a registration code.

DUNDEE, FL - Florida Classic Growers is pleased to announce an outstanding start to the 2025–26 Florida citrus season, marked by exceptional fruit quality, stronger yields, and growing enthusiasm from customers across the produce industry.

“We are extremely pleased with the fruit quality this season,” said Derek Rodgers, Director of Sales and Marketing for Florida Classic Growers, in the recent release. “We’re seeing improved size, higher brix levels, and some of the best external appearance we’ve had in recent years. Our enhanced production practices are paying off in a big way.”

With the state avoiding major hurricane impacts so far this year, Florida Classic Growers is reporting a year-over-year increase in volume—an encouraging trend for both the company and the broader citrus industry.

“This is a very exciting time for Florida citrus and for Florida Classic Growers,” Rodgers added. “The combination of strong quality and increased availability is creating real momentum, and we’re eager to share that with our retail, wholesale, and foodservice partners.”

Florida Classic Growers is now entering peak season for grapefruit, navel oranges, and juice oranges, offering promotable volumes and consistent quality. The company encourages buyers to connect early as demand continues to strengthen.

FOLSOM, CA - The California Walnut Board and Commission welcomed international and U.S. influencers, media, and culinary professionals for its annual Harvest Tour, offering a firsthand look at the state’s walnut harvest and the growers who make it possible.

More than two dozen attendees from eight countries or regions — Germany, India, Japan, Korea, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the Middle East and the United States — explored orchards, toured processing facilities and participated in culinary sessions showcasing the care and craftsmanship behind California walnuts. The multiday event was designed to deepen understanding of the industry’s scale, innovation and commitment to quality.

“Our goal is to build long-term ambassadors for California walnuts,” said Christine Lott, director of integrated communications for the California Walnut Board and Commission, in the recent release. “By bringing people to the source - to feel the shaker, see the huller and meet our growers - they gain a true appreciation for what makes California walnuts exceptional.”

The multi-day tour featured a complete orchard-to-table experience of the California walnut harvest, including shaking in the orchard and visits to see hulling, drying and processing stages. Participants also met both multi-generational and first-generation growers, including California Walnut Board and Commission board members Brent Barton and Kali Dittrich, who shared personal stories about their operations and the family traditions behind walnut farming.

The itinerary also included a culinary workshop led by Chef in Residence Robert Danhi at Cavallo Point Cooking School in Mill Valley, where participants prepared sweet and savory walnut dishes from tacos and dumplings to parfaits and cold foam coffee, along with other activities to showcase California culture and connection.

A foodservice-focused harvest tour took place shortly after, welcoming chefs and foodservice operators to experience the walnut harvest firsthand. Participants met with growers and explored new ways to feature walnuts across a variety of cuisines. Together, these efforts demonstrate the industry’s commitment to building awareness and driving demand for California walnuts through both consumer and professional channels.

“These experiences build trust and understanding,” Lott said. “When tastemakers and trusted voices share what they’ve learned with their audiences, it helps consumers everywhere appreciate the quality and care behind California walnuts.”

By connecting global storytellers directly with California walnut growers, the Harvest Tour aims to strengthen relationships, encourage authentic storytelling and support the industry’s long-term efforts to build demand for California walnuts in both international and domestic markets.

For more information about the California Walnut Board and Commission and its programs, visit walnuts.org.