NEW ZEALAND - Zespri’s final charter shipment of the 2025 New Zealand kiwifruit season has departed the Port of Tauranga bound for Japan.

The ship Whero is carrying more than 1.4 million trays, or more than 5,000 tonnes, of Zespri Green Kiwifruit and is expected to arrive in Tokyo mid-November, before sailing on to Kobe.

This will be Zespri’s 60th charter vessel of the season, used to ship New Zealand-grown Zespri Green, SunGold, and RubyRed Kiwifruit to more than 50 markets. Its final container shipments of kiwifruit will also depart New Zealand in the coming weeks. This season, Zespri has had a significant increase in container usage, with 24,000 containers, up from 20,500 in 2024.

CEO Jason Te Brake says in the recent release that this year’s crop of around 215 million trays, or more than 770,000 tonnes, has been the largest yet, and it’s been a huge industry-wide effort to deliver record volumes to customers and consumers around the world.

“Our markets have been performing well, with record sales weeks in Europe, strong sales in the US and also in China throughout September thanks to the Mid-Autumn Festival.

“Our teams in market continue to drive sales to ensure we finish the season strongly and return as much value as possible to our growers. The New Zealand sales season largely wrapped up for SunGold in Europe last week, while Green will run through to the end of November. The season has also concluded for SunGold in Korea and will finish in late November/early December across our other Asian markets for both varieties, as well as in the US.

“Even with a significant increase in volume, from more than 195 million trays last season to 215 million this year, our markets have sold through extremely well. This sets us up for a smooth transition to our Northern Hemisphere-grown fruit which plays a critical role in ensuring we have year-round supply.

“We’re expecting more than 30 million trays from our Northern Hemisphere growing regions for 2025/26. This includes more than 24 million trays of Zespri SunGold and a further seven million trays of Zespri Green Kiwifruit, with the transition to Northern Hemisphere SunGold underway in Europe this week.”

Mr Te Brake says as Zespri looks to close out the season with the final charter on its way to Japan, the focus is shifting to planning for 2026 which involves Zespri, post-harvest and NZKGI.

“As well as preparing for another bumper New Zealand season, our focus is also on finalizing our 2035 strategy and how we create value for growers over the next decade.

“Our strategy’s three drivers - unleashing brand-led demand, transforming our global supply, and creating the product portfolio of the future, will ensure we are set up to remain future-fit in a global environment that will be more competitive and more complex than the environment we’ve been operating in previously.”

Zespri’s 2035 strategy will be launched at its Momentum 2026 Conference in February.

EAGLE, ID - The Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) is pleased to announce the appointment of three new Commissioners — Scott Mickelsen, Doug Ruff, and Brad Russell — who were officially sworn in on October 22, 2025.

Together, they bring a wealth of experience and deep ties to Idaho’s potato industry, continuing IPC’s long-standing commitment to promoting and protecting the world-famous “Grown in Idaho®” seal.

Scott Mickelsen is the Business Manager at Rigby Produce, where he brings decades of hands-on experience in the potato packing industry. Having grown up working alongside his father and brothers, Scott has been immersed in Idaho’s potato business since childhood. A lifelong Idahoan, he’s proud to represent an industry that has been his family’s lifeblood for more than 60 years.

Brad Russell is the Director of Global Potato Procurement for Simplot Global Food, based in Boise, Idaho. With 28 years of experience in potato processing and procurement, including 10 years in fry processing and 18 years in procurement, he brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to Idaho’s potato industry. A fifth-generation Idahoan and Oregon State University graduate, Brad and his family are proud to represent the state’s agricultural community and its long-standing potato heritage.

Doug Ruff is the owner and operator of Ruff Times Farms, which he runs alongside his sons. A third-generation Idaho farmer and University of Idaho graduate, Doug also holds a CPA and brings a unique blend of business expertise and agricultural experience to the Commission. He looks forward to helping promote and protect the state’s world-famous potato industry.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Scott, Doug, and Brad to the Commission,” said Jamey Higham, President and CEO of the Idaho Potato Commission, in the recent release. “Each of them brings invaluable experience, perspective, and passion for Idaho’s potato industry. Their leadership will help ensure Idaho potatoes continue to set the standard for the quality customers expect and prefer.”

9 Commissioners represent Idaho potato growers, shippers, and processors. They are nominated by industry peers and appointed by Governor Brad Little. The Commissioners are:

• Daren Bitter (Chairman) – Bittersweet Farms
• Brian Jones (Vice Chairman) – Sun Valley Potatoes
• Eric Jemmett – J&S Farms, Inc.
• Mark Darrington – Big D Farms
• Brian Lundquist – Idahoan
• Mike Telford – Sun Valley Seed
• Scott Mickelsen – Rigby Produce
• Brad Russell – Simplot
• Doug Ruff – Ruff Times Farms

GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Food solutions company SpartanNash®, a member of the C&S Wholesale Grocer’s® (C&S) family of companies, recently unveiled the new look and feel of its VG’s® Grocery in Fenton, Mich. The newly redesigned VG’s Grocery – located at 18005 Silver Parkway – features a fresh, modern aesthetic that enhances the overall shopping experience while celebrating the vibrant local community it serves. Guests will discover an atmosphere that reflects the hallmarks of premium grocery shopping: freshness, convenience and an unwavering commitment to quality.

“We’re excited to bring new energy to VG’s Grocery,” said Brandon Pasch, vice president, center store merchandising, SpartanNash, in the recent release. “This redesign is more than just a facelift, it’s a reflection of our dedication to the quality and freshness that our VG’s store guests know and love. From curated selections and premium offerings to a sleek, contemporary design, every detail reflects our commitment to the Fenton community.”

The updated store features a host of refreshed modern amenities and a thoughtfully improved layout designed to maximize convenience. Highlights include:

• Expanded meat department with premium selections, including choice, prime and dry-aged beef;
• Refreshed service meat and seafood counter;
• Enhanced produce section with expanded organic options, fresh-cut selections and a “clip-your-own-fresh-herbs” station;
• Full-service floral department offering custom arrangements;
• Upscale bakery with artisan breads and an expanded donut selection – all made in-store daily;
• Doubled beer, wine and liquor department with high-end selections;
• Center store enhancements spotlighting local products and nostalgic candy favorites; and
• Wider aisles and lowered merchandising heights for improved accessibility and shopping experience.

VG’s leveraged store-level category analytics and consulted with store team members and shoppers to help localize the assortment for Fenton. As a result, the offering has been updated to lean into what the community is looking for, including an elevated online shopping experience to make answering the question, “What’s for dinner?” easier, Caesar salad bar featuring house-made dressings and croutons, and the highly anticipated return of the shopper-favorite guacamole station.

Store guests who attended the grand reopening event were greeted by a local symphonic string quartet as they walked around the aisles sampling different products. The parking lot hosted fall-themed activities perfect for families, such as Plinko®, face painting, bag toss and pumpkin painting.

“Today is a celebration of our new store – but it’s also a celebration of our Associates. Their energy and enthusiasm are what made this remodel such a success,” said VG’s Store Director Chris Palmer. “VG’s Grocery has proudly served the Fenton community for more than 50 years and has been part of countless milestones – from high school graduations to college send-offs, holiday gatherings and everyday moments. It’s more than just a place to shop, it’s a steady presence and a source of pride for our community.”

As part of the grand reopening, the store team presented a $5,000 donation to Fenton High School, reinforcing SpartanNash’s ongoing support of the local community.

With these exciting updates to the Fenton location, SpartanNash is reaffirming its commitment to delivering the exceptional experiences and local connections that have defined VG’s Grocery for generations.

ROCKWALL, TX - H-E-B officially opened its H-E-B Rockwall store, making it the 10th H-E-B location the retailer has opened in the DFW Metroplex. The 131,000-square-foot Rockwall H-E-B joins nine other H-E-B stores and two Joe V’s Smart Shop locations the retailer has opened in the area since 2022. H-E-B also operates six Central Market locations throughout North Texas.

The new store is at 1600 E Interstate 30 at the southwest corner of I-30 and S. John King Blvd. in Rockwall County, east of Dallas. The store is open seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

“With our new store in Rockwall, we’re excited to grow our presence to the east in North Texas, allowing us to serve more Texans,” said Juan-Carlos Rück, H-E-B Executive Vice President North West Food/Drug, in the recent release. “Our Partners are passionate about providing our customers a friendly and engaging shopping experience with the best H-E-B has to offer.”

Continuing its expansion in the DFW area, H-E-B introduces this community to a shopping destination with a commitment to deliver unsurpassed freshness and quality at H-E-B’s everyday low prices. Filled with exciting amenities and innovations that the retailer is known for, the Rockwall store has distinctive features such as a True Texas BBQ restaurant with drive-thru; full-service H-E-B Pharmacy with drive-thru; and H-E-B Curbside and Home Delivery services with a large Curbside parking area.

Additional store highlights include:

• Bakery featuring handmade artisan breads, cakes, and warm tortillas made in store daily
• Deli department with an expansive cheese selection and charcuterie island
• Sushiya offers handmade sushi selections made in-store daily and an Asian grill with rice bowls, teriyaki and more
• H-E-B Meal Simple with fresh, convenient chef-inspired meals prepared in store
• Cooking Connection with live demonstrations and samplings for easy recipes to make at home
• Produce section with large organic and Texas-grown selections
• Meat market with Prime, natural, and organic meats, Wagyu, and fully cooked options
• Blooms floral department, offering online ordering and delivery service
• As the #1 beer and wine retailer in Texas, the store has an extensive craft beer and wine section with a sampling station
  Healthy Living department with bulk food items, sports nutrition products and supplements
• Expansive frozen foods selection
• Beauty department with a wide selection of cosmetics and other beauty essentials
• Pet department featuring Heritage Ranch by H-E-B pet food and fun toys and treats for all your furry friend’s needs
• Household Essentials department with all you need to set your table, including seasonal disposable plates, bowls, and utensils, and Texas Tough brand including the Texas Tough value pack with all your storage bags in one easy-to-use box
• Customers can get additional saving by shopping with the H-E-B Debit Card and H-E-B Credit Card, which gives 5% cash back on qualifying H-E-B brand products as well as other perks and benefits

See the full release here.

BAKERSFIELD, CA - Sun World International LLC, the global fruit breeder, licensor and marketer behind brands like AUTUMNCRISP®, RUBY RUSH®, and MIDNIGHT BEAUTY®, has added six new licensees to its worldwide network, reinforcing its position as a leader in premium fruit innovation and responsible global growth.

The new partners — spanning key production regions in Egypt and Chile — represent diverse business models, from vertically integrated exporters to long-standing family-owned farms. Each was carefully selected for its proven commitment to quality, sustainability, and the consistent excellence required to uphold Sun World’s brand standards.

“These partnerships reflect the kind of thoughtful growth that defines Sun World,” said Pablo Ramirez, Vice President of Global Licensing. “We work intentionally to identify partners who share our values and uphold the integrity of our brands. Together, they strengthen our ability to deliver exceptional fruit to retailers and consumers across every region.”

New Licensees:

• Delipack Spa (Chile) — A family-owned company with more than 60 years in the fresh fruit industry, Delipack manages 1,000+ hectares of production and is recognized for its quality, innovation, and sustainable practices serving global markets.
• Cairo 3A for Agricultural and Animal Production (Egypt) — A vertically integrated market leader supplying premium produce through advanced farming, postharvest, and distribution systems across Egypt and the MENA region.
• ITAMCO for Agricultural Development (Egypt) — Established in 1991, ITAMCO (GB Farms) cultivates more than 2,000 acres of grapes and mangoes and is known for its focus on traceability, environmental stewardship, and export quality.
• Al-Bustania Agricultural Development Company (Egypt) — A leading grower and exporter serving major European retailers, Al-Bustania operates extensive acreage and multiple certified packing facilities across Egypt.
• Nivex for Agricultural Investment and Export (Egypt) — A second-generation family enterprise specializing in premium fruit production and export to leading retailers across the EU and UK.
• Geofrut (Chile) — Founded in 1991, Geofrut manages more than 1,500 hectares of owned farmland and collaborates with 180-plus producers, supplying top-quality fruit to markets worldwide through a strong commitment to sustainability and traceability.

Each new partner will market Sun World’s signature grape brands tailored to their regions’ growing conditions and retail markets. As part of the Sun World licensee network, they’ll receive agronomic support as well as access to proprietary breeding insights and marketing tools to help drive long-term success.

“By expanding across both hemispheres, we’re not just growing our footprint—we’re strengthening the reliability and reach of Sun World fruit for retailers and consumers everywhere,” said Petri van der Merwe, Vice President of Global Licensing, in the recent release. “This balance allows us to deliver premium quality 12 months a year, from our vines to the global marketplace.”

For more information about Sun World and its global licensing programs, visit sun-world.com.

LOS ANGELES, CA - “Wonderful.” It’s right there in the name. Positioned as a convenient kitchen game-changer, Wonderful Seedless Lemons have seen consistent household penetration growth, continuing to rank high with consumers. In response, The Wonderful Company is ramping up marketing efforts across the country to continue the rapid growth the brand has experienced since Wonderful Seedless Lemons launched in 2019.

“With healthier lifestyles and better-for-you options taking precedence among consumers, citrus offers both functional benefits and convenience when integrating Wonderful Seedless Lemons into everyday meals and drinks,” shares Zak Laffite, President, Wonderful Citrus. “In 2024 alone, we saw consumption grow more than 40 percent, and we’re just getting started! During peak season, Wonderful Seedless Lemons have contributed 100 percent of the growth in the bagged lemon category for three consecutive years.”

With momentum already remaining strong, Wonderful Seedless Lemons is committed to growing brand visibility for its seedless lemons, beginning with one vital element: consumer education.

“With their juicy flavor and approachability, Wonderful Seedless Lemons have made a splash among heavy lemon users, and we are continuing to grow brand awareness through marketing and retail efforts, with the goal of achieving 20-25 percent category market share in the U.S. in the next 15 years,” Zak explains.

To support this growth, the supplier is strategically ramping up its nationwide marketing efforts. Earlier this year, the company launched its first-ever national advertising campaign in the U.S. titled "Lemons With Seeds Are Annoying," which comedically highlights the everyday frustrations of dealing with lemon seeds.

“What often surprises consumers is that citrus is a winter fruit, so the winter season is really when our supply begins to ramp up,” Zak continues, signaling retail opportunities ahead. “We are continuing to increase our supply to meet growing demand as consumers discover the benefits and simplicity of Wonderful Seedless Lemons.”

While Wonderful Seedless Lemons already stand out in the produce department, retailers can employ several strategies to further increase traffic.

“We’ve found that point-of-sale (POS) displays are incredibly helpful when it comes to showcasing our product and highlighting different usage occasions for our lemons,” Zak shares. “We work with retailers to display eye-catching hexagon bins with culinary-themed header cards—showcasing usage from seafood and cocktails to salad, hot tea, and lemon water—for merchandising in the produce department or secondary locations, such as the seafood section, which last year alone drove +24 percent velocity lifts vs. stores with no POS.”

With citrus remaining a go-destination now through the winter months and beyond, retailers have the opportunity to bring something truly Wonderful to their produce departments. For more category updates and insights, keep clicking on ANUK.

ROSEVILLE, CA - The California Prune Board (CPB) is deepening its investment in consumer engagement with the return of its annual “Show Us What You’re Cooking with California Prunes” recipe contest. This activation reflects CPB’s broader strategic approach to position California prunes as surprisingly delicious and naturally good for you.

Now in its fourth year, the contest exemplifies CPB’s ongoing efforts to ignite discovery and inspire new ways to use prunes in both elevated and everyday cooking. This year’s contest is grounded in recent consumer research that identified a growing segment of food and cooking enthusiasts — health-conscious home cooks eager to experiment with ingredients that balance indulgence and nutrition.

“In today’s food landscape, consumers are looking for ingredients that do more — offering flavor, function and versatility,” said Kiaran Locy, Director of Brand & Industry Communications, California Prune Board, in the recent release. “California prunes deliver on all three, and this contest helps people rediscover prunes as a dynamic, nutrient-rich ingredient that belongs in their kitchens every day.”

The contest again partners with longtime collaborator Teri Turner of @nocrumbsleft, whose creative approach and trusted voice resonates deeply with home cooks. Last year’s contest garnered more than 500 recipe submissions and over 6 million impressions across Instagram and TikTok, showcasing California prunes’ versatility in everything from vibrant salads and sauces to baked goods and beverages.

Running Oct. 27 through Nov. 17, this year’s contest invites consumers to share their favorite prune-forward dishes on Instagram or TikTok, tagging @caprunes and @nocrumbsleft for a chance to win a $500 Made In gift card, among other prizes.

The contest underscores CPB’s broader effort to move prunes from “snack only” to a go-to culinary ingredient, increasing awareness and driving trial to increase household penetration. Through this multi-layered strategy, CPB is not just sparking creativity — it’s strengthening the foundation for long-term demand growth and premium positioning for California’s prune industry.

For additional information about California prunes, visit californiaprunes.org, and for full contest rules, click here.

CORAL GABLES, FL - Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. reported financial results for the third quarter ended September 26, 2025.

“We delivered another quarter of strategic progress, with overall net sales slightly higher and gross margin expanding in our fresh and value-added products segment. These results reflect the strength of our execution and our disciplined focus on higher-margin, value-added categories that continue to drive profitable growth,” said Mohammad Abu-Ghazaleh, Fresh Del Monte’s Chairman and CEO, in the recent release. “At the same time, we took decisive actions to optimize our portfolio and drive long-term profitability by exiting underperforming banana operations in the Philippines and divesting Mann Packing. These strategic moves simplify our operations, sharpen our focus on higher-margin, higher-growth categories, and position us to deliver stronger earnings and sustained value for our shareholders."

Financial highlights for the third quarter 2025

The Company entered into an agreement to divest its Mann Packing Inc. business operations, with the transaction expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025, subject to customary closing conditions.

Net sales for the third quarter of 2025 were $1,021.9 million. The increase reflects higher net sales in the Company’s banana and other products and services business segments, primarily driven by higher per-unit selling prices in the Company’s banana segment. Contributing factors included the impact of tariff-related price adjustments in North America and the favorable impact of fluctuations in exchange rates related to the Euro. The increase was partially offset by lower sales volume in the fresh-cut vegetable product line due to strategic operational reductions taken during the fourth quarter of 2024, including the sale of certain assets of Fresh Leaf Farms.

On an Adjusted basis, net sales excluding the impact of the planned divestiture of Mann Packing were $959.5 million.

Gross profit for the third quarter of 2025 was $80.8 million. The decrease was primarily driven by higher per-unit production and procurement costs in the banana segment, along with increased distribution costs. Gross margin decreased to 7.9%.

Adjusted gross profit for the third quarter of 2025 was $88.1 million. Adjusted gross profit primarily excludes the operating results of Mann Packing, which the Company plans to divest in the fourth quarter of 2025. Adjusted gross margin decreased to 9.2%.

Operating loss for the third quarter of 2025 was $21.8 million. The decrease was primarily driven by higher asset impairment and other charges, net, related to underperforming banana farms in the Philippines and the impairment charges associated with the planned divestiture of Mann Packing, and lower gross profit in the current period.

Adjusted operating income for the third quarter of 2025 was $39.7 million. Adjusted operating income primarily excludes the operating losses associated with the Company’s Mann Packing business, as well as the above-mentioned impairments and gains on the disposal of property, plant, and equipment.

FDP net loss for the third quarter of 2025 was $29.1 million. Adjusted FDP net income was $33.1 million. Adjusted FDP net income excludes the above-mentioned adjustments, and the tax effects of non-GAAP adjustments.

See the full report here.