REIDSVILLE, GA - Healthy Family Project’s 2025 Back-to-School Campaign successfully inspired families to make nutritious choices as they returned to school routines, while simultaneously driving meaningful impact through storytelling and giving back to the community.

This year’s campaign delivered more than 286 million program impressions, reinforcing the power of cause-marketing partnerships to connect brands with engaged, health-minded audiences. These results were generated across social, media, and trade channels. During the campaign window from August 1 to September 11, 2025, the initiative drove over 100,000 website visits, along with 1.8 million social media impressions, 154,000 video views, and 21,900 engagements. National and trade media coverage contributed an additional 284 million impressions, including features in 1,089 publications.

“These incredible brands are meeting families where they are during one of the busiest times of year by making it easier to choose nutritious options while giving back to their communities,” said Tracy Shaw, Partnership Manager at Healthy Family Project, in the recent release. “It’s rewarding to see partners come together to inspire healthy habits and make a real impact in the places our families live, learn, and grow.”

The 2025 campaign highlighted sponsor partners through a diverse mix of digital storytelling and media outreach. A lively Back-to-School Instagram Live brought sponsor products to life through quick and creative after-school snack demonstrations, engaging families in real time. Healthy Family Project dietitians were featured in social media content throughout the campaign.

To further extend reach, Registered Dietitian Gisela Bouvier appeared on The Daily Flash Show to share simple, nutritious meal ideas featuring campaign partners, contributing to over 8.6 million impressions and reinforcing the campaign’s credibility with families nationwide.

“Back-to-school is a high-energy season for families - and for the brands that support them,” said Andrea Wiggins, Creative Content Manager at Healthy Family Project. “Our team works to create digital content that speaks to the real experiences of parents, helping them discover healthy solutions while amplifying the voices of brands that truly care.”

Complementing these efforts, Healthy Family Project curated custom Spotify playlists for each partner brand - a fun and relatable way to reach parents and kids during their school-day routines. These playlists were promoted across the Healthy Family Project website, e-newsletters, and social media platforms, becoming a fan favorite among families.

Campaign partners contributed $16,000 to The Foundation for Fresh Produce, supporting ongoing efforts to increase nutrition education in schools.

SCHILLER PARK, IL - Sun Belle is proud to announce the expansion of its strawberry program through new grower partnerships in Central Florida. This strategic addition will round out Sun Belle’s robust year-round supply of fresh berries.

Central Florida is renowned for its thriving winter strawberry crop, producing fruit with exceptional flavor from late November to early April. In partnership with veteran Plant City, Florida growers, Sun Belle will offer top-performing Florida strawberry varieties, including the Florida Brilliance, Florida Ember®, Florida Encore® and Sweet Sensation®, throughout the upcoming winter season. This Florida crop will complement Sun Belle’s existing production in Baja California and Central Mexico, creating a seamless supply calendar for retail partners.

“This expansion truly aligns with where Sun Belle is as a whole – we are growing rapidly and making strategic, forward-thinking moves that strengthen our supply chain and ensure our retail partners can meet their consumer demand every week of the year," said JC Clinard, CEO of Frutura’s Berry Division, in the recent release. “It also hits close to home for me. With Plant City being my home base, I’ve come to personally know and trust this passionate community of growers.”

Taylor Hazelwood, Vice President of Sales at Sun Belle, added, “Our experienced team has built a truly notable berry program over the years. The addition of Florida’s winter crop allows us to continue to provide our retail customers with berries that meet our high-quality standards and satisfy the continued consumer demand for flavorful strawberries every month of the year. It’s an exciting growth opportunity for our retail relationships and for our brand.”

Sun Belle’s Director of Marketing, Hailey Clark, emphasized the program’s alignment with the company’s brand promise and shares that the excitement doesn’t stop here. “This Florida program is one of many steps Sun Belle is taking to deliver on our brand promise of quality, reliability, and innovation. Our team has been strategically developing new offerings like unique on-the-go blueberry packaging and premium berry programs - initiatives designed to excite loyal berry consumers while also attracting new ones. We’re eager to share these innovations with our family of retail partners.”

Sun Belle will be at the 2025 IFPA show in Anaheim, California at the Frutura booth #2081. Be sure to stop by and learn more about their growth and upcoming offerings.

SANGER, CA - At Kings River Packing, our commitment to citrus excellence remains unwavering. As we continue to grow and evolve, our mission stays rooted in what matters most: delivering consistent, high-quality fruit with integrity, humility, and care.

As your complete citrus partner, we’re proud to offer a seamless experience from field to shelf. Through dependable supply planning, accurate forecasting, premium quality, and tailored marketing support, we empower our partners to deliver with confidence—all season long, a press release said.

We’re also investing where it counts. With advanced QA systems and AI-driven technology, we’re enhancing speed, accuracy, and efficiency across our operations. These tools help streamline planning, ensure consistent quality, and strengthen supply reliability—so our partners can stay ahead in a dynamic marketplace.

Even as we evolve, we remain rooted in relationships. Our growth is guided by a deep respect for the generations that came before us and a commitment to serve our partners through every season. We believe in building trust through transparency, collaboration, and a shared pursuit of excellence.

At Kings River Packing, we’re proud to be unchanging in our values—and evolving in the ways that help our partners thrive.

AMADO, AZ - Wholesum, a leading grower and shipper of 100% organic, Fair Trade Certified produce, is proud to showcase its latest innovations at this year’s Global Produce & Floral Show in Anaheim. With a continued commitment to nourishing a healthy world, Wholesum is unveiling key advancements in sustainable packaging and flavor-forward organics.

As part of its ongoing sustainability journey, Wholesum is expanding its Essential Line of Organic Tomatoes into new, eco-conscious packaging formats. Building on the success of the 1 lb Organic Tomato-on-the-Vine, which has gained strong traction among retailers and consumers, the company has transitioned its 2-count Organic Beefsteak Tomato pack into sustainable packaging and will officially debut a 2-count Organic Heirloom Tomato pack at the show.

The new packaging consists of a cardboard tray and recyclable band, offering a significant reduction in plastic use while maintaining product visibility and protection. “These innovations mark a meaningful stride in our ongoing commitment to reducing plastic use and lessening our environmental impact,” said Ricardo Crisantes, chief commercial officer at Wholesum, in the recent release. “Our hope is that these efforts not only advance our own sustainability goals but also inspire collective progress across the industry. True change happens when we work together to create packaging solutions that protect both our products and the planet.”

Alongside sustainability, Wholesum will highlight its newest addition to the Flavor Lineup: Lil’ Ones, a line of tiny, organic snacking tomatoes bursting with flavor. Launched in May 2025, Lil’ Ones have quickly captured consumer attention through in-store sampling and creative digital content collaborations.

Packaged in 4 oz top-seal containers, Lil’ Ones offer the perfect portion size for on-the-go snacking or adding a burst of flavor to any dish. With the main message, “It’s the lil’ things”, the campaign celebrates the simple joys found in everyday moments and in every handful of these bright, joyful tomatoes.

“Lil’ Ones infuse a sense of joy and discovery into the organic category,” said Joanna Jaramillo, marketing manager at Wholesum. “Their vibrant flavor and playful size remind us that even the smallest moments, and the smallest bites, can bring meaningful delight and connection to everyday life.”

Wholesum invites attendees to visit Booth #1999B to experience firsthand how the company continues to blend sustainability, innovation, and flavor to create a healthier world.

SALINAS, CA - Taylor Farms, North America’s leading producer of ready-to-eat salads and healthy fresh foods, will return to the International Fresh Produce Association’s (IFPA) Global Produce and Floral Show.

This year in Anaheim, California, Oct. 16-18, Taylor Farms will feature its Jalapeño Popper Chopped Kit and its Taco Ranch Mini Chopped Kit. Attendees should plan to visit Taylor Farms in Booth 4139.

“The IFPA show annually showcases the best of the best in fresh produce,” said Charis Neves, Vice President, Product and Innovation, in the recent release. “Our Jalapeño Popper Chopped Kit and Taco Ranch Mini Chopped Kit are standout examples of how we’re bringing bold, craveable flavors to the produce aisle. These products reflect Taylor Farms’ commitment to innovation and delivering fresh, exciting options for our customers.”

On Friday, Oct. 17, and Saturday, Oct. 18, Taylor Farms will host happy hour with beer and wine from 3-5 p.m. in Booth 4139.

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - Westfalia Fruit, a leading multinational supplier of avocados and other fresh produce, has unveiled its unique collection of avocado varieties —one of the most diverse of its kind globally. Situated in one dedicated orchard, containing up to three trees each of more than 140 avocado varieties from around the world, this invaluable ‘genetic library’ is a cornerstone of Westfalia’s “Orchard of the Future”: over 50 hectares of land at Westfalia Fruits research and development hub in Tzaneen, South Africa. Where researchers are breeding the avocado varieties of the future.

Home to the largest privately funded subtropical fruit research facility in the world, Westfalia is using the genetic library to accelerate the development of next-generation avocados.

“From our 140 ‘parent’ varieties that form the foundation of our breeding journey, we have raised more than 7,000 unique avocado seedlings—fondly referred to as ‘babies’ by the team—which we are actively evaluating. Some are nearing the end of their evaluation, while others are just beginning,” explained Sibongile Mhlope, Cultivar Breeding Lead at Westfalia Fruit, in the recent release.

Accelerating Cultivar Development with Precision Breeding

Using cutting-edge technologies—including DNA markers and AI-driven analysis—Westfalia’s research team is pioneering precision breeding methods in avocados, a first for the industry. These tools enable scientists to select superior offspring without the need to raise many thousands of seedlings, dramatically reducing development timelines that previously spanned decades.

Through natural cross-pollination of selected parent cultivars, Westfalia is selecting for traits such as flavour, texture, fruit size, productivity and disease resistance. Many of the seedlings carry fruits with novel shapes, sizes and flavours — some fruits resemble gourds or cucumbers, while others are unusually sweet or large, even football-sized.

“We might one day create novel types such as, those with vibrant skin colours, unique and distinctive flavours, very large sized varieties; the possibilities are almost endless, creating choice for customers and consumers” said Matthew Churchill, Global Brand Manager at Westfalia Fruit.

A Consumer- and Data-Driven Future

For the first time, avocado varietal development is being led by data and consumer insight. Westfalia is working closely with customers to develop varieties that are tailored to specific market preferences—reversing the traditional model of breeding first and marketing later.

“We’re now starting conversations with our customers to imagine the future of avocado sales together, guided by what consumers want and what we can offer. It’s about closing the gap between R&D and real-world needs to grow the market,” continued Churchill.

Cultivars for a Resilient Future

Westfalia has long led innovation in the avocado industry, and its ongoing commitment to breeding is shaping the future of sustainable avocado production. In addition to a consumer focus, the program is addressing major global challenges such as climate change, disease pressure, and water scarcity.

“Our collection of parental cultivars is constantly growing, giving us access to an ever-expanding gene pool of desirable plant characteristics. Each year, we raise thousands of seedlings—every one of them closely monitored over time to determine optimal fruit quality, yield potential, and disease resistance, and from these, we have already selected almost 100 potential varieties of the future. This long-term assessment is essential to advancing varietal development and supporting the health, vibrancy, and resilience of the entire global avocado industry,” concluded Dan Sargent, Global Head of R&D.

CORAL GABLES, FL - Ahead of the official NHL season kickoff on October 7, Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc., a global leader in fresh-cut fruit and vegetables, is teaming up with the Florida Panthers for an engaging new partnership. The two Florida-based brands are coming together to connect with fans through interactive in-arena experiences, community events, digital content and youth hockey initiatives—all designed to blend the excitement of hockey with Fresh Del Monte’s commitment to inspiring healthier lifestyles.

"At Fresh Del Monte, we’re always looking for meaningful ways to connect with local families and highlight the benefits of fresh fruit," said Danny Dumas, Senior Vice President of Sales, Marketing, and Product Management for Fresh Del Monte, North America. "Partnering with the Panthers lets us engage fans in fun, unexpected ways—from cheering on the Mini Zamboni Driver to handing out fresh fruit at the 5K—and afford us the opportunity to bring healthy, fresh options to Florida communities. Our goal is to make every moment a little more refreshing.”

According to a press release, this partnership between Fresh Del Monte and the Florida Panthers will come to life through a fully integrated campaign, bringing flavor, fun, and fresh energy to the Panthers’ 2025-26 season.

Some highlights include:

• Youth Hockey Support – As an associate sponsor, Fresh Del Monte will be a visible presence at the Baptist Health IcePlex and the Panthers IceDen, with eye-catching rink boards, product sampling, branded giveaways and appearances at select events.
• Digital Game Coverage – During regional broadcasts of Panthers regular season games, both home and away, fans will spot Fresh Del Monte’s logo during two-minute virtual placements. Plus, for one month, the brand will take over the Panthers’ “Warm-Up Feature” across social media.
• In-Arena Fun – At five home games, fans can cheer on contestants in the high-energy “Fresh Fruit Frenzy” intermission feature, and at 10 games, watch as young fans take the ice as the Fresh Del Monte Mini Zamboni Driver.
• Florida Panthers ‘Stache Dash’ 5K – Fresh Del Monte will join the annual 5K benefiting the Florida Panthers Foundation, with a booth offering free samples, branded items and more ways to fuel up for the finish line.
• Cats Cup Street Hockey Tournament – As an associate sponsor of this annual community event, Fresh Del Monte will have rinkside visibility and the chance to connect directly with participants through giveaways and fresh produce samples.

“We’re excited to welcome Fresh Del Monte to the Panthers family this season and engage our fans with these fun activations,” said Panthers Vice President of Partnerships Joshua Korlin. “With Fresh Del Monte being a Florida based company, it’s a natural and seamless fit for both of our brands to promote healthy habits to our fans across South Florida.”

For more information on Fresh Del Monte, including products, recipes and promotions, please visit DelMonteFresh.com. Follow @DelMonteFresh on social media at Instagram, Facebook, X, Pinterest and YouTube.