YERINGTON, NV - Showcasing its Healthy Value+® onion program at the upcoming IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show, Peri & Sons Farms® speaks to the health-conscious, budget-conscious shopper of today’s world.

“Our Healthy Value packages are a great value-priced option,” Teri Gibson, Director of Marketing, shares with me. “They’re perfectly delicious onions, and they’re an attractive addition to retailers’ onion merchandising strategies, particularly for those more price-sensitive shoppers.”

As Teri reminds me, all Peri & Sons Farms onions are safely and sustainably grown before being carefully packed and shipped directly from the family farm.

“These grab-n-go onion packages of red, white, and yellow onions provide customers with the helpful information they need to buy with confidence, as well as access to our extensive online library of Free Recipes,” Teri adds.

The company will also spotlight the new packaging of its Sweetie Tearless® onions.

“Our Sweetie Tearless onions are naturally sweet and easy on the eyes. These innovative onions bring all the flavor without the fuss. Grown on our family farm from proprietary, non-GMO seeds using an all-natural method, these premium and organic tearless onions retain their signature sweetness without the eye irritation that typically comes with slicing,” Teri says.

Because they’re grown with such care, Sweetie Tearless onions are a smart, feel-good option that both retailers and shoppers can stand behind.

Available from December through March, they’re also a great way to extend the sweet onion season, and they make eye-catching displays.

With rising costs impacting the supply chain all the way down to the shopper, Peri & Sons is ready and happy to work with its customers to deliver affordable, delicious produce.

To see the team yourself, be sure to visit booth #4172.

DELTA, CANADA - For WINDSET FARMS®, this year’s IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show, in Anaheim, California, feels like a homecoming. Windset’s Santa Maria, CA operation is recognized as the largest single-site vegetable greenhouse facility in the United States. With continued LED-lit expansion in Delta, BC, and a trusted partner grower base in Mexico and British Columbia, Windset supplies consistent, high-quality tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers to customers across North America. The West Coast stage provides the perfect setting for Windset Farms to reconnect with customers, showcase its growth, and highlight the innovations that set the company apart.

Visitors to Booth #825 can expect a dynamic display of products that reflect Windset Farms’ commitment to quality, creativity, and responsible growing.

At the heart of this year’s showcase is AURA™ Tomatoes, a premium variety named for its natural glow and irresistible taste. With their glossy red hue, balanced sweetness, and crisp bite, AURA™ Tomatoes are Bursting with Brilliance. AURA™ reflects everything Windset represents: innovation, flavor, and award-winning branding.

Joining AURA™ in the spotlight are several standout product innovations:

• FESTIVA™ Cherry Tomato Medley - A celebration of flavor, this exclusive medley brings together a rainbow of vibrant cherry tomato gems, each bursting with juicy sweetness. FESTIVA™ Cherry Tomato Medley makes every day worth celebrating.
• BBQ BUDDIES™ Beefsteak Tomatoes - Juicy and firm, BBQ BUDDIES™ Beefsteak Tomatoes are the ultimate sidekick for burgers, sandwiches, and backyard creations. Packed in a recyclable paper tray, they deliver flavor, fun, and sustainability in one convenient package.
• SWEETIES™ Seedless Mini Peppers - Snackable, colorful, and completely seedless, these crisp red, orange, and yellow SWEETIES® Seedless Mini Peppers make healthy snacking effortless and delicious.

For Windset Farms, tradeshows are about more than introducing new products. They are about building connections that matter. This year, the company celebrates a milestone: 10 years as the first greenhouse operation certified by the Equitable Food Initiative (EFI), highlighting its commitment to responsibility, partnership, and responsible growing.

“Windset Farms is excited to return to Anaheim to share our innovations, celebrate our partnerships, and reconnect with the industry,” said Ryan Cherry, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Windset Farms, in the recent release. “The IFPA show is always an incredible opportunity to showcase not just what we grow, but how we grow with flavor, creativity, and care.”

Windset Farms invites show attendees to Booth #825 to discover AURA™, explore the complete lineup of Windset innovations, and join in celebrating the future of fresh produce together.

RIVERSIDE, CA - Celebrating its iconic anniversary with a sweet announcement, Blue Banner Company is proud to see a new generation from the brand, Goody, come to life. Fusing together the best of Mother Nature and the time-tested expertise from four generations of the Mazzetti family, Goody is the culmination of unsurpassed experience, authentic customer service and an unwavering commitment to preserving the goodness of the produce industry. 

Vince Mazzetti, Vice President of Goody and Blue Banner Company is at the helm of the company’s expansion. “Our collective team shared a deep desire to bring this service offering to market for nearly 20 years, but timing is everything and now is our time,” Mazzetti shared in the recent release. The Goody brand allows for more opportunity acquisition in the market as the brand can lead its own sales which will be guided by its established leadership.

In an industry that is traditional in many ways – Goody is positioned to maintain the integrity of trusted best practices while elevating service for its customers. “We recognize the important role we play in bringing the farm to the table for consumers. By serving our customers at a higher level we can provide the next wave of efficiency without compromise from the farm to the packing house to consumers’ plates,” says Mazzetti. Vigilant about maintaining the ethos of the family owned and operated organization, Mazzetti’s people-first approach has a reputation for making all the difference. 

“I grew up among the citrus groves and alongside the packing house. My earliest memories include people from all walks of life who weren’t afraid of hard work and were committed to excellence in their roles. I learned to value the human connection that tends to be lost in our modern world,” Mazzetti recalls. 

Blue Banner Company President Tom Mazzetti has earned a reputation for his forward-thinking stewardship and is invigorated as an entrepreneur by the launch of the new brand Goody. “Our family shares a fierce perseverance for continuing our legacy in the produce space. The launch of Goody will allow our efforts collectively in our industry to reach further and support more customers who desire the caliber of service our companies are known for,” Tom Mazzetti emphasizes. Marking its signature launch with the best of the best, Goody and its tenured team will have a booth (#4561) at the Global Produce and Floral Show October 16th – 18th in Anaheim, California where IFPA builds the opportunity and Goody is bringing the possibility. Sales for Goody will begin November 1st, 2025.

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA - Village Fresh Greenhouse Grown™ is proud to introduce Big Bend Beefs™, our newest tomato brand. These premium beefsteak tomatoes are grown in the Big Bend region of far West Texas, where the land, climate, and community come together to create something truly extraordinary. Bold in flavor, beautiful in appearance, and deeply tied to the identity of Texas, Big Bend Beefs™ brings the taste of the Lone Star State to tables near and far.

A Region Like No Other

The Big Bend region is more than a geographic location, it’s an iconic part of Texas, celebrated for its wide-open skies, rugged landscapes, and resilient spirit. As home to the largest International Dark Sky Reserve in the world, it’s a place where nature still shines brightly.

Since 1996, Village Fresh has cultivated tomatoes and is here for the same reasons the McDonald Observatory was built here in the 1930s: this area offers among the highest number of clear-sky days in the country, making it an ideal environment for both astronomy and greenhouse farming.

“Our presence in West Texas has always been about more than growing produce,” says Helen Aquino, Director of Brand Marketing & Communications for Village Fresh, in the recent release. “It’s about honoring the land, supporting the community, and practicing sustainability in ways that protect not only our crops but also the environment. Partnering with McDonald Observatory’s Dark Sky initiative is part of that commitment ensuring that what makes this region special will remain for generations to come.”

Protecting the Texas Night Sky

Village Fresh has been recognized by the McDonald Observatory for adopting night-sky-friendly lighting practices across its operations. Shielding bulbs, using amber hues, reducing intensity, and limiting unnecessary nighttime lighting are just a few of the measures taken.

Stephen Hummel, Dark Skies Initiative Coordinator at McDonald Observatory, explains: “Magnificent night skies are part of the West Texas identity. By working to reduce light pollution, Village Fresh is creating energy savings, improving safety, and protecting the environment. It’s a partnership that benefits science, agriculture, and the community alike.”

This recognition reflects Village Fresh’s broader Good for the Earth® sustainable growing practices, where every step, from greenhouse management to packaging innovation, is carefully designed to reduce environmental impact.

Read the full report here.

SALINAS, CA - Dole Fresh Vegetables/Bud Antle, manufacturer of DOLE®-branded packaged salads, has announced plans to exhibit at the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA)’s 2025 Global Produce & Floral Show Oct. 16-18, in Anaheim, Calif.

The salad leader will be making its debut with organic girl and Braga Fresh as part of og Companies in Booth #1067 in the Grower Shipper Pavilion, Hall D, as a result of the recent Arable Capital acquisition and merger.

According to David Austin, vice president of marketing and innovation at Dole Fresh Vegetables/Bud Antle, the brand’s first-ever appearance as part of og Companies with organicgirl and Braga Fresh is consistent with Arable Capital’s vision of creating a diversified produce portfolio that strengthens each brand’s legacy of innovation and commitment to exceptional customer service.

Austin said in the recent release that Dole Fresh Vegetables/Bud Antle will use the occasion to display its three latest DOLE® Salad kits introduced in August -- DOLE® Caprese Chopped Salad Kit, DOLE® Pesto Ranch Chopped Salad Kit and DOLE® Apple Harvest Salad Kit – at IFPA’s Fresh Ideas Showcase throughout the show.

“Designed by the Dole Fresh Vegetables/Bud Antle R&D team to bring the bold, satisfying flavors of Italian mozzarella-based richness in caprese, the unexpected blend of classic ranch and pesto, and tangy and sweet apple cider flavors in minutes-to-make salad kit featuring farm-fresh lettuces, vegetables, toppings and original dressings.”

In honor of IFPA, Dole Fresh Vegetables/Bud Antle has launched a new Instacart offer on its latest DOLE® Salads kits. Starting October 13, 2025, salad-loving Instacart shoppers can save $1 for every $8 they spend on DOLE® brand’s new Caprese, Pesto Ranch and Apple Harvest kits, as well as other favorites.

Dole Fresh Vegetables introduced its first packaged salad in 1993. The company’s salad business, now through Bud Antle, LLC and part of the og Companies, was instrumental in the launch and growth of new salad varieties, such as its DOLE® Chopped Salad Kits line, and the overall salad segment.

The company recently completed a bold new packaging refresh of its DOLE® Salad Kit line to make it easier for salad lovers to choose, shop and enjoy their favorite all-inclusive salad experiences. The new look includes compelling new colors, photography, ingredient iconography and callouts, and represents an intentional nod to the growing number of Millennial and Gen Z shoppers buying packaged salads for the first time.

The refresh was unveiled in August on the company’s 31 salad kits at supermarkets throughout North America.

Dole Instacart Offer

Under Dole Fresh Vegetables/Bud Antle’s Instacart promotion, for every $8 that Instacart shoppers spend on participating DOLE® Salads, they will save $1.

The offer is available starting October 13, 2025 on any DOLE® Salad Blend or Kit on the DOLE® Salads Instacart page, while supplies last. For full promotion details, go to https://www.instacart.com/store/brands/dolefresh-vegetables/salads.

LA CAÑADA FLINTRIDGE, CA - The Allen Lund Company is pleased to announce the opening of a new office branch in Pittsburgh, PA. Mason Fisher, a logistics industry veteran, will manage the office.

Eddie Lund, Chief Executive Officer, shared in the recent release, “Pittsburgh has been a location that we have wanted in our network for many years. We are thrilled to have found someone with Mason's qualifications to open an office in the Steel City. We look forward to helping Mason build a great team that will proudly fly the ALC banner.”

Mason Fisher began his career after graduating from Point Park University.

He has sales and operational experience in various modes of transportation with a focus in flatbed.

Regarding his new role, Fisher stated, “I am beyond excited to be joining the team here with ALC. I’ve been aware of ALC for years, and have always heard good things about the company. I am very much looking forward to contributing to the company’s reputation and success, and am so proud to have the opportunity to lead the next chapter as we launch in my hometown of Pittsburgh!”

EMMAUS, PA - What’s in a name? For SweeTango®, it’s everything. The sweet, zesty apple with a limited but powerful season is known for getting shoppers to step up to produce aisles. Now, at IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show, it’s preparing to stop people in their tracks to grab a partner and step in time to the expressive tango rhythms.

Tango takes over at the IFPA Global Show.

On Friday, Oct. 17, and Saturday, Oct. 18, the SweeTango activation station will turn the show floor to a dance floor, proving it knows how to move both shoppers, retail and produce industry. On location, there will be live Argentine tango performances and lessons, led by professional instructors from DanceHub of Long Beach, California. It’s a full dance experience that’s open to all attendees, just outside the Anaheim Convention Center’s north halls.

All at IFPA Global Show are invited to stop by and see the tango performed by experts—and to take the floor themselves. From the salida, to the molinete, to the ocho, they’ll leave the show with a new favorite apple, plus some authentic dance moves that will steal the show during a night on the town.

This apple moves people.

Available only from September through early Spring depending on your area, SweeTango is an apple that creates limited-time buzz and tremendous shopper excitement. When this variety hits shelves, customers step out, and its quality keeps shoppers coming back.

According to Ad Age, apple is one of the fastest-growing fall flavors nationwide, outpacing pumpkin’s popularity in 18 states. SweeTango gives retailers an exciting way to tap into apple season with a variety that commands attention. It’s fresh, innovative and here for only a short time.

“This is an exciting time for apples, and SweeTango captures curiosity and generates buzz wherever it goes,” said Jennifer Miller, Executive Director of Next Big Thing, in the recent release. “At the IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show, we want people to see, taste, and feel the energy of a variety that defines the Fall. And yes, even dance a little.”

Where to Find SweeTango at IFPA

Taste the apple and try a few dance steps at the SweeTango activation station, located just outside the Anaheim Convention Center North Halls on Friday and Saturday.

Attendees can also connect with SweeTango Sales Desk Partners on the show floor to secure SweeTango programs for the season:

• Applewood Fresh Growers – Booth 1897 (applewoodfresh.com)
• Fowler Farms – Booth 3367 (fowlerfarms.com)
• New York Apple Sales – Booth 969 (yesapples.com)
• Stemilt Growers LLC – Booth 2847 (stemilt.com)

For more information, visit SweeTango.com.