MADRID - From the heart of Romagna to the international stage of fruit and vegetables: UNITEC, an Italian excellence recognized in more than 65 countries, is getting ready to give answers to the most demanding and expert visitors present at Fruit Attraction with automation and artificial intelligence technological solutions dedicated to the fruit and vegetables sector.

In an increasingly competitive market hit by climate variables, UNITEC remains a point of reference for selection, sorting, handling and packing of fruit and vegetables, proposing technologies that can respond to significant challenges: ensuring high quality standards and supporting packing houses as regards labor shortage, but most of all we help to improve profitability and loyalty towards distribution channels and end clients.

The latest development: Vision 4.0 AI

UNITEC, a worldwide leader company, keeps being committed to innovation and development of new and efficient solutions for internal and external quality selection of every kind of fruit and vegetables.

UNITEC installations equipped with UNIQ systems allow selecting internal quality, with high reliability, totally preserving the integrity of each fruit. A concrete answer to the market and final consumers' expectations, who pay more and more attention to ripeness level, sweetness and integrity.

One of the many pieces of technology of this edition will be Vision 4.0 AI, the latest evolution of UNITEC sorting platforms: a system boosted by artificial intelligence that allows detecting and separating external defects with a level of precision never reached before. The result: perfectly sorted fruit and vegetables, more consistency in standards, speed in processes and access to more profitable markets.

Angelo Benedetti's vision

"Many technological solutions to support European and global packing houses with the concrete aim to be on their side. Nowadays to generate 'results' nature is not enough, we need technology too!" states Angelo Benedetti, President of UNITEC, in a press release. "Only in this way can we ensure consistent quality levels that, providing satisfactory answers to consumers, will bring benefits to the entire chain."

The technologies we present in Madrid have a precise goal: promoting customer loyalty towards the fruit produced in Europe, especially in Spain and Italy. We do not limit ourselves to handling, sorting/grading lines: we look at the total project, from the field to the final palletization. We are developing an intelligence able to directly connect the packing house to the country, providing useful information to improve quality selection already in the field. Therefore, AI will be used not only during the handling stage, but also during harvest, with a connection to the large-scale retail channel and oriented to complete satisfaction of final consumers.

We aim at robotized harvesting solutions for apples, peaches, damson plums and kiwifruit, designed and built with a company culture that brings together innovation and concrete results for our customers.

To learn more, click here.

MONTREAL, CANADA - Equifruit, North America’s market leader in Fairtrade-certified bananas, has been named one of Canada’s top growing companies by The Globe and Mail for a fourth year running. Ranked #174 with a growth rate of 195%, this is the company’s highest position on the list yet.

“We’re so proud to be included again on this year’s list,” says Jennie Coleman, President and Co-owner of Equifruit. “For us, growth is not just about numbers, it’s about impact for banana farmers. Every Equifruit Fairtrade banana sold means fairer wages and better conditions for banana growers. That drives us to keep growing across North America.”

Banana math that makes sense

A certified B Corp and women-owned business, Equifruit’s sustained growth speaks to consumer demand for Fairtrade bananas in North America. In the past five years in Canada, organic Fairtrade bananas volumes have grown by 521% and one in three organic bananas are now Fairtrade, supported by major retailers switching their organic banana program to Fairtrade. Equifruit celebrates this growth, which creates positive impact for banana farmers.

Equifruit has also celebrated milestones in 2025 including becoming a certified Fairtrade workplace and achieving a place in ECIP’s Leadership Circle, which recognizes produce suppliers who demonstrate exceptional commitment to improving labour practices.

Equifruit is bananas for Fairtrade Month

This announcement comes as Equifruit gears up for Fairtrade Month, a global celebration where retailers and brands spotlight what it means to buy better. This October, Equifruit is peeling back the truth about the wellness industry. Forget fancy powders and supplements, the ultimate wellness product is the Equifruit Fairtrade banana – a fruit that fuels you and pays banana farmers fairly. Look out for Equifruit Fairtrade bananas in stores and join the Fairtrade Month celebrations.

The Equifruit team will also be attending the IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show (October 16-18, Anaheim). Find Equifruit at booth #3568 and prepare to go bananas.

Find out why Equifruit is The Only Banana You Should Buy™.

EAGLE, ID - The Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) has named Michael Ybarra as Foodservice Promotion Director – West, following the retirement of longtime produce industry leader Armand Lobato.

Ybarra brings nearly three decades of experience in foodservice and produce, with leadership positions at US Foods, Sysco, FreshPoint, and Alliant Foodservice. Over his 27-year career, he has served as a produce specialist, buyer, and director of national sales. He also worked closely with the Military Joint Services Navy and managed business for major hotel and restaurant accounts, experiences that have given him a broad perspective on the food industry.

Drawn to IPC by the long-standing tradition and integrity of Idaho® potatoes, Ybarra is eager to build strong connections across the industry.

“I’m honored to join the Idaho Potato Commission and represent such a respected brand,” said Ybarra in a press release. “I look forward to partnering with growers, shippers, processors, and foodservice operators to highlight Idaho potatoes in exciting new ways.”

Outside of work, Ybarra pursues hobbies including hiking, biking, tennis, and traveling. He and his wife live in the San Diego area, where they enjoy spending time with their two sons, one in college and the other in high school. Around the table, his favorite way to enjoy Idaho potatoes is oven-roasted.

“We are excited to welcome Michael to the Idaho Potato Commission,” said Jamey Higham, President and CEO. “His experience in foodservice and produce, together with his commitment to building strong industry relationships, will be a valuable asset as we continue to support the Idaho potato industry."

OVIEDO, FL - Legacy is taking center stage at Duda Farm Fresh Foods’ booth at the 2025 Global Produce & Floral Show. For nearly 100 years, the supplier has set out to redefine what celery can be—crispier, sweeter, less stringy. Flexing its strength in the category, Duda’s most popular crop will be on display for attendees visiting Anaheim, California, this October 16–18.

“From pioneering growing practices to setting industry standards, our family's legacy is rooted in innovation and a passion for better-tasting celery,” explains Nichole Towell, Senior Director of Marketing. “Duda Generations™ proprietary seed varieties offer unmatched flavor with sweeter, crispier celery. Each year, we evaluate 6,000 celery plots for flavor analysis and variety development. Duda Generations varieties of celery are consistently proven to deliver a much sweeter flavor as compared to other varieties.”

Rising trends in convenience, health, and wellness are supporting consumer demand for delicious, high-quality celery.

“Convenience as well as consistent quality and flavor have always been top trends in produce. However, there has also been an increase in the health and wellness aspect of fresh foods,” Nichole adds. “From plant-based diets and nutrient-rich foods to functional eating, produce is seen not just as a side or garnish but as part of core meals that deliver wellness benefits.”

To tap into these trends, retailers can cross-merchandise celery with dips, spreads, fillings, and recipe cards offering unique ways to use celery in the kitchen. Promoting the health and dietary appeal of celery can also help boost sales and increase consumer demand.

“The key is to take the guessing out of it for shoppers,” says Nichole. “Sparking ideas for usage beyond just a salad or garnish can significantly boost purchases.”

Attendees of the GPFS can stop by booth #3083 to get a closer look at the company’s celery offerings.

“We always look forward to the largest show of the year to see everyone in person! Not only is IFPA such a great opportunity for quality face-to-face time with the majority of the industry, but it also offers educational sessions, a one-stop opportunity to showcase innovation, connect with buyers, explore new markets, and stay ahead of emerging trends in packaging, sustainability, and technology,” Nichole concludes. “With unmatched networking, education, and brand visibility, the show offers an efficient way to build partnerships, strengthen credibility, and generate meaningful business growth.”

The Global Produce & Floral Show is not the only exciting occasion approaching for Duda Farm Fresh Foods, as the supplier has also teased a new addition to its product lineup coming soon.

In the meantime, keep checking AndNowUKnow for the latest industry updates!

NEWARK, DE - The Foundation for Fresh Produce announced the launch of the Child Nutrition Education Network, a bold new initiative designed to change the trajectory of children’s health by strengthening fruit and vegetable education efforts around the world.

With more than 400 million children at risk of malnutrition globally, the need for early, evidence-based nutrition education has never been greater, the press release stated. The Network is part of The Foundation’s broader commitment to systemwide change, as outlined in the Produce Industry’s Commitment to Global Health – a strategic framework affirming six core levers that increase access to and desirability of fruits and vegetables, starting in childhood and continuing through every stage of life.

“The Network is a tremendous opportunity to galvanize support and align resources so more children learn to love fruits and vegetables early in life,” said Lauren M. Scott, president, The Foundation for Fresh Produce. “Healthy habits formed in childhood can last a lifetime – and this work ensures they do.”

The Network is free to join and welcomes any organization delivering or supporting fruit and vegetable-focused nutrition education for children. It aims to build visibility, expand capacity, and spark greater investment in these efforts – addressing a critical gap where high-quality nutrition education is often overlooked, underfunded, and disconnected.

In its first year, The Network will begin building a global map of child nutrition education programs, offer professional development and peer learning opportunities, and cultivate new relationships between mission-aligned educators and funders. These efforts will be shaped in close collaboration with early participants, with the first in-person Leadership Fellows Retreat planned for 2026.

“Fruits and vegetables are our most powerful tool against diet-related disease,” said Dwight Ferguson, chair, The Foundation for Fresh Produce; board of directors, Nourse Farms. “This Network is our commitment to make sure every child, everywhere, has the chance to learn that early – and live it for life.”

The Network will serve as the first global hub to:

• Map child nutrition education programs worldwide
• Scale impact through shared tools, training, and peer learning
• Connect educators and funders to drive collaboration and collective action

Get Involved: If you or someone you know leads or funds a nutrition education program, please complete our interest form to join The Network.

LEE'S SUMMIT, MO - The Mushroom Council announces a bold new marketing platform and tagline, “It’s Not Magic. It’s Mushrooms.,” aimed at attracting the next generation of mushroom shoppers and driving long-term category growth.

Developed with direct input from a marketing task force made up of mushroom industry leaders, the platform addresses a new target audience of emerging consumers: current light and medium mushroom shoppers whose profiles skew younger to Millennial and Gen Z. The goal is to move these consumers up the purchase-frequency ladder toward heavy mushroom shoppers.

The strategy behind the campaign reflects fresh mushroom industry alignment and an elevated investment in consumer marketing. Following an assessment increase that took effect October 1, 2025, the Mushroom Council and its grower and handler members will deploy more consumer ad dollars than ever before across digital, social, and streaming channels to drive trial, repeat purchase, and long-term category growth.

“The task force brought real-world retail and marketing leadership together to define where the category grows fastest,” said Amy Wood, President, Mushroom Council, in a press release. “Targeting Millennial and Gen Z light and medium shoppers gives us the best opportunity to build long-term loyalty and lift overall category demand."

Cristie Mather, Vice President of Marketing, Mushroom Council noted that “‘It's Not Magic. It's Mushrooms.’ grew from a simple insight: younger shoppers don’t want gimmicks. They want flavorful, convenient, and functional foods that fit their fast-paced, purpose-driven lives. This campaign platform is designed to be bold, authentic, and attention-grabbing with a tagline that lands perfectly in short-form video, influencer voices, and recipe-driven content.” Mather added, “By spotlighting delicious taste, everyday convenience, and the functional benefits mushrooms deliver, the platform speaks the language of busy Millennials and Gen Z. It invites trial and makes it easy to see mushrooms as a go-to ingredient for more of their meals.”

Key elements of the new campaign approach:

• New Target Audience Focus: Prioritize light and medium mushroom shoppers, predominantly Millennial and Gen Z, to increase purchase frequency and lifetime value.
• Creative Content and Channels: Produce culturally relevant creative content that raises awareness of mushroom benefits, optimized for streaming and social channels.
• Influencer Partnerships: Engage high-profile influencers and creators, including an Emmy-winning celebrity, to capture attention, inspire trial and build mushroom habits across meals and occasions.
• Increased Marketing Investment: Leverage the recent assessment increase to expand paid media and promotional support in ways that attract this busy target audience’s attention.

More than a dozen mushroom companies will be attending and exhibiting at the IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show. Attendees can visit the Mushroom Council in the Grand Plaza outside the Anaheim Convention Center (Booth GP8) to get a first look at the "It’s Not Magic. It’s Mushrooms.” platform, explore what’s ahead for 2026, and see how the Council is ready to support at retail. Plus, attendees will have a chance to test their cognitive performance with a memory game where each day’s high scorer will win a coveted prize package.

“The IFPA Global show is a prime opportunity to see how the exciting new campaign platform will capture attention and drive shopper demand,” added Wood. “We encourage mushroom retailers to stop by the Grand Plaza to get a first look and discuss custom retail activations.”