OXNARD, CA - If category growth is what you seek, look no further! Freska Produce International is bringing a one-stop shop for multiple staple produce categories to the 2026 Global Produce & Floral Show. This year, the supplier will be highlighting its year-round mango programs, avocado offerings, and the sourcing, cooling, and logistics capabilities that support its customers, while its partner Bobalu brings strawberries into the conversation at the same booth.

“Our strength starts with our people and the relationships we have built since founding Freska in 2004. We know our growers, packers, and customers, and we stay closely involved from sourcing through delivery,” Gary Clevenger, Managing Partner, reflects. “Freska handles millions of cartons of mangos annually. Supporting that volume takes experienced teams, quality control in our sourcing countries, and dependable logistics. Our Oxnard, California, operation; owned cooler in Nogales, Arizona; and transportation arm, Maval Logistics in Mexico, give us hands-on involvement in moving fruit to market.”

This allows the grower to maintain its focus on consistent quality, managing costs, and coordinating supply across growing regions, so customers can count on a reliable supply of avocados and mangos throughout the year.

With today’s consumer seeking increased value through quality, flavor, and shelf-life, Freska has a unique advantage when it comes to meeting today’s most pressing category demands.

“From our perspective, the conversation increasingly comes back to value and consistency. Price matters, but so do eating quality, shelf-life, and having the right fruit available when customers need it,” Gary explains. “Weather and changes in crop timing also reinforce the importance of flexible sourcing and close communication. Our approach is to stay connected with growers and customers, communicate changes early, and adjust programs as conditions develop. Buyers need useful information to make decisions, and we see that as an important part of our job.”

The Global Produce & Floral Show is fast approaching, giving buyers the perfect opportunity to meet face-to-face with the Freska team and explore how its programs can fit their needs throughout the year.

The biggest opportunity, Gary tells me, is bringing customers, growers, and industry partners together in one place.

“Those conversations help us understand what buyers need, plan upcoming seasons, and identify opportunities to do more business together,” he says. “We are excited to have our partner Bobalu displaying with us at the Freska booth. It is a good opportunity for customers to connect with both teams and discuss mango, avocado, and strawberry programs. Freska has grown through long-term relationships and doing what we say we will do. We look forward to catching up with our customers, meeting new ones, and discussing how we can help support their business in the coming year.”

Looking ahead, Freska Produce International has its sights set on expanding relationships in the Midwest and on the East Coast while continuing to build on its existing customer programs.

There is more to learn about this longstanding company and its impressive portfolio, so don’t forget to swing by booth #3879 during the IFPA show!

DALLAS, TX - Monterey Mushrooms, a leading marketer of fresh mushrooms, announced that Tom Thompson has joined the company as Chief Commercial Officer, effective September 14, 2026. Thompson will be based at the company’s headquarters in Dallas and report to Chris Abbott, President of Monterey Mushrooms.

Thompson brings more than 20 years of experience across the food, agriculture, and fresh produce industries. He most recently served as Chief Revenue Officer at State Garden, where he led commercial strategies across a branded and private label portfolio. Before that, he was Chief Revenue Officer at Revol Greens, where he helped expand the company's national footprint and build partnerships with leading grocery and foodservice organizations.

"The mushroom category faced challenges in the past few years, but we see significant opportunities ahead driven by growing consumer interest in healthy and functional food, organic offerings, and value-added products,” said Abbott in the recent release. “Tom’s experience and strategic mindset will help us capitalize on those trends, strengthen our commercial execution, and bring new solutions to our retail and foodservice customers."

The appointment is part of a broader series of investments Monterey Mushrooms is making in commercial talent, technology, and infrastructure across its fresh mushroom business.