WASHINGTON, DC - The Fresh Mushrooms Fair Trade Coalition, representing leading U.S. growers and packers of fresh Agaricus mushrooms and represented by the law firm of Kelley Drye & Warren LLP, announced the filing of an antidumping and countervailing duty petition with the U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. International Trade Commission. The petition seeks relief from unfairly traded imports of fresh mushrooms from Canada that are causing material injury to the domestic industry, according to the recent release.

The Coalition’s petition demonstrates that Canadian producers are exporting fresh mushrooms to the United States at prices below fair value and are benefiting from countervailable subsidies provided by the Government of Canada. These practices have resulted in significant negative impacts on U.S. mushroom growers and packers, including lost sales, depressed prices, and declining profitability.

The goal of this action is to level the playing field for American growers and packers of fresh mushrooms to ensure fair competition as well as the preservation of American jobs and investments, while at the same time providing to American consumers quality mushrooms at fair prices.

The petition requests the imposition of antidumping and countervailing duties on imports of fresh mushrooms from Canada to offset the unfair pricing and subsidization. The Coalition urges the Department of Commerce and the International Trade Commission to act swiftly to protect the domestic industry from further harm.

WENATCHEE, WA - The return of a normal pear crop isn’t the only thing Stemilt is celebrating this season. 2025 marks the third year that Stemilt has shipped small volumes of its new pear variety, Happi Pear®, as part of its mission to innovate the category and remind consumers of their love for pears. While Happi Pear is still growing to commercial volume, Stemilt’s Marketing Director, Brianna Shales, says it’s positioned to become the company’s third pear variety by volume in the future.

“The time to invest in the future of pears is now,” said Shales in the recent release. “This season, we’re laser-focused on revitalizing the pear category through strategic moves in advancing our packing capabilities and offering retailers and their shoppers something new to try, like Happi Pear. Volumes of Happi Pear are going to grow significantly over the next five years and will position it as Stemilt’s #3 pear variety by volume. September kicked off the start of Happi Pear’s third season, signaling just the beginning of refreshing the category and bringing people back to pears.”

Happi Pear is a cross between Harrow Sweet and NY10353 pears developed through natural cross-pollination methods at Vineland Research and Innovation Centre in Ontario, Canada. Happi Pear is all about offering a different pear experience with its unexpected bite and sweet, bright, and zesty flavor.

“Happi Pear is trademarked as the fruit for every smile™ because of its unique ability to be eaten whether green and crisp, or soft and juicy,” shared Shales. “While still delivering an exceptional eating experience, people can choose when to enjoy Happi Pear. Aside from the eating experience, it checks all the boxes from a growing, storing, and selling standpoint, as it performs well throughout all stages of the supply chain. It’s a pear that’s going to stand out in the produce department for its cheery flavor and consistent quality.”

Today, Stemilt is growing the fruit in Washington, and Canadian growers are also starting to plant trees that will produce Happi Pear for their markets. Stemilt will then focus on expanding its reach in the market and growing its distribution network in efforts to introduce more consumers to the variety and drive long-term category growth.

“Happi Pear represents years of dedication to breeding and growing a pear that delivers on flavor, quality, and visual appeal,” added Shales. “It’s a variety that retailers can build excitement around, knowing volumes will steadily increase and consumer demand will follow. Happi Pear is Stemilt’s next step in driving innovation in the pear category, offering a branded pear with vibrant purple packaging that grabs shoppers’ attention. As a vertically integrated grower, packer, and shipper, Stemilt is ready to deliver exceptional quality and ignite new growth for pears.”

MONTEREY, CA - Just in time for tailgating season, Dole Fresh Vegetables/Bud Antle, manufacturer of DOLE®-branded packaged salads, has teamed with Instacart to offer winning savings on many of its most popular fall-friendly DOLE® Salad Kits.

Salad-loving Instacart shoppers can save $1 for every $8 they spend on such pregame favorites as DOLE® Classic and Ultimate Caesar Kits and the company’s Chipotle & Cheddar, Crunchy Taco, and Sunflower Crunch Chopped Kits.

David Austin, vice president of marketing and innovation at Dole Fresh Vegetables/Bud Antle, shared in a recent release that the real MVP of the season is the new DOLE® Chopped Smashed Burger Style Salad Kit, designed to bring the bold, satisfying flavors of a backyard burger straight to the fall tailgate or picnic without the bun or patty. “We created the Smashed Burger Style Kit for fans who want that big burger flavor in a fresh, modern way,” said Austin. “It’s the ultimate tailgate hack—no grill required.”

The new Smashed Burger Style kit is stacked with DOLE® Romaine Lettuce, Green and Red Cabbage, Carrots, thick-cut cheddar cheese, crispy onions, fried pickles, brioche croutons, and a rich, creamy “secret sauce” dressing that delivers a nostalgic punch with every bite. Whether topped with protein and served as a main dish or a hearty side, it can elevate any game-day spread.

Dole Fresh Vegetables introduced its first packaged salad in 1993. The company’s salad business, now part of Bud Antle, LLC, 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 Chopped, Premium, and Classic 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 on any DOLE® Salad Blend or Kit on the DOLE® Salads Instacart page, while supplies last. For full promotion details, go here.

SPARTA, MI - Walmart is shining a spotlight on its commitment to locally grown this September, teaming up with Riveridge Produce Marketing to mark International Eat an Apple Day with a farm, packing, and cider tour in Michigan.

The event underscores the retailer’s investment in supporting regional growers and strengthening community ties. Riveridge, a vertically integrated apple grower, packer, and marketer, represents nearly 200 family orchards—some now in their sixth and seventh generations—and accounts for nearly 60 percent of Michigan’s fresh apple crop, according to the recent release.

From apples to cider, the partnership highlights how sourcing close to home fuels both economic growth and community connections. Local Walmart leaders, growers, and policymakers joined Riveridge President Kari Soldaat to explore the operation and reflect on the broader value of locally grown produce across the retailer’s footprint.

Local Walmart leaders, business stakeholders, growers, and policymakers will be on hand for a series of tours beginning September 19, including stops at Riveridge’s packing line, harvest fields, and cider facility. Together, they’ll highlight how locally sourced produce strengthens communities, fuels economic growth, and keeps fresh food close to home. The tours can be located at the following addresses:

• 8:00 a.m. - Packing Facility Tour
  • Riveridge Packing, 7777 Venture Ave, Sparta, MI 49345
• 9:15 a.m. – Harvest Tour
  • Riveridge Produce, 12345 Ferris Ave, Grant, MI 49347
• 10:00 a.m. - Cider Plant Tour
  • Riveridge Cider, 14046 Mason Dr., Grant, MI 49327

As Walmart notes, two-thirds of its product spend already supports items made, grown, or assembled in the U.S., with $1.5 billion in locally grown produce sourced in FY25 alone. With fresh fruits and vegetables available in stores for pickup and for delivery to 93 percent of the U.S. population, the retailer continues to build on a legacy of supporting American farmers while delivering value to consumers.

Stay tuned as ANUK continues to bring you the latest updates from retailers.