WENATCHEE, WA - Apple season is kicking off with a bang as Stemilt begins to ship Rave® apples, up 40% in volume over last year. With harvest already complete across Washington, Michigan, and New York, Rave is perfectly timed to help retailers jumpstart apple category sales before traditional shelf resets hit in the fall.

“Rave apples are the ultimate season starter,” said Stemilt’s Marketing Director, Brianna Shales, in the recent release. “They bring vibrant color, crisp juiciness, and bold flavor to produce departments weeks before other varieties. With volume up and quality exceptional as we’re wrapping up harvest, this is the year for retailers to lean in on Rave.”

Most Apple displays are refreshed as the fall season begins, but Rave provides an opportunity to drive momentum ahead of those resets. With its bright, fuchsia color and refreshing zing, Rave helps retailers signal the start of apple season to shoppers with early-season promotions offering something new and exciting to try. Stemilt is encouraging retailers to maximize the early-season apple opportunity with simple, impactful tactics:

• School Lunch & Snacking Tie-Ins: Position Rave as a staple school snack, utilizing its messaging to help shoppers “rave” about what’s in their lunchbox.
• Eye-Catching Displays: Build large, vibrant displays using bright pink Rave boxes, signage, and POS to draw attention.
• Highlight Freshness: Promote Rave as the first fresh-off-the-tree apple of the season, reminding consumers of apples because they aren’t always top of mind in summer.
• Snack Pairings: Cross-merchandise bagged Rave apples with kid-friendly items like grapes, citrus, or cheese sticks to inspire easy lunch and snack ideas.

“Retailers who feature Rave this season will not only delight shoppers but also set the stage for strong apple category performance as fall varieties roll in,” added Shales. “There are great opportunities in bagged Rave apple promotions to help drive volume with shoppers seeking convenience.”

Stemilt offers a variety of packaging and display options to support promotions. Rave is available in 2 lb. and 4 lb. pouch bags, poly bags, and Stemilt’s sustainable EZ Band pack for larger fruit. Retailers can use the fruit’s signature pink boxes for high-impact, stackable displays.

“Rave is available from August through October, with a juicy, tangy-sweet flavor profile that pairs perfectly with fall favorites like caramel, cheese, and cider, giving consumers a versatile snacking apple,” said Shales.

Thanks to ideal summer growing conditions, Rave apples have come off the tree with outstanding color, size, and flavor balance this year. Stemilt’s commitment to harvesting at peak maturity aims to let consumers experience Rave’s refreshing crunch and zing with every bite.

“Rave is grown in three staple regions of the U.S. to help retailers promote local and high-flavor fruit simultaneously,” explained Shales. “Stemilt, Applewood Fresh, and Yes! Apples work together to create Rave-worthy experiences at the point of sale to take advantage of these standout seasonal apples.”

OXNARD, CA - Grupo Los Cerritos proudly presents its inaugural Sustainability Report. Jalisco’s leading avocado exporter hopes this report, which discloses the impacts stemming from its operations and establishes baseline metrics, will guide the actions needed to improve its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance. Through this effort, they aim to position themselves as a global benchmark within the agro-export sector, said the recent press release.

Agricultural Sector and Company Context

Worldwide, rising consumption of avocados in international markets creates moderate environmental challenges, including higher water demand and increased pressure on ecosystems in producing countries. In Mexico, the world’s leading avocado exporter, key challenges involve water stewardship, forest conservation, and collaboration with local communities to ensure responsible resource use.

Grupo Los Cerritos operates in an agricultural sector that faces critical issues such as climate change and the management of vital resources. Fully aware of its dependence on the local ecosystems where we grow premium avocados and berries, they prioritize measuring and managing their environmental and social footprint. GLC Cerritos implements cutting-edge sustainable practices, including precision irrigation to optimize water use and soil-health management, and we run programs that promote employee well-being. Active collaboration with our stakeholders enables us to address shared challenges and secure the conditions necessary to produce high-quality fruit for generations to come, building resilience and a prosperous future for all. Longstanding relationships with The Rainforest Alliance,

Global GAP, California Certified Organic Farmers, and Fair Trade are all highlighted in the report, distinguishing GLC Cerritos as a unique player within the Avocados from Mexico Category who seeks to inspire fellow growers through sustainability to grow healthy food.

KINGSVILLE, ON - Something exciting is in store for this year’s Southern Innovations. Harold Paivarinta, Vice President of Sales and Business Development at Red Sun Farms™, teased an upcoming innovation set to debut at the event.

“The show’s theme is innovation, and you will need to come by booth #304 to experience and interact with what’s new at Red Sun Farms,” he told me. “Our team is introducing a one-of-a-kind innovation that sets us apart—but it’s something you’ll have to experience in person at our booth. We’re keeping the details a surprise so attendees can see it firsthand. What we can share is that this new offering is designed to align with today’s consumer trends, with a strong focus on freshness, flavor, and quality. It’s an experience you won’t want to miss.”

As Harold explained, Red Sun’s primary goal for the show is to reconnect with retail and foodservice partners and engage them directly in the grower’s innovation process.

“By listening to their needs and insights, we can ensure our product development aligns with what matters most to our customers,” he said. “Southern Innovations provides the ideal platform to strengthen these relationships, showcase how we’re innovating with customer needs in mind, and reinforce our commitment to delivering exceptional service.”

When I asked Harold what Red Sun hopes attendees will walk away with, his answer was simple: He hopes booth visitors leave feeling inspired.

“Southern Innovations is the perfect stage for introducing and testing new ideas because it fosters such a high level of buyer engagement. From meaningful conversations on the show floor to fresh perspectives sparked in the education sessions—and even the enthusiasm carried through the social events—this show creates the ideal environment for connection and innovation,” Harold relayed.

Looking toward the future, Red Sun remains firmly focused on a path of expansion, innovation, and growth.

“The greenhouse industry has faced unprecedented challenges in recent years, leading to significant changes among key players,” Harold expressed. “At Red Sun Farms, we have built strong, collaborative partnerships and take pride in staying true to our core values—ensuring honesty, integrity, and transparency remain at the heart of everything we do. Now more than ever, we are committed to reinforcing the principles that have driven our success, securing our position in the industry for years to come.”

With an outlook such as this, it’s clear that Red Sun is well-poised for long-term growth. Stick with ANUK as we continue to report.

WASHINGTON, DC - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has imposed sanctions on three produce businesses for failing to meet contractual obligations to the sellers of produce they purchased and failing to pay reparation awards issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA). These sanctions include suspending the businesses’ PACA licenses and barring the principal operators of the businesses from engaging in PACA-licensed business or other activities without USDA approval.

The following businesses and individuals are currently restricted from operating in the produce industry:

• Orchard Sweet Produce Inc., operating out of Dinuba, Calif., for failing to pay a $68,009 award in favor of a California seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Francisco J. Sanchez was listed as the officer, director, and major stockholder of the business.
• Ingles Produce Inc., operating out of Boca Raton, Fla., for failing to pay a $145,879 award in favor of a Georgia seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Kareem A. Ingleton was listed as the officer, director, and major stockholder of the business.
• Green Explosion Inc., operating out of Miami, Fla., for failing to pay a $7,359 award in favor of a Florida seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Libia C. Gomez was listed as the officer, director, and major stockholder of the business.

PACA provides an administrative forum to handle disputes involving produce transactions; this may result in USDA’s issuance of a reparation order that requires damages to be paid by those not meeting their contractual obligations in buying and selling fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables. USDA is required to suspend the license or impose sanctions on an unlicensed business that fails to pay PACA reparations awarded against it, as well as impose restrictions against those principals determined to be responsibly connected to the business when the order is issued. Those individuals, including sole proprietors, partners, members, managers, officers, directors or major stockholders, may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee without USDA approval.

By issuing these penalties, USDA continues to enforce the prompt and full payment for produce while protecting the rights of sellers and buyers in the marketplace.

For more information, contact Penny Robinson-Landrigan, Chief, Dispute Resolution Branch, at (202) 720-2890 or [email protected].

WASHINGTON, DC - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has imposed sanctions on four produce businesses for failing to meet contractual obligations to the sellers of produce they purchased, and failing to pay reparation awards issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA). These sanctions include suspending the businesses’ PACA licenses and barring the principal operators of the businesses from engaging in PACA-licensed business or other activities without USDA approval.

The following businesses and individuals are currently restricted from operating in the produce industry:

• Avocados R Us Inc., operating out of Santa Fe Springs, Calif., for failing to pay an $11,880 award in favor of a California seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Uriel Arellano was listed as the officer, director, and major stockholder of the business.
• Atlantic Arasu Inc., operating out of Duluth, Ga., for failing to pay a $46,455 award in favor of a North Carolina seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Michael M. Arasu was listed as the officer, director, and major stockholder of the business.
• Four S Inc., doing business as M and R Produce Distributors, operating out of Swedesboro, N.J., for failing to pay a $11,370 award in favor of a North Carolina seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Bruce M. Schumin was listed as the officer, director, and major stockholder of the business.
• Shefa Appetizing Inc., operating out of Congers, N.Y., for failing to pay a $45,480 award in favor of a New York seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Aron Kohn was listed as the officer, director, and major stockholder of the business.

PACA provides an administrative forum to handle disputes involving produce transactions; this may result in USDA’s issuance of a reparation order that requires damages to be paid by those not meeting their contractual obligations in buying and selling fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables. USDA is required to suspend the license or impose sanctions on an unlicensed business that fails to pay PACA reparations awarded against it as well as impose restrictions against those principals determined to be responsibly connected to the business when the order is issued. Those individuals, including sole proprietors, partners, members, managers, officers, directors or major stockholders, may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee without USDA approval.

By issuing these penalties, USDA continues to enforce the prompt and full payment for produce while protecting the rights of sellers and buyers in the marketplace.

For more information, contact Penny Robinson-Landrigan, Chief, Dispute Resolution Branch, at (202) 720-2890 or [email protected].

WELLFORD, SC - Walmart associates, elected officials and community leaders celebrated the grand opening of a new 725,000 square-foot perishable distribution center (PDC). The state-of-the-art facility is designed to receive and process fresh produce, eggs, dairy, meat and frozen goods for delivery to 180 Walmart stores.

Freshness Delivered Faster

“The opening of our new high-tech perishable distribution center marks a major step forward in how we get fresher products to customers faster — whether that’s in-store, delivered to their home, or even restocking their refrigerator,” said Rob Montgomery, executive vice president, Supply Chain, Walmart U.S., in a recent release

The Lyman area facility is the third of five new high-tech PDCs Walmart is opening nationwide, marking a significant milestone in the company’s supply chain transformation. These facilities leverage advanced automation to process more than double the volume of a traditional distribution center.

“South Carolina continues to lead in innovation and logistics, and Walmart’s investment in Spartanburg County is driving that momentum forward,” said South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster. “Through advanced supply chain technology and a strong commitment to local sourcing, we’re proud to partner with Walmart to deliver fresh, affordable food to communities across our state and the region.”

Technology That Transforms Work

Walmart is reshaping associates’ work by integrating technology that removes some of their most physically demanding tasks. For example, robotics now handles the movement of cases on and off pallets, reducing the need for strenuous lifting.

Associates at the facility work alongside the high-tech systems that build store-specific pallets, ensuring fragile items like eggs and yogurt are placed toward the top to minimize product damage. AI tracks every pallet to ensure accuracy and freshness. This technology also makes unloading at stores faster and easier, allowing store associates to spend more time helping customers.

The facility is home to more than 600 full-time Walmart associates with ongoing opportunities for career growth and development. Walmart is currently hiring a variety of roles, including automation equipment operators. Full-time positions qualify for Walmart’s total rewards and benefits plans, including medical, vision, and dental insurance, 401(k) matching, paid time off, stock purchase plan, and access to a tuition-paid college degree through Walmart’s Live Better U. For more information about career opportunities at Walmart, visit careers.walmart.com.

“We are thrilled to welcome Walmart to the Lyman community. Walmart’s new high-tech facility is a powerful investment in our future – creating hundreds of quality jobs and bringing lasting career opportunities across the Upstate,” said Lyman Mayor Glenn Greer. “This milestone not only strengthens Lyman but also positions our region for continuing economic growth in the coming years.”

Continued Investment in South Carolina

During the celebration, Walmart awarded $15,000 in grants to the following local non-profit organizations: local food pantry, Greer Relief; STEM-focused public school, Wellford Academy of Science and Technology; area soup kitchen, Breaking Bread for Jesus and foster care support provider, PS I Love You Ministries. In FYE 2024, Walmart stores, clubs, and the Walmart Foundation donated $16.8 million in cash and in-kind donations to local organizations in South Carolina.

SALINAS, CA - School requires fuel. The right fuel. For parents, students, and educators, the back-to-school season is the perfect time to revamp school lunches, snacks, and every meal period in between and after. Forward-thinking companies, like Naturipe Farms, are equipping today’s shoppers with the right innovations to fuel today’s back-to-school wave of eager and hungry students.

“We’re seeing parents really prioritize healthy convenience: snacks that are fresh, nutritious, and easy to grab on the go,” Steven Ware, Vice President and General Manager, Value-Added, shares with me. “Parents want options that are not only good for their kids but that kids actually want to eat. Fresh fruit, especially berries, is a go-to choice because it’s naturally sweet, portable, and requires little to no prep.”

Retailers, note this stat as you map out your shelf-space inventory: Nearly half of U.S. consumers (48.8 percent) snack three or more times per day, and the majority of parents are looking for snacks that can double as both in-between-meal treats and mini meals. And that is not the only buying behavior to take note of.

“Another trend is variety. Parents are mixing in fresh produce with fun, colorful options that make eating lunch more appealing,” Steve details, before going into the ways in which Naturipe continues to anticipate and answer demand. “We’ve been innovating in this space for years, and Berry Buddies is a perfect example: pre-packaged, fresh berries that are washed, portioned, and ready to eat. We know parents want zero fuss, so we’re designing packaging that makes berries even easier to enjoy at home, in the car, or on the go between activities.”

Also at the top of that easy-to-snack list is Naturipe’s Bliss and Boost Bentos, which are the perfect grab-and-go option for busy adults, too!

“They’re packed with fresh, balanced ingredients that keep you energized, satisfied, and ready to take on the day without sacrificing taste or nutrition. Protein-rich snacks are in high demand, with data showing that consumers want snacks that provide an energy boost, making these bentos a natural choice,” Steve explains.

When I ask this fresh executive how Naturipe’s berry products—fresh, packaged, or value-added—are helping retailers meet the needs of health-conscious parents, he revisits Naturipe’s diverse array of solutions.

“We help retailers stand out by giving them high-quality berries in multiple formats—whether that’s a pint of fresh strawberries, 2 lbs of fresh blueberries for the whole family, our Berry Buddies snack packs, or frozen options for smoothies. That flexibility means retailers can meet people wherever they shop and however they want to snack. Plus, our berries are grown with care, and that quality is something today’s health-conscious shoppers notice and value,” Steve shares. “Berries are a lunchbox all-star. They’re delicious on their own, but also shine alongside yogurt, cheese, nut butters, or whole grain crackers. Parents can get creative by adding them to fruit skewers or mixing them into trail mix. And for the parents who could use a little extra time in the morning, grabbing a Berry Buddies with mini pancakes and fruit is an easy choice with all the vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. It’s a snack kids love and parents feel great about.”

Along with exploring ways to make Berry Buddies even more fun and interactive for kids, Naturipe also has seasonal promotions and retailer partnerships highlighting berries as the perfect lunchbox or after-school snack.

“Given that 62 percent of consumers believe premium snacks are worth paying extra for, we know our quality positioning resonates with families who value fresh, flavorful produce. Our innovation pipeline is always full, so that families can expect more grab-and-go, kid-friendly berry options in the near future,” Steve concludes.

Naturipe is making berry time all the time—and a back-to-school hit across curricula and activities alike.