BAKERSFIELD, CA - Committed to consistently delivering the highest-quality table grapes, Castle Rock Vineyards is experiencing an excellent year for both quality and flavor across its California program.

“The weather has been cooperating on all levels, signaling plenty of great fruit for our customers,” shares Laura Berryessa, Sales Manager. “Strong grape movement and elevated consumer confidence are fueling positive momentum and delivering meaningful value for Castle Rock’s partners.”

To execute a truly premium table grape program, Castle Rock carefully manages every stage of the process—from growing and picking to packing, cooling, and shipping—ensuring its coveted fruit maintains the highest standards.

“Supply should be strong this year, pending any disruptive weather events,” Laura notes. “We are well-positioned to provide our customers with jumbo fruit, premium varieties, excellent flavor, and consistent value throughout the season.”

Castle Rock’s vineyards span Coachella, Arvin, Bakersfield, Delano, Ducor, Lindsay, and Reedley, California, offering strategic access to the state’s most productive grape-growing regions.

“Location is everything, and having a trusted team behind your retail programs ensures you never have to compromise on your grape destination at retail,” Laura concludes.

Keep checking back with AndNowUKnow as we continue to keep our finger on the pulse of today’s table grape industry.

WENATCHEE, WA - School is back in session, and while much has changed since I was wearing backpacks to start my day, something still holds up: The image of presenting a teacher with an apple.

Treefruit and teachers are intertwined in the U.S. narrative, so what better way to continue ringing fresh sales than to check in with Stemilt?

“Back-to-school time is usually a busy time, so offering convenience through packaged options and the easy snackability of produce items, like apples and pears, are great themes to emphasize to help overwhelmed parents include healthy options in their child’s snacks or lunchboxes,” Brianna Shales, Marketing Director, advised. “Apples and pears are what we’d call ‘no prep’ items for lunchboxes. They’re easy to grab and put in a backpack or lunch pale, then wash up for enjoyment later. Focusing on high-flavor varieties is a great way to increase the chance of kids requesting more fruit in their meals.”

Rave® is the first apple to harvest of the season, with Honeycrisp parentage that Brianna shared, is perfectly positioned as the back-to-school apple. It can be tied into promotions via signage, retail ads, or displays, while Lil Snappers®, another Stemilt-branded offering for apples and pears, is the package choice for back-to-school ads.

“Rave is great to highlight in August and September during its short season, then SweeTango® as it becomes available in September. Both apples bring a balanced, sweet-to-tart flavor experience that will appeal to kids. Most retailers see smaller sizes as a positive for merchandising fruit to kids as healthy snacking and lunch options. Some have their own package for small fruit, while others partner with us to carry Lil Snappers, which features a colorful bag with playful fruit characters as part of the branding that makes them stand out to kids. Both are proven ways to drive apple sales through volume and intent,” Brianna explained.

New crop Bartlett and Starkimson pears are now in season, and Gala apples will be coming soon to help promote this long-time successful package. In a 3 lb format, Lil Snappers are easy for little hands to reach in and grab a healthy snack. Plus, it can stand up by itself in the fridge for convenience!

“We are right at the transition from last year’s crop to this year’s, and supply will increase as we head into September and harvest additional apples. Focusing on the seasonal offerings like Rave and SweeTango is a great way to build apple momentum while other varieties await harvest,” Brianna stated. “For pears, there’s a huge opportunity this year as the volume rebounds from last year’s down crop, and smaller-sized fruits will lend well to the Lil Snappers program.”

So what in-store or digital marketing strategies can help retailers connect apples and pears with parents, kids, and lunchbox occasions? Brianna told me Stemilt is working with influencer partners to share the timing and outrageously juicy flavor of Rave with consumer audiences on social media.

“We’re also helping retailers set their back-to-school ads by leaning into offerings from the new crop. Integrating apples and pears into back-to-school events or communication to shoppers will help make sure these popular produce items are top of mind for consumers alongside school supplies, clothes, and other things that parents have to shop for to prep kids for the classroom,” she said.

With fresh produce movement always in mind, AndNowUKnow will continue to report on this and other categories key to the changing of the seasons.

IMMOKALEE, FL - Continuing a legacy of fresh produce advocacy and commitment to industry advancement, a generational Lipman Family Farms leader has stepped into a crucial new role. The grower’s Chief Executive Officer, Elyse Lipman, was recently elected to the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) Board of Directors as this year’s Chair-Elect.

"I'm honored to further engage with IFPA as this year's Chair-Elect. Together with my fellow executive committee members, we will continue to push for solutions that will drive our industry forward and bring us together to create a vibrant and healthy future for all,” said Elyse of her new role. “I look forward to the rewarding work ahead."

Joining the Executive Committee alongside Elyse are 2026 Treasurer Mohammed Abbas, EVP & COO, Del Monte Fresh Produce; at-large Executive Committee member and incoming US Council Chair Steve Grinstead, CEO, FreshEdge; and at-large Executive Committee member and incoming Sustainability Council Chair Adriëlle Dankier, CEO of Nature’s Pride, a recent IFPA release stated.

As one of North America's largest field tomato and vegetable growers, Lipman Family Farms continues to be an active voice in shaping the future of produce. Elyse’s election to this role underscores her commitment to advancing fresh produce and collaborating with peers to address the industry’s biggest opportunities and challenges, the company shared.

Congratulations to Elyse Lipman on this recent appointment! For more industry news, keep reading AndNowUKnow.