WASHINGTON, DC - Equitable Food Initiative, the capacity-building and certification organization that partners with growers, farmworkers, and retailers, is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month by recognizing the people, cultures, and traditions that are essential to the U.S. agricultural industry. A new digital cookbook featuring beloved recipes from different countries honors those in the food supply chain.

The impact of Hispanic and Latin American contributions extends across every link of the modern food supply chain, from the field to the boardroom. According to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Hispanic professionals represent 78% of U.S. crop farmworkers, nearly 30% of agricultural managers and supervisors, and 27% of all other agricultural occupations. Furthermore, more than 83,000 Hispanic farm producers manage over 36 million acres of U.S. farmland. Beyond primary production, Hispanic leaders and decision-makers are driving innovation as executives, logistics directors, and retailers across the global food sector.

Those numbers reflect only part of the story. Hispanic and Latino American agricultural professionals bring knowledge, leadership, skills, and cultural traditions to farms, packing facilities, offices, produce operations, and buyers across the country. This workforce represents a wide range of vital roles that keep the industry running.

This Hispanic Heritage Month, EFI is creating an opportunity to celebrate some of those traditions through food. EFI’s new digital Hispanic Heritage Month cookbook is free and brings together favorite recipes complete with photos. The collection celebrates foods that carry personal and cultural meaning while giving colleagues, friends, families, and others throughout the fresh produce industry a way to experience the traditions represented in the agricultural workforce.

The cookbook complements EFI’s broader collection of free Hispanic Heritage Month resources. Companies looking for ways to engage employees, customers, and communities can find:

• First-person video stories that introduce Hispanic and Latin American agricultural professionals and offer a window into their career journeys, experiences, and accomplishments across the fresh produce industry.
• Worker profiles and features that put faces and personal experiences alongside the essential work involved in growing, food safety, marketing and communications, training, and ultimately bringing fresh produce to market.
• Ready-to-share graphics and communications materials that make it easier for organizations to recognize Hispanic Heritage Month across social media and other channels.
• Ideas for workplace engagement that can help companies create opportunities for employees to share, learn about, and celebrate Hispanic and Latino American cultures and traditions.

“Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month means honoring the rich tapestry of cultures, histories and distinct traditions that shape our daily lives. Food is at the heart of our current jobs, but also of our heritage,” said Alexandra Martinez, EFI’s senior digital marketing and sales associate. “These recipes are a beautiful gateway into diverse Hispanic and Latin American traditions, as well as a tribute to the professionals in the industry. This month, we invite everyone to celebrate together through food, while giving rightful, active recognition to the people whose multifaceted skills sustain us all.”

National Hispanic Heritage Month is observed annually from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15. EFI encourages growers, retailers, and other fresh produce companies to use the month as an opportunity to recognize Hispanic and Latino employees, share worker stories, and create meaningful opportunities for cultural learning and connection.

To access the new digital cookbook, visit equitablefood.org/HHM/#recipes. For additional Hispanic Heritage Month resources and worker stories, visit equitablefood.org/HHM.

LONDON, UK - BLOOM FRESH, a global leader in fruit breeding and genetics, announced two strategic leadership appointments designed to strengthen customer engagement, accelerate market development, and support growing global demand for its branded fruit varieties. Effective immediately, Fiachra Moloney assumes the newly created role of Director of Growth and Market Development, while fresh produce industry veteran Jennifer Sanchez, DBA, joins as Chief Marketing Officer.

The appointments reflect BLOOM FRESH's continued investment in customer partnerships, brand development, and international market expansion as demand for differentiated fruit varieties continues to grow worldwide.

Fiachra Moloney to Lead Strategic Growth and Consumer Market Development

During his tenure as Chief Marketing Officer, Moloney helped elevate BLOOM FRESH's global market presence and strengthen engagement across the fresh produce value chain. He led the successful launch of the BOOMBITES™ Red Berry Grapes brand, spearheaded the relaunch of the iconic Cotton Candy™ brand, and expanded grower, marketer, and retailer engagement initiatives across BLOOM FRESH's global network.

In his newly created role, Moloney will focus on driving growth across key strategic markets, including Europe, China, India, and Southeast Asia. He will lead consumer market development initiatives aimed at identifying new commercial opportunities, strengthening strategic partnerships, and driving the continued expansion of BLOOM FRESH varieties and brands.

"Fiachra has made an outstanding contribution to the business and has been instrumental in helping position BLOOM FRESH for long-term growth," said Josep Estiarte, Chief Executive Officer of BLOOM FRESH, in the recent release. "As our business continues to expand globally, this new role enables Fiachra to focus on developing market opportunities and strengthening strategic relationships that create value for our growers and partners around the world."

Jennifer Sanchez Appointed Chief Marketing Officer

Sanchez joins BLOOM FRESH with more than two decades of fresh produce industry experience spanning brand marketing, customer engagement, market intelligence, and commercial strategy.

She is widely recognized for helping build and grow leading produce brands through leadership roles with Driscoll's, Green Giant® Fresh, and Sun World International.

Throughout her career, Sanchez has worked closely with growers, marketers, retailers, and commercial partners to develop premium produce brands that create value across the supply chain while driving consumer demand and business growth.

Based in the United States, Sanchez will lead BLOOM FRESH's global marketing organization, overseeing brand strategy, consumer marketing, customer engagement, market intelligence, and communications. Positioning the Chief Marketing Officer role in the U.S. reflects the company's commitment to strengthening collaboration with key retailers, growers, marketers, and commercial partners throughout the Americas while supporting the continued growth of its global business.

"Jennifer brings exceptional industry expertise, deep customer insight, and a proven track record of building successful produce brands," said Estiarte. "Her experience will strengthen our engagement with retailers, growers, marketers, and consumers while helping drive the continued growth of our brands and business worldwide. As we continue to expand our presence in key markets, Jennifer's leadership will be instrumental in shaping our next phase of growth."

Positioned for Continued Global Growth

Together, Sanchez and Moloney will help ensure strong alignment between BLOOM FRESH's marketing, customer engagement, and growth initiatives.

"Jennifer and Fiachra bring highly complementary strengths that will help BLOOM FRESH better serve growers, retailers, marketers, and consumers around the world," added Estiarte. "By strengthening both our marketing leadership and market development capabilities, we are positioning BLOOM FRESH for the next stage of sustainable global growth while continuing to create value for our customers, partners, and licensees."

SAN ANTONIO, TX - As communities across the country recognize Hunger Action Month this September, Brighter Bites is proud to announce a grant from Superior HealthPlan that will help provide San Antonio children and families with fresh fruits and vegetables as well as nutrition education, throughout the 2026–27 school year.

The investment comes at a critical time for local families. According to Feeding America’s latest Map the Meal Gap study, 27.7% of children in Bexar County live in food-insecure households, a percentage that has climbed steadily over the past four years. Superior HealthPlan’s support will help Brighter Bites address this growing need by bringing healthy food and nutrition resources directly to families at seven San Antonio schools.

Through the partnership, approximately 1,300 families will receive 20 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables every other week throughout the school year. Students at participating schools will also receive CATCH nutrition education designed to build the knowledge and habits that support healthier eating at school and at home.

Representatives from Superior HealthPlan and Brighter Bites celebrated the partnership with a check presentation on July 31, 2026.

“Hunger Action Month is an important reminder that addressing food insecurity takes more than putting healthy food within reach. Families also need the knowledge, skills, and confidence to make healthy choices part of everyday life,” said Amy Priebe, Chief Operating Officer, Brighter Bites, in the recent release. “Brighter Bites pairs fresh produce with evidence-based nutrition education, and our research shows this approach helps families build healthier habits and reduce food insecurity. We’re grateful to Superior HealthPlan for investing in that work across San Antonio.”

The seven participating schools serve predominantly Medicaid-eligible student populations, reflecting the need for accessible, health-focused resources in these communities. By bringing fresh produce and nutrition education directly to schools, Brighter Bites reaches families in a familiar and convenient setting while helping remove barriers to nutritious food. The seven participating schools are: Compass Rose Ingenuity, Compass Rose Legacy, Harmony Elementary, Heritage Elementary, Jubilee Highland Hills, KIPP Somos Primary, and Pearce Elementary.

Brighter Bites’ evidence-based model pairs produce distribution with nutrition education to create lasting changes in the way families eat, cook, and shop. By giving families both fresh produce and the knowledge and tools to use it, Brighter Bites works to make healthier choices more accessible and sustainable.

Learn more about Brighter Bites here.

IMMOKALEE, FL - Lipman Family Farms is headed to Nashville for the Southeast Produce Council Southern Innovations, September 9-12 at the Music City Center. Lipman is excited to turn the Nashville spotlight on its strength as a vertically integrated supplier for Southeast and East Coast buyers.

No matter where you are, Lipman is local. Its large national footprint includes its own farms and local partner growers, making for a supply network that is unmatched. Lipman’s nearly 80 years of farming in Florida, coupled with 30 years of local grower partnerships, allows for a solid, trusted supply model year-round.

This farming advantage paired with Lipman’s strategic value-added operations ensures reliable delivery every day. Now, with new fire roasting and kettle cooking capabilities, Lipman is able to offer even more value-added within their model.

“Trust starts with knowing your food’s story,” said Amy Holcomb, director of sales for Lipman Family Farms, in the recent release. “With our own growing operations, strong relationships with local growers, and our expansive value-added capabilities, we have a unique ability to connect the journey from seed to shelf. When a customer asks for a customized program, we can trace it back to its source and deliver across our North American network.”

With winter tomato season around the corner, Florida tomatoes and vegetables are on the minds of many attendees. The deep-red and intensely flavorful Crimson tomato, a Lipman exclusive, will be a highlight at Southern Innovations. Year after year, the Crimson is a focus area for the company’s R&D team. The vine-ripened variety continues to evolve and improve with every season, and this year’s crop is the best yet.

“We don’t grow for growth’s sake. Every regional location is an important part of our commitment to customers,” said Elyse Lipman, CEO of Lipman Family Farms. “We know we have people counting on our products, and we’ve built the company to make sure they won’t wait for long.”

Southern Innovations attendees are invited to hear what the company can do for their produce program. Meet Lipman’s national and regional sales team at the Lipman display in booth 614. To learn about Lipman Family Farms or get in contact with sales ahead of the event, visit lipmanfamilyfarms.com.

AUBURNDALE, FL - Crawford Packaging is proud to announce the opening of its new U.S. facility in Auburndale, Florida, marking an important milestone in the company’s continued growth and broader North American strategy.

The opening also marks the establishment of Crawford Packaging Corporation and reinforces the company’s long-term commitment to the U.S. market through a dedicated local operation with Crawford employees, inventory, and technical support resources based in the region.

After months of planning and preparation, the new Central Florida facility strengthens Crawford Packaging’s ability to serve customers across North America. Customers will benefit from local inventory, faster access to consumables and equipment, local technical support - including service and spare parts - and improved speed to market, making it easier to access the packaging solutions and expertise they rely on.

The expansion reflects Crawford Packaging’s ongoing commitment to delivering reliable, innovative, and customer-focused packaging solutions across many industries that rely on packaging automation and end-of-line solutions. The Central Florida location was strategically selected in part to support the company’s growing produce packaging business and provide enhanced service to one of North America’s most important agricultural regions.

“Our goal has always been to be where our customers are and provide the highest level of service and support,” said John Ashby, President of Crawford Packaging, in the recent release. “The opening of our new U.S. facility allows us to respond faster, improve accessibility, and continue delivering the proven value and expertise that Crawford Packaging is known for.”

“This expansion also allows us to work more closely with customers throughout the U.S. market,” said Andy Craig, Executive Vice President of Crawford Packaging. “By having a stronger operational presence in the region, we can provide quicker response times, better service, and a more seamless experience for both existing and future customers.”

The Auburndale facility will support Crawford Packaging’s growing North American customer base through enhanced operational capabilities, localized support services, and improved access to the company’s full range of integrated packaging solutions.