REEDLEY, CA - Unified in purpose and elevating their programs together, Creekside Organics and Fruit World are championing a new chapter by bridging the future together. As the Organic Produce Summit quickly approaches on July 9–10, Bianca Kaprielian, Co-Chief Executive Officer, Creekside Organics, and Founder of Fruit World, joins me to highlight what the companies have in store for the annual show.

“At this year’s OPS, Creekside is championing a ‘Better Together’ theme, which is deeply reflected in our companies’ partnerships, values, and approach to the market and our customers,” Bianca tells me. “Our 50/50 merger between Fruit World and Creekside Organics is rooted in shared values—supporting family farms, doing business with integrity, and staying grounded in relationships. Together, we’re stronger, combining complementary strengths, regional diversity, and shared energy. This spirit of collaboration is guiding everything we do—and we’re excited to share it with you at OPS!”

They’ll also be showcasing their melon program, providing a perfect example of what makes them unique.

“It’s a reflection of our grower relationships, hands-on field management, and a real focus on flavor. Delivering exceptional organic fruit is what it’s all about!,” Bianca adds.

The OPS event brings best-in-class companies to the forefront, revealing the direction the industry is headed and showcasing the diversity of its companies. From eye-catching displays to shared values centered on stellar service and flavor, as well as their growing family of brands, including Fruit World and Capay Organics, Creekside is focused on how to best serve its customers.

“It’s a true partnership, and OPS gives us a great platform to celebrate that,” Bianca expresses. “Expect color, character, and a fresh take on collaboration. Our booth is designed to reflect the unique identities of Creekside Organics and Fruit World and how, coming together, we’re better! Visitors will find organic produce, deep farm knowledge, and a team that genuinely loves what they do. We’ll have some refreshing treats that show our blended product line, too!”

Along with their exhibitor platform, Creekside Organics will also be hosting events at its grower partners’ farms.

“This helps ground us in place and reminds us that the work we do is different. For Creekside, it’s never just about selling produce—it’s about building trust, fostering community, and staying connected to what’s real. Walking the fields, talking with growers, and witnessing the care behind every crop helps us reconnect with the deeper purpose behind the produce—and the people who make it all possible,” Bianca details. “This year, we’re excited to bring colleagues and customers out to the fields, including a dry-farmed tomato grower and a diversified farm growing greens, peppers, herbs, and more!”

Want to learn more about Creekside Organics? Add booth #414-416 to your floor plan, and we will see you all there!

MIAMI, FL - Continental Fresh has long drawn a connection between fresh produce and the life-giving qualities that fruits and vegetables provide to the world. In fact, its Water For All program is rooted in the company’s belief that access to clean water is a basic human right. To learn about the program’s upcoming projects for 2025, I turned to Albert Perez, Chief Executive Officer, who was more than happy to fill me in.

“Through our partnership with BLUE Missions, a portion of every box of fresh mangos is funneled directly into building gravity-fed aqueduct systems in rural Latin America,” Albert told me. “These systems bring piped water directly to homes, which not only improves health and hygiene but also unlocks economic and social progress. The initiative is a tangible expression of our company’s mantra: ‘People before produce.’ Our goal is to create a ripple effect where every mango sold helps transform lives.”

Alejandro Guerrero, who works for the company as part of its Sales and Sourcing team, is a prime example of what Continental Fresh hopes to inspire.

“His journey from mission trips to mango sourcing is the heart of what Continental Fresh stands for. With no background in produce, he joined our company and found more than a career—he found a purpose,” Albert shared. “His hands-on work in aqueduct construction brought him face-to-face with the transformative power of clean water: communities evolving with paved roads, streetlights, new homes, and even population growth. For Alejandro, each box of mangoes sold carries emotional weight and mission-driven significance.”

His story captures Continental Fresh’s culture: one where impact, empathy, and sustainability guide every decision. It’s not just about selling produce—it’s about changing lives, one drop at a time.

“The organization we support, BLUE Missions, is hosting water and sanitation service trips throughout the summer, with more than 1,000 high school and college students volunteering this year,” Albert said. “I’ll be leading one of these water projects in late July in the rural mountain town of Arroyo Manteca, located in San José de Ocoa, Dominican Republic.”

Albert will guide a team of 22 volunteers to help bring clean water access to over 200 families. The team will participate in the physical construction of the system, carrying and gluing PVC piping, building a 17,000-gallon concrete reservoir tank, and installing faucets in individual homes.

In addition, Maria Compres, Chief Financial Officer of Continental Fresh, will coordinate a medical and dental clinic staffed by both U.S. and local healthcare professionals. This pop-up clinic is expected to serve more than 300 patients over a 3–4 day period, many of whom have never received a medical or dental check-up.

For a full recap of this impactful trip, return to ANUK later in the year!

OXNARD, CA - Mission Produce, Inc. a world leader in sourcing, producing, and distributing fresh Hass avocados, announced its attendance at the Organic Produce Summit (OPS) in Monterey, Calif., from July 9-10, 2025, where it will highlight its full line of fresh organic avocados and mangos and reinforce its position as a strategic partner for organic category success.

“As the organic produce category continues to outpace conventional in growth, Mission Produce remains a go-to supplier for quality, consistency, and category insights,” said Megan Berenbach, Director of Sales, in the recent release. “Retailers looking to maximize avocado and mango performance need an organic strategy—and that’s where Mission delivers. We’re equipped with a year-round supply, an expert team, and value-added product solutions designed to drive sales with the organic shopper.”

Volume sales of organic produce is projected to grow by 17% from 2020–2025. In that same period, organic avocado volume is projected to rise 31%, and organic mango volume is projected to increase by 186%—far outpacing their conventional counterparts.

“Organic shoppers represent a high-value segment in both the avocado and mango categories,” added Berenbach. “While organic avocado shoppers spend 142% more on avocados annually than conventional-only shoppers, organic mango shoppers spend 217% more.2 As a result, retailers have a clear opportunity to drive sales by building a strong organic offering.”

Mission’s organic portfolio includes bulk organic avocados and mangos, as well as Organic World’s Finest Avocados™ bags and Organic Minis avocado bags. The Company is currently supplying organic avocados from Mexico, Peru, and California, and organic mangos from Mexico.

Mission Produce will be at the Organic Produce Summit in the Serra Ballroom at booth #321. For more information or to schedule a meeting, contact [email protected].