FOLSOM, CA - The industry is in need of leaders who will take us into the future, and the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) is working to make it happen. The organization recently announced the third cohort of fellows accepted into its Blueberry Industry Leadership Program, designed to elevate up-and-coming leaders in the blueberry industry by providing in-depth training, industry education, and connections.

“We are thrilled to welcome this group of leaders as the third class of fellows,” said Amanda Griffin, Vice President of Engagement and Education. “Since launching the Blueberry Leadership Program, we have received an overwhelming interest, which always makes the selection process extremely difficult. The USHBC is proud to provide this opportunity to these ag professionals, empowering them to guide the blueberry industry into a bright future.”

Selected as the third class of fellows in the program are:

• Peter Machala, Category Manager, Wakefern Food Corp.
• Stephanie Kleiner, Blueberry Product Business Manager, Driscoll’s
• Yvan Berrospi, Supply Chain and Operations Coordinator, Family Tree Farms
• Gabriel Bocock, General Manager of Operations, Bumbleberry Acres
• Joshua Carlton, Farm Manager, JLC Farms
• Sergio Carrasco, Production Manager, The Fruitist Company
• Jake Johnson, Sales and Grower Support II, Fall Creek Farm & Nursery
• Brody Schropp, Horticulturist, MBG Marketing
• Zach Semerikov, Food Safety and Quality Assurance Manager, Scenic Fruit
• Jessica Silver, Commercial Manager, United Exports Sales and Marketing

The Blueberry Industry Leadership Program is the first of its kind in the blueberry industry and helps fellows grow their leadership skill set, learn from decades-long industry leaders, and develop their network of connections, a press release stated. The fourth group of fellows to enter the program will be selected in the fall of 2025. To apply, click here.

Keep a tab open for ANUK as we bring you more industry news.

PHILADELPHIA, PA - Pre-harvest treatment Harvista™ 1.3 SC is expanding its reach. AgroFresh Solutions announced that Theddan Farms started using the product in 2018 to extend tree growth time for vastly improved color and size. It not only saved the company’s Gala orchard from the chainsaw but also made it the company’s most profitable, with an increased income of R200,000 to R300,000 (ZAR).

“Ian [Cunningham] and his team quickly caught on to the strength of Harvista 1.3 SC and how they could use it to their advantage in securing the best quality at the right time,” said Peter Wood, AgroFresh Country Manager for South Africa. “Today, our AgroFresh Harvista 1.3 SC technology forms a vital part of their program, and we’re proud to be associated with them because we both know we’re stronger together.”

Theddan Farms turned to AgroFresh and Harvista 1.3 SC to help improve the company’s 350 hectares (nearly 865 acres) of fruit, as poor color was a concern for its Gala apple block, a press release stated.

“We’ve been using Harvista 1.3 SC as a staple on 40 percent of our crops and sometimes 50 percent with it being bi-color, and we’ve been very happy with the results,” said Ian Cunningham, Managing Director for Theddan Farms. “The first orchard we applied Harvista to allowed us to farm certain blocks for longer while making them better economically.”

Since Harvista 1.3 SC expands the harvest window, AgroFresh customers like Theddan can improve labor efficiency and increase quality, a combination that can drive significant bottom-line profit potential for producers.

From securing fruit quality to better management of weather challenges and greater labor efficiency, Harvista 1.3 SC has proven to be a valuable tool for fruit growers around the world. For apples, the solution means reduced fruit drop and better quality, size increase to gain a higher yield, firmness, and color development—leading to increased yield potential of more than 10 percent, ultimately impacting increased revenue potential per hectare/acre.

More AgroFresh innovation is surely on the horizon, so don’t go anywhere.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - GrubMarket has been growing and expanding its reach through recent acquisitions and rolling out new tech. Another update from the company from has come across our desks at ANUK: It acquired one of the largest online Asian grocery and specialty food e-commerce platforms in North America, FreshGoGo.

“We are excited to welcome FreshGoGo, one of the largest online Asian grocery platforms in the [United States], to the GrubMarket family. FreshGoGo is a pioneer in the Asian grocery delivery market,” commented Mike Xu, Chief Executive Officer, GrubMarket. “The company has built a strong brand and an exceptional online platform that aligns with our vision for digitally transforming the food supply chain in America. FreshGoGo has built an outstanding reputation for delivering the highest quality Asian groceries and gourmet foods, and we see enormous potential for integrating their food delivery platform with our existing technology and logistics capabilities. With this acquisition, GrubMarket strengthens its position as a leader in the online grocery market and reinforces its commitment to bringing fresh, affordable food to diverse communities nationwide. Together, we will continue to build the world's most comprehensive, efficient, and technology-driven food e-commerce platform.”

FreshGoGo has become a household name for consumers seeking authentic and fresh Asian groceries and gourmet prepared meals. Founded in 2017 in Plainview, New York, the company has taken an innovative approach to online grocery shopping and food delivery, instrumental in addressing the growing demand for Asian food products in North America, explained a press release.

FreshGoGo offers a one-stop shopping experience for an extensive selection of nearly 6,000 unique SKUs, ranging from fresh vegetables, meats, seafood, dry goods, snacks, specialty items, and gourmet Asian dishes from local restaurants.

“Joining forces with GrubMarket is a monumental opportunity for FreshGoGo. We share a common vision for bringing the freshest and highest quality food to diverse communities across the country in a one-stop shopping format,” shared Jianbing Duan, Owner, FreshGoGo. “Our robust e-commerce platform, which supports web and mobile ordering, and extensive logistics network will integrate seamlessly with GrubMarket's existing operations. As it stands today, we are already one of the most efficient Asian e-commerce services in the country, with an AOV nearly 2x higher than any other Asian e-grocer. By leveraging GrubMarket's extensive resources and technological expertise, we will be able to further enhance our online presence, expand our reach, and provide more customers with a seamless shopping experience, whether they are ordering fresh produce, pantry essentials, or ready-to-eat meals.”

FreshGoGo's success is underpinned by its advanced cold chain distribution and logistics network, which includes a 50,000-square-foot central warehouse facility in New York, satellite dispatch centers along the East Coast, dozens of temperature-controlled vehicles, and a vast network of over 200 pickup stations.

AndNowUKnow will continue covering developments as GrubMarket advances, so don’t forget to click back.

VALENCIA, CA - New packaging and merchandising materials are just one part of the new partnership formed between Sunkist Growers and the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF). The collaboration aims to raise awareness about breast cancer and provide valuable resources to those impacted by the disease.

“We are honored to support National Breast Cancer Foundation through our expanded Pink Orange program,” says Jim Phillips, President and Chief Executive Officer at Sunkist. “As a leader in the citrus industry, we are asking our retail partners to join in with Sunkist, contributing to a cause that affects so many lives and supports NBCF’s vital work in helping women and inspiring hope. Our support doesn’t stop at the retail shelf; Sunkist, along with our sister cooperative Fruit Growers Supply, will engage in activities throughout the year to show our support for this worthwhile cause.”

This season, all Sunkist Cara Cara 2 lb, 3 lb, and 5 lb bags will feature limited-edition pink ribbon packaging and matching merchandising. Additional Power with The Pink Orange campaign materials include display bins, stackable towers, and new in-store merchandising extending from info posters and header cards to channel rails, all with QR codes leading back to the Sunkist website.

Starting with Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, Sunkist will launch a series of initiatives extending from social media collaborations highlighting influencer and survivor spotlights to creating patient care packages and sponsoring HOPE Kits. According to a press release, Sunkist’s partnership with NBCF reflects its broader commitment to promoting health and wellness within the communities it serves.

“After the successful launch of the ‘Meet the Pink Orange’ revamp last season, this NBCF partnership felt like a natural next step for growing the Cara category,” says Cassie Howard, Senior Director of Category Management and Marketing at Sunkist. “Consumers are repeatedly seeking products that support holistic lifestyles, and The Pink Orange is no exception. Sunkist is the preferred brand for Caras, with branded Cara volume up 35 percent last year, outpacing private label and nearly all other brands. With this momentum, we are excited to see where this program goes next.”

With more industry insights on the way, keep checking in with ANUK.