VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA - Oppy is proud to announce that Chairman, CEO, and Managing Partner John Anderson was presented with an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of the Fraser Valley at its spring convocation ceremony on June 10, 2025.

The honorary degree recognizes Anderson for his exceptional contributions as a global agricultural leader, playing a key role in the industrialization of produce in North America while committed to sustainable and ethical trade practices.

"John Anderson exemplifies the spirit of UFV’s mission to engage learners, transform lives, and build community, through his visionary leadership in sustainable agriculture, ethical business, and local and global philanthropy,” said University of the Fraser Valley’s President Dr. Joanne MacLean in a recent press release. “By honoring him with an honorary degree, UFV recognizes John’s remarkable impact and contributions that continue to uplift communities and inspire future generations to lead with purpose and integrity."

Under Anderson’s leadership, fresh produce grower, marketer, and distributor Oppy has grown into a 1.5B-dollar global powerhouse while keeping operational excellence and customer service at the forefront. An advocate of sustainable farming, Anderson has invested in drought-resistant crops, precision agriculture and renewable energy to minimize the environmental footprint of global fresh produce production.

He has also donated tens of millions to combat food insecurity, support hospitals, fund scholarships, and protect ecological lands. As the founder of Anderson Air, he provides executive charter services and has provided flights to BC Transplant for life-saving organ transport.

Anderson shared, “To be recognized in this way by the University of the Fraser Valley is truly humbling. Our industry is constantly evolving, and I’ve always believed that strong leadership is rooted in adaptability and collaboration. This honorary doctorate only strengthens my commitment to continue serving the people and the future of produce.”

The University of the Fraser Valley awards honorary degrees to individuals recognized for distinguished and visionary leadership and achievements consistent with UFV’s core values, mission, and goals. They exemplify the highest personal and professional standards that serve as an inspiration and model for students, and whose contributions have enriched society and quality of life.

This honor follows Anderson’s recent awards: Business Laureates of BC Hall of Fame (2023), the Order of British Columbia (2024), King Charles III’s Coronation Medal (2024), the International Humanitarian Ellis Island Medal of Honor (2025) and Grocery Business Magazine’s Hall of Fame (2025).

UNITED STATES - Potatoes are as much a staple in summertime grilling as burgers are, and don’t let anyone convince you otherwise! Promotional windows for Fourth of July and summertime grilling are on the horizon, and any additional info we can glean from the market beforehand is a plus.

According to a report from the Idaho Falls Shipping Point on June 16, 2025, the demand for potatoes is, on average, moderate, as observed at shipping points in Central Wisconsin, the Columbia Basin, Washington, Florida, the San Luis Valley in Colorado, and the Upper Valley, Twin Falls, Idaho.

Kern District in California reported light demand for red potatoes.

According to prices reported at the New York Terminal Market on June 16, 2025, the prices for 50 lb cartons being reported out of California are as follows:

• ROUND RED 50 lb cartons size A 34.00-36.00 size B 40.00 creamers 3/4-1 5/8" 58.00-60.00
• ROUND WHITE 50 lb cartons size A 42.00-45.00 creamers 3/4-1 5/8" 58.00-60.00 few 55.00
• YELLOW TYPE 50 lb cartons size A 42.00 size B 34.00-36.00 creamers 3/4-1 5/8" 56.00-60.00 mostly 58.00

We’ll continue to keep you abreast on category prices, so stay tuned to ANUK.

LAKE LINGANORE, MD - Weis Markets celebrated the grand opening of its new 65,000+ square-foot store in Lake Linganore, MD, with a preview event and ribbon cutting. The store, slated to open to the public on June 19, is located at 10122 Old National Pike in Ijamsville, and is the first new Weis Markets store since 2022.

The store, which is the 50th in Maryland and seventh in Frederick County, will employ more than 150 new full- and part-time associates and have an expansive produce department with a wide selection of organic produce; full-service seafood department; a full-service meat department with on-premise, custom-cut Certified Angus Beef®; sushi prepared in-store daily; a deli offering a wide selection of sliced meats and cheeses along with a heat and serve meal section; Starbucks kiosk offering offer a variety of hot and cold beverages, bakery items, mugs, and whole and ground beans; a wide selection of organic and natural foods; a full-service drive-thru pharmacy; and a six-pump Gas N’ Go fuel center where customers can redeem their Weis Rewards points.

Additionally, the store will offer Weis 2 Go Online ordering with curbside pick-up and delivery, through which customers can order online and have their groceries handpicked by trained personal shoppers for pick-up or home delivery through DoorDash, Instacart, Shipt, Uber Eats and Amazon.

“We are thrilled to open our doors to the Lake Linganore community and welcome shoppers to our most innovative store yet," said Weis Markets’ Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Weis in the recent release. "We've meticulously designed this store to be a true community cornerstone, offering an exceptional selection of top-quality products, great prices, and a truly convenient shopping experience.”

Lake Linganore customers will also benefit from Weis’ Low, Low Prices program, providing low prices on more than 10,000 everyday products, as well as the weekly Hot Buys program. Together, these programs enable customers to receive the lowest everyday prices on thousands of items on the market.

In celebration of the grand opening and thank the community for the warm welcome, Weis Markets presented $1,500 donations to local organizations, including New Market Volunteer Fire Department, A Mothers Rest Charitable Respite Foundation, Oakdale Middle School, and Oakdale High School’s marching band and color guard.

A $10,000 donation was also made to the Maryland Food Bank in support of its efforts in Frederick County. The donations are part of a year-round giving program which includes campaigns to support local community hunger organizations, pet shelters, and veterans’ organizations, among many other local nonprofits.

UNITED STATES - Lemons have been on our radar throughout spring and heading into summer, as demand, regional transitions, and more have kept the market active.

Our most recent update reports more of the same.

As The Source reported, “markets remain strong overall, with 165 count and smaller sizes still slightly tight.” The report explained that San Joaquin Valley is nearing completion, with roughly one week remaining, as Ventura County/Oxnard transitions into the primary growing region.

According to data reported from the Los Angeles Terminal Market on June 16, 2025, lemon offerings are leaning light. For California’s South and Central District, the terminal reported the following prices:

• 75s 30.00-33.00 mostly 31.00-32.00 occasional higher/lower
• 95s 32.00-34.00 mostly 33.00-34.00 occasional higher/lower
• 115s 35.00-38.00 mostly 36.00-37.00 occasional higher/lower
• 140s 37.00-40.00 mostly 38.00-39.00 occasional higher/lower
• 165s 39.00-42.00 mostly 40.00-41.00 occasional higher/lower
• 200s 39.00-42.00 mostly 40.00-41.00 occasional higher/lower
• 235s 39.00-42.00 mostly 40.00-41.00 occasional higher/lower

For additional updates across a variety of categories, keep reading us here at AndNowUKnow.

UNITED STATES - A warm stretch of weather is set to settle over the central and eastern United States in the coming days, with temperatures expected to be the highest of the year so far, and in some places, the highest in several years when considering humidity and duration. The warmth will gradually move eastward from the Rockies, bringing upper 90s and low 100s to parts of the country.

“To finish up the week, temperatures can challenge daily record highs from the central Rockies to the Plains and Midwest,” said AccuWeather Meteorologist Alex Duffus. “Temperatures will climb into the upper 90s and low 100s, which is 10-20 degrees above the historical averages for the second half of June.”

Communities may see an increase in energy use as people turn to fans and air conditioning. AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Chad Merrill noted, “The magnitude and longevity of this heat wave will be a shock to the system.” Merrill added that Detroit, for example, “hasn’t even hit 90 degrees this year and may have a stretch of at least seven days at or above this mark coming up starting on Saturday.”

By early next week, the warm spell will extend into the Great Lakes, mid-Atlantic, and New England regions. People are encouraged to stay mindful of the warmer conditions, take breaks when outdoors, and stay hydrated.

Check back with ANUK for updates on how this heat wave could influence crops, transport, and daily life.

NEW YORK CITY - Sun World International, an international leader in produce licensing with one of the largest and longest-running breeding programs in the world, will showcase AUTUMNCRISP Grapes June 29-July 1, 2025, in booth 5140 at the Plant-Based Pavilion during the 2025 Specialty Foods Association Summer Fancy Foods Show in New York City.

Sun World is bringing more than grapes to the show — it’s bringing a signal that produce has arrived as a category to watch in the specialty food world. With crisp texture, balanced sweetness, and one of the fastest-growing retail footprints in the grape category, AUTUMNCRISP is more than a fresh produce commodity — it's a brand reshaping consumer expectations around fresh fruit.

“For decades, fresh produce has been treated as a commodity — transactional, unbranded, and often overlooked in conversations about food innovation. But that’s changing. Produce is becoming culture. It’s showing up in consumer trends, premium retail experiences, and lifestyle conversations. Our brands are helping lead that shift — proving that fresh fruit can have flavor, identity, and loyal fans, just like any top-tier specialty food,” said Elena Hernandez, director of global marketing insights at Sun World, in a recent press release. “The success we’re seeing with AUTUMNCRISP is proving that branded fresh fruit can compete in the same arena as the most celebrated specialty foods — and win.”

Why now? With fresh fruit trending across wellness, clean label, and functional food markets, and grapes gaining attention in beauty and gut health conversations, AUTUMNCRISP is emerging at the intersection of taste, health, and brand storytelling.

Already available at major retailers nationwide and growing in global demand, AUTUMNCRISP was recently recognized for surpassing $1 billion in global retail sales, a rare feat for a table grape brand and a defining moment for the category.

With attendance from thousands of buyers, chefs, food media, and tastemakers, the Summer Fancy Food Show represents a critical opportunity for fresh produce brands to claim cultural relevance in a space traditionally dominated by shelf-stable categories. The show also features exclusive trend panels, first-look innovation showcases and an emphasis on plant-based innovation, positioning AUTUMNCRISP as a strategic addition to media and buyer agendas.

The Summer Fancy Food Show in NYC is the industry’s premier product discovery event, offering a curated showcase of high-quality, artisan products in more than 40 categories — and an invaluable preview of where consumers’ needs, wants and values are headed.