FOWLER, CA - As California's citrus season draws to a close, the Bee Sweet Citrus sales team has turned its focus to its summer citrus line.

"Over the past few decades, the Bee Sweet Citrus team has worked hard to develop a program that supplements shoppers' needs during our off-season," stated Bee Sweet Citrus Sales Representative Jason Sadoian in the recent release. "This summer, we're pleased to provide our customers with both offshore and domestic products to meet their needs."

Bee Sweet Citrus currently offers imported mandarins, as well as domestic grapefruit, lemons, and Royal Red oranges, for its customers. Offshore Naval oranges are expected to arrive next week, while offshore lemons are due to arrive at the end of the month.

"Once imported product arrives at our facility, it undergoes a thorough quality inspection to ensure freshness before it's shipped to shoppers," continued Sadoian. "We also have the ability to pack products in any bag style that’s preferred by our customers.”

The company's production and food safety teams work in tandem to ensure that Bee Sweet's summer varieties meet the company's standards in quality, and its sales team oversees all import clearance, logistics, and inventory management. As families continue to seek out healthy options to enhance their diets, they can look to Bee Sweet Citrus to supplement their citrus needs.

To learn more about the company's summer citrus program and its variety availability, please call a sales representative at 559-834-4200 or visit www.beesweetcitrus.com.

WASHINGTON - As the International Fresh Produce Association continues to address packaging regulations and proposals that will adversely impact its members and the global fresh produce and floral community, the organization is pleased to announce it has recently received accreditation status for the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), which has plastics as among one of its many environmental concerns.

“As part of our strategic plan, IFPA is focused on growing its worldwide influence and future-proofing the industry, one example of which is through sustainability efforts,” said IFPA CEO Cathy Burns in the recent release. “The UNEP accreditation is a significant advocacy milestone for IFPA as we expand our presence within the UN system and ensure that the voice of fruits, vegetables, flowers, and plants is heard in global forums and at tables of influence.”

This accreditation marks the second opportunity IFPA has obtained to collaborate with and contribute to UN initiatives – the first being the observer status the association received last fall for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

“Our engagement with UNEP – via participating in high-level meetings, providing industry perspective and insight to working documents, and testimony to committees and working groups) – will allow us to engage in global environmental dialogues, which complements our position within the UNFCCC to negotiate on behalf of our industry in climate discussions,” said IFPA Vice President Tamara Muruetagoiena.

Given that the UNEP’s purview includes plastic pollution, IFPA’s accreditation is another example of the organization’s advocacy in action, which includes the grant funding the IFPA Foundation for Fresh Produce and its partners received in the fall of 2024 to establish a Sustainable Packaging Innovation Lab. The lab will assist packaging engineers and researchers working in the fresh fruit and vegetable industry to develop or commercialize sustainable packaging solutions.

In early 2025, IFPA Australia-New Zealand became a signatory to the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation, underlining its commitment to supporting the fresh produce industry's journey to more sustainable packaging practices as part of APCO’s problem-solving collective, working in collaboration with local and global sustainability leaders in government, industry, community groups and academia.

LOS ANGELES, CA - The Wonderful Company, one of the most philanthropic companies in the United States, is pleased to announce that its $1 million Wonderful Central Valley Community Grants application period is now live. Over the past 10 years, The Wonderful Company and its co-owners, Lynda and Stewart Resnick, along with their foundations, have awarded more than $8.5 million in grants to more than 142 nonprofits and 165 schools in the San Joaquin Valley.

Building on Wonderful’s long-standing commitment to supporting local organizations and schools in California’s Central Valley, these grants directly support transformative initiatives focused on health and wellness, education, recreation, community beautification, art, and social services.

Each year, The Wonderful Company, the Resnicks, and their foundations invest more than $35 million in community development, education, and health and wellness initiatives across the Central Valley and beyond. The Wonderful Central Valley Community Grants program is at the heart of the company’s ongoing commitment to being Wonderful Neighbors by supporting the communities where its employees live and work.

“Many nonprofits, particularly those serving in rural communities, face an uncertain financial future in today’s environment,” said Andy Anzaldo, chief operating officer of corporate social responsibility at The Wonderful Company, in a recent press release. “This is where private philanthropic investments like the Wonderful Community Grants program can make a crucial difference, supporting essential programs that residents and families rely on. There is no greater priority than ensuring the Central Valley remains a place where everyone can thrive.”

Organizations with programs serving the communities of Avenal, Delano, Del Rey, Firebaugh, Lost Hills, Mendota, Sanger, Shafter, and Wasco are encouraged to apply.

To learn more about the application process and eligibility requirements, join the Wonderful Philanthropy team for an upcoming virtual information session on Thursday, July 10, at 2:00 p.m. Register here or visit bit.ly/2025-wonderful-community-grants.

All applications must be received by midnight PDT on Aug. 31 to be considered. The 2025–26 class of Wonderful Community Grants recipients will be announced in October 2025.

For more information or to submit an application, visit www.wonderfulcommunitygrants.com or email [email protected].

SALINAS, CA - At the risk of going past poetic and into pun territory, sometimes things just align organically. In the case of organic provider Earthbound Farm, reaching a milestone accomplishment in time for its ideal showcase: the Organic Produce Summit.

As the supplier marks one year at market with plant-based packaging featuring 95 percent less plastic than the standard clamshell, it was the perfect time to connect on the response Earthbound has seen from retailers and consumers.

“Earthbound Farm’s plant-based packaging has been a breakthrough for the salad category. Consumer response has been overwhelmingly positive, driving growth and excitement as this innovative packaging addresses a primary concern for consumers,” Jenny Panziera, Director of Product, shared.

The tray itself is made from plant-based fibers and a food-grade coating. Combined with no plastic liner, it is recycle-bin-ready in what can be a confusing space.

“Earthbound Farm has also been recognized by Inc Magazine on the Best in Business List for Sustainability and voted the #1 Organic Food Brand by consumers through Green Matters,” she added.

According to Nielsen NIQ Research, U.S. consumers hold brands, themselves, and retailers to be most responsible for sustainable progress. This is especially true with organic consumers, Jenny said.

“Earthbound Farm will continue to pioneer with sustainable solutions that help retailers drive sales, increasing shopper trust and building long-term loyalty while reducing environmental impact. Our expanded plant-based tray line, including additional varieties and sizes, is rolling out this summer in stores across the U.S. and Canada,” she commented.

As to how retailers might further maximize what Earthbound has seen in market demand, Jenny shared shoppers are seeking variety beyond classic greens.

“These blends elevate everyday salads into culinary experiences with flavor-driven raw varietal innovation. Retailers can create eye-catching displays along with cross-merchandising, positioning these blends near complementary items like artisan dressings, cheeses, and nuts to suggest full meal ideas and increase basket size,” Jenny advised.

Rounding out its portfolio with Salad Kits featuring avocado oil-based dressings, Earthbound has not just products, but a mission and message it consistently delivers to retailers and their shoppers.

“Our avocado oil salad kits embody our dedication to delivering fresh, flavorful, health-forward choices that align with the evolving preferences of modern consumers,” Jenny said. “By pairing the freshest greens, clean ingredients, and indulgent flavors with the nutritional benefits of avocado oil, we're providing organic meal options that balance great taste, convenience, and nutrition.”

According to a Healthline article, this oil is rich in antioxidants and nutrients that offer benefits such as reducing cholesterol levels, enhancing nutrient absorption, supporting heart health, and promoting eye health.

“Earthbound Farm’s Organic Salad Kits not only incorporate organic avocado oil but also showcase a diverse array of fresh ingredients, including crisp greens, vibrant vegetables, and indulgent toppings,” Jenny observed. “Each kit is carefully crafted to deliver a delightfully satisfying experience, making them ideal for busy individuals and families seeking convenient solutions that balance flavor and nutrition.”

In a nutshell, Earthbound Farm is taking steps to be not just a one-stop shop, but a holistic ecosystem of supply.

“Earthbound Farm makes it easy to choose what’s good for you, good for your family, and good for the earth,” Jenny concluded.

Dig in deeper at booth #900, visiting Earthbound and Taylor Farms while in Monterey, California, this week for the Organic Produce Summit.