MCALLEN, TX - A robust lineup of Mexican produce is preparing to liven up the produce department. GR Fresh’s Mexico transition has begun from the states of Sonora and Sinaloa to Coahuila, where the supplier will continue with its staple items, including Roma tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, and avocados.

“I always look forward to our summer growing region, which is logistically only six hours South of the McAllen, Texas, border,” explains Tony Incaviglia, the grower’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “Some of our best and freshest quality arrives within 24 hours of pick and pack, provided no unforeseen challenges on the way. Our retail and foodservice partners always look forward to our quality and fresh, crisp lineup of commodities from our summer growing region.”

GR Fresh is welcoming its summer growing season on the heels of challenges posed by the winter months.

“Over the past several years, the winter season has historically shown to be a very challenging season. Supply is plentiful, quality is consistent, varieties and specialty items are readily available, but Open Markets have been a grind. Demand and shopping habits have evolved, and markets still have a post-pandemic feel,” Tony notes. “The state of the economy over the last several years, the threat of tariffs, the potential cancellation of the suspension agreement in July, that will add up to an additional 21 percent to the cost of goods imported into the U.S. will add more uncertainty through out our industry. These factors have changed buying habits; consumers buy the necessities and pass on the extras they in the past would toss in the shopping cart. But fortunately it’s not all gloom and doom, as we are beginning to see an effort to impact this and are seeing a slight economic change, with inflation showing signs of slowing, which should impact the cost of goods.”

As GR Fresh transitions to its Coahuila operations, opportunities are ramping up across the tomato, bell pepper, cucumber, and avocado markets, alongside a large collection of other Mexican favorites.

As always, stay up to date on current market dynamics and category opportunities with the latest insights from AndNowUKnow!

ISLANDIA, NY - According to Long Island Business News, Trader Joe’s is planning a major East Coast expansion with a 921,000-square-foot distribution facility proposed for Islandia, New York. The development would be one of Long Island’s largest single-user industrial projects and could generate up to 800 jobs. The facility is set to support 13 existing Trader Joe’s stores across Long Island, Brooklyn, and Queens, while positioning the retailer for further growth in the region.

The 66-acre site would house a 756,000-square-foot warehouse with cold storage, a 125,000-square-foot freezer building, and a maintenance structure. Currently served by a distribution center over 100 miles away in Bath, Pennsylvania, the new Islandia hub would significantly reduce travel time and improve logistics efficiency for nearby stores.

The property, formerly CA Technologies’ headquarters, was acquired by a joint ownership group after a friendly foreclosure in 2021. Originally slated for a multi-building development, the plan shifted when Trader Joe’s, represented by IDS Real Estate Group, began pursuing a build-to-suit opportunity. Approvals from the Village of Islandia and potential updates to economic incentives through the Islip IDA are still pending.

Check back with ANUK as we follow retail expansion and its impact on regional fresh produce distribution.