MADERA COUNTY, CA - Riverstone, a premier master-planned community in California’s Central Valley, is pleased to announce the next exciting phase of its Riverwalk development: the addition of 61,000 square feet of new retail space, headlined by the arrival of Raley’s Supermarkets, a division of The Raley’s Companies.

A family-owned company, Raley’s has built a proud legacy of delivering high-quality groceries while promoting health and wellness across California and Nevada. The new Riverstone location represents a significant milestone for the grocer, as it marks Raley’s second store in Madera County.

Located in the vibrant Riverwalk at Riverstone, the upcoming 40,000-square-foot store will feature a contemporary grocery layout enriched with modern amenities. Designed to serve the growing needs of the community, the store will open as a Raley’s ONE Market and include an extensive selection of fresh prepared foods, natural and organic products, locally sourced produce, and a café.

In partnership with Tim Jones of Riverstone Development, Raley’s is set to introduce a new, state-of-the-art store format tailored for the Riverstone location. This innovative model will prioritize sustainable building practices, reflecting Raley’s commitment to environmental stewardship and future-forward retail development.

“We are deeply grateful to Raley’s Board Member, Jerry Cook, whose introduction to Riverstone Development was instrumental in forging this exciting collaboration,” said Tiffanie Burkhalter, The Raley’s Companies Chief Financial Officer and Head of Real Estate, in a recent press release. “Consistent with our Owner & Chairman, Mike Teel’s vision, this store embodies our mission of promoting health and wellness through fresh, responsibly sourced food and thoughtful design. We look forward to becoming a trusted neighbor and grocery destination for the Riverstone community.”

“This partnership represents a major step in our ongoing mission to enhance the lifestyle and amenities available to residents and neighbors of the Central Valley,” said Tim Jones, at Riverstone. “As a high-quality, community-focused grocer, Raley’s is the perfect fit for our growing community. This new store won’t just serve our residents—it will become a destination for the surrounding region, offering convenient access to healthy, fresh food and a shopping experience that reflects the values and lifestyle we’re building here in Riverstone.”

Construction is anticipated to begin in early 2026, with the grand opening targeted for spring 2027.

SAN ANTONIO, TX - NatureSweet®, the trailblazer in premium produce, is thrilled to unveil a refreshed and even more irresistible Glorys®. These vibrant cherry tomatoes are now packed with even more sweetness and flavor, delivering an elevated taste experience to consumers everywhere. The new, sweeter Glorys® excels in flavor, quality, texture, color, and burst, and consistently ranks as the top cherry tomato choice in extensive consumer testing when compared to other brands. NatureSweet is also proud to debut a fruit variety that boasts exceptional resistance to disease— an important advancement in safeguarding and securing our food supply.

“Our journey to find a sweeter cherry tomato variety began in 2022, leading us to a dozen countries where we sampled fruit from a range of seed companies,” says Gilberto Rojas, NatureSweet’s Senior Manager of New Varieties, in a recent press release. “This particular variety stands out for its aromatic richness and exceptional sweetness, scoring high on the Brix scale. Its superior flavor, disease resistance, and high yield truly make it a superstar in the world of tomatoes.”

Glorys® is ideal for grilling, sautéing, roasting, baking, and even snacking— much like NatureSweet’s popular Cherubs® grape tomatoes, which have long been the top choice for snacking and hold the number one spot as the best-selling brand.

The new, sweeter Glorys® provides consumers with another healthy, delicious option, offering high levels of Vitamins A and C, with fewer than 50 calories per serving.

“This is one of the sweetest tomatoes our sensory panel has ever tested,” says Julieta Ramírez, NatureSweet’s Manager of Sensory Evaluation, who leads a department dedicated to identifying optimal varieties for all NatureSweet produce. “What’s even more exciting is that consumer testing confirmed this excellence, with Glorys® earning top scores in key categories, highlighting its broad appeal.”

Glorys®10oz package can be found at supermarkets nationwide. The product features proprietary packaging made from 100% recycled PET.

SANTA BARBARA, CA - As produce exporters face mounting uncertainty from sweeping U.S. tariffs, Fresh Formulaics offers a timely solution. The company’s next-generation, plant-based post-harvest treatments, including its breakthrough product Flair S1™, help produce suppliers and shippers respond to market disruptions by improving quality, reducing shrink, and unlocking new export opportunities.

In April, the U.S. introduced a 10 percent universal tariff on most imports. While this rate currently applies to most countries, higher, country-specific tariffs were also announced for several nations. However, enforcement of those increases has been suspended until July 9, 2025, while trade negotiations continue.

While Mexican avocados remain exempt from new tariffs under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), recent trade policy changes have caused shipment delays and operational uncertainty. Citrus, meanwhile, continues to face price volatility and changing trade conditions, prompting many produce suppliers to reassess their export strategies. Producers are adjusting in real time, looking for practical ways to protect their margins.

“When your margins are already tight and followed by a tariff increase, every bit of sellable product counts,” said Denise Junqueiro, Vice President of Marketing at Fresh Formulaics, in a recent press release. “With our products, suppliers are seeing 10 to 15 percent more fruit make it to market. That’s fruit that would’ve typically been rejected or lost along the way due to shrink.”

Many Latin American exporters are also looking beyond the U.S. market, redirecting shipments to Europe and Asia. But entering new markets often means longer travel times and tougher arrival standards. Flair S1™ extends shelf life, enhances appearance, and provides consistency that helps exporters succeed with longer routes and unfamiliar buyers.

“If you’re entering a market you haven’t shipped to before, it usually takes at least a season or two to get your systems in order,” Junqueiro added. “Our product acts like an added layer of insurance that gives you more confidence right from the start. It buys you time to get the rest of your process dialed in.”

Fresh Formulaics is already working with growers and packers who are adapting their export strategies in light of these trade developments. With the company’s drop-ship model, getting started is simple and fast, even for first-time exporters or those testing new markets.

To learn more about how Fresh Formulaics can support your export operations during this period of tariff volatility, visit www.freshformulaics.com.

WASHINGTON, DC - International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) has announced that Sarah Pau will join the association as the country manager of East Asia. Country managers serve as a point of connection with the produce and floral industry in regions across the globe; they provide regional support to members and volunteer leaders, facilitate networking and resource sharing within members both in region and between regions, and serve as market experts for all IFPA members.

Pau brings more than 10 years of experience in agricultural trade and will join Mabel Zhuang, the country manager for China, in providing membership value in the Asian-Pacific region. Based in Hong Kong, Pau will expand IFPA’s presence in Asia, representing emerging and established markets in Southeast Asia, Korea, and more.

“Asia markets are growing and evolving quickly, and we are at a pivotal time to grow consumption and opportunity for the entire global produce and floral supply chain,” said IFPA VP of Global Industry Relations, Jessica Keller, in a recent press release. “I’m thrilled to welcome Sarah to our team and excited to see how her expertise, her sharp insights, and her passion for innovation will create immediate value for our members and future members in Asia and across the globe.”

Pau’s most recent role as an agri-trade consultant, where she focused on improving purchasing processes, cutting costs and finding new market opportunities for industry members. Her deep understanding of the market dynamics coupled with her established networks will be invaluable to IFPA members who are based in and looking to expand into these fast-growing region.

“I’m thrilled to be joining the IFPA team and serve members in these exciting markets,” said Pau. “This is a transformational time for global markets and I’m proud to be able to help our members learn more about how they can accelerate their goals, connect with new partners and innovators, and increase consumption of produce and floral.”

In addition to experience that Pau brings from industry roles, she also has worked in the United States Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) team for the Hong Kong and Macau region. She speaks 3 languages and brings with her valuable networks between Asian and Western markets. 

MIAMI, FL - Kapi Kapi Growers, a leading global grower-shipper of sustainably grown pineapples, bananas, and plantains, announces team expansion with the hiring of a new Director of Supply Chain focused on strategic growth initiatives to better support Kapi Kapi business partners. Marissa Geoffroy, a 17-year industry veteran, is now leading Kapi Kapi’s logistics team overseeing all inbound ocean freight as well as outbound transportation to retail, foodservice, and wholesale customers across the U.S.

Geoffroy brings nearly two decades of experience in produce distribution and international supply chain management, with deep expertise in importing from Central and South America. Most recently, as Director of Strategic Development at Central American Produce, Geoffroy led key initiatives in ocean freight logistics, FSMA compliance, ERP implementation, and strategic growth planning—all while managing critical relationships with agricultural partners and transportation carriers. Prior to that, she built Topco Associates’ internal transportation department from the ground up, including the implementation of a transportation load building and tracking system, and helping customers consolidate LTL shipments.

“Kapi Kapi’s tremendous growth over the last five years makes this a very appealing career opportunity,” said Geoffroy in a recent press release. “I look forward to bringing my skills and strategic approach to the supply chain side of the business as we work collectively to make the Kapi brand a household name. It’s exciting to think about where the company will be in five years!”

“Marissa’s track record of driving operational efficiency, reducing costs, and leading high-performing teams positions her as a strategic member of the Kapi team as our business continues to expand,” said Sofia Acon, president of Kapi Kapi Growers. “Her experience and background align nicely with the phase of growth Kapi is currently in, and she will no doubt be a key leader in our continued success.”

YAKIMA, WA - This year, FirstFruits Farms expanded the Opal Apples Youth Make a Difference initiative, celebrating youth leadership through community grants and a new partnership with The Junior Basketball League (JrTBL). Together, these efforts reflect Opal Apples’ commitment to empowering the next generation to create healthier, stronger communities.

The 2025 Youth Make a Difference program awarded grants to nine outstanding youth-led projects driving change in food security, nutrition, agriculture, and education:

• BrainPower in a Backpack | Burnsville, MN
• Global Leaders | Fort Collins, CO
• Parker Learning Gardens | Eugene, OR
• The Garden Club Project | Blacklick, OH
• Earth Mountain Education Farm | Western, CO
• Growing Hope | Ypsilanti, MI
• LEAF Project Inc. | Landisburg, PA
• Roots Rising | Pittsfield, MA

"This year marks the 15th year of Youth Make a Difference, and with Opal being known as the apple that gives back, we wanted to make this year extra special by expanding Opal’s support of young leaders across the country. We are proud that Opal is not only fueling healthier lifestyles but igniting a movement toward stronger, more resilient, and thriving communities across the country," said Emily Cox, Marketing Manager at FirstFruits Farms, in a recent press release.

Increasing the initiative’s reach, Opal partnered with JrTBL to inspire more than 11,000 youth athletes across the country through basketball clinics hosted by 35 professional teams. At key events, including TBL Draft Weekend and All-Star Weekend, Opal Apples energized young players with healthy snacks and reinforced the values of leadership, teamwork, and wellness.

"At JrTBL, we are committed to nurturing leaders, problem solvers, and innovators who believe in doing what is right and knowing they are enough," said Evelyn Magley, CEO of The Basketball League. “Our partnership with Opal Apples beautifully reflects these values, encouraging our young athletes to make healthy choices, live with integrity, and build a foundation for success both on and off the court. Together, we are growing more than athletes; we are shaping future leaders."

Together, through the Youth Make a Difference initiative and the JrTBL partnership, Opal and FirstFruits Farms are investing in a healthier, stronger generation.

OCEANSIDE, CA - Retailers and consumers alike have come to expect consistent quality, robust flavor, and clean-slicing deliciousness from Oceanside Pole tomatoes. Unexpectedly, however, a surprise new item will grow and travel alongside the iconic Romas and rounds this summer.

Following a successful 2024 trial, Oceanside Pole began commercial production of red sweet bell peppers. The team projects approximately 150,000 cases, available October through December — a strategic window when supply tends to be limited due to the seasonal transitions between Canadian and Mexican production.

“Timing can be everything in fresh produce,” said James Galindo, senior sales representative and category manager for Oppy, which exclusively markets West Coast Tomato Growers’ products. “By shipping at a point when red bell availability traditionally dips, we can provide much-needed consistency to our partners. It’s a smart expansion that complements the tomato program well.”

Meanwhile, Galindo shares that the tomato crop is also shaping up well. “We’re planning for 2.2 million cases of rounds and 750,000 cases of Romas this year. The rounds harvest will begin in late June or early July, followed by Romas about three weeks later. The quality is shaping up beautifully, and we’re excited about what’s ahead.”

The Oceanside Pole program is unique in the market as the last remaining commercial scale vine-ripened pole-grown tomato operation west of the Mississippi River, offering customers a rich flavor and exceptional slicing quality. The Singh family, which has been farming in Oceanside since 1939, remains committed to sustainable, premium tomato production on California’s coast.

“These are tomatoes that really deliver on flavor and performance,” Galindo added in a recent press release. “They’ve become a go-to in produce departments and shoppers who care about quality.”