WASHINGTON - International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) CEO Cathy Burns issued the following statement regarding President Donald Trump’s April 2 tariff announcement:

"The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) appreciates the administration’s decision to allow the continued trade of specialty crops, including fruits and vegetables, covered under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

"Fresh fruits, vegetables, and florals are among the most highly traded commodities across North America and beyond. Reducing trade barriers ensures that consumers continue to have access to fresh, affordable produce and floral products while supporting the growers and businesses that sustain the industry.

"However, IFPA remains concerned about the broader application of tariffs on global trading partners and the resulting disruptions to supply chains, market stability, and food prices worldwide. The global trade of fresh produce is essential to the health and well-being of people in every nation. Targeted use of tariffs can be a tool for addressing inequities between trading partners, but broad application of this blunt tool often disrupts markets, raises consumer costs, and places unnecessary strain on growers and producers across the supply chain.

"Fresh produce trade is uniquely complex, shaped by seasonal and regional factors that require a well-functioning market for year-round availability. Once businesses lose market share, reclaiming it is difficult—if not impossible—dealing a lasting blow to an industry vital to food security and economic stability.

"We appreciate the administration’s commitment to easing regulatory burdens and supporting American agriculture. We urge continued efforts toward long-term solutions that benefit fresh produce growers and businesses, including equitable trade agreements, regulatory reform, and policies that promote a stable agricultural workforce.

"IFPA looks forward to working with the administration on balanced solutions that protect growers, businesses, and consumers alike."

PORTERVILLE, CA - Homegrown Organic Farms is pleased to announce the addition of Carrie Briones as its newest Citrus Category Manager. With over two decades of experience in the produce industry, Briones will play a key role in strengthening Homegrown’s citrus program and driving strategic growth. She will report to Craig Morris, Citrus & Grape Category Director.

Briones began her career in produce at just 19 years old, working as a clerk at a citrus exchange in Riverside, CA. She later transitioned into sales and grower relations, working with both conventional and organic produce, and spent the last decade specializing in organic citrus sales. Her deep understanding of the organic market, combined with a passion for building strong customer and grower relationships, makes her a natural fit for the Homegrown team.

“We’re always looking for experienced, forward-thinking produce leaders who align with our mission to provide the best organic fruit and create long-term value for our partners, and Carrie is a perfect fit,” said Craig Morris, Citrus & Grape Category Director, in a recent press release. “She understands the nuances of this category and knows how to navigate the complexities of organic sales. Her ability to connect with growers and buyers alike will be invaluable as we continue expanding our citrus program.”

As Homegrown continues to expand its citrus program, Briones’ expertise in organic sales and grower partnerships will play a vital role in enhancing customer programs and ensuring a seamless supply chain from farm to shelf.

“When I first got into sales, I was given a Blue Book and told, ‘Here is your guide.’ I loved the idea of picking up the phone and creating a relationship that could change a business,” said Briones. “I’m excited to bring that same energy and passion to Homegrown, working closely with customers and growers to deliver the best organic fruit at the right time in the season.”

Briones was drawn to Homegrown for its strong reputation, long-standing relationships, and deeply rooted values. “What really stood out to me was the company’s commitment to its growers and customers,” she said. “Homegrown isn’t just a sales company—it’s a fully integrated operation, working from the field to the store to provide the best solutions at every step of the supply chain.”

With citrus season in full swing, Briones and the team are ready to support customers with a full range of organic citrus—from core varieties like Navels and Mandarins to specialty offerings like Blood Oranges and Pummelo. Contact the sales team at [email protected] or (559) 306-1770 to learn more.

DETROIT, MI - Ben B. Schwartz & Sons, a leading wholesale distributor of fresh fruits and vegetables, recently launched its custom-built Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) platform. Ben B. Access, expanding on its legacy Produce Pro system, helps to expedite orders, deliver with greater precision, automate administrative tasks, and analyze data that helps the company better predict future purchasing decisions.

Ben B. Access brings together:

• Supply Chain Planning: Ben B. Access leverages Transportation Management System software to manage purchase orders based on a variety of factors, such as mileage, temperature, pallet count, and weight, and then sources, assigns and pays carriers directly for loads - eliminating cumbersome, administrative steps in the purchasing process. With this feature, staff also receive real-time notifications regarding team truck driver locations and internal truck temperatures to guarantee on-time delivery and peak product freshness.
• Third-Party Integration: Ben B. Access has the agility off-the-shelf options don’t, integrating with third-party solutions like Samsara, Project44 and MacroPoint to track owned and third-party trucks using GPS or ELD to flag late deliveries, providing greater visibility into freight movement using trusted and industry-leading tools.
• Real-time Delivery Status & Driver Updates: With Slack integration, Ben B. Access allows team members to connect directly with drivers for real-time updates on delivery status to maintain a high-level of customer service, as well as record and report safety and health issues for complete transparency and make procedural improvements as quickly as possible.
• Actionable Data Insights: Using both internal data about purchasing patterns and external factors such as market indicators, Ben B. Access helps the company evaluate commodity performance and predict demand to adjust volume ordering with greater accuracy and stabilize pricing for customers.

“Technology is key to staying competitive, but we felt the options available today are limited because they only deliver certain, isolated features that won’t significantly move the needle for our business,” said Bill Loupee, Chief Operating Officer at Ben B. Schwartz & Sons, in a recent press release. “That’s why we built our own platform, one that could execute and absorb all of the functions needed to future-proof our business, satisfy our customers and keep things moving. We’ve been operating at a high standard for nearly 120 years, and Ben B. Access elevates our performance yet again - giving us the opportunity to continually build out a system with the latest tools to address operational and customer pain points as they arise.”

Additional features of Ben B. Access are slated to roll out later this year, including tools for sales forecasting. Stay tuned to learn more about how Ben B. Schwartz & Sons is integrating cutting-edge technology solutions to drive efficiency.

NOGALES, AZ - Divine Flavor categorizes Viva Fresh as an event where new opportunities arise, and for a company watching its strategic investments take root and flourish, it’s an exciting time to attend. I spoke with Clarisa Batiz, Organic Veg Category Manager, to learn more about Divine Flavor’s showcase for the upcoming expo.

“What we’re focusing on this year is ensuring we have a consistent supply year-round for our veg programs, which gives confidence to the customer. This has been an area of opportunity for Divine Flavor in the past, and we’ve taken big steps to close production gaps,” Clarisa begins.

Some of these categories include conventional Roma tomatoes, organic and conventional Persian cucumbers, conventional bell peppers, and organic and conventional mini peppers.

“We are also trialing organic cocktail cucumbers,” Clarisa adds. “There are not a lot of organic cocktail cucumbers on the market right now, which means they’re very limited in supply. We’ve also done tests on conventional seedless mini peppers, and we’re trialing those out to go to market with them soon.”

Part of what makes year-round supply possible on these in-demand categories is a recent investment in new facilities.

“Our parent company, Grupo Alta, is building 75 hectares of greenhouse facilities in Central Mexico—about 25 hectares each year over the next three years. Central Mexico is a strategic foothold that helps to bridge all the other growing regions in Mexico,” Clarisa notes. “It’s still being decided what will go in each year, but it will be heavy on the tomato side.”

Closing the gaps in strategic categories has solidified Divine Flavor as a key player in Mexico. But the company’s vertical integration is what truly sets it apart.

“We control all aspects of production, so when you’re talking to us, it’s like you’re talking to the farmer,” Clarisa imparts. “A lot of our competitors source from different growers, whereas we control most of the farms for a more hands-on approach. Agriculture is getting more complicated, and the more we can control the variables of production, the better.”

Grupo Alta has been a pioneer in Mexico for many years, and its connections throughout the country have allowed Divine Flavor to make inroads in growing regions like Central Mexico that it might not otherwise have had access to. It was also one of the first companies to become Fair Trade Certified and one of the first to be certified organic—all the way back in the ‘90s!

There are a lot of exciting things happening at Divine Flavor, and you won’t want to miss a chance to talk to the team at booth #419.

Keep reading ANUK as we continue to cover the days leading up to Viva Fresh!

WEST SACRAMENTO, CA - Raley’s and Washington-based FirstFruits Farms donated 30,000 pounds of fresh apples to the Food Bank for Monterey County. This generous contribution was made possible by Raley’s customers who purchased select apples during January and February as part of a give-back initiative.

The apples were shared at local school distribution site, Santa Rita Elementary School as part of FirstFruits Farms’ Take a Bite Out of Hunger™ program. The program works with retailers across the nation to feature FirstFruits’ apples for consumer purchase. In turn, a percentage of these sales are used to donate produce back to local communities. Families can receive a variety of produce, including tasty and nutritious Fuji apples.

“Raley’s is proud to partner with FirstFruits Farms to provide fresh and delicious apples to individuals throughout Monterey County,” said Chelsea Carbahal, Vice President of Community Impact & Public Affairs, The Raley’s Companies, in a recent press release. “This donation will directly benefit families, providing them with delicious apples that are fresh, healthy and satisfying.”

FirstFruits created the Take a Bite out of Hunger™ campaign to help feed underserved communities, while bringing attention to the problem of food insecurity in the United States. More than 3 million pounds of fresh apples have been donated to local food banks in the communities of retailers like Raley’s since the program’s inception in 2010.

“One in seven Americans rely on food pantries and meal service programs to feed themselves and their families. Of that, more than half experience undernourishment from not having access to fresh fruits and vegetables,” said Aimee Bach, Business Development Manager, FirstFruits. “FirstFruits is proud to partner with retailers like Raley’s to help their communities get one step closer to ending hunger.”

The Food Bank for Monterey County serves more than 160,000 residents throughout the county each month and distributes more than 15 million pounds of food annually.

“We are thrilled to be the recipients of this wonderful donation of apples from Raley’s and FirstFruits Farms,” said Melissa Kendrick, CEO and Executive Director, the Food Bank for Monterey County. “We serve one in four residents throughout the county and any and all contributions – certainly fresh, wholesome fruit such as this – is gratefully received and sincerely appreciated.”

KINGSVILLE, ON - Del Fresco Pure®, a leader in innovative and sustainable greenhouse produce, is set to introduce its latest offering - Organic English Seedless Cucumbers, to the Canadian market at the Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) convention and trade show in Montreal, Quebec on April 8-10, 2025, (booth #315), celebrating CPMA's 100 years of excellence. Along with this expansion, the company is taking significant steps towards sustainability by unveiling new eco-friendly packaging initiatives. These efforts are designed to reduce environmental impact while maintaining the freshness and quality Del Fresco Pure® is known for. Adding to the excitement Del Fresco Pure® is thrilled to host a special guest appearance by @logansfewd, Logan Moffitt.

Introducing Del Fresco Pure® Organic English Seedless Cucumbers

Del Fresco Pure® has a strong reputation for bringing innovative and high-quality produce to the market. “The introduction of our Organic English Seedless Cucumber aligns with our mission to provide nutritious and sustainably grown food options to the Canadian marketplace,” said Ray Mastronardi, Vice President of Sales at Del Fresco Pure®, in a recent press release. “The debut of our Organic English Seedless Cucumber at CPMA, grown in here in Canada is a significant step for us as we continue to expand our organic offerings.”

Grown with the highest standards of organic farming, these cucumbers promise unparalleled freshness and flavour, adding a healthy and delicious option to their expanding organic lineup.

Special Guest Appearance by Logan Moffitt

Del Fresco Pure® is thrilled to welcome a special guest appearance by Ottawa native Logan Moffitt on Wednesday, April 9, from 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM. Affectionately known as the “cucumber guy,” Logan has captivated a wide audience with his viral cucumber salad series—transforming the humble cucumber into an unexpected star.

“We’re very excited to be collaborating with Logan, as it feels like a natural fit—we share a passion for quality and innovation,” said Sonia Klinger, Marketing Manager at Del Fresco Pure®. “Thanks to Logan, the love for cucumbers has become a lifestyle. His relatable, down-to-earth approach resonates with viewers and reminds us that the ordinary elements of life can be the foundation for extraordinary digital storytelling.”

Sustainable Packaging Initiatives

In a significant step towards sustainability, Del Fresco Pure® is unveiling new packaging 100% Recycled Cardboard for The Original Cherry Tomato on the Vine®. This eco-friendly initiative not only reduces their carbon footprint but also aligns with their dedication to innovation and environmental responsibility. The new packaging is designed to maintain product freshness while minimizing waste, making it a win-win for consumers and the planet.

EFI Certification Achievement

Del Fresco Pure® is proud to announce that it has achieved the Equitable Food Initiative (EFI) certification. This certification is a testament to their commitment to social responsibility, worker welfare, and food safety. By adhering to EFI's rigorous standards, they ensure that their produce is cultivated under ethical practices that support their workforce and the communities they serve.

“Achieving EFI certification is a significant milestone for us,” said Mastronardi. It reflects our ongoing commitment to creating a positive impact on our workforce and the environment, we believe that sustainable practices are essential to the future of agriculture, and we’re proud to be at the forefront of this movement.”

Celebrating 100 Years of CPMA

As CPMA marks its centennial anniversary, Del Fresco Pure® is honoured to be part of this historic event. "This is truly a significant milestone that underscores a century of dedication to the fresh produce industry," reflects Ray Mastronardi on this milestone. “This reflection captures the essence of CPMA's enduring impact and the unwavering commitment of its members to advancing the produce sector.”

The Del Fresco Pure® team will be at booth #315 during the upcoming CPMA trade show, April 8-10, 2025.

ALINAS, CA – Taylor Farms, North America’s leading producer of ready-to-eat salads and healthy fresh foods, launched its new campaign, “Get Your Salad Together”. The campaign is projected to generate over 1.4B impressions through advertising, and is designed to celebrate the joy of mealtime and support the growth of a category in need.

"There's nothing better than seeing our fans go wild over our delicious Chopped Salad Kits,” said Bryan Jaynes, VP Product and Marketing, Taylor Farms, in a recent press release. “When a meal has the right components that are both healthy and taste great, everyone enjoys it a bit more. And that’s what the Taylor Farms brand helps people do.”

Created in partnership with the agency Erich & Kallman, the campaign features two engaging, over-the-top commercials that highlight Taylor Farms as an irresistible, time-saving solution for creating meals everyone can feel good about. Whether it’s a spontaneous celebration sparked by a simple Caesar Chopped Salad Kit meal decision or a family’s animated joy over the Sweet Kale Chopped Kit, the message is clear—Taylor Farms makes it easy to “get your salad together” and, with it, bring life together just a little better.

“We are thrilled to share this fun, creative that celebrates relevant mealtime victories,” said Christina Barnard, Marketing Director at Taylor Farms. “Through our fully integrated campaign, we are using the Taylor Farms brand as a vehicle to elevate and grow the overall salad kit category.”

“Working alongside the Taylor Farms team on this campaign has been a blast,” says Erich & Kallman creative team Sarah Johnson and Scott Fish. “We all know it’s not always easy to eat healthy, so we believe that choosing Taylor Farms is a choice that deserves to be celebrated! We hope this campaign gives everyone permission to pat themselves on the back.”

The “Get Your Salad Together” campaign will connect with millions of salad lovers across the United States. Consumers can catch these upbeat ads on YouTubeTV, Disney+, Fubo, Paramount, Peacock, Roku, and other connected TV platforms, as well as across social media networks including Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, and Pinterest. Additionally, targeted display banners will run across retail media platforms, Instacart, out-of-home placements, and in-store point-of-sale display programs will further extend the campaign to key moments when consumers are shopping and deciding the never-ending meal dilemma - “What should I eat”.

Taylor Farms continues to reinforce its mission of bringing communities together by making healthy eating simple, joyful, and accessible.