CASTROVILLE, CA - Ocean Mist Farms, North America's leading grower and shipper of fresh artichokes, has officially kicked off its spring season. With its annual migration north complete, the company’s transition to its spring/summer growing region – in Castroville and Salinas Valley, CA – is in full production.

“The spring crop is looking great,” said Ben Wilson, commodity account manager, in a recent press release. Continuing, “If these first harvests are any indication of what our season will bring…it’s going to be a good one!” Wilson emphasized, “With the exceptional quality we’re seeing, we expect a strong crop through the Easter holiday and beyond.”

Easter is a big artichoke holiday, and this year will be no exception. “We will have promotable volumes in a variety of pack sizes to support customer demand,” Wilson stated. Adding, “Now is the perfect time for ads and promotions that will create excitement in Produce Departments and remind consumers of the exceptional crops they can expect this spring and summer.” In addition to ads and promos, building destination displays and taking advantage of cross-promotional opportunities will also generate excitement and result in artichokes in baskets.

In addition to its ample supply of green artichokes, Ocean Mist Farms' purple artichokes are a real fan-favorite and hard to keep on the shelves when retailers stock them. “These first spring harvests of purple artichokes are yielding a beautiful crop; we expect good volumes for Easter and through April and possibly into May,” said Wilson.

SHELBY, MI - Peterson Brands, LLC, a leading provider of high-quality fruit and vegetable beverages, is pleased to announce the acquisition of Tropical Paradise DBA Cool Tropics, a preeminent and popular brand known for its K-12 presence with its nutritious and refreshing fruit and vegetable-based beverages. This acquisition marks a significant step in Peterson Brands’ commitment to expanding its innovative beverage portfolio and strengthening its presence in the school and foodservice markets.

Cool Tropics has built a strong reputation for delivering fruit-first, better-for-you beverages that meet the needs of health-conscious consumers. By joining Peterson Brands, Cool Tropics will benefit from enhanced production capabilities, expanded distribution, and continued innovation in the fruit and vegetable-based beverage industry.

“We are excited to welcome Cool Tropics to the Peterson Brands family,” said Aaron Peterson, CEO of Peterson Brands, in a recent press release. “Their commitment to providing great-tasting, nutritious beverages aligns perfectly with our mission. This acquisition allows us to expand our reach and continue delivering high-quality, fruit and vegetable-based products to schools, foodservice providers, and consumers nationwide.”

With this acquisition, Peterson Brands will leverage its expertise in fruit processing and beverage innovation to further develop the Cool Tropics brand, ensuring its continued growth and success.

Frank Massabni, CEO of Cool Tropics, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “This acquisition marks an exciting new chapter for Cool Tropics. In Peterson Brands, we have found the perfect partner to build on our 31-year legacy in our beloved K-12 community, expanding our brand and presence. From the people, culture, and systems, Peterson Brands will take Cool Tropics to new heights leveraging their unique farm-to-table and farm-to-school capabilities.”

Peterson Brands remains dedicated to quality, sustainability, and innovation. The addition of Cool Tropics strengthens its position as a leader in the fruit and vegetable-based beverage industry while maintaining its commitment to customer satisfaction and community impact.

For more information about Peterson Brands, visit www.petersonbrands.com. To learn more about Cool Tropics, visit www.cool-tropics.com.

CHELSEA, MA - Gold Bell and Morning Kiss Organic is pleased to announce the availability of organic and conventional sweet potatoes, a delicious and nutrient-rich staple perfect for Easter celebrations and holiday meals. Packed with vitamins and antioxidants, sweet potatoes offer both exceptional taste and numerous health benefits. Rich in vitamins A and C, fiber, and essential minerals such as potassium and manganese, sweet potatoes support immune health, digestion, and overall well-being. Their natural sweetness and versatility make them a favorite ingredient in a variety of dishes, from classic casseroles to roasted sides and even baked goods.

Morning Kiss Organic offers a variety of sweet potatoes, including traditional, orange-fleshed sweet potatoes, Japanese sweet potatoes with their distinctive reddish-purple skin and creamy white interior, garnet yams known for their deep orange flesh and rich flavor, and white sweet potatoes, which have a milder taste and firmer texture. With such a diverse selection, consumers can enjoy different flavors and textures suited for any culinary creation.

Gold Bell works closely with East Coast suppliers, including local New England farms, to ensure the highest quality sweet potatoes are available to consumers. With a naturally long shelf life and vibrant flavor, these root vegetables are a must-have for holiday feasts and everyday meals alike.

“Sweet potatoes are a holiday favorite, whether served mashed, roasted, or baked into pies,” says Mike Guptill of Morning Kiss Organic in a recent press release. “We are excited to provide a high-quality option that consumers can feel good about serving to their families.”

As part of its commitment to sustainability, Gold Bell and Morning Kiss Organic use just-in-time inventory management to reduce food waste and ensure freshness. Retailers benefit from minimized spoilage and efficient stocking, while consumers enjoy top-quality produce that meets the highest organic standards.

CHELAN, WA - Usually, as the day ticks by, I grapple with the loss of time, and how much I wish I had more. But when it comes to the Women’s Fresh Perspectives Conference (WFPC) slated for April 13–15 in Carlsbad, California, time cannot move fast enough. With the event on the horizon, Lorinda Oscarson, Brand Content Manager, Chelan Fresh, joined me to share her thoughts on the event and what has piqued her interest this year.

“What I am most looking forward to at this year's WFPC is introducing our new employees to all of the opportunities that come at the event,” Lorinda shares with me. “Women's Fresh Perspectives gives every company the opportunity to send both new and seasoned employees to an event where they can discover untapped potential and strengthen their ability to lead.”

Having been a witness to Lorinda and her powerhouse approach to the categories she manages, I asked her how her experience allows for a unique perspective.

“Women's emotional intelligence brings a unique opportunity to navigate workplace dynamics effectively,” Lorinda expresses. “What I have learned is that there is a seat at the table for everyone, so keep striving to find and make your seat. And, sell yourself.”

This unique space offers a host of opportunities no matter where you are in your career.

“At events like the Women's Fresh Perspectives Conference, women can sharpen a variety of key skills that are essential for personal and professional growth. Some of the skills include career strategy, learning how to set goals, negotiate, and advocate for your career progression—all while also gaining leadership development skills for effective communication, decision-making, and team-building.”

The excitement only continues to build! See you all in April!