Backed by more than a century of family farming, Ocean Mist Farms knows that great meals start with great vegetables. Now the company is applying that same expertise to developing products that help make those vegetables as easy to cook as they are good to eat.

Enter a growing line of value-added innovations that do the hard work upfront — washing, trimming, chopping and even selecting the seasoning — so time-pressed families don’t have to. The result is fresh, flavorful vegetables that fit into real life, not just ideal schedules.

Ronald Bown Fernández, the historic president of Frutas de Chile who led the organization for more than three decades, has died.

Beginning this year, National Mushroom Month is moving to June to align with peak grilling season and remind shoppers that mushrooms are a versatile, year-round staple.

“Summer presents a strong opportunity for mushroom category growth, driven by grilling occasions and consumer interest in fresh, flavorful, healthy ingredients,” said Cristie Mather, vice president of marketing for the Mushroom Council. “Simple merchandising, education and meal inspiration can encourage shoppers to enjoy mushrooms in new ways and help drive incremental sales.”

The Northwest cherry region has faced some challenges, from warm winters to periods of spring frost. However, Superfresh Growers has adjusted accordingly, setting the stage for what is expected to be a fruitful season. This is in part due to Superfresh’s geographically diverse orchards spanning Oregon, Washington and Montana. 

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Pharr International Bridge cargo facility intercepted $14.7 million worth of alleged methamphetamine concealed in a commercial trailer.

Nickey Gregory, founder of Nickey Gregory Co., dedicated more than four decades of his life to the wholesale produce business. He was a mentor, leader, friend and a steady hand to many across the Southeast and throughout the industry. Mr. Gregory’s influence can be felt at every level of the supply chain, in the customers he served, the growers he stood beside, the partners who came to rely on him and the team he built and inspired every day.