Every retailer in every industry is looking to increase profits, perhaps none more so than the grocery channel where margins are razor thin. For grocers, there may be a big opportunity in the produce (and other perishables) aisle.

Westfalia Fruit announced the opening of its newest Fresh Distribution and Ripening Center in Winston-Salem, NC. The strategic expansion, developed in partnership with Foster USA, strengthens Westfalia Fruit’s presence along the Eastern Seaboard while enhancing access to ripe-and-ready avocado programs across the Mid-Atlantic region.

Today’s consumers are looking for ingredients that simplify meal planning while delivering bold flavor and everyday versatility — and mushrooms are uniquely positioned to deliver. Highline Mushrooms is advancing the category with solutions designed to meet the needs of today’s modern meal assemblers. 

At SEPC’s Southern Exposure, the company will highlight a range of product and merchandising solutions aimed at elevating the mushroom set and expanding its role across the store. 

When it comes to Vidalia sweet onions, few names in Georgia carry the history and reputation of J. Cowart Inc., better known as Cowart Farms. Based in Lyons, GA, in the heart of Vidalia country, the multi-generational operation has built its Sugar Sweet brand on consistency, quality and a willingness to evolve with the times. 

Officials at Fowler Farms have a lot to say to attendees of SEPC’s Southern Exposure this year. 

The Wolcott, NY-based company once again had a solid year in the apples business with good movement and a lot of demand for its quality product, but, with drought conditions throughout the east coast last season, the apples that were produced were a bit smaller than previous years and it is important that customers know what is going on and how to handle it. 

As February closes, it is becoming clear the Arizona-California desert deal is running approximately three weeks ahead of schedule.

A combination of earlier rainfall followed by sustained above-average temperatures accelerated crop development across much of the Yuma region. Fields matured faster than anticipated, compressing harvest windows and tightening the overall production curve. While crews are still cutting and sheds are running steadily, the calendar is effectively ahead of itself.