Cold weather remains the dominant theme across most growing regions as we move deeper into February. Florida and parts of Mexico continue to experience below-normal temperatures, while California’s coastal regions have stayed relatively dry. Driving through the Salinas Valley this week, you can start to see the next season taking shape. Fields are being prepped, beds are going in and early signs of the spring transition are beginning to show, even as winter conditions linger elsewhere.

After several turbulent years for the foodservice-driven sweet potato industry, Doreva Produce Co. Inc. is entering 2026 with renewed strength and a sharpened focus on retail growth, specialty varieties and next-generation automation.

For Benjaman J. Silva, the company’s longtime leader, the story of the past year has been about resilience meeting opportunity.

Grocery Outlet Holding Corp. launched its first-ever shoppable livestream series: The Grocery Outlet Xtreme Value Stock Up Show designed to help shoppers get ready for the big game.

Designed to bring the thrill of bargain hunting directly to shoppers’ screens, the new livestream series offers an interactive treasure hunt experience for customers to shop Grocery Outlet’s latest deals in real time, offering a savings of 30 to 70 percent relative to conventional retailers.

Sun World International added 10 new marketers to its global licensee network in the fourth quarter of 2025 and expanded its longstanding relationship with Sun Pacific, which also now serves as an authorized importer for Sun World varieties in North America.

The sweet potato category continues to build momentum across the U.S. produce landscape, evolving from a seasonal staple into a year-round performer with growing relevance in both retail and foodservice. 

Westfalia Fruit will present its GEM gourmet avocado at Fruit Logistica 2026, reinforcing its continued focus on premium quality, innovation and category growth in the global avocado market.

At the Westfalia Fruit stand in Hall 5.2, Stand D-21, visitors will be invited to discover the GEM experience through live tastings and dedicated displays that highlight the variety’s superior taste, texture and eating quality. Retailers interested in experiencing GEM and exploring ranging opportunities are encouraged to meet with the Westfalia Fruit team during the show.