With 2024 coming to a close, things are looking up at the Northland Potato Growers Association.

First off, Gary Shields was appointed the new executive director earlier this year, bringing more than 30 years of expertise to the role. In his new position, Shields aims to leverage his extensive background, which includes 15 years in the packaging containment sector, with a keen focus on potatoes, to strengthen the association and support regional growers.

As the winter holidays approach, a demand for fresh produce often peaks, reflecting seasonal cooking traditions and festive gatherings.

For instance, cranberries, squash, and pumpkin are all big staples for a Thanksgiving-day meal, and all saw a rise in sales last month. Though there may be less demand for other winter holidays, these items are still being used for holiday meals.

Delta Fresh Sales, a leading distributor of Mexican produce items from Mexico, with a specialty in tomatoes, is looking forward to a good, if not typical, season of winter vegetables out of Mexico.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture imposed sanctions on CFG Produce Inc. in Lantana, TX, for violating the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act. These sanctions include barring the business and the principal operators of the business from engaging in PACA-licensed business or other activities without approval from USDA.

Canadawide Fruits and Les Entreprises Pitre, one of the largest berry producers in Canada, have partnered with Bleu & Bon, a company specializing in the processing of berries. Together, these three companies are joining forces and expertise to develop an even more diverse range of fruit-based products.

With the holiday’s right around the corner, here is an update of some of the more popular items in the produce aisle.