The American Date Industry Export Trade Association is hosting USDA Foreign Agricultural Service Administrator Daniel Whitley Wednesday, Dec. 6.

Whitley will address the date industry and other specialty crop groups on the Regional Agricultural Product Promotion funding as well as other key initiatives the department is working on for export support.

Several factors have had a negative impact on date grower volume throughout the Southwest. Tropical Storm Hillary and the subsequent rains that followed in late August have lowered estimates to a crop already reported lighter than average.

SunDate, a distinguished player in the global date industry, has successfully positioned itself as a leading producer and processor of premium dates since its inception. Founded in 1977, the company has emerged as one of the largest suppliers of Medjool and Deglet Noor dates worldwide. The company’s commitment to quality and sustainability has earned it widespread recognition, establishing it as a trusted partner for retailers and consumers alike.

Due to growing customer demand, Joolies Dates, a leading name in the world of California-grown premium date products, has launched its latest product offering:  Post-Recycled Tubs, featuring a wide range of organic and conventional dates, including its beloved Medjool Dates and now expanding to Deglet Noors as well as coconut and almond roll varieties. This expansion in the Joolies product lineup is a testament to the company’s commitment to offering retail customers an even broader selection of high-quality options, making Joolies a true one stop date shop.

Vick Family Farms has been growing, packaging and shipping sweet potatoes in eastern North Carolina since the early 80s and supplies sweet potatoes to customers both domestic and international year-round.

“We offer private label and are known for Carolina Gold labels in a variety of packs,” said Charlotte Vick, partner/sales and marketing manager for the Wilson, NC-based company.