Severe winter storms and freezes in Florida significantly reduced spring tomato supplies, while adverse weather in Mexico limited the market’s ability to offset the shortfall. As a result, tomato prices rose sharply, increasing about 15 percent in March and nearly 40 percent in April compared with the same period last year. Rising diesel and transportation costs added further pressure, much of which was ultimately passed through to consumers at the supermarket produce department.

Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. is teaming up with Disney and Pixar’s “Toy Story 5,” in theaters June 19, to celebrate the cinematic return of the iconic characters. As part of a worldwide campaign, Fresh Del Monte is sparking imagination and promoting healthy habits by bringing over 600 million co-branded “Toy Story 5” pineapple hangtags and banana stickers to produce aisles across all participating regions.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has filed an administrative complaint against L Produce LLC, d/b/a Leonardo’s Produce of Detroit. The company, operating out of Michigan, allegedly failed to make prompt payment to 13 produce sellers in the amount of $819,366 from November 2024 through April 2025, in violation of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act.

Melon 1 officially launches its 2026 domestic watermelon season with strong early harvests under way in Florida and an expanded growing program that will continue moving up the East Coast and into key Midwest regions throughout the summer. Simultaneously, the company is launching its second consecutive year of AI-supported consumer marketing campaigns designed to strengthen retailer support, increase shopper engagement and drive seasonal watermelon sales.

This year, the Southeast Produce Council awarded 45 SEPC Member Scholarships, totaling $67,500, made possible by the unwavering support and dedication of its membership base.

Applewood Fresh, the Michigan-based apple grower, packer and shipper operating under parent company FirstFruits Farms, announced a new strategic sales partnership with Belding Fruit Storage Inc. of Belding, MI. Through the partnership, Applewood Fresh will serve as the sales and marketing function for Belding Fruit’s apple program, further strengthening supply capabilities and customer support throughout the Midwest and East Coast.