A company whose packaging technology enables polyethylene or polypropylene (PE/PP) packaging to completely bio-assimilate — turn into CO2, water and biomass at the end of its life cycle — is sparking interest in the fresh produce industry.

Syngenta Group announced its board of directors has unanimously appointed Hengde Qin as chief executive officer, effective Aug. 1, 2026, following a thorough nomination and succession process. Qin, currently chief operating officer and head of seeds, succeeds Jeff Rowe, who will remain in the role through Aug. 1 before returning to the United States after nearly 10 years with the company.

This is it — the peak shipping season for Northwest cherries.

Get the premium cherry gems in your weekly ads fast because volume is down this year compared to the bumper crop of the previous two years. Even though the crop is lighter, the Washington cherry quality is superior and they’re ready to be promoted. Many retailers are jumping on the opportunity by entering into timely promotions to drive sales volume while the crop is in its peak range.

As the United States moves forward with the joint review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, and following U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer’s announcement that the United States will not renew the agreement in its current form, the California Avocado Commission has launched a new advocacy initiative supporting the establishment of a seasonal Tariff Rate Quota on Mexican avocado imports during California's peak harvest season.

Fresh Farms, based in Rio Rico, AZ, successfully closed its Sonora grape season, marked by strong performance, operational consistency, reliable supply and high-quality fruit. The company has now transitioned to California, where its first grape shipments are already under way to support ongoing customer programs.

Wada Farms continues to strengthen its position in the foodservice sector by focusing on staple produce items, customized solutions and strong customer partnerships that help operators navigate an increasingly competitive marketplace.

The Idaho Falls, ID-based grower-shipper, one of the nation’s largest suppliers of potatoes, onions and sweet potatoes, said feedback from foodservice operators, distributors and industry partners has reinforced the importance of providing core items while continuing to innovate.