Bee Sweet Citrus is bringing a new variety to market this season, and it has been a long time coming. Grower Nancy Lange dedicated over a decade to testing the Rosy Red Valencia, with an initial experimental planting of more than 400 trees in 2014 and commercial planting beginning in 2019. This marks Bee Sweet's inaugural season for growing, packing and shipping the variety.

Bee Sweet Citrus has long made sustainability a defining part of its identity, and the company's commitment to transparency around that effort is equally important. J.D. Freitas, sustainability manager at Bee Sweet Citrus, said environmental and social sustainability are crucial to the company's operations, with efforts covering water conservation, soil health, biodiversity, waste reduction and energy efficiency.

Bee Sweet Citrus’ shipping department has launched an online check-in platform for drivers picking up fruit at their facility. This custom digital portal enables seamless two-way communication between drivers and shipping clerks, ensuring a hassle-free pickup experience.

Robert K. Irving, one of the most influential changemakers in the Prince Edward Island potato industry, co-CEO of J.D. Irving Ltd. and president of Cavendish Farms, died May 19. He was 71. 

Mr. Irving transformed a small, Island-based frozen foods operation into Cavendish Farms, now one of the largest French fry processing companies in North America. His vision, discipline, and long-term commitment helped transform Prince Edward Island’s processing potato sector.

In the 23 years that IPR Fresh has been in business, the company has carved out a strong niche supplying premium Mexican produce — with a particular emphasis on greenhouse-grown colored Bell peppers — to customers throughout North America. Now, the Nogales, AZ-based company is focused on an ambitious growth strategy aimed at significantly expanding sales over the next five years.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture filed an administrative complaint against Williams Produce LLC. The company, operating from South Carolina, allegedly failed to make prompt payment to 14 produce sellers in the amount of $816,749 from July 2023 through February 2025, in violation of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act.