Violet Bifulco is in her second year of working full time with her three cousins, Umberto IV, Gennaro and Umberto Joseph.

With a larger crop, ideal growing conditions and added operational firepower, CMI Orchards is entering the 2025 cherry season with high expectations and a plan to help retailers capture every opportunity. From early-season promotions to late-summer supply, the company is well-positioned to meet consumer demand with premium quality and seamless execution.

Rocket Farms has introduced its latest innovation: Organic Living Herbs, a new line of rooted culinary herbs that offer unbeatable freshness and extended shelf life.

Each Living Herb comes with a two-inch root ball and is packaged in recyclable container, helping preserve its natural flavor far beyond traditional cut herbs. This format extends shelf life while maintaining the bold taste and aroma that home cooks expect from fresh herbs.

With 10 different options during the peak of its summer season, Dulcinea-branded melons will offer many promotional opportunities for retailers over the next several months.

Jeff Nichols, senior manager of supply operations and a sales executive for Los Angeles-based Pacific Trellis Fruit, which markets the Dulcinea Farms products, told The Produce News in mid-May that the plethora of melons would be on retailers’ shelves soon.

The domestic grape season has kicked off with favorable early season conditions in California’s Coachella Valley, and as the supply swings north to the San Joaquin Valley in July, early expectations are also optimistic.

Willie Itule Produce Inc. announced Gabe Flores as chief people officer and executive director. With over 37 years of leadership experience and deep roots in the grocery retail industry, Flores’ background in fresh produce operations, team development and cultivating people-first cultures adds expertise well-suited to Willie Itule Produce’s business values and growth trajectory.