Apples and autumn go hand in hand, and Keystone Fruit Marketing has been all about apples dating back to 1977.

"Apples were the first commodity Keystone took to market," said Lisa Fetterhoff, director of operations. "And the first grower they worked with, El Vista Orchards in Fairfield, PA, is still a grower partner today!"

SpartanNash is expanding its use of Upshop's Magic inventory and replenishment optimization application, to consolidate its ordering systems, maintain planogram integrity and assist with merchandising reset planning in both the center store and the produce department. The system also provides store associates with a real-time, comprehensive view of the store's stock to maximize assortment for guests, while at the same time reducing waste.

As summer draws to a close, New Jersey makes a seamless shift from being a prominent blueberry shipping point in June and July to the realm of fall seasonal items. This is an exciting transition for Hammonton, NJ-based Frank Donio Inc., as it proudly harvests two of the most enduring and beloved fall items.

Among the array of autumn favorites for the company, which is backed by nine decades of family-owned experience, are sweet potatoes and cranberries — two iconic fall items grown in New Jersey.

On the evening of Sept. 5, 2023, Sunview Marketing International had a fire in McFarland, CA. No injuries were reported, and the damage was limited to packing material and associated structures.

"Thanks to the swift action of our staff and the Kern County Fire Department, all associates were safely evacuated, and cold storage facilities were unharmed," the company said in a statement.

"We are grateful for the support of our employees, neighbors and colleagues as we continue normal business operations," it said.

Gina Thresher, AIFD, EMC, has been running a floral event business in Kent, Washington since 2008, and it’s always been her goal to open a retail flower shop. As she prepares to take that step, she’s found herself needing more business advice.

The 2023 California walnut production is forecast at 790,000 tons, up 5 percent from 2022’s production of 752,000 tons. The forecast is based on 385,000 bearing acres, down 4 percent from 2022’s estimated bearing acreage of 400,000.