Grape production out of Central California is underway, albeit with a later start. “Like everything else, we’re about two weeks behind where we normally are,” said Justin Bedwell of Bari Produce, noting that cooler spring temperatures are behind the delay. “Usually we get going out of Central California for grapes right after the fourth of July and we’re actually just starting this week with our reds and greens and some of our specialty grapes.”

Spicing up summer menus and igniting shoppers’ taste buds, Frieda's Branded Produce proudly presents the season’s hottest trend: Hatch Chile Peppers! With their zesty, buttery flavor, these limited-time peppers are the season’s annual bestseller.

Summer is the blues’ time to shine, especially with July being National Blueberry Month! This month, get your boost of blue with a collection of 15 fresh blueberry recipes that are bursting with summer flavor.

In addition to supplying customers with high-quality garlic, ginger and shallots from around the world, I Love Produce President Jim Provost also lends his time and coaching abilities to a local Special Olympics basketball team, which recently competed in the national tournament held in early June in Orlando, FL.

Provost is an assistant coach of the team, working under head coach Tony Carney.

Ahold Delhaize USA announced that John Ruane has been named president of The Giant Co.

If you handle organic produce in any way along the supply chain, now is the time to determine if you need to be certified under the new Strengthening of Enforcement regulations in USDA’s National Organic Program. And the overwhelming chances are that you must be certified.