In what is expected to be a down crop overall for Washington state, the Honeybear Brands premium variety Pazazz is up in volume and quality. “We have a nice crop of Pazazz coming along, our largest crop yet,” said Don Roper, vice president of sales and marketing at Honeybear Brands.

AgriFORCE Growing Systems Ltd., an intellectual property-focused agtech company dedicated to advancing sustainable cultivation practices and food and plant products, has entered into a binding letter of intent to acquire Berry People LLC for $28 million.

Pete Pappas & Sons, a Maryland-based fresh produce grower, shipper, distributor and award-winning green business, bolstered its management team with a new general manager and a new director of human resources.

Anjanette Bizzarro joined as director of human resources, bringing new ideas and enthusiasm to the position. She is highly passionate about the fresh produce industry, as well as human resources, and brings over 12 years of industry experience to the company.

Robert Sanderson, co-founder and former president of Jonathan Sprouts Inc., died Jan. 9 due to complications with pneumonia. Mr. Sanderson, along with his wife, Barbara, started Jonathan Sprouts in 1976, and the two have been credited as pioneers of the U.S. commercial sprouting industry. 

Mr. Sanderson was born June 23, 1943 in Boston and attended Phillips Academy-Andover, and University of California-Berkely where he was a Buckminster Fuller enthusiast, active in the free speech movement and played in several jazz bands.

Mann Packing Co. Inc., a subsidiary of Fresh Del Monte N.A. Inc., launched of its brand-new Mann Air Fryer Veggie Kits — ready-to-use veggie kits created for air fryers.

Officially launched during the IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show in October 2022, Mann Air Fryer Veggie Kits feature the company's new logo and exemplify innovation specifically developed for air fryer cooking. This convenient, in-home meal option comes at a time when Americans are becoming more cost-conscious.

The Texas International Produce Association general registration for the 2023 Viva Fresh Expo will open Jan. 25. The highly anticipated event will return to the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center in Grapevine, TX, March 30–April 1. Attendee registration for the event will be open online at www.vivafreshexpo.com/attendees.