The president of The Chilean Fruit Exporters Association, Iván Marambio, together with Ignacio Caballero, coordinator of the Table Grape Committee and director of marketing of ASOEX, announced a strategic plan for the newly formed grape committee.  This is an important step in enhancing the competitiveness of Chile’s grape industry in international markets.

World Fresh Produce, an importer and marketer of high-quality produce from around the globe, has formed an alliance with Montreal-based produce distributor Fruits et Legumes Gaetan Bono that will create new opportunities for each company.

The alliance joins two like-minded companies that complement each other, according to Michel Matouk, president of World Fresh, and Salvatore Lavorato, vice president of Bono.

Williams Sonoma announced a partnership with POM Wonderful, the worldwide leader of California-grown pomegranates. The POM Wonderful team collaborated with Williams Sonoma to develop a unique product line that showcases the one-of-a-kind flavor and versatility of pomegranates. The products will launch as part of POM’s 20th anniversary celebrations and as Williams Sonoma gears up to celebrate the flavors of fall.

Hy-Vee, Inc. deployed its disaster relief fleet to locations in Florida impacted by Hurricane Ian. Hy-Vee employees departed from the Hy-Vee Fresh Commissary in Ankeny, IA, in several of the company’s response vehicles with supplies and food to assist with providing up to 1 million meals.

In 2022 the U.S. fresh produce and floral industries are adding $339.4 billion to the national output. A study conducted on behalf of the International Fresh Produce Association illustrates the substantial role the industries play in all 50 states. Compiled by Kleinhenz & Associates, the report also details employment levels in the sector and how that impacts the industry’s contributions to the overall economy.

Dutch Gerber grower Nell Gerbera Cultures B.V. declared bankruptcy on September 13. Deputy trustee Jeroen Sprangers told the local broadcaster RTV Drenthe the rising gas prices are to blame.

The company, which cultivated mini Gerberas, was founded in 1980 and grew to 5.4 hectares in 2105. Its website shows that the grower invested in solar energy, among other things, and modern fall and winter cultivation technology.