The date industry is in the midst of a transformative period, driven by consumer demand for healthy, natural products, a focus on innovation and a commitment to sustainability. Leading companies are setting the stage for continued growth. Across the board, these organizations are leveraging their expertise, adapting to market trends and preparing for a promising future.

Tops Friendly Markets has been named the official grocer of the Buffalo Sabres. The two entities previously collaborated from 1999 to 2017, and the renewed partnership builds on their shared history and commitment to the Buffalo community.

Halls G4 LLP grows red and yellow potatoes for the fresh market, and also runs its own washplant and packinghouse, where it takes care of washing, sizing and grading the potatoes into consumer packs (3-pound to 20-pound packages), food service packs (50-pound bags and cartons) and totes for repackers.

Nature Fresh Farms has unveiled the new look and feel of its Little Obsessions organic strawberries. Organically grown in its state-of-the-art greenhouses, the company said these berries are “so good you can’t resist.”
 

During the recent Southern Innovations show, SEPC held its Southern Roots Women's Luncheon. Southern Roots is the council’s leadership program for women in produce. Dan’l Mackey Almy and Megan Zweig, both of DMA Solutions and co-hosts of the Self Smarter Podcast, spoke about self-discovery and personal development, a topic that was back by popular demand.

Equipped with double the defect sorters and pear-protecting specifications, Stemilt’s new automated pear packingline aims to put freshness back into every box of Stemilt Rushing Rivers pears. Stemilt Facility Manager Don Reeves said this state-of-the-art pear line will increase all around consistency for a box-opening experience that puts quality and flavor first.