Driscoll’s has launched its latest digital projects, including its Berry Patch Sensory Wheels and a collection of Specialty Strawberry Mini Sets to support the brand’s high-flavor strawberry collection. The new digital assets were timed with the return of Driscoll’s seasonal premium offering and bring the brand’s promise of providing "Only the Finest Berries" to life through custom creative, shareable online content.

The Organic Produce Association elected Theojary (Theo) Crisantes Jr., chief operations officer for Wholesum, as its chairman. Crisantes has been serving in an acting capacity since the fall of last year.

Starr Ranch Growers, known for its top-rated JUICI apples, is elevating the collective-good with a industry first designation on over 3,900 acres being Fair Trade Certified. “We’re the first apple grower-shipper to receive this hard-earned distinction,” said Krista Beckstead, brand manager at Starr Ranch, based out of Wenatchee, WA.

Farmers, suppliers and retailers are all currently feeling the pinch of operating their businesses. They are still recuperating from the 2020 COVID-19 setback that disrupted their operations. To make matters worse they are now struggling with the higher costs of historical inflation.

Brothers Joshua and Morris Setton began processing pistachios in the 80s, believing it was a crop with great potential. Their instincts turned out to be correct as the pistachio industry has grown by leaps and bounds.

“This success also allows us to support our community by creating hundreds of jobs, aiding local charities, and developing free recreational and technological amenities for residents such as parks and internet access,” said Joseph Setton, executive vice president of Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella and Setton Farms.

The South American mango deal is under way with fruit from Brazil arriving in stores around mid- to end of September, followed by mangos from Ecuador toward the end of September/beginning of October and Peruvian mangos starting in November, according to the National Mango Board.

“So far we have not heard anything that could indicate issues regarding quality, therefore the assumption is that the quality will be as usual —from good to very good,” said Rolff Vladimir Mitton, research manager for the Mango Board.