John Steven Dietz, founding member of Famous Software, died earlier in 2025 after an eight-year battle with cancer.

As stock-keeping units of organic fruits and vegetables have risen at grocery stores across the country, Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella Inc. saw an opportunity to expand the nut category.

Okanagan Specialty Fruits’ groundbreaking Arctic apples are once again proving their value — this time in the craft beverage market. Endless Orchard Hard-Pressed Cider, made exclusively from Arctic apples, earned multiple awards this season at two of the industry’s top competitions: the Great Lakes International Cider and Perry Competition and the eighth annual Cidercraft Awards.

From smoothie bowls to seafood tacos, mangos are gaining visibility across menus — and their culinary potential is just beginning to be tapped.

Avocados originated in Mexico, Guatemala, and the West Indies around 10,000 years ago. They were first cultivated over 7,000 years ago in central Mexico. The flavorful guacamole dip and spread was created by the Aztecs and originated in Mexico. It was known as avocado sauce. The avocado was also called alligator pear.

Retailers offered fewer sales this past week as they took a break before the upcoming Fourth of July promotion period. Peaches, nectarines, cherries and grapes had some of the sweetest deals for shoppers looking for freshness on a budget, and watermelons, cantaloupes, honeydews and specialty melons were plentiful.

The bounty of new crop offerings didn't stop with fruit, as sweet corn, zucchini, yellow squash, tomatoes, asparagus and cucumbers were available from local and regional farms across the country. Many flyers featured Fourth of July party supplies and fireworks.