In today’s fast-paced world, shoppers want to get in and out of stores quickly. With changing lifestyles and eating habits, customers now look for food options that are not only healthier, but also more convenient, making their shopping experience faster and more efficient.

It’s great to be back addressing the state of New Jersey’s produce industry for readers of The Produce News and to take this look-ahead to our upcoming produce seasons.

CMI Orchards is optimistic about this season’s crop size, despite some challenging spring weather. Cold temperatures during bloom impacted some growing regions, reducing Northwest crop projections to the range of 18.4 to 19.2 million boxes, approximately 20 percent lighter than last season. However, Kaci Komstadius, marketing manager at CMI pointed out that from a timing standpoint, the season is shaping up well. 

As the New Jersey growing season gets underway, Consalo Family Farms and The Freshwave Fruit & Produce are seeing strong early crop development while continuing to expand organic production and value-added offerings to meet evolving customer demand.

Healthy Family Project’s 24th annual Publix Produce for Kids campaign is under way through June 24 with a record 20 produce companies participating, making it the largest campaign in the cause marketing program’s history. Together, participating brands are helping provide more than 1.05 million meals to 40 Feeding America partner food banks throughout Publix’s market area.

Bobalu Berry Farms has named Don Hobson its vice president of sales and business development. Bringing more than 30 years of produce industry experience, Hobson joins the Bobalu leadership team with an exceptional track record of driving strategic growth, strengthening customer partnerships, and expanding market opportunities across retail programs and foodservice channels.