High pressure is building out West following weeks of rain, winds and cold temperatures. The high-pressure system is forecast to strengthen and stall over the Southwest through next week. This will bring very warm temperatures (upper 80s to low 90s) to the desert regions and above-average temperatures to Central and Southern California.

Kroger Co. is looking to help customers supercharge meals and snacks with fresh in-season fruits, veggies and simple recipes to try during National Nutrition Month and enjoy all season long.

"Preparing dishes with fresh, in-season produce presents limitless, simple options for families to enjoy together as spring and summer approaches," said Carlo Baldan, Kroger group vice president of fresh merchandising. "With guaranteed quality, value and more days of freshness for our customers, we make it easy to create nutritious meals. Fresh is always in season at Kroger."

The U.S. Department of Agriculture imposed sanctions on three produce businesses — Roberson Onion Corp., Trooex LLC and US Cargo Solutions LLC — for failing to meet contractual obligations to the sellers of produce they purchased and failing to pay reparation awards issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act. 

These sanctions include suspending the businesses’ PACA licenses and barring the principal operators of the businesses from engaging in PACA-licensed business or other activities without approval from USDA.

GrubMarket has raised around $50 million in a significantly higher valuated Series G funding round, valuing the company at over $3.5 billion.

The Fresh Produce & Floral Council is preparing to host two marquee events in Monterey, CA, designed to provide its members with immersive industry experiences, networking opportunities and valuable business insights.

This is an excellent time for promoting loose or bagged California navel oranges while the supplies are plentiful. The demand is moderate and the market is about steady. Smaller 113s and 138s are at a current peak right now with sizing starting to shift up to the larger fruit.