The Northwest pear harvest has made a tremendous comeback from last year’s crop and is back on its feet with a 60 percent increase over 2024 — with the entire U.S. pear crop estimated at a 22 percent increase. So get ready to run some exciting retail pear promotional ads now through Christmas.

Some people love to network. Others find it awkward or even exhausting. No matter which type of produce industry pro you are, the Southwest International Produce Expo is designed to be a refreshing place to connect and conduct business. The event, best known as SWIPE, is redefining how trade show business gets done — by making it easy, laid-back and, most of all, fun.

Imagine more cold drinks over lively activity and less small talk at stale mixers. 

Side Delights can help make festive Friendsgiving potato side dishes, as new generations embrace the tradition of hosting or bringing their holiday meals to their chosen families. 

“Friendsgiving or Thanksgiving can be more fun and less work with versatile products like Side Delights Steamables, for a simple, easy potato side dish that can be jazzed up for company,” said Kathleen Triou, president and CEO of Fresh Solutions Network.

In preparation for what is expected to be a blooming strawberry season in the coming months, Main Street Produce is expanding its strawberry program with broadened shipping operations across multiple key growing regions in central Mexico, Baja, Florida, Santa Maria and Oxnard. 

David Bernstein, a past chair of the United Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Association who also served as vice president of marketing at Sunkist, died Oct. 22. He was 85.

Mr. Bernstein held many positions over his career in law, sales and marketing, executive leadership and board service, all connected to the produce industry he loved. His legacy includes Sunkist's expansion into Asian markets and time as executive vice president of Pacific Fruit in New York. He was also the owner of an import-export consultancy, introducing Moroccan citrus to the U.S.

Taylor Farms announced the acquisition of Natures Way Foods, one of the United Kingdom’s leading fresh prepared food manufacturers. Based in Chichester, England, Natures Way Foods employs 1,300 people and specializes in the supply of fresh, convenient food supporting retail and foodservice customers.