Produce News Facebook  Produce News Twitter  Produce News LinkedIn  Produce News Instagram

NoKota pleased with crop

As the Red River Valley red potato harvest was just getting under way, Steve Tweten took a conservative approach to his Produce News interview.

Tweten, who is the president and chief executive officer of NoKota Packers Inc. in Buxton, ND, said the color of the first-dug red potatoes in early September “is really nice. So far, it’s going well. We have nice average tonnage.”

And for how long into the fall did Tweten expect to be harvesting? “You tell me how much it’s going to rain,” he pleasantly retorted.

“We expect to have a promotable volume with good quality. And we will have good potatoes to get into the market.”

What more could Tweten like to add about the coming season?

“We have the best wash plant in Buxton,” he said.

Of course, NoKota has the only wash plant in Buxton.

Print
Read more

Australian Soluna apples return with expanded supply

WA Farm Direct announced the return of premium Soluna apples to the United States for the 2026 season, building on the successful market debut in 2025. This season marks a significant expansion for the Australian‑bred variety, with shipments arriving on both the East Coast and West Coast of the U.S., improving availability and service across key retail markets.

NEPC Leadership Class volunteers at Boston Area Gleaners

The New England Produce Council Leadership Class recently visited Stonefield Farm to volunteer with Boston Area Gleaners as part of its community service project.

The group was welcomed by Anna Strickhausen, operations coordinator, who led the volunteers through a morning of weeding leek beds while providing insight into the important work involved in growing and harvesting fresh produce. The hands-on experience gave participants a deeper appreciation for the dedication required to bring fresh food from the farm to communities throughout the region.

Greenyard USA/Seald Sweet names new CEO

Greenyard USA/Seald Sweet announced that Andrea Montagna will become CEO of Greenyard USA/Seald Sweet, effective July 1. Montagna joined Mayda Sotomayor as co-CEO in July 2025.

Sotomayor will step back from her executive responsibilities and continue her involvement with the company as a board member of Greenyard USA/Seald Sweet and advisor to the business.

The transition reflects Greenyard's commitment to continuity and it’s future ambitions in the U.S., building on the strong foundation established by Greenyard USA/Seald Sweet over many decades.

Wholesum expands Lil’ Ones snacking line with launch of organic baby cucumbers

As demand for convenient, healthy produce snacks continues to grow, Wholesum is expanding its Lil’ Ones brand with the official launch of Lil’ Ones Organic Baby Cucumbers at this year’s Organic Produce Summit.

The introduction marks the next chapter for the company’s snacking-focused line, which debuted with organic pearl tomatoes and was designed to make fresh organic produce more approachable, portable and fun for consumers.

Kroger to acquire Giant Eagle for $1.65B

Kroger will acquire Giant Eagle for $1.65 billion, which comprises $1.25 billion in cash consideration and the assumption of approximately $400 million in outstanding liabilities. Giant Eagle is a leading retailer with approximately $9 billion in annual sales and 197 supermarkets and 11 standalone pharmacies across northern Ohio, western Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland and Indiana. 

Pure Flavor expands service with new Michigan distribution center

Today Pure Flavor marked the official opening of its new, state-of-the-art distribution center in Romulus, MI. The nearly 200,000-square-foot facility serves as a central hub for the distribution of the company’s fresh, greenhouse-grown produce and is designed to reduce food miles, improve shipping efficiency and strengthen service for retail and foodservice customers across the region.

Copyright © 2025 The Produce News • Covering Fresh Produce Around the Globe Since 1897