The produce industry has lost one of its great characters and most trusted hands with the death of Gerry Gaston on Feb. 18 at the age of 83.

Born Feb. 11, 1943, in Kirkland Lake, a northern Ontario mining town that he famously referred to as “the center of the universe,” Mr. Gaston lived a life defined by integrity, loyalty and an unwavering belief that business is, above all else, about people.

Sinclair, a global leader in automated produce labeling technology, and Washington Fruit Growers, a leading grower, packer and shipper of premium apples and other fresh produce, are proud to highlight their long-standing partnership. 

The 2026 Women’s Fresh Perspectives Conference from the International Fresh Produce Association has officially sold out ahead of its April 6–8 event at the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort in Carlsbad, CA. The conference is the premier leadership event for women across the global fresh produce and floral supply chain.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has filed an administrative complaint against A. Garcia Produce 2 LLC. The company, operating from Georgia, allegedly failed to make prompt payment to 14 produce sellers in the amount of $556,941 from December 2023 through April 2025, in violation of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act.

At this year’s SEPC show, the theme From Fields to Families underscored a growing reality in today’s marketplace: consumers want fresh, wholesome meals – but they are more time-starved than ever. Ocean Mist Farms was excited to showcase how its premium, convenience-driven vegetable offerings are helping retailers meet the demands of today’s busy shoppers.

Nopales, the edible pads of the prickly pear cactus, have long been a staple in Mexican and the broader Latino cuisine, and they continue to be an important specialty item for Chico Produce LLC. The company sources high-quality Nopales from Mexico and supplies retailers across the United States, where demand rises sharply during the Lenten season.

Rob Ybarra, president of San Antonio, TX-based Chico Produce LLC, said nopales are deeply rooted in cultural traditions and remain a versatile ingredient in both classic and modern cooking.