In the heart of Adams County, PA, the 2023 apple harvest is in full swing, and modernization is evident at every step of the process. Over the last decade, innovation and technology have transformed how growers harvest America’s favorite fruit.

As the produce industry continues on its path of increased globalization, Holt Logistics has made it a priority to invest in its facilities at the Port of Philadelphia to maintain its lofty status as the top choice for shipments of fruits and vegetables from all corners of the world.

Why is it that everyone thinks they’re a produce director?

The most typical complaint from employees is that bosses who are totally inexperienced with produce dream up ideas that are just plain useless. This is antagonistic and annoying, especially if it’s one of those spur-of-the-moment interruptions. What makes matters even worse is that almost all senior management lack the knowledge of the produce industry that we have successfully gained over the years.

Onions 52 Inc. plans to expand operations to the East Coast, with a distribution and packing facility in Cincinnati set to be fully operational beginning early 2024. With existing FOB shipping locations in Utah, Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Texas and New Mexico, the expansion will better serve East Coast retailers and foodservice partners.  

Sprouts Farmers Market recently unveiled its Southern California distribution center in Fullerton, CA. The new state-of-the-art facility is strategically positioned to enhance the efficiency and freshness of produce deliveries to over 95 Sprouts stores within a 250-mile radius of the Fullerton site and has ample capacity to support future growth in the region.

Riverfront Produce, the packing/shipping arm of a vertically integrated operation with its sister company, NJ Gomeza Farms, based in Nyssa, OR, ramped up its packing program this year to include Idaho potatoes and upgrades to equipment and storages.

In addition, the Payette, ID-based company brought a new face to the company team in 2023 with Marketing Executive Chelssie Oates, who brings a decade of professional photography work as well several years of administrative experience.