Western Growers held its 96th Annual Meeting Nov. 2-5 at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas. Attended by key decision-makers from Western Growers member companies, the Annual Meeting brings growers, shippers and processors together with allies and suppliers in the fresh produce industry.

The 2022 date season experienced something of a curveball according to Albert Keck, chairman of the California Date Commission.

“Tropical Storm Kay came up the coast of California and made a beeline right into southeastern California, so it effected things,” he said. “It was a strange year. We had a lot of storms throughout the season, all the way through Yuma and the Coachella Valley, so we’ve had to deal with the effects of that.” 

Tozer, an innovator in the vegetable-breeding industry, pioneered the development of parsnip varieties with the release of Gladiator. Since the development of this innovative variety, Tozer has continued to utilize the company's extensive knowledge of genetics and horticulture to introduce exceptional new varieties, such as Sabre, to meet market demands.

Sunkist is one of the longest-standing agricultural cooperatives in the nation, as its roots date back to 1893. Today, Sunkist grows nearly 40 different varieties of fresh, premium citrus, including oranges, lemons, mandarins, grapefruit, tangerines and tangelos.  

The U.S. Department of Agriculture filed an administrative complaint against Fresh Florida Products Inc. for alleged violations of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act. The company, operating from Florida, allegedly failed to make payment promptly to eight produce sellers in the amount of $390,603 from May 2021 through February 2022.

Setton Farms recently debuted a Buffalo Wing Seasoned Kernel pistachio in 2.5- and 5-ounces that consumers are going wild for.

“These premium pistachios are shelled and seasoned with a mouth-watering blend of spicy cayenne pepper, bold paprika, and a dash of vinegar,” said Joseph Setton, executive vice president of Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella and Setton Farms. “This perfect blend of bold flavor and moderate heat is the ultimate, healthier choice for game-day snacking, while on the go, or any time hunger strikes.”