The 2024 pear crop is projected to be the smallest in 40 years, as winter freeze damaged the crop while other pears will be left with frost markings. Stemilt Marketing Director Brianna Shales said making comparable sales on pears presents a challenge, but there are five key activities retailers can take advantage of during this rare crop.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has filed administrative complaints against Smile Onion 7 Inc. and Lakeside Produce Inc. for alleged violations of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act.

Smile Onion 7, operating from Maryland, allegedly failed to make payment promptly to 15 produce sellers in the amount of $1 million from October 2022 through December 2023.

Lakeside Produce, operating from Michigan, allegedly failed to make payment promptly to three produce sellers in the amount of $1.15 million August 2022 through January 2023.

The persistent high-pressure ridge out west looks to finally move to the east late this week, bringing near-seasonal temperatures to the Salinas and Santa Maria valleys. This is welcome relief from the hot temperatures, allowing crops to recover in the fields.  

Ben B Schwartz recently hosted Congressman Shri Thanedar for a warehouse walk and employee town hall at the Detroit Produce Terminal. 

The company and congressman discussed the challenge of securing reliable, knowledgeable labor and how diversity amongst its workforce is a significant competitive advantage for Ben B Schwartz’s growth.

Main Street Produce (also known as Freshway Farms) has hired Mark Murai as its CEO. Murai grew up in the strawberry business and brings 40 years of berry and other fresh produce industry experience to the role.

Paper, Pulp and Film, a family-owned-and-operated paper converting business, is focused on sustainable boxes.

The independent company offers multiple solutions as it relates to paper boxes for retail fruits and vegetables. The company works with its customers to discover win/win opportunities and to provide the grower, shipper or packer with custom solutions for the clamshell replacement packaging.