The North Carolina Department of Agriculture wants everyone to know that the state’s produce industry is alive and well and even registering an uptick in fruit and vegetable production.

Overall, North Carolina is losing some farm acreage to housing and urban sprawl as the population continues to increase. In raw numbers, the state registered the third highest increase in population (140,000) in the United State in 2023. In percentages, its 1.3 percent growth rate over the past two years is fifth highest among the 50 states.

Whole Foods Market announced that it is introducing a new, quick-shop store format designed to provide customers in urban neighborhoods a quick, convenient shopping experience with easier access to the fresh, high-quality offerings they expect from Whole Foods Market. The new format, called Whole Foods Market Daily Shop, will initially launch on the Upper East Side in Manhattan with additional locations in New York City to follow.

Dole Food Co. is honoring a beloved New Orleans restaurant, a pioneering Pennsylvania city and a 7-foot banana mascot for helping to make the banana into the world’s most popular fruit and a global icon.

Continental Fresh LLC, a grower, shipper and importer of fresh fruits and vegetables from Latin America, will feature its Water For All branded mangos at this year’s SEPC Southern Exposure in Tampa, FL. Known for its deep grower relationships, the importer prides itself for connecting dependable growers to its retail, foodservice and wholesale customers in the U.S. market. 

The Chuck Olsen Co. has been working in California’s San Joaquin Valley successfully for more than a century.

“It’s been a little slow this year,” said Jeff Olsen, president of the company. “The markets have been good, but the volume has been down a little bit. And there has been a lot of rain, which has effected the market some. Plus, the economy is just not too friendly right now.”

The berry category plays a significant role in boosting sales volume for produce departments. Strawberries are the major player in drawing shoppers to the store, especially when they are on ad promotion. Blueberries are also a powerful sales builder within the berry category.