Ark Foods has observed a discernible shift toward conscious consumerism. From sustainability initiatives to ethical farm practices, consumers have paid close attention to how brands intersect with society, the economy and the environment.

Additionally, Ark Foods has seen that despite a sharper consumer lens toward affordability, convenience remains a key driver of sales, powering demand for pre-cut and easy-to-prep packaged vegetables.

Things got off to a fast start this fall at Seeded Produce for product coming out of Mexico, but company President Omar Losolla was confident the market would turn in his favor soon.

“It was a wild start to the season,” said Losolla. “The weather in Mexico was perfect for growing, and with the local deals still going there was a lot of product on the market. In fact, volume on all of our items has been blockbuster. We went from zero to 100 [mph] in one week and had volume right off the bat, competing with the local deals.”

The holiday season is about spreading joy, and Midwest retailer Meijer recently embodied that spirit by surprising hundreds of customers and team members with thousands of dollars in shopping sprees during its 10th annual Very Merry Meijer event. Meijer leaders surprised one in-store customer with a $1,000 shopping spree and two Meijer team members with $200 gift cards in each of its 267 stores across the Midwest.    

Adverse weather earlier in the fall combined with light volume out of Florida resulted in a volatile tomato market in December, according to Joe Bernardi of Bernardi & Associates.

“We’re seeing the effects of the hurricane that hit Mexico in October. Baja is normally heavy now, but it is finishing early with light volume,” he said Dec. 8. “At this point, we are usually sourcing Romas and rounds from West Mexico, but that that has been pushed back and probably won’t show up until after Christmas. It’s been a crazy tomato market so far.”

The International Fresh Produce Association released a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Toolkit specifically for the produce and floral industry to be a free, off-the-shelf resource for members seeking to boost talent recruitment and retention, boost ideation and innovation and drive business performance.

The DEI toolkit is a resource developed by IFPA, with volunteer member input and guidance from its DEI Committee and support from global organizational consulting firm, Korn Ferry.

Gary Wishnatzki, owner of Plant City, FL-based Wish Farms, was awarded the Florida Strawberry Growers Association’s most prestigious honor: induction into the FSGA Hall of Fame. The yearly award is given to an individual or individuals who exhibit a lifetime of devoted support to Florida strawberries.