Faye Westfall has been in the tomato business. She has been in the trucking business. She has run a production line. She has been in sales. She has also been a model. She has been a nurse. She has been a clown — she really did graduate from clown college.

AI is bringing a big technological shift that businesses will have to keep up with to remain competitive.

Artificial Intelligence is catalyzing a significant technological transformation in the food processing and packaging industry, an evolution that businesses must adapt to in order to stay competitive.

AI-driven automation is expected to be integrated into various manual tasks within food processors and packhouses, a shift that promises benefits for employers, employees and consumers alike.

With the calendar having changed to 2024, Riggio Distribution Co., is looking to build on what was a strong last year.

“2023 was a good year, very comparable to pre-COVID years,” said Dominic Riggio, president of Riggio Distribution. “Product was consistently available, transportation was not an issue and demand was strong.”

As an anchor tenant on the Detroit Produce Terminal, the company has long been a trusted, full-service fresh produce distributor and wholesaler, servicing the entire Midwest from its home base.

Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. has launched its latest pineapple innovation, the Rubyglow, a red-shelled pineapple. This pineapple has a red outer skin, bright yellow flesh and a new, sweet flavor similar to Del Monte pineapples. The Rubyglow pineapple is first being launched in China, in time for Chinese New Year as part of the company’s grand debut in the Chinese market. A waitlist is available for consumers in other countries.

CMI Orchards Sunrise Magic apples have arrived. This premium branded apple variety is now ready to pack and ship, and is sure to bring a splash of sunshine to shoppers everywhere, said CMI Vice President of Marketing Rochelle Bohm.

Citrus is considered a prized staple of Chinese and Lunar New Year festivities, as it is traditionally given as a gift symbolizing good luck and prosperity in the future. Sunkist has created a limited-edition Year of the Dragon-themed 10-pound carton to help keep the citrus category at the forefront of longstanding celebrations domestically and across Asia.