Few things are as emblematic of summer as a big juicy watermelon on a hot day. As the watermelon industry prepares for its high season, the National Watermelon Promotion Board is set to launch a bevy of promotions to make sure America’s favorite summer fruit is top of mind with consumers.

Jack Hyman, a beloved industry leader and pioneer in the potato sector, died Sunday, May 4 at the age of 91, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy spanning more than six decades.

Exp. Group supplies a full line of mainstream fresh produce items — such as potatoes, onions, tomatoes, bananas and watermelons — but Anthony Serafino, president of the North Bergen, NJ-based company, said the foundation is an A-to-Z offering of specialties.

“We started our organization on tropicals, and it’s something that is principled in our business,” Serafino said. “When we think of specialties, we think of tropical merchandise.”

Warmer days are on the horizon, and shoppers are looking for fresh flavors that feel like an escape. Melissa’s Produce is helping retailers deliver just that with its refreshed Taste of Vacation tropical program.

At The Retail Conference and Golf Tournament last week, the International Fresh Produce Association announced the 20 recipients of the 2025 Retail Produce Manager Awards, recognizing their outstanding dedication to fresh produce, inventive merchandising, community engagement and exceptional customer service.

The roller coaster of temperatures, typical of spring, looks likely to continue across the coastal California fields as we move through May. 

As low pressure systems pass mainly to the north, they bring cooler temperatures along with a heavy marine layer and drizzle to the fields. Intermittent high pressure then brings warm temperatures and a shallow marine layer for a short period followed by another round of cooler temperatures, fog and drizzle.