In the Trenches: The unprofitable and senseless banana price mess
Isn’t it time to end the 40-year banana price war?Produce directors warn senior leadership that banana retails must increase because the fruit is being sold below cost, generating a negative gross profit. Executives refuse to act, choosing instead to absorb millions of dollars in losses. This decision doesn’t just cripple the company’s bottom line — it undermines the very farmers whose livelihoods depend on receiving a fair return for the bananas they grow.
Ben B. Schwartz & Sons looks to strengthen foodservice partnerships at IFPA conference
As the fresh produce industry prepares to gather for the IFPA Foodservice Conference, Ben B. Schwartz & Sons is focused on expanding its reach, strengthening customer relationships and identifying new opportunities for growth in the foodservice channel.By leveraging its Midwest location and existing transportation network, the company has been able to efficiently serve a growing number of customers while maintaining the service levels that have long been central to its business.
Holt celebrates 100 years while investing in the future of perishables
As Holt marks its 100th anniversary in 2026, the family-owned business is celebrating a century of growth while making some of the largest investments in its history to strengthen the Delaware River's position as North America's premier gateway for fresh produce and refrigerated cargo.Since 1926, when Leo Holt Sr. purchased a single truck, the business has grown over four generations into one of the nation's leading transportation, marine terminal and logistics providers.
Market Basket recognized by U.S. News & World Report
Market Basket has been named the 2026-2027 best private consumer products company to work for by U.S. News & World Report, a global authority on rankings and consumer advice.Market Basket topped the rankings of nearly 1,100 privately held consumer products companies with at least 5,000 employees across 14 industries. Companies did not submit data, apply or pay a fee to be considered, according to U.S. News.
EFI shares resources to protect workers from sun and heat illness
Equitable Food Initiative encourages agricultural employers and workers to take proactive steps to prevent heat-related illnesses by using its Sun & Heat Protection toolkit, a free resource for the industry available in both English and Spanish here.
IFPA's The Foodservice Conference redefines how the industry connects with new session format
The International Fresh Produce Association is replacing its traditional mainstage presentation with a new peer-led format to make connections across the foodservice produce supply chain. Taking place July 24 in Monterey, CA, the conference's new session, "Breakfast With Purpose: Real Conversations. Real Connections. Real Impact," will better reflect how foodservice business gets done.
Wakefern celebrates America’s 250th with special promotions
Wakefern Food Corp. supermarket banners launched their Star-Spangled Own Brands initiative, introducing limited-edition patriotic packaging across a selection of Bowl & Basket products. Featuring vibrant red, white and blue fireworks-themed designs inspired by this year’s nationwide celebration of America’s 250th birthday, the special-edition packaging appears on 30 top-selling favorites just in time for the summer season.
Walmart dropping fresh food prices
Walmart Wellness Day will take place July 25, and the nationwide event will offer customers free health screenings and assessments, low-cost immunizations, pharmacist counseling, vision screenings and giveaways at all Walmart U.S. stores. This year’s event will focus on overall wellness while also including weight-management resources such as GLP-1 education, nutrition guidance, medication support, information on same-day pharmacy delivery and virtual care through Better Care Services.
Manfredi Cold Storage expands capacity
As imported produce continues flowing through East Coast ports, Manfredi Cold Storage is expanding its facilities and investing in new technology to support growing customer programs while maintaining the cold chain that fresh produce depends on.The company, which operates refrigerated facilities in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, has experienced a much smoother 2026 than the previous year, when labor disruptions and trade uncertainty complicated operations throughout the supply chain.
Produce industry reacts to USMCA trade agreement decision
Since Donald Trump took office for his second term, trade relations with the United States’ closest allies have been… tumultuous. It started with on-again, off-again tariffs, then yesterday the Trump administration said the United States would not extend the trade agreement (USMCA) with Canda and Mexico.So, what does this mean for the produce industry?