PRO*ACT Crop Update: Desert volume builds, citrus sizes shift, berries recovering
We're not off to the smooth start we were hopeful for post-Thanksgiving. Load times in Yuma remain long as growers work through muddy fields and backed-up harvest schedules. Crews are doing everything they can to catch up, but customers should still expect delays at the cooler and a slower turn on trucks through early next week. The good news: product quality is improving every day, and weights are trending upward as the fields dry out and temperatures stabilize.
Giorgio’s Grill Packs win the Joe Nucci Award for product innovation
Giorgio's Grill Packs have been named the winner of the 2025 Joe Nucci Award for product innovation. The award was presented during the Thought Leaders Keynote Breakfast at the New York Produce Show.Competition was strong, with the Grill Packs standing out among 10 innovative produce products selected by a panel of judges recognized for their expertise in the produce industry.
SEPC accepting applications for Next Generation Leadership Academy
The Southeast Produce Council is now accepting nominations for the fourth class of its Next Generation Leadership Academy.Designed for emerging leaders in the produce industry, the yearlong program blends conscious-leadership principles with practical skill-building. Participants strengthen core leadership competencies, learn to navigate industry complexities and develop a growth-focused mindset. With a mix of in-person gatherings and virtual instruction, the academy provides development opportunities for professionals on both the buy and sell sides of the industry.
The produce industry takes a bite out of the Big Apple at NYPS
The 2025 New York Produce Show trade show kicked off at the Javits Center the morning of Dec. 3 and traffic remained strong throughout the day. The show offered exhibitors and attendees a unique convergence of networking, education and commerce in one of the world’s most dynamic cities. Attendees found more than 600 exhibiting companies, featuring a show floor full of suppliers, growers, shippers, importers, distributors and service providers.
Save the date for the 78th Santa Barbara International Orchid Show
The 78th Santa Barbara International Orchid Show will return to the Earl Warren Showgrounds from March 20–22, 2026. This year’s theme, “Orchid Escape,” invites visitors to explore the vivid beauty of orchids and the exotic environments they inhabit. Attendees can expect large-scale floral displays in the Exhibit Hall, contemporary floral arrangements, workshops, an international orchid sale and local artwork inspired by orchids.The show runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Judging will be conducted by the internationally recognized American Orchid Society panel.
Fall Creek appoints Robert Reiter to board of directors
Fall Creek Farm & Nursery Inc. has appointed Robert (Bob) Reiter to its board of directors. Reiter, former head of research and development for Bayer Crop Science, brings more than three decades of global experience in plant breeding, biotechnology and large-scale agricultural innovation.
It’s a stellar year for Stemilt Cosmic Crisp apples
Stemilt’s 2025 apple harvest laid the foundation for a strong year for Cosmic Crisp apples, with vibrant color, ideal sizing and excellent quality. As the industry anticipates continued volume growth, Stemilt Marketing Director Brianna Shales said Cosmic Crisp is well positioned for promotions as it becomes a mainline apple variety.
Red Sun Farms, Heritable Agriculture and CIV partner to accelerate indoor strawberry innovation
Red Sun Farms, Heritable Agriculture and Consorzio Italiano Vivaisti announced significant progress in their collaborative effort to develop leading indoor-grown strawberries at the Vineland Research Station facility. The partnership combines CIV’s expertise in strawberry genetics and germplasm, Heritable Agriculture’s AI-driven breeding models and Red Sun Farms’ indoor growing capabilities to advance how premium strawberries are bred and produced.
Schnucks expands farmer’s market concept, building on local produce partnership
Schnuck Markets Inc., in partnership with Foodshed.io, is expanding its farm-direct-to-store program, increasing the number and variety of farms supplying its locations to boost freshness and flavor for customers.The pilot program launched in fall 2024 with one farm supplying multiple Schnucks stores across the St. Louis region. After its success, Schnucks expanded the initiative in 2025 to include more farmers and additional store locations.
Salix Fruits builds on citrus leadership and logistics agility to drive growth in 2026
Salix Fruits, a leading global importer and exporter of fresh fruit, has released its annual review highlighting its strongest-performing categories in 2025, key logistics developments and strategic priorities for 2026.