Jerry Bifulco, lifelong member of the produce industry, was 64
Gennaro (Jerry) George Bifulco, 64, died at home on April 18, 2026, surrounded by his loving family following a courageous two-year battle with Glioblastoma.Mr. Bifulco was born in Staten Island, NY, where he developed a love of farming at an early age. His passion moved with him to Pittsgrove, NJ, in 1970, where he continued the family tradition as a proud third-generation farmer. Hardworking and patient, Mr. Bifulco took great pride in his work and in preserving the legacy passed down through generations.
Zespri launches RubyRed kiwi with nationwide availability
Zespri said it is excited to launch RubyRed kiwifruit this season in the U.S. and Canada. It complements the Zespri portfolio of SunGold and green kiwi reaching nutrient-focused shoppers looking for something fresh and exciting. Shoppers can have a new eating experience with RubyRed kiwi’s vibrant red interior and delicious, berry-sweet taste. The innovative fruit is high in antioxidant Vitamin C. It also includes anthocyanins, naturally occurring pigments that give it its vibrant red color.
A.V. Thomas Produce earns Equitable Food Initiative certification
A.V. Thomas Produce's operations have achieved certification through the Equitable Food Initiative, a groundbreaking program that brings together growers, farmworkers, retailers and consumer groups to transform agriculture through higher standards. EFI certification is awarded to operations that meet more than 300 rigorous standards focused on food safety, environmental stewardship and improved working conditions. A.V. Thomas Produce successfully earned this certification following an independent, third-party assessment conducted by SCS Global Services.
Scotlynn Sweet-Pac readies for Florida spring push after weather challenges
Scotlynn Sweet-Pac Growers, which proudly refers to itself as “North America’s Farm Stand,” is preparing for a strong spring season as its Florida sweet corn program gets underway, despite a difficult winter that tested growers across the region.
1-800-Flowers marks 50 years of celebrating moms with new insights on how America is gifting in 2026
Flowers remain the No. 1 Mother’s Day gift, with 75 percent of consumers planning to purchase blooms for the holiday, according to new insights from the NRF.
DoorDash expands network of grocery partners
DoorDash has partnered with Brookshire Grocery Co., FreshDirect, Harps Food Stores and Market of Choice. These retailers bring more local and regional selection to the platform, making it easier for consumers to shop for everything they need — from household staples to prepared meals and specialty items.
Fresh Express brings star power, innovation to CPMA 2026
Fresh Express is set to make a powerful statement at the Canadian Produce Marketing Association Convention and Trade Show 2026, inviting attendees to experience the brand in a way that is bigger and bolder than ever before.At booth No. 709, Fresh Express will showcase how it is redefining the salad category transforming it from a simple side dish into a craveable, center-of-plate meal solution driven by flavor, convenience and culinary inspiration.
Five Crowns makes changes to sales leadership team
Five Crowns Marketing announced two updates to its sales leadership team: the promotion of Daren Van Dyke to vice president of sales and marketing and the addition of David Dudley as director of merchandising and marketing.
Florida spring produce season shows resilience and opportunity
Florida’s spring produce season is once again proving its importance as a cornerstone of the U.S. supply chain, delivering a wide array of fruits and vegetables while navigating the challenges of a dynamic growing environment.
Market Minute: Produce items to feature during the transition period
As crops change and trucking rates rise, retailers are facing product shortages and soaring produce prices, making ad planning more challenging than ever. Finding appropriate items for promotion can be overwhelming for produce directors, who must still achieve the sales and profit targets set by management. Unfortunately, most upper management lacks a true understanding of the complexities involved in growing, transporting and delivering fresh produce from the field to the store shelves and ultimately to consumers.