Consistency and quality help FPE thrive at Hunts Point Market
Fierman Produce Exchange has long been a fixture in the New York produce scene, with deep roots at the Hunts Point Terminal Market, one of the largest and most influential distribution hubs in the country. Operating in this market puts FPE at the center of a fast-moving, highly competitive environment that demands both precision and consistency.
Arie van Vliet appointed as new general manager of Berg Hortimotive
Berg Hortimotive, part of the Royal Brinkman Group, has appointed Arie van Vliet as general manager effective April 1. With this appointment, the company ensures strong leadership and clear direction while further strengthening its focus on product development. Arie succeeds Bas Brinkman, who will continue to focus on the strategic development of the entire organization in his role as CEO of the Royal Brinkman Group.
Market Minute: Spring lettuce production shifting to Salinas
The transition from desert lettuce in Yuma to Salinas Valley has begun. Salinas Valley, which produces about 70 percent of California’s lettuce, is recognized for its quality. It is also known as the salad bowl of the world where superior quality lettuce is grown. The transition requires relocating equipment and workers, often including a brief stop in Huron, CA. This can affect quality until operations are fully settled in Salinas. April weather plays a role in the transition.
Pacific Trellis Fruit launches summer Southern and Eastern peach program
Pacific Trellis Fruit launched its Southern and Eastern peach program for the summer season. Designed to provide customers with a seamless, high-quality domestic peach supply, the program will feature fruit sourced from leading growers across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, South Carolina and Georgia.
Fresh Produce & Floral Council announces 2026 Apprentice Class
The Fresh Produce & Floral Council’s Apprentice Program is starting the 2026 season out fresh with a brand new cohort and an eye on developing future leaders for the floral and produce world. The initiative is now going into its 13th year, having been launched in May of 2014. The Apprentice Program is a resource for up and coming professionals to thrive and succeed, with the council supplying tools as well as mentors to guide and support the cohort. It also organizes networking opportunities for building meaningful connections in the industry.
Trucco’s 2026 goals include core category growth, focus on efficiency
Although known for its signature item, fresh Italian chestnuts, A.J. Trucco’s diversification into other produce at the Hunts Point Terminal Market has been ongoing for decades.A.J. Trucco’s core items also include kiwifruit, mandarins and other citrus programs, blueberries, garlic, limes and cherries, maintaining a year-round supply across key categories, said Yasmin Pacia, chief marketing officer at the wholesaler at the Bronx, NY-based terminal market.
Shayne Gordon joins Affinity Group–Retail
Affinity Sales-Retail has announced the recent hiring of Shayne Gordon as director of produce, New England.Gordon has nearly 40 years of produce sales experience throughout the Northeast. He has had success for many years as a regional manufacturer’s representative and broker and is knowledgeable in all aspects of the industry.He has a passion for building new produce brands as well as expansion of established brands.
Measure to Improve expands sustainability strategy and compliance solutions
Measure to Improve, a sustainability consulting firm focused exclusively on the fresh produce industry, launched two new solutions—service offerings designed to help produce companies meet growing reporting and regulatory expectations: the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Solution and the EPR Readiness Solution.These solutions expand Measure to Improve’s sustainability offerings in response to increasing greenhouse gas disclosure expectations and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) packaging regulations across the supply chain.
Gold Bell, Morning Kiss Organic feature Vidalias for spring onion programs
Gold Bell and Morning Kiss Organic will feature both conventional and organic Vidalia onions this spring, expanding their seasonal onion programs with the popular sweet onion variety grown exclusively in Georgia.Vidalia onions will be available for conventional offerings and the Morning Kiss Organic brand for certified organic products. They will complement the companies’ broader spring and summer onion programs, which include eastern-grown red, yellow and white onions.
How women are shaping Sun World’s next era of flavor — and what 50 years of innovation really looks like
There’s a “tell” at Sun World’s table grape tasting events.When the bowls run dry — when scientists, breeders and agronomists have eaten every last sample before the session ends — Jennifer Petersen knows they’ve found something. No spreadsheet required. No consumer panel. Just an empty bowl and a room full of people who can’t stop reaching for more.