Bako Sweet expands team to support growth
Bako Sweet is strengthening its team with new hires in sales and marketing to support the existing sales and supply chain team. The company said additional staff reinforces Bako Sweet’s focus on delivering strong customer partnerships, category expertise and supply chain management for retail and foodservice partners nationwide.
Avocado Queen strengthens California presence
Avocado Queen specializes in premium avocados, distributing fresh avocados to all regions of the United States, including the West Coast, Midwest, Northeast and Southeast.
In the Trenches: Confronting produce dilemmas
In the produce industry, there’s a unique spot we all seem to visit from time to time because of the unpredictable nature of our business. It’s a welcoming place where we can regain our composure amidst the chaos and fast pace. We’ve likely crossed paths in its corridors while searching for quick solutions to the many challenges and opportunities that come our way. I like to refer to this place as the produce crisis clinic.
Exp. Group welcomes Richard Armata amid strategic expansion
As Exp. Group enters 2026 with a forward-looking vision, the organization has announced plans to establish a comprehensive fruit department designed to meet the evolving needs of its clients and expand its product offerings across the produce landscape. This initiative reflects the company’s commitment to innovation, flexibility and growth while maintaining its strong foundation within the tropical fruit and vegetable industry.
FPFC plans immersive tours, talks AI at Pacific Northwest luncheon
The Fresh Produce & Floral Council’s 2026 Pacific Northwest regional meeting will host industry members in Snoqualmie, WA, on March 19 and 20. Both days feature tours, with a luncheon and educational sessions on day two. The discussion will focus on the future of the produce and floral supply chain.
Shanley Farms extends California avocado season with Morro Bay program
For more than a decade, Shanley Farms has carved out a unique niche within the California avocado category by focusing on flavor, timing and regional identity. Based along the Central Coast near Morro Bay, the company has built a reputation around its Morro Bay avocado program, which supplies premium fruit late in the California season when domestic availability typically becomes scarce.
Fareway partners with Instacart
Instacart has a new partnership with Fareway, a longstanding Midwest grocer with more than 140 stores. Together, the two companies are bringing customers the same service and value they expect in store, now paired with an updated, seamless e-commerce experience.As part of this partnership, Fareway is launching an enhanced, online shopping experience powered by Storefront Pro, Instacart’s enterprise commerce platform. Fareway orders are also now available for pickup through the Instacart Marketplace with no markups, giving customers more convenient ways to shop.
Catalytic Generators and Exp. Group scale the art of ripening
Ripening more than 75,000 boxes of bananas and 100,000 boxes of plantains per week requires precision, predictability and partners that can scale. For Exp. Group, one of the largest ripening operations in the United States, its multi-decade partnership with Catalytic Generators has provided the reliable ethylene foundation needed to support growth while delivering consistent quality across its expanding U.S. footprint.
CFFA to honor David Marguleas with its Lifetime Achievement Award
The California Fresh Fruit Association will present fresh fruit industry leader David Marguleas with the Lifetime Achievement Award at CFFA’s 90th Annual Meeting on March 16.This recognition will honor Marguleas’ lifetime of service to the California fresh fruit industry. The Lifetime Achievement Award is bestowed upon an individual whose pioneering spirit and inventiveness throughout his or her career has inspired others and influenced the industry in a positive way.
CAC highlights origin, seasonality in 2026 avocado season
With the 2026 California avocado season nearly upon us, the California Avocado Commission is gearing up for the harvest, anticipating a very promotable crop and a consumer-relevant campaign focusing on sustainable farming, ethical practices and local sourcing of the fruit.