The workforce that once made the United States what it is today has changed over the years. We do not do work today the way we did it a few years ago. Computers, robotics and other technologies have changed the way companies work.

Not only will state-of-the-art equipment and cutting-edge methods change the way companies do business in just a few short years, but so will future workers.

For employers, the workers of tomorrow will dramatically revolutionize the way in which business is conducted.

Country Fresh Inc. of Houston and Pink Lady America of Yakima, WA, announced the availability of branded sliced organic “Pink Lady” apples for the first time, with the product launch coming in a market test at a major retailer.

Fresh, vine-ripened Michigan-grown tomatoes will be on Meijer store shelves throughout the year, even in the middle of winter, thanks to Mastronardi Produce's state-of-the-art hydroponic greenhouse in Coldwater, MI.

Stemilt Growers, based in Wenatchee, WA, and Lantao of Shanghai, China, have teamed up to be the first marketers of d'Anjou pears from Washington state in China under the new protocol between the United States and China, which was announced earlier this year.

Mike Taylor, vice president of sales and marketing for Stemilt, said that the d'Anjou is a good multi-purpose pear that is well suited for the Chinese market.

“Giorgio Fresh has been a member of Southeast Produce Council since it was founded,” said Bill Litvin, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Giorgio Fresh headquartered in Temple, PA.

“And we have exhibited at the Southern Exposure Retail & Foodservice Conference & Expo every year that it has been held,” he said.

The company will be there again this year — and with strong team presence — at booth number 622 on Feb. 28-March 2 at the Caribe Royale Resort & Conference Center in Orlando, FL.

Among the commodities that will be offered by Fresh Farms in Nogales, AZ, during the coming spring season are watermelons, and the company’s watermelon program is “very large for us,” said Jerry Havel, director of sales and marketing.