The Southeast Produce Council's STEP-UPP Retail class held its spring tour the second week in April, taking participants into the field and on plant tours to gain hands-on experience in how to partner with growers more effectively.

Produce directors work on ad programs two to three weeks in advance so get ready for the start of some great summer fruit within that time frame.

The early fruit is usually limited and priced higher, but supplies will steadily increase rapidly soon afterward. Being first on ad promotion will send a message to shoppers that your produce departments are readily stocked with new fresh summer fruit.

The best of the best in foodservice produce use have been named by the International Fresh Produce Association. Sponsored by FreshEdge, The Produce Excellence in Foodservice Awards program pays special tribute to chefs and foodservice operations for their produce innovation, creativity and all-around excellence in the use of fresh produce in the culinary arts.

Winners gain global recognition and a trip to The Foodservice Conference from IFPA, July 25-26 in Monterey, CA.  

Welcoming the industry on its home turf of Vancouver for the first time since 2018, Oppy will be showcasing its local growers in booth No. 915 at the CPMA trade show.

Mastronardi Produce launched its latest Sunset Bombs product in retail: Bahama Bombs. A bright orange grape tomato on-the-vine, Bahama Bombs are a sister variety to the acclaimed Sugar Bombs, boasting the same off-the-charts sweet flavor in a vibrant tropical hue. Mastronardi Produce introduced the new product at the SEPC Southern Innovations trade show and it hit store shelves in March.

Fresh Farms, a leading produce marketing company owned by the Molina family, added industry veteran Shaun Ricks to its sales team. With over three decades of experience, including 25 years dedicated to fresh table grapes, Ricks brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to Fresh Farms.