Courchesne Larose Group entered into an agreement to partner with Veg-Pak Produce Ltd., a leading Ontario-based value-added wholesaler and processor of fresh produce.

Partnering with Veg-Pak marks a pivotal strategic opportunity for Courchesne Larose to establish itself as a major player in Canada’s two largest markets. By launching its first physical operations in Ontario, the company will enhance its capacity to effectively and comprehensively serve customers in that province, as well as all major national retailers.

Due to the cumulative impact of ongoing economic challenges and rising food prices, dining out is estimated to be four times more expensive than eating at home. As a result, retailers, foodservice operators and distributors who want to better engage with their target consumers will have new opportunities with the right product mix, including Side Delights Amazables!.

West Pack Inc., a family-owned bulk bag manufacturer based in Kellogg, ID, is seeing strong demand for its ventilated bags, in part due to its increased activity with potato shippers in the state.

Jim Driskell, president of West Pack, told The Produce News in 2023 that a goal for the coming year would be to develop more business in the agriculture industry. It appears that he has achieved that goal, with more to come.

In a year marked by unprecedented challenges and opportunities, Double Date Packing finds itself at the forefront of the thriving date industry. With a sold-out 2023 and a 2024 that promised to be equally tight, the company navigated a landscape of increasing demand and rising costs. “This is a monumental year,” said Hope Barbee, vice president of sales at Double Date. “We’re expecting to see tighter pricing, based on the fact that volume is getting tighter and tighter, and that’s going to force the price up.”

The last full month of summer was a good one for online grocery sales. According to the most recent Brick Meets Click/Mercatus Grocery Shopper Survey, August ended with $9.9 billion in online sales, an increase of 7 percent versus last year. August also marked the third straight month of high-single-digit sales gains for eGrocery, primarily driven by strong promotional efforts for subscription and membership programs that started in May.

The Giumarra Cos. is a diamond-level sponsor at the IFPA Global show this year, and it considers the show one of the most important all year.

“The large scale of the Global show offers unique opportunities for branded moments,” said Megan Gorgisheli, vice president, marketing administration and brand for Giumarra. “We have been participating in a big way at this event for decades, when it was known as PMA Fresh Summit.”