Calavo Growers Inc. announced its new sustainability strategy and 2030 goals. Built on four pillars — climate action, social responsibility, sustainable agriculture and sound governance — the company's strategy is designed to focus its efforts on the environmental, social and governance issues that matter most.

Food technology company Apeel and U.K. grocery giant Asda have seen success through an ongoing partnership in store locations across the United Kingdom that has reduced year-over-year in-store food waste in the citrus and avocado categories, compared to control stores. Asda locations offering Apeel-protected produce saw a 36 percent decrease in citrus waste and 10 percent decrease in avocado waste, when compared to control stores.

Square Roots and Gordon Food Service opened a new climate-controlled, indoor farm today in Shepherdsville, KY.

Since establishing their strategic partnership in 2019, Square Roots and Gordon Food Service have been building indoor farms together across the continent — with the ultimate aim of bringing locally grown food to customers at a global scale. In the past year alone, Square Roots has deployed new, co-located farms on Gordon Food Service distribution centers in Kenosha, WI; Springfield, OH; and now Shepherdsville.

Established in 1925 as a local small crop farm in Pelion, SC, Walter P. Rawl & Sons has grown into a national, multi-generational business, selling leafy greens and specialty vegetables. A clear understanding of consumer demands for sustainability has driven innovation and success. “Today’s consumer is more likely to prefer packaging that is recyclable and we have heard that message from them for years,” said Ashley Rawl, vice president of sales, marketing and product development, as well as grandson to founder Walter P. Rawl.

Verdant Technologies was awarded the International Fresh Produce & Floral Association Science & Technology Circle of Excellence Award at this year’s Global Produce & Floral Show in Orlando, FL.

Each year, the IFPA selects one individual or organization that solves business challenges within the produce and floral industries through the application of scientific and technological advancements to create better products, processes, or value to customers.

Vee’s Marketing began operations in 1990, and today distributes onions and potatoes all over the United States and Canada.  

“We are heavier to retail, but we do some foodservice as well,” said Jason Vee, president of the Superior, WI-based company. “Our volume varies. In the summer, when onions are busiest, we probably do 60-70 loads per week. Then late summer, when Minnesota potatoes get going, we probably do 20-30 loads of potatoes as well.”