Salix Fruits first began importing citrus to the U.S. in 2015, focusing initially on lemons from Argentina. Founded by Juan González Pita and Luis Elortondo, the company has a combined experience of more than 100 years in the fresh fruit industry.

The company’s portfolio includes 25 fruit items, although in the U.S. it focuses on the consistent supply of imported citrus.

It was 18 years ago when Next Big Thing, a cooperative of dedicated growers at premier orchards from Nova Scotia to Washington state, began as a way to research and promote new apple varieties.

The first — and most notable to date — was the SweeTango, a premium apple variety that combines the Honeycrisp and Zestar! apple varieties. SweeTango was developed by the University of Minnesota and first introduced in 2009.

The Chilean produce season is always in top gear during the winter, as cherries, blueberries, grapes and stone fruit are being imported into the United States.

Chile is the world’s leading exporter of cherries. The 2022-23 season closed with 83 million boxes exported and the industry was very hopeful for strong growth in 2023-24. Unfortunately, this has been a very challenging season for the Chilean cherry industry.

The big game on Super Bowl Sunday is an event loved by many — not only from a sports perspective but also because the event has become a great way to gather with family and friends.

“As consumers get more conscious about healthy eating, the occasion has become more and more important to Fresh Del Monte,” said Melissa Mackay, vice president of marketing for Fresh Del Monte North America.

Ocean Mist has a lot of irons in the fire this year, with the biggest activity being that 2024 marks its centennial in June.

BK Trucking has been in business for more than four decades, the majority of business transporting bananas out of the Port of Wilmington. Its two biggest customers are Dole and Chiquita.

Working in Newfield, NJ, the operations are five minutes from the Vineland Cooperative Produce Auction. BK Trucking hauls Jersey Fresh produce as well as Chilean imported fruit. The company also hauls for other industries, including flatbed loads of steel, sod and grocery items.

This year, the company has seen consistent business thanks to its mainstay — the banana business.