Produce Show Daily & Floral News • Oct. 15, 2026 by OserCommunicationsGroup

ORLANDO Show PRODUCE Daily & Floral News OCT. 15, 2026

AN INDEPENDENT PUBLICATION NOT AFFILIATED WITH IFPA

The Bag Is the First Thing a Shopper Buys

Same Shopper. Same Shelf. It Just Makes Sense. BOOTH #1623

Oser Communications Group

Beyond Palletizing: One Integrated Line

BOOTH #978

By Dawn Elisabeth Olinger, Sales Manager, NNZ USA

Innovation for Fruit & Vegetable Processing

For today’s consumer seeking healthier options and premium ingredients, convenience matters. Bella Sun Luci encourages retailers to merchandise its

For many years, automation in the fresh produce industry has focused on individual production steps. Packing

Walk down any produce aisle and watch what happens in the first

AFCO offers solutions to reduce microbial contamination and increase shelf life through intervention, produce wash

Continued on Page 45

Continued on Page 52

Continued on Page 42

BOOTH #2520

BOOTH #2033

Gut Health Comes to the Dried Fruit Aisle

BOOTH #1470

BOOTH #1708

Michigan Potatoes Deliver a Fresh Advantage

By Jiunn Shih, Global Chief Marketing Officer, Driscoll’s

Probiotic+ Prunes, one of Sunsweet’s delicious product innovations, are helping to meet growing consumer demand for probiotics – right in the dried fruit aisle. Specially made

This year’s show brings together produce professionals from around the world to discover new opportunities, strengthen

Turning ERP Support into a Competitive Advantage

The Berry Opportunity Hiding in Plain Sight

BOOTH #3814 In the produce industry, operational reliability is essential. Seasonal demand, tight processing windows and complex supply

Every produce professional knows strawberries. Continued on Page 35

Continued on Page 45

BOOTH #991

Continued on Page 32

Continued on Page 42

Solve Your Hiring Challenge with AgHires

Seaboard Marine Powers Refrigerated Trade

Belen Trading Brings the Tropics to Retail BOOTH #982

BOOTH #1201

AgHires is the leading executive search and professional recruitment firm for growers, produce companies, packers, shippers, food producers,

Across

America and the Caribbean, producers of fresh fruit, vegetables, seafood, meat, flowers, pharmaceuticals and

For buyers walking this year’s show, the specialty produce category is increasingly difficult to overlook. Bright colors, distinctive

An interview with Carey Jimenez, Vice President of Sales & Business Development, Sun Lovin’ Foods.

Continued on Page 45

Continued on Page 52

Continued on Page 39

BOOTH #2304

BOOTH #3111 Latin

Continued on Page 32

Year-Round Supply the New Standard for Onion Buyers BOOTH #416

By Bailey Myers-Hartley, Agritourism and Marketing, Owyhee Produce For produce buyers, consistency has become just as important as Continued on Page 42

Goody Joins World-Class Exhibitors at Show BOOTH #2987

The Road to 40: Innovation Never Stops

Sun Lovin’ Foods Shares Harvest Outlook

PSD: As we head into the 2026 California

Aurora World – Quality Plush for Grocery Floral

BOOTH #2258

BOOTH #5363

Born from more than 75 years of experience, Blue Banner launched its direct sales operation, Goody, last year – pairing the compa-

As North Shore approaches its 40th anniversary, nearly four decades of innovation have transformed a young couple’s dream into a business that

By John Blyckert, Managing Director of National Accounts, Aurora World

Continued on Page 39

Continued on Page 35

Continued on Page 39

Aurora World brings more than four decades of

ORLANDO Show PRODUCE Daily & Floral News OCT. 15, 2026

AN INDEPENDENT PUBLICATION NOT AFFILIATED WITH IFPA

The Bag Is the First Thing a Shopper Buys

Same Shopper. Same Shelf. It Just Makes Sense. BOOTH #1623

Oser Communications Group

Beyond Palletizing: One Integrated Line

BOOTH #978

By Dawn Elisabeth Olinger, Sales Manager, NNZ USA

Innovation for Fruit & Vegetable Processing

For today’s consumer seeking healthier options and premium ingredients, convenience matters. Bella Sun Luci encourages retailers to merchandise its

For many years, automation in the fresh produce industry has focused on individual production steps. Packing

Walk down any produce aisle and watch what happens in the first

AFCO offers solutions to reduce microbial contamination and increase shelf life through intervention, produce wash

Continued on Page 45

Continued on Page 52

Continued on Page 42

BOOTH #2520

BOOTH #2033

Gut Health Comes to the Dried Fruit Aisle

BOOTH #1470

BOOTH #1708

Michigan Potatoes Deliver a Fresh Advantage

By Jiunn Shih, Global Chief Marketing Officer, Driscoll’s

Probiotic+ Prunes, one of Sunsweet’s delicious product innovations, are helping to meet growing consumer demand for probiotics – right in the dried fruit aisle. Specially made

This year’s show brings together produce professionals from around the world to discover new opportunities, strengthen

Turning ERP Support into a Competitive Advantage

The Berry Opportunity Hiding in Plain Sight

BOOTH #3814 In the produce industry, operational reliability is essential. Seasonal demand, tight processing windows and complex supply

Every produce professional knows strawberries. Continued on Page 35

Continued on Page 45

BOOTH #991

Continued on Page 32

Continued on Page 42

Solve Your Hiring Challenge with AgHires

Seaboard Marine Powers Refrigerated Trade

Belen Trading Brings the Tropics to Retail BOOTH #982

BOOTH #1201

AgHires is the leading executive search and professional recruitment firm for growers, produce companies, packers, shippers, food producers,

Across

America and the Caribbean, producers of fresh fruit, vegetables, seafood, meat, flowers, pharmaceuticals and

For buyers walking this year’s show, the specialty produce category is increasingly difficult to overlook. Bright colors, distinctive

An interview with Carey Jimenez, Vice President of Sales & Business Development, Sun Lovin’ Foods.

Continued on Page 45

Continued on Page 52

Continued on Page 39

BOOTH #2304

BOOTH #3111 Latin

Continued on Page 32

Year-Round Supply the New Standard for Onion Buyers BOOTH #416

By Bailey Myers-Hartley, Agritourism and Marketing, Owyhee Produce For produce buyers, consistency has become just as important as Continued on Page 42

Goody Joins World-Class Exhibitors at Show BOOTH #2987

The Road to 40: Innovation Never Stops

Sun Lovin’ Foods Shares Harvest Outlook

PSD: As we head into the 2026 California

Aurora World – Quality Plush for Grocery Floral

BOOTH #2258

BOOTH #5363

Born from more than 75 years of experience, Blue Banner launched its direct sales operation, Goody, last year – pairing the compa-

As North Shore approaches its 40th anniversary, nearly four decades of innovation have transformed a young couple’s dream into a business that

By John Blyckert, Managing Director of National Accounts, Aurora World

Continued on Page 39

Continued on Page 35

Continued on Page 39

Aurora World brings more than four decades of

Produce Show Daily & Floral News

Thursday, October 15, 2026

Dutchman Tree Farms a Complete Farm-Fresh Christmas Partner An interview with Scott Powell, Nursery General Manager & Key Accounts Manager, Dutchman Tree Farms. PSD: What is the core message and what core programs do you want to introduce or highlight at this year’s show? SP: Our message this year is simple: Dutchman Tree Farms is your complete farmfresh Christmas partner. From our fourth-generation family farm in Northern Michigan to retailers and consumers across the country, our goal is to deliver freshness, quality and consistency while making Christmas merchandising easier for our customers. At the end of the day, our products feed the soul and fuel the Christmas spirit and memories that are cherished for generations. At this year’s show, we are highlighting our complete Christmas décor program, including fresh-cut Christmas trees, wreaths, garland, swags and

Daily Show & Floral News AN INDEPENDENT PUBLICATION NOT AFFILIATED WITH IFPA

other fresh greenery and seasonal décor. More importantly, we want to show how these products can work together as a coordinated program that gives retailers flexibility while creating a strong, authentic Christmas experience for their customers. PSD: What sets your program apart from what else the industry is seeing right now? SP: What sets Dutchman apart is our ability to combine the scale and consistency national retailers require with the care and accountability of a family-owned and operated farm. We are involved from seed selection to the field through harvest, production, packaging and delivery. That vertical integration gives us greater control over quality, freshness and timing. At the same time, we understand that no two customers are exactly alike.

PRODUCE Kimberly Oser Publisher Tara Neal President Abeer Abiaad Vice President Yasmine Brown Creative Director

Opal Apples In Season Now Not all apples are created equal. Some stand out for their flavor. Some for their appearance. Some for their crunch. And then there’s Opal®, a variety that brings all three to the table and then some. Opal is Washington state’s No. 1 shipped club apple by volume, leading both conventional and organic categories. With their vibrant yellow color and subtle russeting around the stem, Opal apples are easy to spot and even easier to love. Their crisp bite and balanced sweet-tangy flavor make them a go-to

JoEllen Lowry Editor Marcos Morhaim Vice President of Sales Damaris Leon Stephanie Perez Account Managers customerservice@oser.com Customer Service logistics@oser.com Logistics Enrico Cecchi European Sales Produce Show Daily & Floral News is published by Oser Communications Group ©2026 All rights reserved. Executive and editorial offices at: 1877 N. Kolb Road, Tucson, AZ 85715 520.721.1300/Fax: 520.721.6300 European offices located at Lungarno Benvenuto Cellini, 11, 50125 Florence, Italy www.osercommunicationsgroup.com

Continued on Page 52

Lee M. Oser Founder

Thursday, October 15, 2026

Produce Show Daily & Floral News

The Apple That Refuses to Be Just Another Apple By Jessica Wells, Executive Director, Crunch Time Apple Growers Let’s be honest: There are a lot of apples out there. So when a retailer gives an apple more shelf space, it needs to do more than sit pretty in a display. It needs to get noticed. It needs to create a little excitement. And, most importantly, it needs to give shoppers a reason to reach for it. That’s where SnapDragon apples come in. With their Monster Crunch, big flavor and unmistakable personality, SnapDragon apples are built around adventure. SnapDragon is an apple for people who are heading somewhere, doing something or simply looking for a better snack. And that personality is becoming a powerful retail tool. At this year’s show, SnapDragon is bringing its adventure-ready attitude to life at booth #2065 with a surfboard, bike and hammock. Because why can’t produce marketing be fun? A little personality goes a long way. When a brand gives shoppers something they remember, that connection can follow them right to the produce aisle.

That matters because consumers don’t shop with spreadsheets. They shop with their eyes, their appetites and their emotions. A memorable brand can turn a routine apple purchase into something people look forward to. For retailers, SnapDragon offers a brand with personality, a story and a marketing platform built to stand out. And most importantly, a greattasting apple that gives shoppers another reason to stop, look and take a bite. More shelf space means more visibility, a stronger presence and more opportunities to turn shoppers into fans. It also gives the brand more room to build recognition and keep that momentum growing. The goal isn’t just to sell more apples. It’s to make SnapDragon the apple shoppers remember. Some apples fill a spot on the shelf. SnapDragon fills a spot in the shopper’s soul. For more information, go to www.snap dragonapple.com, call 716.300.8522 or stop by booth #2065.

Celebrating 10 Years of NYS Grown & Certified Ten years ago, the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets launched a new marketing program to better connect New York agriculture with consumers and businesses across the state, the nation and the globe. That program, the New York State Grown & Certified Program, now celebrating its 10th anniversary, has worked hard over the years to create new pathways for marketing New York grown products and to establish New York State as the nation’s leader in providing consumers and buyers with transparent, meaningful information about the agricultural products they’re purchasing. The launch of the NYS Grown & Certified Program in August 2016 kicked off a groundbreaking program that not only spotlights New York agriculture and local producers, but also promotes the farmers and processors who take extra care in the areas of food safety and environmental stewardship.

The program started with fruit and vegetable growers, and a decade later, the program’s first 43 participants from that first year are still representing the NYS Grown & Certified logo. The program has also grown tremendously, adding 20 different commodities to capture the diversity of New York agriculture, like dairy, beef, maple, craft beverages, aquaculture, Christmas trees and even fiber. Additionally, over the last 10 years, the program has stood up a website to connect consumers to NYS Grown & Certified participants and their products; funded several marketing campaigns to share with the world how fantastic the New York agricultural industry is; launched a grant funding program to help get the NYS Grown & Certified seal on packaging; partnered with major retailers to feature NYS

Where Your Margin Is Actually Leaking and Why You Can’t See It Yet Most produce and perishables operators can state their margin on paper. Far fewer can say where that margin is actually leaking in real time – and that gap costs more than anyone budgets for. It rarely shows up as one big number. It shows up as a pallet that sat an extra day before repack because nobody flagged it. A cost that changed mid-week but didn’t reach the sales floor until the invoice went out wrong. A quality issue caught at the dock instead of the field, after the freight was already paid for. Individually, each one looks like a rounding error. Across a season, they add up to real dollars – and because they’re scattered across departments and systems, almost nobody sees the total. One Fusionware customer put it simply during a recent renewal conversation: they didn’t realize how much they had been operating blind between receiving, quality and finance until they could finally see all three in one place. Once cost and quality data was visible the moment it happened – not the next morning, not at month-

end close – they started catching leaks while they were still small enough to fix. That is the real shift real-time visibility creates. It is not just a faster report. It is the difference between finding out about a problem in time to do something about it, and finding out after the truck has already left: QC scoring with photo documentation at the moment of inspection, transaction processing that reflects true cost immediately rather than after a batch sync and pallet-level genealogy through every repack and cross-dock so nothing gets lost in the handoff. Margin leakage is rarely a strategy problem. It is a visibility problem, and most operators do not know how much they are missing until they can finally see it. Fusionware gives produce and perishables operations that visibility, from field to retailer, in real time.

Grown & Certified products; administered, in cooperation with the New York Farm Viability Institute, the NYS Grown & Certified Infrastructure, Technology, Research and Development Grant Program to provide program participants with the

right here in New York. It builds awareness and confidence in New York Statebranded agricultural products and provides meaningful food product labeling in the marketplace. To farms and producers, it’s a badge of honor, demonstrating that their products meet the highest quality standards and have been produced with safe food handling and environmental stewardship at the forefront. It enables New York producers to take advantage of the growing market demand for foods locally grown and produced to a higher standard. In the coming months, the department looks forward to rolling out the many events and special campaigns it will be developing this year to thank participants and consumers alike for their commitment to the NYS Grown & Certified mission.

resources they need to grow; and so much more. Today, the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets has established a recognizable brand that tells a story: To buyers, it says their food was grown safely and responsibly,

For more information, go to www .fusionware.com, call 208.557.9056, email sales@fusionware.com or stop by booth #3108.

For more information, go to certified.ny.gov or stop by booth #2162.

Thursday, October 15, 2026

West Pak Avocado Builds Supply Chain Resilience with Colombia Investment For over four and a half decades, West Pak Avocado has transformed from a traditional fruit supplier into an essential partner across the retail, wholesale and foodservice industries. Anchored by its overarching positioning, A Better Way to Avocado, the company demonstrates a steadfast customer-first commitment across every phase of operation, from orchard to shelf. At the core of this strategy is AVO360, a comprehensive program integrating year-round avocado sourcing, custom ripening and data-driven merchandising support. By combining global logistics with regional expertise across California, Mexico, Colombia and Peru, West Pak ensures a reliable yearround supply that protects partners from seasonal fluctuations. This integrated approach empowers retail partners with the strategy, inventory management and promotional planning needed to drive consistent growth and stay ahead of consumer expectations and demand for the popular fruit. To further build supply chain resilience, West Pak has made significant long-term investments in Colombia, establishing one of the largest U.S.-owned growing and packing operations in the country. Over the past three years, the company has planted more than 1,000 hectares in the country and developed modern packing infrastructure tailored for the U.S. market. This long-term operational commitment grants greater visibility into crop development, harvest timing, fruit sizing and planning, ensuring consistent quality and uninterrupted serv-

ice year-round. “Our investment in Colombia is fundamentally about strengthening our ability to serve customers,” said West Pak Avocado Chief Executive Officer Mario Pacheco. “By investing directly in production and packing capabilities, we are creating a more resilient supply network that provides retailers with greater consistency, dependable service levels, and confidence in their year-round avocado programs. This investment complements our broader sourcing strategy and helps us navigate market volatility while continuing to deliver the quality our customers expect.” Complementing its core supply network, West Pak recently unveiled a bold organic branding strategy titled The Bright Side of Organic. Recognizing that the organic produce aisle is often dominated by a sea of purple, West Pak broke with convention with a vibrant gold-yellow palette. More than an aesthetic choice, this shift is a strategic move to help organic avocados stand out, signaling vitality and optimism to modern, health-conscious shoppers while providing retail partners with highly effective merchandising tools. Together, these integrated initiatives position West Pak Avocado to meet growing demand while maintaining exceptional quality and strategic support for its business partners. For more information, go to www.westpakavocado.com, call 800.266.4414, email sales@westpakavocado.com or stop by booth #1273.

Side Delights Brings Comfort Classics Back to the Table As younger consumers rediscover hands-on experiences in the kitchen, Fresh Solutions Network® (FSN) is high-

lighting Side Delights® potatoes as a natural fit for the return to comfort cooking, nostalgic recipes and updated

Produce Show Daily & Floral News

Strengthening the Cold Chain Between South America and the U.S. Northeast For shippers moving time-sensitive and temperature-controlled cargo, a high-performing supply chain depends on more than reaching the destination. It requires dependable schedules, strategic port connections, specialized equipment and experienced teams working together at every stage of the journey. On October 25, Seaboard Marine will take another important step toward strengthening that supply chain when its upgraded West Coast South America service makes its inaugural direct northbound call at Gloucester Marine Terminal in Gloucester City, New Jersey, at the Port of Philadelphia. The new call creates a more streamlined connection between important markets in Chile, Peru and Ecuador and the U.S. Northeast. It is designed to improve routing and connectivity for northbound cargo, particularly refrigerated and other timesensitive commodities that benefit from optimal handling and reliable transit. The inaugural voyage began in San Antonio, Chile, on October 3 and continued through Lirquén, Chile; Callao and Paita, Peru; and Guayaquil, Ecuador. After arriving in Gloucester on October 25, the vessel is scheduled to arrive in Brooklyn, New York, on October 28. By adding Gloucester directly to the northbound rotation, Seaboard Marine is expanding options for customers shipping from Callao, Paita and Guayaquil while improving connectivity for cargo originating in Lirquén and San Antonio. The terminal’s location family favorites. Nostalgia is increasingly influencing what consumers put on the table. According to the 2026 IKEA Cooking & Eating Report, 40% of consumers actively seek foods that remind them of childhood, compared with just 25% who want to try new foods more often.

also provides convenient access to the wider Northeast market, helping customers move cargo closer to major distribution centers and final destinations. This enhancement is especially meaningful for refrigerated cargo customers. Fresh produce and other perishables demand consistency throughout the transportation process, from equipment availability and temperature management to vessel schedules and terminal operations. More direct routing can support cargo integrity, reduce unnecessary handling and give customers greater confidence when planning their supply chains. The new Gloucester call reflects Seaboard Marine’s steady investment in services that respond to the growing needs of international trade. Backed by more than 40 years of experience, dedicated professionals, high-quality refrigerated equipment and a modern vessel fleet, the company remains focused on delivering dependable transportation services throughout the Americas. As the inaugural vessel approaches Gloucester, Seaboard Marine looks forward to welcoming this new chapter in its West Coast South America service. More importantly, the company looks forward to helping its customers create stronger, more reliable connections between South American producers and consumers across the U.S. Northeast. For more information, go to www.seaboardmarine.com or stop by booth #3111. At the same time, younger shoppers are showing enthusiasm for getting into the kitchen. FMI – The Food Industry Association reports that 51% of Gen Z consumers like or love meal preparation, compared with 46% of Continued on Page 27

Thursday, October 15, 2026

Produce Show Daily & Floral News

First in Season, First in Flavor – Fresh From Florida Delivers Both Wada Farms: The Reliable Partner Behind Every Potato, Onion and Sweet Potato Program For merchants, wholesalers and foodservice buyers, sourcing potatoes, onions and sweet potatoes is rarely just about the product – it’s about the partner behind it. That’s where Wada Farms has built its reputation. For decades, the Idaho-based grower-shipper has combined farming expertise with a fullservice supply chain built to keep retail and foodservice programs running smoothly, season after season. Wada Farms grows and ships a full lineup of fresh potatoes, onions and sweet potatoes, giving buyers a single source for category needs that might otherwise require juggling multiple suppliers. That range is backed by yearround growing regions and storage capacity, which allows the company to smooth out the seasonal gaps that can otherwise disrupt a retailer’s shelf or a distributor’s warehouse. What sets Wada Farms apart, though, is how it manages the supply chain itself. The company works closely with retail partners on forecasting, volume commitments and program planning well before the season starts, reducing the surprises that come with commodity sourcing. Packing and shipping operations are designed around consistency – the same specs, the same quality and the same reliability whether a buyer needs a truckload or an ongoing weekly program. Behind that operation is a cus-

tomer service philosophy that treats every account as a long-term relationship, not a transaction. Wada Farms’ team stays engaged from the first conversation about a program through every delivery that follows, working directly with merchants to solve problems quickly, communicate proactively about crop conditions or market shifts and adjust as programs evolve. For buyers managing complex categories across multiple stores or distribution points, that kind of responsiveness is often as valuable as the produce itself. “Our goal has always been to be more than a supplier – we want to be the partner our customers can count on, no matter what a season brings,” said Bryan Wada, Chief Executive Officer of Wada Farms. As the fresh produce industry continues to demand more from its supply chains – tighter timelines, greater transparency and fewer disruptions – Wada Farms is positioning itself as a grower-shipper that merchants and wholesalers can build a category around, not just order from. For buyers evaluating potato, onion and sweet potato partners, the company’s combination of product breadth, year-round supply and hands-on service is worth a conversation. For more information, go to www .wadafarms.com or stop by booth #433.

Just Shrimp Enters Frozen Seafood with Shrimp Nuggets at Harris Teeter Just Shrimp is expanding into hundreds of Harris Teeter stores this month with the retail debut of its shrimp nuggets. The launch marks the introduction

of Just Shrimp, a new frozen seafood brand focused on bringing home-coast shrimp into familiar, retail-ready formats. Made with shrimp from coastal

Retailers can unlock the best of Florida’s seasonal produce by partnering with “Fresh From Florida” and sourcing local products that deliver first-in-season freshness and first-in-flavor taste. First in season and first in flavor means shorter times in transit – preserving flavor, nutrients and shelf life. With 44,400 farms producing 300 different commodities, Florida offers a diverse range of high-quality fruits and vegetables to meet consumer demand across markets. In 2023, Florida ranked first in the United States in the value of production for floriculture, Valencia oranges, sugarcane, watermelons and sweet corn. The state ranked second in value of production for bell peppers, all oranges, strawberries, tomatoes grown in the open and non-Valencia oranges. Florida ranked third nationally in cabbage and grapefruit. The state ranked fourth nationally in peanuts. “Fresh From Florida” promotes Florida’s agricultural products through a multimedia consumer advertising campaign. The “Fresh From Florida” brand has nearly 1.6 million followers, and its annual campaign exceeded 1.16 billion impressions in Fiscal Year 2025-2026. The campaign runs November through June with a combination of media and trade advertising, including streaming/terrestrial radio, streaming/broadcast TV, digital, podcast, social media and more. “Fresh From Florida” has retailer relationships in 17 countries with 100+ retail partners operating in nearly 10,000 stores. Through the Retail Incentive Program, “Fresh From Florida” provides incentives to grocery retailers for promoting Florida produce in their stores.

The “Fresh From Florida” program conducts annual brand awareness surveys to measure consumer recognition and to understand what drives consumers to purchase products that carry the “Fresh From Florida” logo. Not only is taste important when considering whether to purchase produce or protein, but information such as the results of the program’s surveys and consumer logo recognition may encourage you to give your shoppers what they want and consider purchasing “Fresh From Florida” commodities. From a recent Brand Awareness Survey in 2025, the key takeaways included that 90% of consumers surveyed now recognize the “Fresh From Florida” logo and 76% of respondents look for locally grown Florida produce. This year’s show offers Florida’s fruit and vegetable growers the opportunity to showcase their products. “Working with ‘Fresh From Florida’ has been very beneficial to our watermelon industry. Co-exhibiting with them at this year’s show helps our growers highlight the exceptional quality of Florida watermelon to buyers all over the world,” says Carrie Thomas, President of the Florida Watermelon Association. Come visit the “Fresh From Florida” pavilion, and meet 20 Florida growers and Florida’s state chef and culinary ambassador, Justin Timineri, who will be showcasing Florida products and providing samples to attendees.

waters, the product delivers 100% real shrimp protein per serving and is prepared with familiar ingredients commonly found in home kitchens, including wheat flour, eggs and spices. It contains no artificial flavors, colors, fillers or preservatives. “When you look at the frozen seafood set, most of the innovation has been around flavors and coatings,” said

Just Shrimp Founder Lee Edmondson, who has worked with global QSR brands including McDonald’s and Burger King. “We wanted to give retailers a format that’s easy for shoppers to recognize and purchase, while taking a more straightforward approach to ingredients and sourcing.”

For more information, go to www .followfreshfromflorida.com, call 850.617.7330, email retailmkt @fdacs.gov or stop by booth #919.

Continued on Page 32

Thursday, October 15, 2026

Produce Show Daily & Floral News

Home Harvest: Freshness Designed for the Kitchen Counter

One Partner, Every Detail: Arlene Resource Management Fresh herbs don’t belong tucked away the produce aisle. Takes the Labor Burden Off Growers in a refrigerator. They belong in the Today’s consumers are looking for heart of the kitchen. That simple belief inspired Home Harvest™, North Shore Living Herbs + Greens’ new Signature Set designed to transform the way consumers experience fresh herbs at home. Most fresh herbs have a pretty short career. A few leaves go into the pasta sauce, a sprig on the pizza, maybe a little cilantro makes it into taco night, and before long the rest quietly makes its way to the back of the fridge, where it becomes tomorrow’s science experiment. For nearly 40 years, North Shore has been asking a different question: What if herbs lived where home cooks actually use them? Home Harvest answers that question with a beautifully crafted ceramic holder designed to showcase three North Shore Living Herbs right on the kitchen counter. Paired with premium herb scissors, the Signature Set makes it easy to harvest what you need, exactly when you need it. No waste. No forgotten herbs hiding in the refrigerator. Just peak freshness, vibrant flavor and Living Herbs at your fingertips. For retailers, Home Harvest is more than a beautiful kitchen accessory, it’s an opportunity to grow the living herb category. Consumers purchase the Signature Set once, then return to the produce department again and again to refill it with their favorite North Shore Living Herbs, creating an ongoing connection between the kitchen countertop and

By Beth VanDrie, General Manager, Arlene Resource Management Labor remains one of the toughest challenges facing growers. But the real strain isn’t only finding workers, it’s

simple ways to bring fresh flavor into everyday cooking. Home Harvest makes Living Herbs part of the daily kitchen routine while creating a beautiful countertop display that’s always within reach. “Our vision is simple,” says Suzette Overgaag, Co-Founder and Vice President. “We want every kitchen in America to experience the incredible freshness, aroma and enhanced flavor that only Living Herbs can provide. Home Harvest makes that experience beautiful, convenient and accessible.” After nearly 40 years of growing, North Shore believes the future of fresh isn’t tucked away in the back of the refrigerator. It’s living on the kitchen counter. Because fresh herbs don’t belong in the back of a refrigerator. They belong in the heart of the kitchen. For more information, go to www .northshore.farm, call 760.397.0400, email sales@northshore.farm or stop by booth #2258.

everything that comes with them. The applications and deadlines. The housing inspections. The transportation logistics. The payroll and recordkeeping. For most operations, managing a seasonal workforce means pulling time and attention away from the crop. Arlene Resource Management (ARM), a licensed farm labor contractor based in Michigan, exists to take that weight off growers entirely. ARM manages every aspect of the H-2A program: recruiting and onboarding, housing, transportation, payroll and compliance as a single turnkey solution. Growers work with one partner and one point of contact, and crews arrive ready to work. That turnkey approach is what separates ARM from piecemeal labor help. Rather than handing a grower a stack of paperwork and a list of next steps, ARM owns the process end to end: the program filings and required documentation, the deadlines that can’t slip, the housing and safety standards that have to be met, and the wage and

reporting rules that follow. Growers stay informed without having to become experts in the programs themselves. ARM also builds for the long term. Clients are able to bring back trusted workers year after year, while ARM continues developing dependable teams through family and community networks. That continuity reduces turnover, strengthens reliability and produces crews that already understand each operation’s expectations, which means less retraining and less supervision every season. As agriculture continues to evolve, and as demand for greenhouse and controlled environment production grows, ARM’s model goes well beyond a short-term fix. By combining full-service program management with genuine partnership, ARM gives growers a workforce they can count on and one less thing to manage. Services Provided by Arlene Resource Management • Full turnkey H-2A program management • Recruiting, onboarding, and returning-worker coordination • Housing, transportation, and payroll solutions • Compliance, documentation, and safety oversight For more information, go to www .arleneresourcemanagement.com, email office@arleneresourcemanagement.com or stop by booth #3013.

BrightFresh Microgreens to Unveil New Microgreen Salad Blends and Micro Herbs Eight Microgreen Salad Blends and six Micro Herbs bring fresh flavor, convenience and versatility to retail shelves to enhance the culinary experience of home chefs. BrightFresh® Microgreens will debut an innovative new collection of eight Microgreen Salad Blends and six Micro Herbs at this year’s show, expanding the ways consumers can enjoy microgreens every day.

The new retail Microgreen Salad lineup includes Micro Arugula, Micro Broccoli, Micro Watercress, Micro Rainbow Salad, Micro Asian Salad, Micro Super Salad, Micro Crunchy Salad and Micro Spicy Salad. The collection is being introduced at BrightFresh Microgreens booth #2058. Designed for convenience and versatility, the salads can be enjoyed

straight from the package or incorporated into sandwiches, bowls, tacos, entrées and other everyday meals. Each blend offers a distinct combination of flavor, color and texture, making it easy for consumers to add fresh microgreens to the foods they already enjoy.

BrightFresh is also introducing six Micro Herbs, delivering familiar herb flavors in a fresh microgreen format. Created as an easy finishing ingredient, the herbs add fresh flavor, aroma and visual appeal with little to no Continued on Page 25

Thursday, October 15, 2026

Produce Show Daily & Floral News

Sunsweet Welcomes Two New Product Innovations

Three Brands, One Cold-Pressed Facility Suja Life is changing what beverages bring to the table. Founded on the belief that what you drink should work as hard as what you eat, the company makes organic, cold-pressed juices, wellness shots and better-for-you sodas that deliver real functional benefits, exceptional taste and high-quality ingredients. Suja Life believes beverages should be as delicious as they are good for you – never one at the expense of the other. Its portfolio spans three categoryleading brands, each built to meet consumers in a different moment of their day. Suja Organic brings the nutrient density of cold-pressed, organic juice and targeted wellness shots to shoppers looking to simplify their daily routines. Vive Organic delivers concentrated, functional shots designed for the moments when people need a quick, purposeful boost. And Slice Soda reimagines the better-for-you soda category, pairing bold, nostalgic flavor with a gut-friendly blend of prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics – proving that healthier soda doesn’t have to mean flatter, less satisfying soda. Together, these three brands reach consumers through thousands of retail

doors nationally, meeting shoppers wherever they shop. What sets Suja Life apart isn’t just what it makes, but how it makes it. The company operates a vertically integrated, in-house high-pressure processing (HPP) and cold-pressed beverage facility, processing approximately 1 million pounds of organic produce each week and moving from farm to bottle in as few as eight days. That control over its own supply chain and processing means fresher products, faster innovation and quality it can stand behind at every step. With category-leading brands, a dedication to operational excellence and a proven innovation engine that continues to bring new flavors, formats and functional benefits to market, Suja Life is positioned at the forefront of the fast-growing natural, better-for-you beverage space – helping redefine what consumers expect from the drinks they reach for every day and truly changing what beverages bring to the table. For more information, go to www.suja life.com, email info@sujaorganic.com or stop by booth #1409.

The Future of Fresh Mushrooms Is Growing Now By Sandy Malouff-Quintana, Vice President of Fresh Sales, South Mill Champs Mushroom farming isn’t what it used to be. And that’s a good thing. Consumers expect fresh mushrooms to deliver every time: quality, freshness, consistency and availability. Meeting those expectations requires more than growing expertise. It demands continuous investment in advanced cultivation practices, technology and operations that drive performance from harvest to shelf. At South Mill Champs, we’re combining generations of mushroom knowledge with modern growing facil-

ities, automation, technology and smarter processes. The goal of every investment is simple: grow a better mushroom. That means delivering the color, size, texture, freshness and consistency consumers expect when they reach for mushrooms at the store. But growing a great mushroom is only part of what makes a great partner. Freshness also depends on proximity. Mushrooms are highly perishable, and meeting customer expectations becomes more challenging when product has to travel across the continent. Our growing and distribution footprint puts us closer to the customers and markets we serve, helping us deliver fresher

Sunsweet is a brand devoted to bringing new product innovations, year after year, that deliver on both overall wellness and taste. This year, Sunsweet welcomes new sizes and varieties of some already delicious favorites. Dried Mangos are now available in a larger 9ounce pouch and Medjool Dates are new to the Sunsweet family. They’re now available in an 8-ounce pouch. Sunsweet’s Dried Mangos have been a fan-favorite for a while now, but they’re currently unveiling a new size. These Dried Mangos offer delicious taste and great value in a convenient 9-ounce pack. With their bold, tropical flavor and satisfying chew, it’s an easy, feel-good snack that’s made for sharing. You can pack them on the go or simply keep them on hand in the pantry for whenever you need a naturally sweet treat. Delicious Deglet Noor Dates have been a Sunsweet staple for years now, but Medjool Dates are a new, exciting space for Sunsweet. “The addition of Medjool Dates feels like it really rounds out our dried fruit offerings,” said Taylor Falati, Brand Manager. “Dates have taken the world by storm recently with different recipes and combinations. As a leader in the dried fruit industry, we want to be a one stop shop for retailers.” So let’s talk about the difference between the two. Medjool Dates are like Deglet Noor’s larger, plumper sister. They’re a little darker in color. They’re a bit softer and stickier. They taste decadent and sweet, while still being rich in all of the nutrients that you love dates for. Sunsweet’s new Medjool Dates are in fact plumper and more moist than the other Medjool product with greater consistency. The SMC Difference is our ability to combine deep growing expertise with the scale, supply chain capabilities and customer focus required to succeed in today’s fresh retail business. We are investing for the long term while staying focused on what matters every day: delivering for our customers. We believe the future of the mushroom category will be built by companies that can do both: honor the expertise that got us here

Dates that are currently on the market. Consumers and retailers alike can always trust the Sunsweet difference. As a brand, Sunsweet is dedicated to

producing a superior premium product every time. Dried Mangos are seeing strong momentum, with dollar sales up +17% YoY across MULO, giving retailers even more reason to make room on shelf for this growing category. Dates are also on the rise, with dollar sales up +6% YoY. Founded more than 100 years ago, Sunsweet is the world’s largest and most famous brand of dried tree fruits and is proudly grower-owned, with a vast number of SKUs. While they are a prune and prune juice company first and foremost, the 9-ounce pouch of Dried Mangos and the 8ounce pouch of Medjool Dates are the newest additions to their plethora of dried offerings including Dates, Mangos, Chopped Dates, Apricots and more. For more information, go to www.sunsweet.com or stop by booth #1708. and embrace the technology and innovation that will move us forward. To our customers, thank you for trusting South Mill Champs as your mushroom partner. We are proud of what we’ve built together and excited about where the category is headed. For more information, go to www .southmill.com or stop by booth #1181.

Thursday, October 15, 2026

Produce Show Daily & Floral News

sion agriculture, food safety and sustainable growing practices. The willingness to adapt while preserving the values of hard work and stewardship has allowed American farming to thrive for 250 years. That same spirit of progress continues today at Owyhee Produce. Since 1954, familythe owned company has been growing premium produce in I d a h o ’ s Treasure Valley, where three generations of the Froerer family continue to build on the legacy established more than 70 years ago. While the compa-

ny’s commitment to quality and customer service remains unchanged, its willingness to invest in innovation has created new opportunities for both growers and customers. One of the most significant milestones this year is Owyhee Produce’s expanded year-round Idaho onion program. Customers can now source Idaho onions throughout the year from the company’s Parma, Idaho packing facility – a developthat ment reflects decades of investment in farming practices, storage, packing technology and supply chain improvements. What was once seasonal has become a dependable year-round solution for retailers, wholesalers and foodservice operators. The story of American agriculture

has always been one of growth – not simply growing crops, but growing ideas, businesses, communities and opportunities. Every improvement builds upon the work of those who came before, ensuring that future generations inherit an industry that is stronger and more resilient than the one before it. As the nation looks back on 250 years of history, companies like Owyhee Produce demonstrate that the future of American farming is just as important as its past. By honoring tradition while embracing innovation, the company continues to prove that progress doesn’t happen overnight – it happens season after season, generation after generation. After all, the American story has never been about standing still. It’s about growing forward.

opportunity to make those same qualities more accessible to consumers,” said Marc Oshima, Senior Vice President of Sales. “These new products are designed to make fresh flavor simple, convenient and relevant to everyday eating.”

Grown in San Marcos, California, BrightFresh Microgreens benefit from natural sunlight and the region’s distinctive coastal growing environment, supporting fresh, vibrant microgreens year-round. The 14-product launch reflects the

brand’s continued focus on making microgreens more approachable, versatile and easy to incorporate into everyday meals.

250 Years of Growth: How American Farming Continues to Shape the Future By Bailey Myers-Hartley, Agritourism and Marketing, Owyhee Produce As America celebrates its 250th anniversary in 2026, it’s worth remembering that the nation’s story has always been rooted in agriculture. Long before railroads, highways and cities connected the country, it was farmers who cultivated the land, built communities and created opportunities for generations to come. From the earliest family homesteads to today’s modern agricultural operations, farming has remained one of the foundations of the American economy and a symbol of resilience, innovation and perseverance. American agriculture has never stood still. Each generation has found new ways to improve – from advances in irrigation and equipment to preciBrightFresh (Cont’d. from p. 22)

preparation – an effortless way to finish fresh. “Microgreens have long been valued by chefs for their flavor, texture and versatility, and we see tremendous

For more information, go to www.owyheeproduce.com, call 541.610.0410, email sales@owyhee produce.com or stop by booth #416.

For more information, go to www.bright fresh.com or stop by booth #2058.

Thursday, October 15, 2026

Produce Show Daily & Floral News

Premium California for 40 Years

Recruiting Firm Behind Produce Bella Sun Luci, the flagship brand of ally associated with imported sunIndustry Growth and Success woman-owned and family-operated dried tomatoes. The success of the produce and food industry hinges on more than just the quality of crops or efficiency of operations – it’s about the people who drive companies and the industry forward. AgHires helps growers, packers, shippers, food producprocessors, solution ers, providers, associations and other businesses across the food supply chain recruit the talent needed to move their organizations forward. The firm specializes in executive search and professional recruiting, connecting companies with experienced candidates who bring the right combination of industry knowledge, leadership ability and cultural fit. From startups and family-owned operations to Fortune 500 companies, AgHires serves businesses at every stage of growth. Its recruiters support searches for executives, operations leaders, sales professionals, food safety specialists, supply chain professionals and other critical roles. Rather than relying only on applicants or an existing candidate database, AgHires proactively identifies and engages qualified professionals, including passive candidates who may not be actively considering a career move. This targeted approach helps companies reach proven talent that is often difficult to access through job advertising alone.

Mooney Farms, is celebrating nearly 40 years of producing premium sun-dried tomatoes in the United States. As the first company to commercially produce sun-dried tomatoes domestically, Mooney Farms has built Bella Sun Luci around a simple philosophy: premium ingredients are a family tradition. Great food starts with quality ingredients – and those ingredients should never be compromised. For four decades, Bella Sun Luci Sun Dried Tomatoes have been 100% American made, with tomatoes grown, dried and packaged in California. By sourcing locally, Mooney Farms supports California farmers, American truckers, manufacturing workers and communities throughout the domestic supply chain. The company’s commitment to American agriculture also provides greater transparency, traceability and consistency from farm to finished product. “Supporting American agriculture has always been an important part of who we are,” said Mary Mooney. “We are proud to work with local farmers and American workers to make a premium product that has remained true to our family’s standards for nearly 40 years.” Bella Sun Luci was founded on innovation, transforming an imported specialty ingredient into an accessible American-made product. Mooney Farms pioneered the domestic production of sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil, developing a drying process that highlighted the natural flavor of California-grown tomatoes while reducing the reliance on salt tradition-

That commitment to quality has remained unchanged. For 40 years, Bella Sun Luci has continued to use premium ingredients and authentic family recipes, including olive oil instead of seed oils. Bella Sun Luci Sun Dried Tomatoes are packed in olive oil – never seed oils – giving consumers a option premium that aligns with today’s growing interest in simple, recognizable ingredients. For the Mooney family, premium ingredients aren’t a trend – they are a tradition passed down through generations. As sun-dried tomatoes continue to gain popularity with consumers, Bella Sun Luci stands apart through its combination of American manufacturing, California-grown tomatoes and decades of expertise. The brand’s commitment extends beyond the product itself, supporting local agriculture and maintaining strong relationships throughout the American supply chain. “Trends may change, but our ingredients and our commitment to quality have not,” said Mooney. “For 40 years, we have stayed true to the same principles that started our company: premium ingredients, authentic recipes, American manufacturing and food our family is proud to put on the table.” Today, Bella Sun Luci continues to deliver the quality and flavor that helped establish the sun-dried tomato category in the United States – while remaining proudly woman-owned, family-operated and 100% American made. For more information, go to www.bella sunluci.com or stop by booth #1623.

Recent Hires That Are Driving Industry Success AgHires recently supported several strategic hires making a measurable impact across agriculture and the food supply chain. A nonprofit agricultural trade association hired an Assistant Director of Industry Relations to strengthen member engagement and industry partnerships. The successful candidate was able to immediately contribute in the role, allowing senior leadership to refocus on key strategic initiatives. A leading Wisconsin grower, packer

Side Delights (Cont’d. from p. 12)

today’s younger cooks are finding new ways to make them their own,” said Kathleen Triou, President and Chief Executive Officer of Fresh Solutions Network. “Side Delights gives retailers an opportunity to connect the potato category with shoppers looking for affordable comfort, cooking inspiration and fresh takes on familiar favorites.” The trend is appearing in movements such as “analog cooking,” “nowstalgia” and “grandmacore,” where younger consumers are embracing traditional recipes and cooking tech-

niques while adding contemporary flavors, global influences and better-foryou twists. Side Delights recipes bring those influences to familiar favorites, including Spanish Potato Frittata and Slimmed-Down Scalloped Potatoes. Interest in hands-on cooking is also renewing enthusiasm for traditional cookware such as cast-iron skillets and Dutch ovens. Side Delights bagged, convenience and petite potatoes work across these preparation methods, from Easy Potato Breakfast Skillet to simply prepared

consumers overall. When asked how retailers could make meal preparation easier, Gen Z’s top request was better-value food options, cited by 49%. For retailers, potatoes sit naturally at the intersection of these trends: familiar, versatile and value-oriented, while providing a foundation for traditional favorites and globally inspired meals. “Potatoes have always been one of America’s great comfort foods, but

and shipper of fresh produce partnered with AgHires to hire a business development manager. This individual is now leading the company’s national retail sales and marketing efforts, helping drive

growth and expand market opportunities. A manufacturer of quality livestock supplement tubs added a vice president of sales & marketing to its leadership team, helping scale one of the company’s brands nationwide. A recent client said, “We used AgHires to help with the difficult task of finding a candidate that would quickly step into a Senior Leadership position within our company... AgHires wanted us to find a quality candidate that would be with us for many years to come. The goal was our success, not just placing a candidate. The candidate they sourced for us has been nothing short of fantastic. We are very happy with the hire and will continue to use AgHires for key roles within our company.” Shaping the Future of the Industry AgHires is not simply filling open positions, they’re helping shape the future of produce, food production, food processing and agriculture by connecting organizations with professionals who can strengthen operations, lead teams and support continued growth. “Our work does not end with finding candidates,” said Ryan Young, Chief Revenue Officer at AgHires. “It starts with understanding our clients, their goals and the type of person who can make a lasting impact on their organization.” For more information, go to www .aghires.com, call 844.244.4737, email info@aghires.com or stop by booth #2304. Dutch oven baked and Dutch oven petite potatoes. For retailers, the opportunity extends beyond the traditional potato side dish. Side Delights varieties, pack sizes and convenience options can connect the potato category to some of today’s strongest consumer motivations – comfort, value, cooking inspiration and nostalgia – while introducing a new generation of shoppers to fresh potatoes. For more information, go to www .sidedelights.com.

Thursday, October 15, 2026

Produce Show Daily & Floral News

Taste the Aloha of Hawai’i Specialty Crops The Hawai’i Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity (DAB) presents Hawai’i specialty crops at booth #2857 in the show’s produce section. Representatives are showcasing opportunities for wholesalers and distributors to purchase popular Hawai’i crops for its consumers. Specialty crops are defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops (including floriculture). Much of Hawai’i’s diversified agriculture falls under this specialty crop designation. Visitors to the booth may sample Hawaii’s Ka’u coffee, Hamakua Macadamia Nuts, Maui pineapple, island purple sweet potatoes, ulu (breadfruit), basil, herbs and fruits. Commodity experts are on hand to introduce buyers and distributors to the producers of these Hawaiian specialty crops, where sales opportunities may be negotiated. Participating Representatives in booth #2857 include: • Hawaii Pacific Farms • Hawaii Ulu Cooperative • Ka’u Coffee and Hamakua Macadamia Nuts • Maui Gold Pineapple “Hawai’i agriculture is uniquely different from the continental United States in that specialty crops comprise the majority of our agricultural industry,” said Sharon Hurd, Chairperson of the Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity. “The State of Hawai’i appreciates this opportunity to share our premium

agricultural products with much aloha.” Specialty crops are grown throughout the state of Hawai’i on its eight major islands: Kaua’i, O’ahu, Moloka’i, Lana’i, Maui and Hawai’i Island. Hawai’i’s temperatures can range

from 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, which provides an abundant supply of sunshine for specialty crops. The state’s varied elevations make perfect conditions to grow a variety of fruits, nuts, coffee and vegetables throughout the year. In addition to the warm climate, the volcanic soil on the islands is rich in nutrients, which also makes Hawai’i ideal for growing specialty crops. Catch the islands’ Aloha and taste some of the finest specialty crops. For more information, go to dab.hawaii.gov, call 808.973.9560 or stop by booth #2857.

Freshful & Freshful Plus: GRAS-approved Fruit & Vegetable Wash on Cut and Uncut Fruits & Vegetables What is Freshful™? Freshful is a GRAS-approved wash to prevent browning and to extend the shelf life of uncut fruits and vegetables. Freshful and Freshful Plus™ are based upon U.S. Patent Number 10,446,327 describing Tydronium as a unique proton structure. Both are classified as processing aids, so no label requirements are needed. Key Benefits • Discourages post-harvest waste • Retards produce aging process • Improves current wash process • Prolongs freshness

Post Harvest Degradation Plant and Pathogen Growth Conditions: All organisms, including plants and pathogens, thrive within specific pH and redox (Eh) ranges. They can modify their environment to favor their own growth. When a plant’s pH and Eh become imbalanced – often due to stressors like moisture or nutrient deficiencies – it can increase susceptibility to pathogens. Respiration and Post-Harvest Challenges: Respiration is a continuous process in plants, both before and after harvest. After harvest, produce can no longer replenish carbohydrates or

From Harvest to Shelf: Fresh Insights for Produce Packaging Produce companies are under constant pressure to do more with less: protect product, improve efficiency, reduce waste and stand out in a crowded produce department. The challenge is that decisions made in one area often affect performance in another. A package designed for supply chain efficiency still has to protect product. A retail display designed to attract shoppers still has to work within operational realities. That’s why the best packaging decisions consider the entire journey, from fields and packing sheds to the produce aisle. Smurfit Westrock’s innovation tools and services help growers, packers and brands uncover opportunities at every stage of that journey. Combining packaging expertise, supply chain insight and retail intelligence, these tools help companies make informed decisions that drive stronger performance across the business. These four innovation tools and services can be especially valuable to produce companies looking to drive efficiencies: • ShelfSmart helps brands maximize their impact at the shelf. Through a sixstep process, we work toward developing the best packaging solution for growers. Combining retail insights, shopper research and packaging expertise, it enables companies to create shelf-ready solutions designed to improve visibility, engagement and conversion where purchasing decisions are made. • PackExpert helps determine the water, making it harder to regulate pH and Eh. As respiration consumes stored sugars and starches, the produce ages, deteriorates and eventually decays. Freshful & Freshful Plus to the Rescue Freshful and Freshful Plus enhance freshness and shelf life by leveraging a carbonic acid/bicarbonate buffering system that: • Reduces oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals with buffered acidity and antioxidants. • Reduces respiration and CO2 release, slowing down metabolic activity in fruits and vegetables.

optimal packaging performance needed throughout the supply chain. By analyzing factors such as transportation, storage, handling, temperature and humidity, it helps reduce the risk of product damage while avoiding unnecessary material use. • SupplySmart looks beyond the package itself to evaluate the broader supply chain. Using insights drawn from more than 160,000 supply chains, it identifies opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce costs, minimize risk and support more sustainable operations. • Store Visualizer allows teams to see packaging, displays and merchandising concepts in a realistic virtual store environment before they are produced. By visualizing solutions alongside competing products, brands can make more confident decisions and accelerate development. Together, these tools and services, along with extensive packaging expertise and track-and-trace capabilities, help answer a larger question: How can packaging work harder across the entire produce journey? From protecting fresh products and improving supply chain performance to creating stronger retail experiences, innovative tools help uncover opportunities that drive growth from field to shelf. For more information, go to www .smwrk.com/produce-packaging-na or stop by booth #2227.

• Creates an unfavorable environment for pathogens by stabilizing pH and redox potential (Eh). • Minimizes post-harvest losses by preserving cellular integrity and reducing oxidative damage. This external buffering system helps maintain freshness longer by slowing natural degradation processes. For more information, go to www .afcocare.com, call 800.345.1329, email support@afco.net or stop by Prodew booth #2033.

Thursday, October 15, 2026

Produce Show Daily & Floral News Aweta combines intelligent detection with technology robust, reliable hardware designed for uptime, ease of use and consistent performance.

Precision That Performs By Justin Taylor, President, Aweta Americas Inc. The expectations placed on packers today are higher than ever. Appearance alone is no longer enough. Buyers expect fruit that delivers consistent quality – inside and out. That’s why internal quality grading is no longer a luxury; it’s an essential part of modern packing operations. Since 2006, Aweta has been at AgHires (Cont’d. from p. 1)

food processors and other industry organizations. From presidents, general managers and vice presidents to sales, operations, production, food safety, supply chain and other specialized professionals, AgHires recruiters identify and engage talent that strengthens your organization and moves your business forward. AgHires combines deep industry knowledge, proactive candidate outreach and a consultative recruiting approach to help companies fill important and difficult-to-fill positions. AgHires also operates the leading agriculture and food industry job board, giving employers additional options for reaching active job seekers at every level. More Than a Recruiter – A Talent Advisor AgHires’ strongest client relationSunsweet (Cont’d. from p. 1)

with BC30 Probiotics and naturally delivering prebiotic fiber, these prunes support digestive and immune health in the tastiest way possible. They offer consumers a simple and enjoyable way to add a little wellness into their daily routines. “Probiotic+ Prunes have become the answer to a lot of people’s questions on how to best support their gut health and immune health in as few steps as possible,” said Taylor Falati, Brand Manager. “The natural health benefits of prunes and the proven power of BC30 Probiotics come together to create a truly innovative snack Just Shrimp (Cont’d. from p. 18)

Just Shrimp sources its shrimp from North America’s home coasts. By sourcing closer to retail, the brand shortens its supply chain and reduces reliance on long global shipping routes, helping preserve product quality and provide greater transparency throughout the product cycle. “Our approach aligns well with a

the forefront of internal quality technology, advancing pressure modeling, Brix analysis and defect detection that looks beneath the surface. From stem rot and internal bruising to water core and other hidden defects, our technology helps make the invisible visible. In high-volume operations, accuracy matters. Missed defects, inconsistent grading and misclassification can quickly affect profitability, customer ships are built on communication, integrity and a shared commitment to finding the right person, not simply filling an opening. AgHires acts as your trusted talent advisor throughout the entire search process, going the extra mile to help you understand market trends, candidate behavior and compensation expectations. With in-depth market knowledge and insights, AgHires helps you build a team that drives results and positions your organization for long-term growth.

confidence and brand reputation. for the best. AgHires represents your company, opportunity and culture in the market to attract candidates who can make a meaningful and lasting impact.

A Differentiated Recruitment Approach Many of the positions AgHires fills have already been advertised or worked by internal and external recruiting teams without success. The team develops a tailored recruitment strategy based on the position, company, market and ideal candidate profile. AgHires won’t just look in its database, send you a candidate and hope

Executive Search That Delivers Results AgHires specializes in executive search across the produce, horticulture, food production, food processing, agriculture and the broader food supply chain. AgHires recruits presidents, CEOs, general managers, vice presidents, directors and other key leadership positions that shape the future of organizations. The strongest executive candidates are rarely actively seeking a new opportunity. Through extensive industry networks, targeted outreach and proactive recruiting strategies, AgHires identifies and engages highly qualified passive candidates who often aren’t accessible through traditional recruiting methods.

that makes daily wellness both easy and delicious.” BC30 Probiotics are a natural probiotic ingredient that supports overall digestion, protein absorption and creates beneficial or “good” bacteria in your gut microbiome. This combines with the natural prebiotic fiber that prunes are already known for, which helps nourish good bacteria in the gut and enhances the effectiveness of BC30. The probiotics, prebiotics and of course the fiber work together to keep your digestive system balanced and support full-body wellness. Sunsweet has seen a +44% growth YoY in Food Channel with a 60% ACV, making this product the exact thing your con-

sumers are demanding. Beyond their wellness benefits, Probiotic+ Prunes are also infused with a rich and juicy Elderberry flavor, adding a flavorful twist to Sunsweet’s classic prune taste. They’re naturally sweet, delicious and packed with so many healthy benefits that keep shoppers reaching for them time and time again. Sunsweet Probiotic+ Prunes contain no added sugar and are packed in a convenient resealable pouch. Whether at home, at work or on the go, they offer a smart snacking option that supports wellness without ever sacrificing taste or ease. Founded more than 100 years ago, Sunsweet is the world’s largest and

retailer like Harris Teeter, which is known for its engaged shopper base and commitment to championing quality,” said Edmondson. “It’s the right environment to introduce shrimp in a new format that shoppers already know and love.” Shoppers can find Just Shrimp Nuggets in the frozen seafood aisle at participating Harris Teeter stores. The product is available in 12-ounce packages with approximately four servings

per package and a suggested retail price of $11.99. The brand will support the launch with targeted investments across PR, shopper marketing and instore activations to drive awareness and trial. About Just Shrimp Just Shrimp is an American seafood brand focused on bringing homecoast shrimp to retail through value-

For more information, go to www.aweta.com, call 559.244.8340, email sales@aweta.us or stop by booth #3319. AgHires often describes its approach as “retained search without the retainer.” Its clients receive the thoroughness, market intelligence and consultative partnership of a traditional retained executive search while benefiting from a flexible, results-driven approach. From defining leadership needs and evaluating candidates to managing interviews and offer negotiations, AgHires guides clients through every stage of the process. Talk About Your Next Critical Hire with AgHires Whether you are hiring a senior executive, an experienced professional or building a stronger team across your organization, AgHires can help you reach and recruit the talent you need. For more information, go to www.aghires.com or stop by booth #2304. most famous brand of dried tree fruits and is grower-owned. Producing 50,000 tons of signature Sunsweet Prunes a year, it is responsible for over 20% of the world’s prunes. Probiotic+ Prunes are one of their product innovations and can be found at national retailers and online at sunsweet.com for nationwide delivery. If your health-conscious consumers are looking for a healthy addition to their lifestyle, Sunsweet Probiotic+ Prunes are the perfect place to start. For more information, go to www.sunsweet.com or stop by booth #1708. added frozen products. The company sources shrimp from coastal waters in North America and uses streamlined processing to maintain quality from harvest through production. Its products are offered in familiar formats with simple, pantry ingredients and no artificial flavors, colors, fillers or preservatives. For more information, go to www .justshrimp.com.

Thursday, October 15, 2026

Produce Show Daily & Floral News

Ellips True-AI Brings Next-Generation Citrus Grading to California

Rambutan and Dragon Fruit: Two Tropical Standouts Built for Visual Impact Few products can create a produce display quite like rambutan and dragon fruit. One is covered in soft, hairlike spines in shades of red and green; the other arrives in vivid pink skin tipped with green scales. Both invite a closer look, making them natural conversation starters in a retail environment. For Belen Trading, rambutan and dragon fruit are two important products within a much broader tropical and specialty portfolio. Their appeal illustrates why the category continues to attract attention: shoppers can experience something visually unexpected while discovering flavors that are approachable and versatile. Rambutan opens to reveal translucent white flesh surrounding a seed. Its appearance may be dramatic, but the eating experience is easy to understand for consumers familiar with related tropical fruits. Merchandising that shows both the whole fruit and what is inside can help first-time buyers know what to expect. Dragon fruit offers a similar opportunity. Cutting the fruit exposes white or brightly colored flesh dotted with

tiny black seeds, creating a strong visual contrast. It can be eaten fresh, added to fruit plates, blended into beverages or used anywhere its color and presentation can become part of the experience. For buyers, these products also demonstrate the importance of condition and presentation in specialty produce. Eye-catching fruit only delivers its full impact when it reaches the display looking fresh and appealing. Handling, timing and knowledgeable sourcing therefore matter as much as the novelty of the item itself. Belen Trading, based in South Florida, supplies tropical and specialty produce to the wholesale market and works with an assortment that extends well beyond these two fruits. That broader offering allows customers to build programs around both attentiongetting items and everyday specialty staples. At this year’s show, buyers can see the tropical category through that wider lens. For more information, go to www.belen trading.com or stop by booth #982.

Wish Farms and Clarifresh Transform Berry Quality Control with AI Wish Farms, a leading grower and marketer of fresh berries, and Clarifresh, a leading provider of AI-powered quality management solutions for the fresh produce industry, announced significant results from their partnership to digitize and automate quality management across Wish Farms’ operations. By deploying Clarifresh’s AI-powered quality management platform,

Wish Farms is standardizing quality processes and giving its teams a faster, more consistent and datadriven approach to evaluating fresh produce. The partnership includes automated defect detection for strawberries, which has helped Wish Farms Continued on Page 39

California’s citrus growers and packers face a familiar set of pressures: labor availability, rising costs and markets that expect consistent quality regardless of season or variety. Oranges, lemons, limes and mandarins each bring their own grading challenges, from rot and scarring to internal defects invisible to the naked eye. Meeting those standards at scale, batch after batch, is one of the hardest problems in the packhouse. Ellips Group is bringing its Elisam citrus grader, powered by True-AI grading technology, to California, with a model built specifically for the defects and conditions this market’s growers and packers encounter in the field. Built for California’s Citrus Rather than applying a generic grading model, Ellips Group’s Citrus AI was developed around the specific defects identified through direct work with California growers and packers, with field data incorporated into the model to sharpen performance for this region’s varieties. Citrus AI is built on Ellips Group’s broader platform, developed across 20+ crops and 3,500+ grading systems in over 50 countries. AI Grading Keeps Agrofrut’s Citrus Quality Consistent at 40+ Tons/Hour One clear example comes from Agrofrut, which moves more than 25,000 tons of oranges annually along with significant volumes of mandarins and lemons. Facing an unpredictable labor market and strict export demands, Agrofrut installed an Elisam grader powered by Ellips True-AI, now running at more than 40 tons per hour, consistently detecting defects such as clear rot, scarring and punctures across every variety it packs. “This AI grading machine keeps us at the forefront as market leaders. With high capacity and consistent quality, we now have the opportunities and the

confidence to meet diverse market demands,” said Andreas Pantazis, Agrofrut. How It Works: TrueSort and True-AI At the core of every Elisam grader is TrueSort, Ellips Group’s grading software, enhanced with True-AI. Using rotating cups and multispectral cameras, the system captures a 360degree view of each fruit, up to 90 images per piece at 0.2mm precision, turning camera data into real-time sorting decisions by size, shape, color and quality, catching defects a manual line would miss – including clear rot, blemishes, calyx damage, punctures, scarring, sunburn and rind breakdown. What This Means for California Packers For California growers and packers expanding into new varieties, volumes or markets, the challenges Agrofrut faced will sound familiar: unpredictable labor, rising quality expectations and the pressure of processing large volumes without compromising gradeout. The Elisam grader meets those challenges directly: less dependence on sorting labor at peak harvest, steady quality across every variety, fewer costly rejections and high throughput with gentle handling, in configurations from two to eight lanes for any operation size. Looking Ahead California’s citrus growers and packers are being asked to do more with less: more consistency, more throughput and more resilience to a shifting labor market. Ellips Group’s Elisam grader meets that challenge, combining a grading model shaped by Californiaspecific field data with a technology platform proven across 20+ crops and 3,500+ installations worldwide. For more information, go to www.ellips.com or stop by booth #3532.

Thursday, October 15, 2026

Produce Show Daily & Floral News North Shore (Cont’d. from p. 1)

changed the way consumers experience fresh herbs. The road to 40 began with Leo and Suzette Overgaag searching for the “next best thing.” At 27 and 23, they set out to pursue the American dream and build a family and business of their own. Their search led to California’s Coachella Valley, where their adventure began. Their original plan was to grow roses. As they built their first greenhouse and began growing European cucumbers, new opportunities began to take shape. They saw the potential to transform fresh herbs by offering consumers something cut herbs couldn’t: roots attached and freshness that lasted. North Shore pioneered the Living Herb category in the mid-1990s, introducing the first Living Herbs with roots attached to the refrigerated produce ERP Support (Cont’d. from p. 1)

chains leave little room for technology disruptions. For Columbia Fruit, a leading supplier of premium frozen fruit distributed to grocery retailers nationwide, dependable ERP support is critical to keeping operations running smoothly during its limited processing season. Like many growing organizations, Columbia Fruit faced challenges with its existing support model. Users experienced inconsistent response times, access to knowledgeable resources was limited, and key post-go-live initiatives often struggled to gain traction. Without a dedicated support structure, issue resolution was slower than desired, and internal teams spent valuable time managing support concerns rather than focusing on strategic priorities. Recognizing the need for a more proactive and reliable approach,

section, with freshness lasting up to three times longer than fresh-cut herbs. “Our goal was simple: give consumers fresher herbs that stayed alive longer,” says Suzette Overgaag, CoFounder and Vice President. Achieving that goal took years of testing and innovation, leading to new growing methods, packaging and production systems. “Leo and I strongly believe that if you’re standing still, you’re moving backwards,” says Overgaag. “We stay close to our retail partners, listen carefully to consumers, and foster a culture where every team member asks, ‘How can we make this better?’” That mindset continues to shape North Shore today. Innovation is woven into every part of the business, from patented packaging solutions like the Root Lock clamshell, which creates a “mini greenhouse” environment to help Living Herbs thrive, to the self-

watering potted herb system, a brilliant merchandising solution designed to keep plants fresher longer and support retail success. Pushing innovation further, North Shore spent 20 years developing its patent-pending organic NFT fertilizer system, the first of its kind. For North Shore, growing organic goes beyond pesticide-free; that commitment is reflected in the very nutrients the plant takes in. Through an intricate natural biological process, crops otherwise wasted and food-industry byproducts are transformed into high-quality plant nutrition, while water and nutrients are recaptured, cleaned and reused throughout the growing system. Carefully balancing nutrition, water quality and food safety, the system helps North Shore deliver healthy, vibrant Living Herbs with exceptional consistency 365 days a year. Each advancement helps North

Columbia Fruit partnered with Ternpoint Solutions to support its Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central environment. The decision was driven by Ternpoint’s deep Business Central expertise, industry knowledge and commitment to delivering responsive, U.S.-based support. Rather than simply addressing issues as they occurred, Ternpoint implemented a proactive support model designed to improve system performance and reduce risk. Regular system health checks, performance optimization reviews and ongoing collaboration helped identify opportunities for improvement before they impacted day-to-day operations. Equally important, Columbia Fruit gained direct access to a dedicated team of specialists who understood both the technology platform and the unique operational demands of the

food and produce industry. The results were significant. Faster access to experienced resources improved issue resolution times and reduced support backlogs. Enhanced system performance helped minimize disruption during critical operating periods, while proactive guidance enabled Columbia Fruit to maximize the value of its Dynamics 365 Business Central investment. Internal teams were able to spend less time troubleshooting and more time supporting customers, improving processes and driving business growth. As Columbia Fruit continues to expand, Ternpoint’s scalable support model evolves alongside its needs, providing the expertise and flexibility required to support future growth and business transformation. For produce, food and agribusiness organizations seeking greater

Shore deliver better quality, consistent freshness, greater efficiency and less shrink for retailers. “Lasting success is built on strong relationships, trust, collaboration, and a shared commitment to quality,” says Overgaag. Nearly 40 years later, what began with a young couple pursuing a dream has grown into a legacy of innovation and a commitment to bringing Living Herbs into kitchens across the country. As Overgaag puts it, “My dream has always been to have a fresh herb garden in every kitchen throughout America.” That vision continues to guide North Shore as it finds new ways to bring the freshness of Living Herbs from its family farm into more homes. For more information, go to www .northshore.farm, call 760.397.0400, email sales@northshore.farm or stop by booth #2258. value from their ERP investments, Columbia Fruit’s experience demonstrates the impact of pairing modern technology with the right support partner. By transforming ERP support from a reactive function into a strategic advantage, Columbia Fruit has strengthened operational resilience, improved user satisfaction and positioned itself for continued success. Ternpoint Solutions helps food, agriculture and produce organizations maximize the value of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central through industry expertise, proactive guidance and long-term support designed to keep businesses moving forward. For more information, go to www .ternpoint.solutions, call 415.529.5113, email info@ternpoint.solutions or stop by booth #3814.

Thursday, October 15, 2026

Produce Show Daily & Floral News Aurora World (Cont’d. from p. 1)

expertise in plush design and manufacturing, serving the grocery floral industry. As a global brand, we are recognized for our high-quality, trend-forward designs and competitive pricing, supported by ownership of two factories in Indonesia and one additional facility in China. Our Los Angeles, Calif. facility maintains an inventory of over 3,000 SKUs, enabling us to promptly fulfill customer requirements with just-intime delivery. We conduct comprehensive global market research and development to remain current with Goody (Cont’d. from p. 1)

ny’s signature gold-standard service with access to its high-quality citrus products. The new venture has quickly earned acclaim in the produce industry, continuing to set the standard for customer care and product availability through refined systems and processes honed across three generations of leadership from the Mazzetti family. Family-owned and operated since Sun Lovin’ Foods (Cont’d. from p. 1)

Medjool date harvest, what are you expecting this season? CJ: We’re looking forward to another exciting harvest. Our team has been working year-round to ensure we continue delivering the premium California Medjool Dates our customers expect. While every season presents unique growing conditions, we’re optimistic about the quality of this year’s crop. Our focus remains on consistency, food safety and providing retailers with dependable supply throughout the season. PSD: What trends are you seeing in the produce and snack categories? CJ: Consumers are becoming much more intentional about what they’re eating. They’re looking for snacks with Wish Farms (Cont’d. from p. 33)

reduce quality inspection time by 70% and produce rejections by up to 50%. For a highly perishable product like strawberries, speed and consistency in quality decisions can have a significant impact on profitability, product utilization and customer satisfaction. Traditional inspections rely heavily on manual processes and individual judgment, making it difficult to maintain consistent quality standards across teams, locations and high-volume operations. With Clarifresh, Wish Farms has digitized this workflow and introduced AI-powered defect detection directly

industry trends, and we also specialize in creating custom products for clients seeking distinctive items. Clients can be confident that the prevailing trends reflected in our gift line will translate seamlessly into their exclusive designs. Aurora maintains adherence to global safety standards, while recognizing that many consumers seek products with environmental sustainability. To address these expectations, Aurora has implemented several initiatives since 2018, including the use of biodegradable pellets produced from recycled materials, the launch of an eco-friendly plush line crafted from

recycled water bottles – resulting in the reuse of over 400 million bottles worldwide – and the transition to environmentally responsible packaging across all product lines. Aurora attracts numerous licensors seeking partnership, drawn by our commitment to exceptional quality, reliable delivery and superior customer service. Renowned companies such as Dr. Seuss, Peanuts, Hasbro and Breyer, among others, supply retailers with evergreen products that consistently deliver robust sales throughout the year. Aurora is presenting the Care Bears collection at this year’s show, offering a

variety of everyday options for enhancing floral arrangements and balloon bouquets. Exclusive designs are also available with advance planning. Visit us at booth #5363 to explore our offerings and discover strategies to help your floral department flourish. Aurora’s most successful retail category is the Palm Pals collection. We currently offer more than 500 styles and introduce new designs each quarter both in 5” and 8” sizes. If you test them, keeping them in stock will be your only worry.

its founding, Goody is driven to elevate relationships across the produce business to new levels of excellence. “Our team refuses to compromise the integrity of service and care that our brand has become known for,” said Vince Mazzetti, Vice President of Goody and Blue Banner Company. True to form, Goody brings a bold, playful spirit to its branding alongside its serious commitment to quality. “We love what we do, and part of that stems

from the fact that while there is a serious aspect to our business, we ensure that having fun is part of the experience,” Mazzetti noted. Goody is located at booth #2987. “We invite new faces and tenured relations alike to visit our booth,” Mazzetti added, “and enjoy a dose of Goody along with a few exciting offerings.” All visitors to the booth are invited to enter to win a custom cowboy hat, valued at $1,600.

As California’s premier citrus shipper for over 75 years, Goody is inspired to serve more discerning clientele both nationally and internationally. Goody’s first official year in operation brought with it expansion into Mexico and Japan, with additional countries on the horizon.

recognizable ingredients, natural sweetness and nutritional benefits without sacrificing convenience. Dates fit perfectly into that lifestyle because they’re naturally sweet, versatile and packed with nutrients. We continue to see strong interest from retailers looking to expand their better-for-you snack offerings.

Each pack contains five grams of protein, is vegan, gluten-free and made with real ingredients. The new packaging was designed to offer consumers more convenience while giving retailers a fresh, eye-catching product that fits today’s grab-and-go shopping habits.

PSD: Sun Lovin’ Foods is introducing a new package this year. Can you tell us about it? CJ: Absolutely. We’re excited to launch our new 6-Pack of 2 Bite Sunflower Butter-Filled Energy Bites, available in all four of our signature flavors: Cherry Cocoa, Apple Cinnamon, Banana Nut and Cocoa Espresso. Each box contains six individually wrapped 1.4-ounce snack packs, making them ideal for lunchboxes, travel, the office or postworkout fuel. into its quality processes. Quality teams can now conduct inspections faster, apply more consistent standards and use real-time quality data to make better-informed decisions throughout the operation. “Quality is the heartbeat of Wish Farms, and ensuring our berries meet the highest standards is a complex, fast-paced challenge,” said James Peterson, Chief Executive Officer of Wish Farms. “Implementing Clarifresh has transformed our quality control process. Just as importantly, we’ve found a true, trusted partner in Clarifresh. They don’t just hand you a software tool; their team works alongside us on the ground to continuously

PSD: What makes this launch especially exciting for retailers? CJ: Retailers are looking for products that deliver both strong shelf presence and repeat purchases. The new 6-pack offers a convenient format that’s easy to merchandise and aligns with current consumer trends toward healthier snacking. We believe it provides an excellent opportunity for retailers to expand their natural snack selection with a product that’s both innovative and approachable. PSD: What’s next for Sun Lovin’ Foods? improve our operations.” “We’re incredibly proud of what Wish Farms has achieved and, even more importantly, of the partnership we’ve built together,” said Elad Mardix, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Clarifresh. “Automating defect detection for a crop as delicate as strawberries requires both highly accurate technology and a deep understanding of real-world fresh produce operations. But automation is only part of the story. Our broader goal is to help companies like Wish Farms standardize quality management across their operations and turn quality data into better, faster business decisions. The results at Wish Farms demonstrate what is possi-

For more information, go to www .auroragift.com or stop by booth #5363.

For more information, go to www .goodycitrus.com or stop by booth #2987. CJ: Innovation continues to be a major focus for us. We’re always looking at new ways to bring California-grown dates to consumers through convenient, delicious products while supporting our retail partners with dependable service and creative merchandizing opportunities. We believe this new 6pack is just the beginning of what’s ahead. PSD: Where can retailers learn more? CJ: We’d love to meet everyone attending this year’s show. Stop by booth #1201 to sample our products, explore our newest packaging and discuss how Sun Lovin’ Foods can support your snack category. For more information, go to www.sunlovinfoods.com, call 661.345.1661 or stop by booth #1201. ble when innovative technology is combined with a close, trusted partnership.” The collaboration between Wish Farms and Clarifresh reflects a broader shift in the fresh produce industry toward digitized, AI-powered quality management. By replacing subjective, manual processes with standardized quality data and automated inspection capabilities, produce companies can improve productivity, reduce unnecessary rejections and make more consistent decisions across their supply chains. For more information, go to www .wishfarms.com.

Thursday, October 15, 2026

Michigan Potatoes (Cont’d. from p. 1)

partnerships and find innovative solutions for their businesses. Visit Michigan Potatoes at the show in booth #991 to learn why more buyers are turning to Michigan as a dependable source for premium fresh potatoes. Michigan is uniquely positioned to grow high-quality potatoes. Surrounded by four of the five Great Lakes, the state benefits from abundant freshwater resources, moderate temperatures and fertile soils that create ideal growing conditions. As the NNZ (Cont’d. from p. 1)

three seconds. Before a shopper considers price, variety or origin, they see the package. For bagged commodities like potatoes and onions, that package is doing two jobs at once: it has to move product off the shelf, and it has to keep that product in perfect condition until it reaches the kitchen. Get either one wrong and the sale is lost – either at the shelf or, worse, at the point of a return. At NNZ, we spend a lot of time on that tension between shelf appeal and protection, because for a low-margin AFCO (Cont’d. from p. 1)

and application equipment. Intervention Solutions Peracetic Acid is a highly effective antimicrobial agent used in a wide range of food and beverage applications. AFCO manufactures high-quality EPA, FDA and OMRI approved peracetic acid solutions. • AFCO Perasafe FC-100 and Perasafe 23 are approved to treat nonraw (cut/diced) fruits and vegetables under FCN 2099 and on the list of approved substances for intervention under FSIS Directive 7120.1 • AFCO Per-Ox 4325 and Per-Ox Extreme 4367 are EPA registered sanitizers approved for treatment of raw, Owyhee Produce (Cont’d. from p. 1)

quality. Retailers and foodservice operators are increasingly looking for dependable, year-round supply programs that simplify purchasing, reduce sourcing challenges and provide confidence that products will be available when customers need them. For decades, Idaho onions have been recognized for their flavor, storage quality and dependable performance. Traditionally, however, buyers often supplemented their programs with onions from multiple growing regions as seasons changed. Today, improvements in storage technology, logistics and packing operations are changing those expectations.

Produce Show Daily & Floral News

most agriculturally diverse state in the nation, Michigan offers a stable and sustainable environment for producing exceptional potatoes year after year. Michigan growers produce approximately 2 billion pounds of potatoes annually, with roughly 450 million pounds destined for the fresh market. From russets and yellows to reds, whites and specialty varieties, Michigan potatoes provide retailers, wholesalers and foodservice operators with a diverse portfolio of products to meet consumer demand. Beyond quality and variety, Michigan delivers a significant logis-

tical advantage. Located in the heart of the Great Lakes region, Michigan provides efficient access to major population centers throughout the Eastern and Southeastern United States. Compared with shipments originating from the far reaches of the Pacific Northwest, Michigan potatoes often reach customers more quickly, helping preserve freshness and maximize shelf life for this perishable product. Shorter transportation distances also support sustainability goals. Fewer miles traveled can translate into reduced fuel consumption, and lower

greenhouse gas emissions throughout the supply chain is an increasingly important consideration for retailers and consumers alike. Whether you’re seeking a reliable fresh potato supplier, exploring new varieties or looking for ways to improve supply chain efficiency, the Michigan Potatoes booth is worth a stop. Visit the team at the show and see how Michigan-grown potatoes can help your business deliver quality, freshness and value from field to fork.

crop the packaging is often the only branding the grower ever gets. A clean window that lets the shopper see the potatoes, a printed graphic that signals quality, a format that stands up straight and faces forward in the display – those are not cosmetic details. They are the difference between a bag that sells itself and one that sits. But appeal means nothing if the product arrives soft or sprouted. Potatoes need to breathe. They shed moisture and generate heat, and a package that traps either one shortens shelf life fast. That is why ventilated formats – mesh, or paper with a mesh win-

dow – remain so common: they let the crop showcase itself while air keeps moving. The art is combining that ventilation with print quality and structure that reads as premium on a crowded shelf. The formats we see winning right now blend those goals rather than trade one for the other. Paper carriers with a mesh viewing window give the shelf presence of a printed bag and the breathability of an open net. Bistrostyle and private-label designs turn a commodity into something that looks considered, without adding cost the crop cannot carry. The point is not that

one format is “best” – it is that the right bag starts from what the product and the retailer actually need, then earns its place on both counts. My advice to grower-packers is simple: treat the bag as your storefront, not an afterthought. Ask what the shopper sees, what the product needs to stay fresh and how the format runs on your line – then find the design that answers all three. Do that well, and the package stops being a cost and starts being your best salesperson in the aisle.

unprocessed fruits and vegetables. • Acidified Sodium Chloride (ASC) is approved for water and ice used to rinse, wash, transport and store under 21 CFR 173.325. • AFCO’s exclusive Hydragenix® Typhall Activator, a unique patented acid, produces a high conversion percentage and more efficient activation of ASC versus citric and phosphoric with a lower corrosion potential.

food product label so no label. • Benefits include reduced post-harvest waste, retards produce aging process, improves wash process and prolongs freshness.

decay and/or spoilage on raw, postharvest fruits and vegetables.

Produce Wash Solutions – Freshful Plus™ & Freshful™ • Produce washes reduce browning and extend the shelf life of cut and uncut fruits and vegetables. • Ingredients are certified GRAS. • Classified as processing aids, therefore, do not have to be declared on the

Agricultural Solutions Perox Ag and Per-Ox Extreme are peracetic acid-based sanitizer/disinfectants developed for bacteria, fungi, slime, odor and algae control in agricultural waters and for foliar spraying. Uses include greenhouses, irrigation water, pre-plant dip treatment, seed treatment, soil and foliar applications, and fogging in filling, packaging, storage and dispensing rooms or areas. Perox Ag can be applied by fogging to control the growth of non-public health microorganisms that may cause

Owyhee Produce is helping lead that evolution with the expansion of its year-round Idaho onion program. From its Parma, Idaho packing facility, the company now ships premium Idaho onions throughout the year, providing customers with a consistent domestic supply from one trusted partner. What was once a seasonal offering has grown into a full year-round program available to retailers, wholesalers and foodservice customers. The expanded program reflects decades of investment across the company’s operations. As a vertically integrated grower, packer and shipper, Owyhee Produce oversees every step of the process – from the field to the customer. This integrated

approach provides greater traceability, streamlined communication and consistent quality throughout the supply chain. Technology has also played a significant role. Advanced optical sorting systems evaluate every onion for internal and external quality, helping ensure uniformity while reducing waste and improving efficiency. Combined with experienced quality assurance teams, these investments allow Owyhee Produce to deliver products that meet the high expectations of today’s produce buyers. As sourcing strategies continue to evolve, buyers are seeking partners that can provide reliability as well as quality. The expansion of

For more information, go to www .mipotato.com or stop by booth #991.

For more information, go to www.nnz.com or stop by booth #978.

Application Equipment AFCO has partnered with Aguair to offer mobile and stationary fogging systems, used to protect against surface and airborne viral, bacterial and mold contamination. The technology involves a patented micro-fog nozzle, which humidifies the entire room with disinfecting agents that have been approved for fogging. (Check EPA labels for approved fogging applications and usage directions.) For more information, go to www.afcocare.com, call 800.345.1329, email support@afco.net or stop by Prodew booth #2033. year-round Idaho onions represents more than a new shipping schedule – it reflects the continued evolution of American agriculture and a commitment to helping customers succeed every season. For Owyhee Produce, the goal has remained the same for more than 70 years: deliver premium onions backed by innovation, integrity and dependable service. Now, with year-round availability from Idaho, that commitment extends through every month of the calendar. For more information, go to www.owyheeproduce.com, call 541.610.0410, email sales@owyhee produce.com or stop by booth #416.

Thursday, October 15, 2026

Produce Show Daily & Floral News Driscoll’s (Cont’d. from p. 1)

They are the largest fruit category by value in the United States and, for many shoppers, the gateway into berries. But when I look at the fruit category, I see another opportunity sitting right beside them. Today, nearly three-quarters of U.S. households buy berries. Yet raspberries and blackberries reach less than onethird of households. That gap matters. When we think about where future category growth comes from, it is often less about getting existing buyers to increase their purchases and more about helping new consumers discover what they are missing. This is particularly compelling because these are premium fruit categories. Raspberries command $8.46 per pound at retail, which is 3.5 times higher than the average price of the fruit category. Blackberries aren’t far Seaboard Marine (Cont’d. from p. 1)

other temperature-sensitive products face the same challenge: reaching U.S. markets quickly, reliably and with cargo quality intact. Seaboard Marine is answering that challenge through one of the most significant fleet transformations in its history, combining LNG-powered vessels, greater refrigerated capacity, advanced equipment and dependable service throughout the Americas. At the center of this transformation is a new generation of dual-fuel vessels. Seaboard Marine’s V-Class ships offer approximately 3,500 TEUs of capacity and more than 1,000 refrigerated container plugs per vessel. This added scale strengthens the company’s ability to transport higher volumes Bella Sun Luci (Cont’d. from p. 1)

100% Olive Oil Vinaigrettes alongside its sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil, creating one convenient destination where shoppers can easily find the products they are already looking for. The consumer choosing premium sundried tomatoes packed in olive oil is the same consumer reading labels, seeking quality ingredients and looking for a salad dressing made with 100% olive oil. Putting these products together in the produce department helps shoppers discover complementary items while making the shopping experience easier. Like peanut butter and jelly, they simply go together. Help your customers find what they are looking for – and discover something new along the way. For the Mooney family, premium ingredients have been a tradition for generations. Bella Sun Luci, the premium Italian-inspired food brand from Mooney Farms, has been named a Mindful Awards winner for Salad

behind, at $7.38 per pound, or three times the average price of fruit. Shoppers are willing to pay more for raspberries and blackberries because when the experience is good, they deliver something distinctive: great flavor, a sense of indulgence and versatility across occasions from breakfast to snacking to desserts. The question is how we can trigger even more interest in these two categories. Over the past year, we explored that question with consumers. The findings were remarkably consistent. People genuinely enjoy raspberries and blackberries. Taste is not a barrier. Instead, we uncovered a combination of perceptions that are holding the category back. Some consumers worry that sweet-tasting fruit must also be high in sugar. Others have concerns about consistency or shelf life. At the same time, as more people

use GLP-1 medications and take a greater interest in gut health, satiety and fiber-rich foods, fiber has become one of the most sought-after benefits in nutrition. Raspberries and blackberries are naturally well positioned to meet that need, while still delivering the natural sweetness and delight consumers crave. Raspberries carry one of the best fiber-to-sugar ratios of any fruit measured, and blackberries aren’t far behind. At Driscoll’s, that insight shaped a simple idea for our new campaign: Naturally Sweet, High in Fiber. For us, this is not about choosing between taste and nutrition. It always starts with taste. Health messages can’t compensate for a berry that does not delight consumers. But when our exceptional flavor is paired with attributes consumers are actively seeking, we have an opportunity to bring more people into the category.

of perishable cargo while supporting reliable connections among South America, Central America, the Caribbean and the United States. The transformation began with the Seaboard Blue, the world’s first containership converted from conventional diesel propulsion to LNG capability. It accelerated with the addition of the Seaboard Voyager, Seaboard Victory, Seaboard Verde and other LNG-powered vessels. By the beginning of 2026, approximately 64% of Seaboard Marine’s fleet was expected to operate on LNG. These vessels are designed to reduce emissions, improve fuel efficiency and provide the operational flexibility Seaboard Marine needs across its regional network. For customers, they also deliver greater cargo

capacity, modern technology and expanded space for refrigerated shipments. Investment has extended beyond the vessels. Seaboard Marine added nearly 3,000 advanced 40-foot refrigerated containers to a fleet of more than 10,000 refrigerated units. The new equipment features enhanced temperature-monitoring technology and is designed to consume less energy than conventional refrigerated containers. Cold-treatment and controlledatmosphere capabilities are also available for commodities requiring specialized conditions. These technologies help maintain precise temperatures and preserve freshness, quality and shelf life throughout the ocean journey. That capability supports products ranging from grapes, blueberries, avo-

Dressing Product of the Year for the third consecutive year, reinforcing the brand’s leadership in the better-foryou salad dressing category. The Mindful Awards recognize consumer products and companies that champion sustainability, innovation and healthier lifestyles. Bella Sun Luci’s 100% Olive Oil Vinaigrette line is changing expectations for what consumers can find in salad dressing. Created for the healthconscious, mindful shopper, every variety is made with 100% olive oil and no seed oils ever. The dressings are also made without artificial preservatives, offering a flavorful alternative for consumers who are increasingly reading labels and looking for simple, recognizable, premium ingredients. “We believe consumers shouldn’t have to compromise between great taste and ingredients they feel good about serving their families,” said Mooney Farms. “Our 100% Olive Oil Vinaigrettes were created for the same consumers who have trusted Bella Sun

Luci for premium ingredients for decades. Quality has always been our family’s tradition.” The vinaigrettes are a natural extension of Bella Sun Luci’s popular sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil. Together, the two product lines allow retailers to create a cohesive, Mediterranean-inspired destination centered around olive oil, premium ingredients and flavorful meal solutions. Cross-merchandising also introduces existing Bella Sun Luci customers to another part of the brand while helping shoppers quickly locate complementary products for salads, pastas, appetizers, marinades and everyday meals. Each Bella Sun Luci vinaigrette is crafted with thoughtfully selected ingredients, including olive oil, Italian balsamic vinegar, California-grown sun-dried tomatoes, wildflower honey, citrus and herbs. The line combines authentic, vibrant flavors with the convenience today’s consumers expect. The collection includes five vari-

One of the themes I’ve spoken about often is that growth comes from staying relentlessly connected to consumers. The produce industry has traditionally focused on supply, availability and execution. Those things remain essential. But the next phase of growth will come from understanding what motivates consumers and meeting them where their interests are already moving. That’s what we see happening with raspberries and blackberries. Category growth doesn’t always come from inventing something new. Sometimes it comes from helping consumers rediscover what’s already there. For raspberries and blackberries, I believe we’re at exactly that moment. For more information, go to www.driscolls.com, call 800.871.3333, email press@driscolls.com or stop by booth #1470. cados, asparagus, melons and bananas to seafood, proteins, flowers and pharmaceuticals. Dedicated teams monitor and maintain refrigerated equipment around the clock, while specialized import personnel work with customers, customs brokers and government agencies to help expedite the clearance of time-sensitive cargo. For Seaboard Marine, sustainability and service performance go hand in hand. Cleaner fuel, modern vessels, expanded refrigerated capacity, reliable schedules and more direct connections are building a stronger cold chain and a more efficient future for trade throughout the Americas. For more information, go to www.seaboardmarine.com or stop by booth #3111. eties: Balsamic Vinaigrette, TuscanStyle Sonoma Vinaigrette, California Vinaigrette, Champagne Vinaigrette and Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette. From aged Italian balsamic vinegar and California sun-dried tomatoes to sweet citrus, wildflower honey and Meyer lemon with basil, each variety offers a distinctive flavor profile built around premium ingredients. As a vertically integrated, familyowned company, Mooney Farms oversees key stages of production, from ingredient sourcing through packing, helping maintain the quality and consistency consumers have come to expect from Bella Sun Luci. Receiving the Mindful Award for the third consecutive year further validates the brand’s longstanding commitment to quality, innovation and creating products for today’s increasingly ingredient-conscious consumer. For more information, go to www.bella sunluci.com or stop by booth #1623.

Thursday, October 15, 2026

Verbruggen (Cont’d. from p. 1)

lines became faster, palletizing became automated and individual machines continued to improve. Today, the focus is shifting. Rather than optimizing separate processes, growers and packers are increasingly looking at the performance of the complete production line. That shift is driven by familiar challenges. Labor remains difficult to find, production volumes continue to grow and consistent product quality is more important than ever. At the same time, production lines have become more complex, often combining equipment from multiple suppliers. As a result, Belen Trading (Cont’d. from p. 1)

shapes and flavors tied to cuisines from around the world are giving produce departments new ways to create discovery. For Miami-based Belen Trading, that opportunity has been at the center of its business since 2014. Belen Trading is a wholesale supplier focused on tropical, exotic and specialty produce. Its assortment ranges from attention-grabbing fruits such as rambutan and dragon fruit to familiar staples and specialty items including longan, lychee, cherimoya, Dutchman Tree Farms (Cont’d. from p. 4)

We work closely with our retail partners to develop programs around their individual stores, markets, merchandising strategies and customers rather than simply offering a one-size-fits-all solution. Ultimately, we want our customers to feel like they have a partner in their Christmas business, not simply another supplier. PSD: How do your programs and services speak to the challenges and dynamics the industry is working through today? SP: Retailers today are balancing labor challenges, transportation costs, changing consumer expectations and the need to maximize increasingly Opal (Cont’d. from p. 4)

for everything from snacking to baking to salads. But what really sets them apart is that they’re naturally nonbrowning. Opals stay fresh and bright after slicing, no lemon juice or special treatment needed. This naturally non-browning characteristic and bright yellow appearance makes Opal apples a standout for retailers. Sliced in advance or packed for later, they keep their color and crunch without compromise. Plus, Opals can be used as a vital merchandising tool that breaks up a sea of red

Produce Show Daily & Floral News

integration and reliability have become just as important as the performance of the individual machines themselves. For end-of-line automation, this means bringing the packaging process and palletizing together into one integrated solution. Verbruggen Palletizing Solutions has responded to this development by expanding its portfolio beyond palletizing. Alongside its palletizing systems, the company now offers the VLoad, V-Weigh and V-Pack: three machines that automate the packaging process before palletizing. The V-Load automatically positions empty bags for filling. The V-

Weigh accurately fills each bag to the required weight, while the V-Pack closes the filled bags and prepares them for palletizing. Integrated with Verbruggen palletizing systems, these technologies create one continuous workflow from empty bag to finished pallet. The approach also provides greater flexibility. Existing palletizing installations can be expanded with packaging automation, while new projects can be designed as one integrated line. Customers work with one supplier for engineering, integration, installation and service, while maintaining the flexibility to expand their automation as production require-

ments evolve. As end-of-line automation continues to develop, integration is becoming just as important as machine performance. Bringing multiple process steps together within one coordinated solution helps simplify operations, improve production flow and create a stronger foundation for future growth. Visitors to this year’s show can discover this integrated approach at booth #2520, where Verbruggen Palletizing Solutions will showcase its complete end-of-line portfolio.

soursop, plantains, green papaya, yucca, eddoes, okra, ginger, peppers and culantro. The value of that assortment goes beyond variety. Specialty produce requires close attention to sourcing, condition, timing and the expectations of customers serving diverse markets. A fruit that is still unfamiliar to one shopper may be an essential ingredient to another. For wholesalers and retailers, understanding those differences can turn a specialty item from an occasional purchase into a dependable category.

Operating from South Florida places Belen Trading in a market shaped by Latin American, Caribbean and international food traditions. That perspective helps the company connect global sourcing with the needs of customers looking for both established tropical staples and products that can introduce shoppers to something new. At this year’s show, Belen Trading is bringing that broad produce story to the show floor. Visitors can explore a portfolio that includes some of the company’s strongest

visual products – particularly rambutan and dragon fruit – alongside roots, vegetables, herbs and other tropical specialties. For the trade, the conversation is ultimately about more than unusual fruit. It is about creating reliable programs around products that are increasingly part of the American produce landscape, while preserving the freshness and visual quality that make those products stand out.

valuable retail space. Seasonal products add another challenge because the selling window is short – execution and timing matter tremendously. Our approach is to take complexity out of the program wherever we can. That means dependable supply, thoughtful packaging and merchandising tools, efficient logistics, responsive communication and products designed to arrive fresh and retailready. At the same time, we believe there is a tremendous opportunity in what we sell. Consumers continue to look for authentic experiences, traditions and connections to agriculture, and few products represent that better than a real Christmas tree or fresh evergreen wreath. We want to help retailers turn that emotional connection into a successful seasonal destination.

PSD: Who from your team will be on the floor, and what should attendees know before they stop by?

and bi-colored apples. Grown exclusively by FirstFruits Farms in Washington state, Opal apples are a proprietary variety. FirstFruits Farms, which operates the country’s largest contiguous orchards, is known for its deep commitment to community, innovation and sustainability. That means when you buy an Opal, you’re not only getting a superior apple; you’re supporting responsible growing practices and a mission-driven business. Opal is also the first U.S. apple variety to be verified by the Non-GMO Project. Available in both conventional and certified organic options, this

apple caters to the preferences of today’s shoppers. Beyond the orchard, Opal apples give back. A portion of every sale supports the Youth Make a Difference initiative, funding youth-led nonprofits working on food-related issues in their local communities. That means with each bite, consumers are not only tasting the difference, but they’re making one. New this season, FirstFruits Farms is introducing Opal Smiles, an interactive consumer loyalty program designed to drive repeat purchases and increase shopper engagement.

SP: Members from the Dutchman family from sales, leadership and production teams will be at this year’s show and ready to talk about everything from individual products to complete Christmas programs. Stop by our front porch, get your team photo with our Santa photo-op board and your own Christmas ornament. We encourage attendees to stop by even if they already have an established Christmas program. With the Christmas décor products shipping within the next couple of weeks, some of our best conversations begin with, “What could we do better?” and “What can Christmas 2027 begin to look like?” Whether the opportunity is

For more information, go to www .verbruggen-palletizing.com, call 509.531.7350 or stop by booth #2520.

For more information, go to www.belen trading.com or stop by booth #982. improving freshness, simplifying logistics, expanding a greenery assortment, creating new décor options or simply exchanging ideas about where the Christmas category is headed, we would love to have the conversation. At the end of the day, Dutchman Tree Farms is a family-owned and operated business built around a product that brings families together. We’re proud to grow Christmas in our fields and the wilds of Northern Michigan, and we’re excited to help our retail partners bring that experience to families across North America. For more information, go to www .dutchmantreefarms.com, call 231.839.7901, email sales@dutchman treefarms.com or stop by booth #4372. Customers collect Opal apple PLU stickers to earn rewards throughout the season, giving retailers a fun new way to build excitement around the category. Retailers interested in participating can learn more about the program and available marketing support by visiting the Opal Smiles sell sheet and resource center. Whether you’re stocking produce aisles or lunchboxes, now is the time to discover why Opal isn’t just another apple. For more information, go to www .firstfruits.com or stop by booth #3977.