1. Mourning the Loss of Robert “Bobby” Bianco
The US fruit and vegetable sector is mourning the death of Robert Bianco, a man synonymous with the California table grape industry. For more than 50 years, he and his brother, Domenick “Cookie” Bianco, worked side-by-side to create, build and maintain Anthony Vineyards. The business has become one of California’s leading table grape growers, with a strong international presence. Read More
2. USDA Begins Reporting on Imported Organics for Blueberries, Avocados, and Mangos
On January 19, something very interesting began happening. For the first time, volumes for imported organic blueberries, avocados, and mangos began appearing in the USDA’s datasets. The category most affected by this new data is far and away blueberries, which has seen tremendous growth in the organic category over the last five years. Read More
3. West Pak Avocado Adds Apeel for Ultimate Longevity
As part of their strategy to help reduce food waste, West Pak Avocado has partnered with Apeel, the developer of a plant-based, end-to-end solution allowing a more extended shelf life for their premium avocados. Apeel’s plant-based protection is made from materials that are found in the skins, peels, and seeds of all plants. Read More
4. CEO of Progressive Produce to Retire End of March
Jim Leimkuhler, Chief Executive Officer of Progressive Produce LLC, announced his retirement today, effective March 31, after 35 years in the produce industry. The last 25 years have been spent with Progressive Produce in Los Angeles where he was instrumental in building the company into a well-respected produce company that serves national and regional grocery chains and foodservice companies throughout the United States. Read More
5. Awe Sum Introduces Organic Pears
It is nearly autumn in the Rio Negro Valley of Argentina, and the time for juicy, delicious organic pears from Awe Sum Organics has arrived. Together with their partners at PAI Argentina, Awe Sum offers some of the best-tasting pears in the world. “Our organic pears are grown in the Rio Negro Valley. ... The region well known for producing some of the finest and best tasting pears in the world. The region naturally has a unique and perfect climate and soil for pear production,” says David Posner, CEO and Founder of Awe Sum Organics. Read More