Page 148 - Roduce Editorials News Today

Dublin Farms, which can trace its roots more than 150 years ago, has long been at the forefront of innovation in the Virginia potato industry and a leader on the Eastern Shore. David Hickman, the fifth-generation operator of the Horntown, VA-based company, has seen a lot though his decades in the business, and believes that the issues faced by growers in 2022 are as challenging as ever — and that’s not even taking into account the impact the pandemic had for the most part.

There was a time not so long ago when certain tropical fruits were not mainstays of the typical American diet. They were instead enjoyed by more adventurous shoppers, or perhaps during special occasions. Things have changed. In the 21st century, more and more people are eating tropical fruits that were long considered obscure.

Oppy is celebrating two of its finest — Tropicals Category Vice President Steve Woodyear-Smith and Creative Services Director Cathie MacDonald — as they wrap up their careers with the leading grower, marketer and distributor at the end of the month.

This year, 11 participants completed the third annual Viva Fresh Clean Eating Challenge, which culminated at the Viva Fresh Expo last month. Since 2020, the challenge has captured the attention of the produce industry as participants challenge themselves every year to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into their daily routines. As a welcome bonus, participants have lost more than 1,000 pounds in the three years of the challenge and have enjoyed even more positive side effects.

Ocean Mist Farms, a leading grower and marketer of fresh artichokes in the U.S., announced that Jenny Rivera has joined Ocean Mist Farms as a sales representative. With this hiring, Ocean Mist Farms has brought on an experienced and proven professional.

SpartanNash has acquired Shop-N-Save Food Centers, a three-store grocery chain in northwestern Michigan. Upon close of the sale, the Benzonia, Fremont and Ludington, MI, grocery stores have been converted to SpartanNash’s popular Family Fare brand, continuing employment for all now-SpartanNash associates and expanding offerings available to shoppers. Founded in 1973, SNS had been a food distribution customer of SpartanNash for nearly 25 years.

Great Place to Work and Fortune magazine have ranked Wegmans Food Markets No. 1 on this year’s Best Workplaces in New York list. Earning a spot means that Wegmans is one of the best companies to work for headquartered in New York.

Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. has officially launched its Mini Honeyglow pineapple in North America. The newest member of the Honeyglow family brings the same quality and sweetness as the original Honeyglow pineapple, but it is now available in a miniature size for consumers seeking smaller or single-size servings.

The National Mango Board was the featured vendor June 3 at VegU, a popular fruit and vegetable education program held each Friday from May to October at the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farmers Market in Washington, DC. Visitors to VegU can receive a “VegU-cation” on the featured product, learning how to grow, pick, prepare and store a different fruit or vegetable during short 10-minute classes held in the VegU tent at the market.

The Nunes Co. has moved its organic program from the Salinas Valley to Yerington, NV, which is approximately 70 miles south of Reno, NV.