Starr Ranch Growers, also known as Oneonta Starr Ranch, has joined the Honeybear Brands team as a packing partner, effective immediately. Owned and operated by the Thomas family, Starr Ranch Growers has been a cornerstone of the Washington apple industry for decades.  

“As a third-generation, family-run business with deep industry roots, Starr Ranch has built a legacy of leadership, quality and excellence in the Washington tree fruit industry,” said Don Roper, president of Honeybear Brands. “We’re honored to welcome their team and heritage into the Honeybear family. This partnership

The Southeast Produce Council’s STEP-UPP Foodservice Class kicked off its summer tour last week, providing participants with immersive, hands-on experiences designed to deepen their understanding of the produce industry and strengthen grower partnerships.

STEP-UPP — short for Southeast Training Education Program for Upcoming Produce Professionals — is SEPC’s premier educational initiative. The program equips rising retail and foodservice produce professionals with a comprehensive industry perspective through strategic learning, leadership development and field-based training.

The tour

Oppy has once again been recognized as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies for 24 years running, being selected every year since 2001 and maintaining platinum status for the 17th year. The recognition underscores Oppy’s long-standing commitment to operational excellence, innovation and values-driven leadership — pillars that continue to shape its role as a leader in the global fresh produce industry.

Earlier this year, Oppy was also named one of British Columbia’s Top Employers. Announced Feb. 11, the honor highlights organizations that lead the way in workplace best practices across the

In a significant development for the agricultural sector, Lytone Enterprise Inc. has partnered with Liberatus to serve fresh fruit and vegetable players throughout Mexico. This collaboration marks a pivotal step for the fresh produce industry in North America toward improving the supply chain and extending the shelf life of fresh produce in the region.

Lytone is renowned for its patented cutting-edge solutions that enhance the quality and longevity of fresh produce. The company had opened a sales office in Selma, CA, to serve the customers in the U.S., and now its territory is extending to

The recent announcement that the U.S. Department of Commerce plans to withdraw from the 2019 agreement suspending the antidumping investigation on fresh tomatoes from Mexico has prompted reaction from sides of the border.

The investigation dates back to April 1996, when Commerce sought to establish whether imports of fresh tomatoes from Mexico were being sold in the United States at less than fair value.

Later that year, an agreement was reached between Commerce and certain growers/exporters of tomatoes that led to the suspension of the investigation.

In May 2002, growers in Mexico provided

For the fourth consecutive year, Schnuck Markets Inc. has been selected as a 2025 US Best Managed Company. Sponsored by Deloitte Private and The Wall Street Journal, the program recognizes outstanding U.S. private companies, and “Gold Winner” status is awarded to companies who have received the honor for at least four years.

"We are deeply honored and humbled to receive the US Best Managed Company award for the fourth consecutive year, achieving Gold Winner status,” said Schnucks Chairman and CEO Todd Schnuck. “This recognition reflects the unwavering dedication of our nearly 12,000 teammates