The International Fresh Produce Association and Produce for Better Health Foundation applauded the announcement of the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition and Health this September. Funding was included for the conference in the FY 2022 Omnibus funding package after several years of leadership and advocacy from bipartisan lawmakers, the industry, and stakeholders.  

“The last time the White House convened experts on food, nutrition and health was 1969. That’s two or three generations of consumers since the last cohesive national effort on these significant issues,” said IFPA Vice

Rainier Fruit Co. of Selah, WA, known for its premium tree fruit, extensive category knowledge and unparalleled customer service, can now add “inspiring dance moves” to the team’s portfolio.

The Rainier sales team wrapped its sales meeting with a musical montage calling every department to “Dance Now.” Backed by C+C Music Factory’s “Gonna Make You Sweat,” the Rainier team members dance-battled their way through office cubicles, warehouses and even on a transport truck.

“We work hard and we play hard," said Blake Belknap, vice president of sales. "We wanted to have a little fun — and of

The spring vegetable crops are coming on strong and shaping a good selection for ad promoting. Here are some choices for building advertising promotions.

• Romaine, green and red leaf lettuce: Quality is good with fairly good demand out of Salinas, CA — the market is a bit higher.
• Asparagus: Demand is good with a higher market and an increase in Peruvian production. New Jersey product is now in seasonal availability with the U.S. supply coming on strong.
• Broccoli and broccoli crowns: A good supply is coming out of California. Demand is moderate on a lower market, which is excellent for

International Fresh Produce Association announced 12 winners of the Fresh Field Catalyst program.  The winning companies will be invited to take part in an immersion week to take place May 9-13 where they will be introduced to industry leaders, tour industry farms and facilities and experience a crash course in all things produce to guide their innovation as they seek to bring new solutions into the produce and floral market.

“The Fresh Field Catalyst program is a super highway of development, exposing companies to contacts and industry lessons that could take years in a typical development

Yerecic Label announced the opening of its Phoenix facility, which is over 40,000 square feet with two printing presses currently running. The facility has room for three additional presses, with one of those presses already being prepared for installation.

“Adding a location in Phoenix is a strategic opportunity as a large number of our customers are located in the West,” said Yerecic Label President Art Yerecic. “It’s important to Yerecic Label to expand our ability to service customers at the Speed of Fresh.”

The facility is a one- or two-day ship point to most Arizona, California

BJ's Wholesale Club, a leading operator of membership warehouse clubs in the Eastern United States, announced the opening of BJ’s market, a new concept club in Warwick, RI.

BJ’s market is 43,000 square feet, about half the size of a full-sized BJ’s club. BJ’s market will feature top-selling fresh foods, produce, sundries and seasonal products for members of BJ’s Wholesale club.

“BJ’s market will serve as an exciting new innovation lab for BJ’s Wholesale Club,” said Bill Werner, executive vice president, strategy and development. “We are bringing the same great savings and value our members