Trials from Argentina have revealed that an innovative MCPBag — active packaging that releases the freshness-protecting compound 1-MCP directly inside each bag, offers growers and retailers a powerful new way to reduce waste and extend shelf life across long supply chains, where pears often soften and lose value within just days after packing.

Trials showed that William’s pears (Pyrus communis L.) packed in MCPBag powered by Vidre+ technology ripened significantly slower than those in standard packaging. Results from university testing showed that using the MCPBag during fruit packing and then

United Natural Foods Inc. hosted its 2025 Investor Day in New York City earlier this week. At the event, the company highlighted its strategic priorities, operating focus and long-term financial algorithm.

“We are advancing our strategy and building unique capabilities to help our customers and suppliers more effectively differentiate and compete in the marketplace,” said Sandy Douglas, UNFI’s CEO. “We have been successfully executing the strategy we introduced over a year ago, and we are continuing to pursue our aspiration to become the food retail industry’s most valued partner. With our

Ben B. Schwartz & Sons, a mainstay on the Michigan Produce Terminal, is gearing up for the holidays. 

Since good food and family recipes are at the heart of holiday gatherings, Ben B. always experiences greater demand just before and during the holiday season beginning in late November.

“We’ve been in business for nearly 120 years and there are buying patterns that we know to prepare for, like the holidays,” said Bill Loupée, chief operating officer of Ben B. “However, we use back-end data gathered from our Ben B. Access operations platform to gather insights that help us future-proof our

Fresh Thyme Market and Foodshed.io have seen success with their collaborative “Farmers Market” in-store concept, a pilot that marks a major step forward in bringing authentic, local agriculture into mainstream grocery aisles.

Working closely with Fresh Thyme, Foodshed.io integrated eight independent farms, ranging from small family operations to mid-sized growers, into six stores across the Chicago and Indianapolis regions. Farmers delivered their products directly to participating stores, enabling Fresh Thyme shoppers to access more than 27 distinct seasonal varieties typically found only at

Christmas will be coming late for a lucky fan of SnapDragon apples, with a free trip for two to the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s annual enshrinement ceremony and related activities.

Crunch Time Apple Growers, who grow and market SnapDragon and RubyFrost apples in New York State, officially opened the Snap Your Way to Canton sweepstakes for entries on Dec. 1, and fans can enter through the end of February. 

A winner will be chosen in mid-March. The grand prize winner and a guest will attend what the Canton, OH-based Pro Football Hall of Fame has dubbed Football’s Greatest Weekend in August 2026.

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Ocean Mist Farms unveiled its latest innovation — Heartichokes — at the New York Produce Show last week to tremendous anticipation and acclaim.

“We were thrilled to launch our first-of-its-kind ‘Heartichokes’ at the New York Produce Show,” said Ocean Mist Farms President and CEO Chris Drew. “Inspired by our ‘No Shame in a Shortcut’ rebranded Roastables line, these tender baby artichoke quarters are ready to cook right out of the package and are sure to elevate any meal.”

The exciting new value-added line features three items: two varieties with chef-crafted seasoning packets — Lemon Butter and