The Giumarra Cos. announced a revolutionary new logistics project in the fresh produce industry, an autonomous trucking test completed in partnership with San Diego-based autonomous trucking leader, TuSimple, and Associated Wholesale Grocers Inc.

“Our company continues to travel down a path of innovation, as we have now successfully tested autonomous trucking after our autonomous aircraft transportation test a few months ago,” said Tim Riley, president of the Giumarra Cos. “Autonomous trucking technology is a real game changer for us, as its time efficiencies provide us with an enhanced

Consumers have been eagerly awaiting the 2021 crop of Michigan asparagus and will now be rewarded with the seasonal favorite now at their local stores. Given unexpected cooler temperatures at the traditional start of the season, the Michigan Asparagus Advisory Board said the main production area of west-central Michigan started harvesting and packing this week.

Although the state was gearing up for a normal season start for Mother’s Day, Mother Nature had her own plans. While days had been warm, temperatures dropped to near or below freezing many nights, delaying the start of harvest for

Walmart continued to see sales gains in its Q1 earnings report. Total revenue was $138.3 billion, an increase of $3.7 billion, or 2.7 percent. U.S. comp sales increased 6 percent with market share gains in grocery.

“This was a strong quarter. Every segment performed well, and we’re encouraged by traffic and grocery market share trends," said Doug McMillon, president and CEO of Walmart. "Our optimism is higher than it was at the beginning of the year. In the U.S., customers clearly want to get out and shop."

Walmart U.S. eCommerce sales grew 37 percent with strong results across all channels

As part of its “One World of Citrus” strategy, Limoneira has made significant investments to ensure that customers receive a consistent supply of high-quality citrus year-round. This strategy is paying off as the California coastal lemon harvest begins to show signs of slowing, just as the South American crops begin to increase harvest.

The transition to the Southern Hemisphere growing season is well under way, including Chile and Argentina where Limoneira has both its own production as well as growing partners and associate producers. Having its own production and packing in these areas

The results of a recent study examining the impact of COVID-19 on outdoor grilling indicate this summer’s fresh produce sales may be more robust than ever as U.S. households break in the more than $4.9 billion spent in 2020 on grills, smokers, camping stoves, accessories and fuel.

According to a March 2021 study by the research firm NPD Group, dollar growth in grill sales jumped in excess of 50 percent during the second half of 2020.  Gas grills accounted for 54 percent of dollar sales in the second half of 2020, compared to 37 percent during the same period in 2019.

The study also shows 81

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has imposed sanctions on Kendall Frozen Fruits Inc. in Newport Beach, CA, for violating the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act.

KFF failed to pay $2.17 million to two sellers for produce that was purchased, received and accepted in interstate commerce from May 2017 to July 2018. This is in violation of the PACA. KFF cannot operate in the produce industry until April 2, 2023, and then only after they apply for and are issued a new PACA license by USDA.

The company’s principal, Susan Kendall, may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee