There is a level of excitement and optimism in the produce world because people are getting vaccinated and we seem to get closer and closer to normalcy with each passing day. And that, according to Tom Kovacevich, has the Philadelphia area’s produce professionals looking forward to a busy and successful spring and summer.

“The Philadelphia market buzz is one of excitement over the robust return of walk-in trade,” said Kovacevich, President of TMK Produce, headquartered in Philadelphia. “As you might imagine, the pandemic saw drastic drops in foot traffic. As merchants on the Philadelphia

Dole Food Co. Vice President Food Safety and Quality Natalie Dyenson is frank about the two-sided coin that motivated her company to contribute $750,000 to Center for Produce Safety’s new capital fundraising campaign: much is at stake, and much can also be gained.

“The produce industry has been challenged by a series of food-safety issues the past few years,” she said. “Food safety isn’t something that affects only this grower or that grower – it affects every grower, it affects every company, and most importantly it affects every consumer. Produce is a healthy option with many health

The Kroger Co. and Drone Express announced a pilot to offer grocery delivery via autonomous drones.

"Kroger's new drone delivery pilot is part of the evolution of our rapidly growing and innovative e-commerce business – which includes pickup, delivery, and ship and reached more than $10 billion in sales in 2020," said Kroger's Jody Kalmbach, group vice president of product experience. "The pilot reinforces the importance of flexibility and immediacy to customers, powered by modern, cost-effective, and efficient last-mile solutions. We're excited to test drone delivery and gain insights that

Sun World International LLC, a global fruit genetics and licensing company, has granted six additional licenses to Egyptian table grape grower/marketers, bringing the total Egyptian licensees to seven. Two new Italian table grape grower/marketers have also been appointed as part of the company’s strategy to extend its reach in these high-potential gateway markets, bringing the total Italian licensees to 10.

One of the primary motivations for this expansion is to satisfy the growing market demand for newer and improved table grape varieties for the fresh market globally. The expansion also

Big Chuy & Sons is joining with Tajín Seasonings for a promotion featuring Big Chuy brand watermelons and Tajin Seasonings. The bins will start distribution just prior to Cinco de Mayo and will be available throughout the year.

“The joint partnership between our watermelons from Mexico, and Tajín , which is the number 1 produce seasoning in Mexico and the United States, just makes sense. The flavor combination of our sweet watermelons seasoned with Tajín is the perfect sweet and savory profile with a zing that consumers love,” said Jesus Lopez, president of Big Chuy.  “By showcasing this

Andrew Dewsnup, who served as president of Greenfield Fresh, the San Francisco Bay area produce brokerage he founded in 2002, died at the age of 60.

“He had recently been diagnosed with esophageal cancer and was anticipating 100 percent recovery, so we are all are mourning this untimely loss,” said Royce Greenfield, sales manager for Greenfield Fresh. “Andrew’s passing is a reminder to all of us to take time to enjoy each and every day, and always appreciate those who enrich us, and make our lives meaningful.”

Mr. Dewsnup had worked in the produce industry for more than three decades