For more than three decades, Sun World researchers have worked diligently to develop new and more flavorful fruits and vegetables. Beginning this month, they now have an impressive new home from which to breed, assess and introduce new produce varieties.

Sun World International LLC recently announced the (virtual) grand opening of its Center for Innovation, a sophisticated new fruit breeding and genetics facility located in Wasco, CA, just north of this central California farming community.  The company is best known for introducing consumers worldwide to many dozens of new produce items

The United Fresh Start Foundation has launched the Season of Giving Back, a month-long celebration recognizing the charitable efforts of the produce industry and their partners this year in support the Foundation’s mission to increase access to fresh fruits and vegetables for children and their families.

“This year, heroes across our industry have worked tirelessly to ensure the produce supply chain would continue to thrive, and that children and families in-need could easily gain access to the fresh fruits and vegetables that are so crucial to keeping them in good health,” said Lisa McNeece

Ocean Mist Farms is changing perception of artichokes season. The company, headquartered in Castroville, CA, has been growing artichokes in Coachella for a number of years, but it has recently invested in a consumer-focused promotion that is designed to increase sales of artichokes in the winter.

“Most people think of artichoke season as spring, and certainly that’s a tradition,” said Diana McClean, the firm’s senior director of marketing. “But Ocean Mist Farms has had a year-round program for years, and now for the third year, we have been emphasizing that winter growing region to educate

Produce Marketing Association has announced a pair of virtual meetings to discuss the current state of produce safety in the industry which includes discussion of outbreaks in leafy greens and proposed FDA regulation.  The meetings are planned specifically to engage experts to speak candidly about what is working, what is not working, and what the industry and regulatory partners can do to proactively enhance produce safety. 

“This is a critical time for the industry to become more engaged in the developments around produce safety and traceability right now,” said Dr. Max Teplitski, PMA

Gumz Farms Sales Agent Doug Bulgrin recently gave a positive update of the 2020-21 onion shipping season, noting the Endeavor, WI, operation was seeing good demand and excellent movement ahead of the holidays.

“Movement has been exceptional, and, we definitely are benefiting from people cooking at home,” Bulgrin said about consumer trends as the pandemic continues.

And the Wisconsin onion man noted, “We are definitely seeing an increase over normal holiday movement, which makes sense as there will be more households preparing smaller meals verses fewer larger gatherings.”

Along with good

Everfresh Packaging, a leading flexible packaging supplier of high-quality, innovative products specifically designed for the food industry, has launched a new website.

Visitors to the revamped site will notice an updated layout and modern, fresh design. The new-look, intuitive user interface makes it easier to search for information and navigate inventory. A new feature provides important educational resources and news updates. For ultimate convenience, the site is also mobile compatible. 

“Our new website reflects who we are as a company — a combination of continuous innovation, young