Producing Rushing Rivers pears is no easy feat. From perfecting growing practices to flawless ripening and packing techniques, Stemilt’s teams have taken an oath to improving the pear category through their internal program, Operation Flavor, a 360 degree commitment to setting a new standard for the flavor of pears.

“Stemilt was one of the first to identify the category was stagnant years ago and created Operation Flavor in response to the declining category,” said Brianna Shales, senior marketing manager. “As part of the Operation Flavor promise, we eliminated anti-ripening agents and

Rambutan growers were already tallying their losses days before Hurricane Eta was expected to make landfall in Central America.

Andres Ocampo, chief executive officer of HLB Specialties in Fort Lauderdale, FL, a leading importer of tropical fruits from Latin America, said that while coastal areas in Honduras wrapped up production two to three weeks ago, rambutan plantations further inland were at risk due to heavy rains and flooding that were already occurring ahead of Eta’s landfall.

He said under normal conditions, HLB would be sourcing rambutan from this region for another five to

South Mill Champs, one of the largest high-quality mushroom growers in North America, announced the purchase of a new distribution center in Lakeland, FL. The facility is a food-grade facility that spans over 30,000 square feet. The company expects to commission the facility in November following the necessary upgrades required for mushroom processing.

South Mill Champs operates a network of distribution centers across the United States with locations in Atlanta, New Orleans, Dallas, Houston, and Los Angeles. The distribution centers provide on-site, fresh-sliced, high-quality mushrooms

Walmart Canada wants to offer customers a faster, safer and simpler shopping experience whether they choose to shop in-store, with pickup at the store or online at Walmart.ca.

The company is investing more than $110 million this year in all aspects of the omnichannel experience, including store renovations and technology. In these busy and challenging times, Walmart customers want choice and convenience more than ever.

Walmart is adapting more square footage in some stores to serve as expanded omnichannel fulfillment space for both online delivery and pickup, which will allow our associates

The Southeast Produce Council, in partnership with Orlando Health and the Society for St. Andrew, held a food distribution event Saturday morning, Oct. 24, to help those in need in the Orlando, FL, area.

About a dozen members of the produce industry volunteered for the farmer-to family event, which distributed fresh produce as well as meat and dairy items to those most affected during these unsettling times.

"It was really nice to be able to help that community, which really needs the help right now," said David Sherrod, president and chief executive officer of the council. More than 2,500

After a 30-year hiatus, Val Verde Vegetable Co. is again producing Texas-grown broccoli. Frank Schuster, who heads the McAllen-based grower-packer-shipper, said he once produced as much as 350 acres of broccoli a year. That volume was split between freezing and fresh customers. In his return to the broccoli business, all production is destined for the fresh market to suit specific customer demand.

Val Verde’s broccoli deal will first be shipped about Dec. 1.

Early indications are that this will be a high-quality broccoli crop.

The production of earlier-producing vegetables also looks good.