With another great offshore melon season coming to an end, the Westside Produce and Classic Fruit Alliance is excited to kick off the domestic melon season in Arizona and California. With first picks out of Arizona expected this week, the team is gearing up for another great year. “We are entering year four of our alliance together, providing year-round supplies of melons to our valued customers,” said Garrett Patricio, president of Westside Produce. “We have developed synergies as partners and satisfied our goal of being the one stop shop for melons year-round. We will continue working

The Southeast Produce Council announced this year’s SEPC Member Scholarship recipients. The council awarded 41 scholarships ($61,500) in 2025 thanks to the dedication of its members. Scholarships are awarded to applicants who meet the application criteria of having a parent or grandparent who is a corporate member in good standing with the SEPC and has personally attended at least one SEPC event within the last 12 months. Additionally, applicants must be enrolled as a full-time student with a minimum of 12 semester hours. Applicants are then able to submit the necessary paperwork, including an

The New England Produce Council hosted a well-attended Top Golf event Wednesday, May 14, at the Top Golf site in Canton, MA, sponsored by RPE, Taylor Farms, Suja/Vive, T. Marzetti and R2Fresh Solutions. The day began with an afternoon educational session for the NEPC Leadership Class . Effective Communication in the Workplace was presented by Amanda Hennessey, founder of Boston Public Speaking, renowned public speaking coach and author of Your Guide to Public Speaking. Hennessey offered many take-aways for the class and focused on mindset when preparing for a public speaking engagement and how

Have you ever heard of lunchbox peppers? Well, mini sweet peppers are the newest fast-growing vegetable snack. They are starting to upsurge in the produce departments as a popular customer choice. Their bright red, yellow and orange colors are great nutritious nibblers for families, especially children. Modern techniques in breeding and cultivation were able to develop the sweet mini peppers. They are perfect for snacking — just like grape tomatoes. These mini sweet peppers became very popular and are one consumers’ favorite snacks. The new seedless variety even made it more demanding. The

Starr Ranch Growers, also known as Oneonta Starr Ranch, has joined the Honeybear Brands team as a packing partner, effective immediately. Owned and operated by the Thomas family, Starr Ranch Growers has been a cornerstone of the Washington apple industry for decades. “As a third-generation, family-run business with deep industry roots, Starr Ranch has built a legacy of leadership, quality and excellence in the Washington tree fruit industry,” said Don Roper, president of Honeybear Brands. “We’re honored to welcome their team and heritage into the Honeybear family. This partnership strengthens

The International Fresh Produce Association has opened registration for its highly anticipated Global Produce & Floral Show , set for Oct. 16-18 in Anaheim, CA — where next-gen tech, bold ideas and strategic connections will drive growth and innovation across the industry. “Each year, The Global Show is intentionally designed to adapt to the industry’s needs, ensuring more value for our members and the entire fresh produce and floral sector,” said Jim Mastromichalis, Global Show Committee co-chair and manager of produce merchandising for Harris Teeter. “From any corner of the world and every