Index Fresh is experiencing one of its strongest California avocado seasons in recent years, presenting exceptional promotional opportunities for retail and foodservice buyers as the market landscape shifts. California avocados deliver both strong promotional value and reliable supply. With the 2025 harvest projected at 340 million pounds — the largest crop since 2020 — and about one-third of the season still ahead, buyers have significant volume available for summer promotions. “California’s 2025 harvest delivers a combination of exceptional quality and promotional opportunity. The fruit

For those keeping score (and I know you are), last week this space addressed the fact that younger shoppers don’t always visit the traditional supermarket to fulfill the grocery needs. Not surprisingly, online grocery shopping habits mirror in-store behaviors. According to the latest Brick Meets Click Grocery Shopper Survey sponsored by Mercatus, this June, the share of households that indicated Walmart was their primary grocery store during the month rose by nearly a full percentage point; at the same time, hard discounters, like Aldi, gained almost one-and-a-half points while supermarkets

Wada Farms is one of the largest grower/shippers of fresh potatoes, onions and sweet potatoes for U.S. retail buyers and the foodservice industry. “The foodservice segment is a vital part of our overall strategy, representing a significant growth opportunity,” said Eric Beck, director of marketing for the Idaho Falls, ID-based company. “We’re known for our premium quality, reliable supply chain and innovative product solutions tailored specifically for foodservice operators.” The family-owned company is looking forward to this year’s IFPA Foodservice show, where it plans to showcase its latest

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Laredo Port of Entry seized alleged cocaine totaling nearly $1 million found in a tractor trailer hauling raspberries. “The unwavering commitment and sharp instincts of our frontline CBP officers contributed to a remarkable seizure,” said Port Director Alberto Flores, Laredo port of entry. “This seizure speaks volumes about our CBP officers’ dedication to protecting our borders.” The seizure occurred on Monday, July 14 at World Trade Bridge, when a CBP officer referred a 2015 tractor trailer hauling frozen raspberries for secondary inspection

Keystone Fruit Marketing, a division of Progressive Produce, has launched its inaugural Mexican lemon season. As the exclusive marketer for this new program, Keystone is excited to offer high-quality lemons under its KFM Citrus label. “This is a new and exciting chapter for us,” said Matthew Gideon, sales and commodity manager at Keystone. “Our Mexico onion grower planted oranges and lemons a couple of years ago, and this season marks the first time our lemons are commercially viable. It’s a natural extension of our existing relationship, and we’re eager to build on our partnership moving

GLC Cerritos LLC recently completed its enrollment of farms and packing facility with the Ethical Charter Implementation Program. ECIP aligns growers, distributors and buyers around socially responsible labor practices. ECIP allows users to learn, assess and benchmark current practices. It also gives retailers a central location to review where their supply chain is investing in social responsibility. GLC Cerritos’ extensive avocado-growing operations each qualified with a gold star, which is available to those growers who are previously enrolled in one of 16 approved certifications. The