Exp. Group supplies a full line of mainstream fresh produce items — such as potatoes, onions, tomatoes, bananas and watermelons — but Anthony Serafino, president of the North Bergen, NJ-based company, said the foundation is an A-to-Z offering of specialties. “We started our organization on tropicals, and it’s something that is principled in our business,” Serafino said. “When we think of specialties, we think of tropical merchandise.” Citrus, papayas, mangos and Cavendish bananas are common tropicals in a produce department, but Exp. Group’s roster goes deep in the specialties category. For

Warmer days are on the horizon, and shoppers are looking for fresh flavors that feel like an escape. Melissa’s Produce is helping retailers deliver just that with its refreshed Taste of Vacation tropical program. This seasonal push brings vibrant color, variety and light, craveable flavors to produce departments — capturing the mood of spring and the growing interest in globally inspired fruit. Retailers are taking note. Tropical fruit was Melissa’s most-requested category by buyers in 2024, with 14 SKUs seeing double-digit growth — including lychee (47 percent), cherimoya (36 percent)

At The Retail Conference and Golf Tournament last week, the International Fresh Produce Association announced the 20 recipients of the 2025 Retail Produce Manager Awards, recognizing their outstanding dedication to fresh produce, inventive merchandising, community engagement and exceptional customer service. These 20 winners proudly represent the produce industry to the consumer and work to increase sales and consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables for their banners and their communities. Their recognition would not be possible without the support of Robinson Fresh. Christina Hills of

The roller coaster of temperatures, typical of spring, looks likely to continue across the coastal California fields as we move through May. As low pressure systems pass mainly to the north, they bring cooler temperatures along with a heavy marine layer and drizzle to the fields. Intermittent high pressure then brings warm temperatures and a shallow marine layer for a short period followed by another round of cooler temperatures, fog and drizzle. The cooler temperatures will slow growth rates while increasing mold, mildew and disease pressure in these stands. Some of the mature lettuce and

Progressive Produce released its first Sustainability Report, a major milestone for its Rooted initiative. Built on the pillars of People and Planet, the report highlights progress in key areas, including employee engagement and sustainable packaging, while outlining goals for 2025 and beyond. “Our first Sustainability Report is more than a summary of our progress,” said Oscar Guzman, vice president of marketing and sales. “It reflects how we care for our team, support our communities and work to reduce our environmental impact. Rooted continues to shape how we operate now and guide where we

FirstFruits Farms is celebrating another impactful year of its Take a Bite Out of Hunger program, a core expression of the company's mission to nourish communities and support families in need with fresh apples. Since 2010, Take a Bite Out of Hunger has worked alongside retail partners to deliver fresh apples to food banks across the United States and Canada. In 2025 alone, the program donated 126,922 pounds of apples, pushing the total past an incredible milestone: 3 million pounds donated since its inception. Each apple donation is a step toward bridging the nutrition gap in our communities