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Connection and customization lead Russo Farms’ strategy at NYPS

At this year’s New York Produce Show & Conference, Russo Farms is looking forward to showcase its core vegetable offerings and connect with retail and foodservice partners from across the Northeast. Thomas Russo, president of the company, views the annual event as one of the most valuable shows of the year, especially given its proximity and ability to draw a strong mix of customers.

Chrysal acquires Spring From Holland, strengthens position in global florist market

Chrysal International announced the acquisition of Spring from Holland, a company known for its high-quality flower and plant care products, spray paints and extensive global network within the florist market. The purchase follows a successful period of strategic collaboration between the two companies. For years, Spring has been a trusted brand among florists worldwide, recognized for its reliability, innovative color solutions and strong understanding of floral professionals’ needs. The company has built a loyal customer base and established itself as a preferred industry partner. Chrysal

Frank Donio Inc. looks to make and strengthen partnerships

Frank Donio Inc., a longtime Jersey Fresh grower, packer and wholesaler, has been a member of the Eastern Produce Council since it was founded and look forward to the New York Produce Show & Conference every year. In fact, the New York Produce Show was the very first trade show that Annie Pape, special projects and brand manager for the Hammonton, NJ-based company, ever attended and the company had a booth for much longer than that.

Maurice Auerbach Inc. gears up for another New York Produce Show

Marice Auerbach Inc., a leading distributor of garlic and specialty produce in the Northeast, continues to make its mark as one of the most recognized names in the industry. Based in Secaucus, NJ, the third-generation, family-owned company sources a wide range of products from around the world under its AuerPak brand, focusing on garlic, shallots and an array of specialty offerings that include tropical and Asian produce, as well as organic garlic, asparagus, ginger and tofu. The company will once again showcase its extensive lineup at the New York Produce Show & Conference, an event that

Functional labels, active packaging materials win top award

Vidre+ — a next-generation technology of smart labels and active packaging materials developed by Fresh Inset and brought to market in partnership with Avery Dennison, a global leader in materials science and labeling technologies — has been named the winner of the 2025 pre-commercialized Packaging Europe Sustainability Awards. Leveraging Avery Dennison’s deep expertise in advanced materials and global converting capabilities, Fresh Inset has integrated its proprietary active-material innovation into functional labels and packaging substrates at scale. Vidre+ transforms standard label and film

PRO*ACT Crop Update: Desert production improves, berries tight, holiday pull winds down

The desert is finally starting to take shape. After a messy stretch of storms that slowed harvests and complicated load times, fields in Yuma are drying out, plants are responding to the warmer days and we’re seeing the first real signs of stability since transition began. Iceberg, Romaine and leaf are all showing steady improvement. Weights are still inconsistent, but quality is notably better than the tail end of Salinas, and processors should see more reliable supplies as we move through the first two weeks of December. If the weather continues to cooperate, most growers expect volume and
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Thanksgiving is one of the best sales weeks of the year. The fresh produce demand can have a sharp impact on sales during that period. That’s why you should meet with your produce suppliers as early as possible. Head up your ad plans on items and the amounts needed for the big customer rush.

sdfThe produce markets are always unpredictable and are known to change very rapidly. That’s why you should do your homework early for the holiday product pull. November is a very critical time for supply and demand of primary items for the holiday. Remember, no two days are alike in the produce business. So, if you don’t yet have your Thanksgiving ad program developed, do it fast.

Here are some key Thanksgiving items as we look ahead. But bear in mind, the markets can change in a heartbeat. Again, it’s imperative that you check with your suppliers.

  • Asparagus out of Mexico and Peru is steady and showing excellent quality.
  • Broccoli and cauliflower are tight with lower yields along with a heightened market.
  • Brussels sprouts are also in a lighter supply level. Quality is fair.
  • California strawberries are seeing supply exceed demand. Check with suppliers for information on Mexican and Florida harvest dates.
  • Grape supply continues out of California. Red quality is excellent and ideal to promote.
  • California new crop navel oranges are now being shipped. Quality is outstanding.
  • Cranberries are at their supply height for Thanksgiving. Quality is excellent.
  • Pears are in abundance to promote with outstanding quality. Promote all varieties.
  • Pineapple supplies are running steady, but markets could increase as holiday demand kicks in. Great sizes and quality.
  • Russet potatoes will be in big demand and there will be plenty of excellent quality Idaho supplies available. Markets are steady.
  • Sweet potatoes are a holiday favorite, and the new crop is now being shipped. Market is steady on some excellent quality sweets.
  • New crop pomegranates are coming out of California. Excellent bright red color and sizes are ready to promote.

Ron Pelger is a produce industry adviser and industry writer. He can be contacted at 775/843-2394 or by e-mail at ronprocon@gmail.com.

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